A public meeting looking to "guarantee the long-term presence" of the Wimbledon police station will be held next month.

Lib-Dem Councillor Paul Kohler has long fought for the station to remain open following after he was badly beaten in 2014.

He has now called for his fellow Merton councillors to put their "differences to one side to address an issue that should unite us" and attend a public meeting next month to discuss how best to save the station.

"The aim of the meeting is to discuss how we as a community can come together and work collectively to guarantee the long-term presence of a police station within Wimbledon," he wrote to the leaders of four political parties.

"I realise there is the potential for the evening to descend into partisan squabbling, but as we all know from doorstep conversations, our residents are tired of petty party politicking and are

looking for us to come up with solutions, not accusations.

"Thus, rather than blame one side for the cuts, or the other for their unimaginative response to the funding crisis, I think we should focus on how we, within the constraints facing us, can best preserve a police presence in the heart of our community."

As of publishing, Greens party member Pippa Maslin, Peter Southgate and Conservative Councillor James Holmes have commented on the prospect of attending the meeting.

"Merton Greens thank Merton Liberal Democrats for, firstly, their hard work in successfully appealing the decision to close Wimbledon Police station," Dr Maslin said.

"Secondly, their kind invitation to contribute to what will hopefully be a constructive meeting."

Speaking as the chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Commission, Mr Southgate welcomed any additional meetings on the matter.

"The O&S Commission next meets on Wednesday, September 19, when we will be hearing evidence from the Borough Commander, Sally Benatar," he said.

"Members (including Cllr Paul Kohler) have already submitted a record number of written questions for the Borough Commander, with several on the future of Wimbledon police station.

"Her answers will help to shape the council's policy to secure the future of policing in Wimbledon.

"The O&S Commission is a cross party body of elected members with statutory responsibility for scrutinising the police, under the Police and Crime Act 2006. All our meetings are open to the public, and we welcome residents to attend."

Mr Holmes confirmed that he would be attending the meeting.

“I welcome the opportunity to contribute our ideas to the debate. I hope we are able to find a solution that prevents the Mayor of London from closing Wimbledon Police Station.”

The Lib-Dem organised meeting will take place at 8pm on September 26 at St Andrews Church, Herbert Road.

Councillors Stephen Alambritis and Oonagh Moulton have been contacted for comment.