Hampstead Police Station is costing more to keep closed than open
The squatters had offered to protect Hampstead Police Station free of charge before they were evicted. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Scotland Yard is spending more of taxpayers’ money on looking after the axed Hampstead police station than before the building was closed.
The site’s high running costs were one of the main justifications for closure 11 months ago.
But police are now shelling out more on security fees to keep out squatters, following the eviction two weeks ago of a group who had taken over the annexe – and offered to look after the former station in Rosslyn Hill free of charge.
The Met spends £2,500 a week on security, while about £1,750 went on maintenance before its closure.
Annually, the burden on the public purse would be £130,000, compared with about £92,000 when it was still operational.
A £5,000 legal bill was also incurred in evicting the squatters.
You may also want to watch:
Jessica Learmond-Criqui, of the Hampstead Shops Campaign, and Cllr Chris Knight, member for Hampstead Town ward, both branded the situation “ridiculous” and called for the station to be reopened until the site is sold.
A Met spokesman insisted the security contract would only be a short-term measure, to keep the building secure until it is sold “within a four to six week period”.
Most Read
- 1 Buyers launch legal action after £75k bill for flammable cladding
- 2 Developer's plan for six houses in old pub car park in Highgate Hill
- 3 Nazanin may become 'bargaining chip' in Iran nuclear deal, warns husband
- 4 The Heath, exhaust theft, public access, Centene, the Streatery and more
- 5 Woman dies after house fire in Muswell Hill
- 6 Arsenal hit Gillingham for ten in FA Cup
- 7 Car crashes through South Hampstead garden wall - cyclist seriously injured
- 8 Abandoned burger trailer finally removed from Muswell Hill street
- 9 Senior councillors knew of chance to buy office block for £12m less than they paid
- 10 Arteta: Arsenal have to win these games or face consequence
He added that the site is “under offer for educational use”.