Proposals to sell off Bexleyheath police station have been met with fierce backlash from residents, MPs and the neighbourhood watch.

The future of the police station remains in doubt despite a public meeting being attended by '90-plus' residents on September 8.

At the meeting, which featured representatives from the Mayor's Office and Bexley police borough commander Stuart Bell, concerned residents and neighbourhood watch members put forward questions about the plans that are aimed at saving money to fund frontline police services.

Arguments to keep the station open were that it is central, whereas the alternative in Sidcup is not and is not as accessible by public transport.

Concerns were also raised about the growing population of Bexley and the planned growth in the north of the borough.

Dana Wiffen, Bexley borough Neighbourhood Watch chairman, said: "Already Bexleyheath police station has been devalued with the holding cells closed last year, it is ridiculous that police now have to take those arrested to either Plumstead police station or to Bromley meaning they can be off-line for a long period of time while offenders are booked in and they travel to and from Bexley.

"What seems just as bad is that Marlowe House does not have this facility either and there are no plans to include them if these changes are made."

The proposals claim that £170 million capital would be raised from closing counters that could be used to free up officers to spend more time on the frontline.

Sadiq Khan said: “My top priority is keeping Londoners safe, and every pound saved by closing a front counter is a pound of savings that we do not have to find by reducing the frontline."

A petition to save the station has thousands of signatures, and Mr Whiffen said there is scope for it to reach 10,000 before it is presented to the London Assembly in early November.

Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said she is against the plans.

She said: "The meeting was very well attended and its clear that the residents totally oppose the proposal. I think that Marlowe House is totally unsuitable as a central police station and keeping the site in Bexleyheath is what myself and my constituents want."

David Evennett, the MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, met Sophie Linden, deputy mayor for policing and crime, along with council leader Teresa O'Neill and Councillor Brad Smith.

Mr Evennett said: "Bexleyheath police station is conveniently located in the centre of the borough, therefore offering community reassurance and swift response times. It is also easily accessible for residents across Bexley wanting to attend the station, with good public transport links and much parking available nearby”.

“We were pleased to have had the opportunity to meet Ms Linden and to explain in-depth the many downfalls of this proposal as well as the public disquiet locally. I very much hope that after the consultation closes and with further research undertaken the proposal will be scrapped."

The consultation is open to the public until October 6 and can be accessed online here.