The merging of Bromley, Croydon and Sutton police commands will compromise safety, according to one councillor.

Scotland Yard announced this week that the 32 borough system is being replaced with 12 Basic Command Units, which will be overseen by a chief superintendent.

Councillor Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and safety, said: "We are seriously concerned that Bromley may be left without adequate Police resources as a direct result of this merger.

"We understand the need for efficiency savings and whereas the merging of command units might theoretically work in central London, where the size of areas are smaller and more manageable, this logic does not apply in Bromley’s situation.

"We know that the Metropolitan Police did learn lessons in pilot areas where response times dropped drastically but our concerns remain."

The Conservative councillor said the decision is being fought.

If Bromley Council fails to lobby for a u-turn - Ms Lymer warned: "Crime and the fear of crime are big issues for residents and the focus of the Metropolitan Police will inevitably drift away from Bromley, with all the negative consequences this brings."

Chislehurst MP Bob Neill and Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake have both issued objections to the merging of Bromley, Croydon and Sutton police commands.

Bromley Liberal Democrats has launched a petition against the decision.