Bexleyheath police station is going to remain open after thousands blasted plans to sell off the front counter service.

Sadiq Khan proposed selling off the station to combat cuts made by the government.

MPs, the council and the neighbourhood watch spoke out against the plans, with the results announced today.

It was announced today that following a public consultation, the station has been saved.

The news welcomed by MPs Teresa Pearce and David Evennett who both spoke out against the plans.

Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: "“I am delighted that Bexleyheath Police Station has been saved.

“Closing the station and moving the front counter to Sidcup would have directly impacted upon my constituents and I opposed the proposals in the strongest terms to the London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

“As with any change on this scale, our community has voiced genuine and passionate concerns.

"Through the consultation process, the police have listened to those concerns and where possible and operationally viable, revised their plans accordingly."

David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, also welcomed the news.

He said: "This is really good news and I am glad the London Mayor listened and dropped his proposal. It is a real victory for local people and common sense”.

News Shopper:

The petition was taken to City Hall with a copy of News Shopper

A petition backed by thousands of people was taken to City Hall in October. 

Gareth Bacon, assembley member for Bexley, said: "A great result for the people of Bexley and the campaign at Council, Parliamentary, and London Assembly levels has paid off.

"I am glad the Mayor has seen the error of his original proposal and good sense has prevailed".

According to the Mayor of London, the Met's budget has been reduced by £600 million since 2010. 

A further £400 million of savings will have to be found by 2021, and closing police front counters will controbute to making up the defecit. 

According to Sadiq Khan, just eight per cent of crimes were reported front counters in 2016, down 22 per cent from 2006.

Campaigners in Bexley said moving officers to Marlowe House in Sidcup would make reporting crime increasingly difficult for older people who may struggle to report incidents using technology.

Campaigners were also concerned about the loss of a central hub for officers in the busy town centre.