Richmond Council has expressed deep disappointment at the Metropolitan Police's decision to disband the Royal Parks Police and other vital policing roles, raising serious concerns about the future safety of Richmond Park, Bushy Park, other green spaces, and the wider borough.

It follows the Met Police today (Wednesday, 2 April) announcing cuts to 1,700 officers, PCSOs and staff, and a drop in a number of services, as part of efforts to address a £260m hole in its budget for the coming year.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, stressed the importance of the Royal Parks as both vital natural habitats and cherished community spaces, visited by thousands each day.

He said: "At a time when residents are already concerned about the visibility of policing, this decision will do nothing to reassure them.

The loss of the specialist policing team would leave them more vulnerable to crime and anti-social behaviour. This is a huge mistake."

Cllr Roberts has also warned of ramifications to public safety across the community due to other London-wide reductions in policing.

The Met Police cuts will see the disbanding of the Royal Parks Police, the removal of dedicated officers from schools, and restrictions on front counter opening hours.

Additionally, there will be a ten per cent reduction in forensics, an 11 per cent cut to historic crime teams, a 25 per cent cut to mounted police, and a seven per cent cut to dog teams.

Cllr Roberts added: "With the continued strain on resources across the borough and the city, residents already feel that their concerns about safety are not being addressed, and decisions like this undermine public confidence in local policing."

Richmond Park and Bushy Park are two of the largest green spaces in London, together spanning over 3,600 acres – roughly the size of a London borough – and require officers with specialist training and experience.

Cllr Roberts said: "Without the dedicated Royal Parks Police team, responsibility for policing these vast areas will fall to Safer Neighbourhood Teams and other local officers, who are already managing high demand elsewhere.

 "The Royal Parks Police provide a vital service, ensuring our parks remain safe and well-managed. Their work includes enforcing park regulations and responding to incidents quickly and effectively.

"Losing this specialist team places an additional burden on already overstretched local policing resources and risks leaving our parks unprotected.

"Our parks are essential for residents' health and wellbeing. They must remain safe, and we will continue to push for the resources needed to protect them."

Richmond Council is actively seeking assurances on the extent of the impact these cuts may have on community safety, including high streets, residential areas, and emergency response times.