A HIGH street police office has closed its front desk to public enquiries after failing to find enough volunteers.

The Met police office housing the Mottingham and Chislehurst North and Chislehurst Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) used to be open for several hours a day to the public.

But a printed sign has appeared on the office door explaining the red brick building in Chislehurst High Street is “permanently closed to public enquiries”.

It recommends visitors should instead visit Bromley or Eltham police stations, both around three miles away.

A decade ago, the historic Chislehurst Police Station in the high street was sold off by police chiefs and is now an Indian restaurant.

The safer neighbourhood office was set up in a car park but was deemed to cramped.

News Shopper: CHISLEHURST: Volunteer shortage prompts police office closure

Bromley Police moved their team of officers into a new permanent building nearby which was opened by Bromley’s borough commander Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs in April 2007.

At the time he praised the new SNT base, explaining: "I feel it is important the police are easily accessible to the general public and the community as a whole.”

Bromley Police say the closure has come about because they are struggling to find the two volunteers needed to man the front desk.

Head of Bromley Police's SNTs Chief Inspector Ian Gallehawk said: "There is no plan to close any of our 14 safer neighbourhood bases.

“Given the fact that there has not been a sufficient number of volunteers available to provide the required service, and that footfall at the location has been minimal to say the least, a decision was taken to cease to advertise a front counter service.

“The safer neighbourhood teams remain at the base and any resident that needs to meet with them can still contact the teams in the same way as always to arrange an appointment.”

News Shopper: The sign confirms the front desk has closed

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill said: "I think its very sad and a great shame there is a lack of volunteers.

"It's a useful facility and I accept its not the best use of police time to man the front desk.

"It would be good if we could drum up some more volunteers to keep this important resource open."

Contact the Chislehurst SNT on 07920 233850 or the Mottingham and Chislehurst North SNT on 07880 781483 to book an appointment or to enquire about volunteering.