POLICE officers will be cut in almost every ward in the north of the borough if reorganisation plans go ahead.
Ealing Police are hoping to focus resources on areas with higher crime rates, so those with well-performing teams are likely to see the number of officers reduced.
Greenford Green councillor Jason Stacey, who was briefed on the proposals on Tuesday night, said in Greenford, Northolt and Perivale only Greenford Broadway ward looked likely to avoid the cuts.
Mr Stacey who was briefed with other ward councillors and chairs of Safer Neighbourhood Team panels on Tuesday, said: “The overwhelming response in the room was they weren't very happy. At times in my ward we've had the highest burglary rate in the borough which was brought down by the work of the SNT and PCSOs (Police Community Support officers). It assumes low crime wards are low by accident but there's work been done there.
“It's a constant battle. If they move officers away then what is low crime now will get worse later.”
The police say each ward in the borough will have a minimum of one PC and a number of PCSOs. They insist no ward will be disadvantaged and no changes will be made without first gathering the views of residents.
At the moment each SNT has at least one sergeant, two PCs and three PCSOs. But this is to be replaced with 'demand-led' policing with officers diverted to problem areas such as East Acton, Ealing Broadway and Southall Broadway.
Mr Stacey pointed out the changes will be compounded by a cut to the 40 PCSOs funded by the council used to shore up problem areas. Although the council say a small number of extra PCs will be funded.
He feared the meeting felt like a done-deal rather than the start of a consultation and added: “The worst case scenario for my ward to to have half a sergeant, as they will be responsible for another area as well, one PC and two PCSOs.
“I'm really concerned. The team in Greenford Green has done a really good job of cutting crime, making us the sixth lowest in the borough and they're being rewarded like this. It's a tough job, I'm not taking that away from them, but to make a decision on crime figures which are not fixed is ridiculous.”
Frank Kilduff, chairman of the Greenford Residents' Association, which covers part of the Greenford Green and North Greenford wards, was equally concerned.
He said: “It does seem like the two wards are being penalised for performing well. It's a bit of a risky strategy, it might work for a short time but people like burglars will realise when there are less police around. Recently police in both wards have been stressing that it's high visibility patrols which is driving down crime rates.”
Police urge residents to fill out an on-line questionnaire about the plans. Any decision will not be made until well into the New Year.
Superintendent Ian Jenkins said "It's really important for people to give us their views on how they see their local Police structure. We want to adapt our policing resources to compliment the community and partners we work with."
Visit www.keysurvey.co.uk/survey/339166/19e4 to find out more.
