Wandsworth opens new space to keep residents safe

This dedicated office space in the heart of Roehampton will support both police and council community safety officers to work more closely together, helping to deter crime and boost community confidence. It’s a key step in our ongoing efforts to keep people safe and make neighbourhoods feel safer.

The new facility gives our community safety officers and the police a dedicated hub where they can meet and work, ensuring a more visible and responsive police presence to deter crime.

Graeme Henderson, Cabinet member for Public Health and Community Safety said: “This new touchdown space will help with the visible police presence which the community in Roehampton have been asking for. This is an important investment into Alton.

"It is just the latest example of our close partnership between the police and our community safety officers delivering results. Community safety is a resident priority, so it’s our priority.”

The initiative is in direct response to feedback from residents concerned about community safety. By investing in a dedicated Community Safety Officer for Roehampton and providing the Met Police with a local office space, Wandsworth is committed to being a listening council, ensuring that residents feel heard and supported.

Inspector Steve Burke, Wandsworth Neighbourhood Team said: "The Commissioner has been clear about the financial challenges facing the Met so we welcome this investment by Wandsworth Council which puts neighbourhood officers back into the communities they serve. We're committed to tackling offences that matter most to Londoners by delivering our Strongest Ever Neighbourhood policing.

Having a dedicated space in the heart of the community will not only enable us to increase patrols and deal with anti-social behaviour but also build stronger relationships with local residents and businesses by listening to their concerns to bring about positive change.”

The Safer Neighbourhood touchdown space is the latest initiative in response to residents' requests for better community safety, highlighted in the council's Alton Renewal Plan to improve the area. This collaborative effort between Wandsworth Council and the Metropolitan Police is designed to improve the quality of life for local residents, helping to ensure that everyone feels safe in their community.

This building is not public as it is a local working space for the police and community safety team. Residents are encouraged to share their concerns and work together with their local Safer Neighbourhood Teams to help make Roehampton and Putney a safer place. Find out more about the Alton Renewal Plan.