Wandsworth’s top police chief has stressed that resources have been ‘realigned’ as a front counter in the borough closes this week.

The Wandsworth front counter, in Wandsworth High Street, will close off to the public on December 14 but the rest of the building will be retained.

Lavender Hill police station, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will be replaced within the next three years.

Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Laverick said: “It's fully acknowledged for those who live on the outer areas of this borough and who want to visit a front counter, the travel time to the front counter at Lavender Hill may increase by 30 to 45 minutes.

“This was considered in addition to the fact that the vast majority of crime is reported by phone or online and the current low usage of Wandsworth front counter.

“The final decision was still to close the front counter.

"I want to take this opportunity to stress - from my local perspective - we have realigned our resources to ensure the number of dedicated ward officers remains unchanged, as does the number of emergency response officers who operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and cover all of Wandsworth.

“I know from speaking to officers and staff across this borough and awarding commendations for acts of bravery, excellent investigations and public service, they care about keeping the residents of Wandsworth safe.

“That will never change.”

Closure of the station will mean the Met Police saves more than £167,000 per year amid cuts to the force, which is the equivalent of three police officers.

All front counters in London came under review as part of a report published by The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and the Metropolitan Police Service in the draft public access strategy.

A new dedicated ward officers base with a front counter will be constructed in Lavender Hill, which will become a hub for officers and staff working there as well as members of the public.

The original building will remain open until it is completed, but the new one will not be a fully operational station.

Tooting police station is also set to close but its date of closure is not yet known.