EXCLUSIVE: NEW PLANS FOR POLICING BUSHY PARK
The new arrangements for providing police cover for Bushy and Richmond Parks has been revealed following the controversial decision by the Metropolitan Police to disband the dedicated teams as part of swingeing budget cuts.
The Parks Police will officially be disbanded on the 2nd November with the officers starting their new roles the next day on 3rd November.
Police cover for Richmond and Bushy Park will be then be handed over to the three Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) that cover each park.
The following SNT’s will cover Richmond Park:
East Sheen
South Richmond
Ham, Petersham and Riverside
The following SNT’s will cover Bushy Park
Teddington
Hampton
Fulwell and Hampton Hill
The South Richmond and Ham, Petersham and Riverside SNT’s will be moving into Holly Lodge in Richmond Park, retaining a Metropolitan Police presence in the park.
The decision prompted an outcry from local Lib Dem MP’s Munira Wilson and Sarah Olney who wrote to the Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressing their concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour in the parks.