It has been confirmed that from 1 November, the East Sheen, South Richmond, and Ham, Petersham and Riverside Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) will take over policing duties in Richmond Park.

Meanwhile, the Teddington, Hampton, and Fullwell and Hampton Hill SNTs will take over policing duties in Bushy Park.

The changes follow the Metropolitan Police's decision to disband the Royal Parks Police, a move announced in December last year and attributed to Met funding cuts.

The disbandment sparked concern among local communities, with both Richmond Council and local MPs campaigning against the decision, warning it could undermine safety and enforcement in the borough's much-loved green spaces.

The Royal Parks Police had patrolled London's royal parks for nearly 150 years before the decision was made to absorb their responsibilities into the Met's existing policing structure.

READ MORE: Twickenham Police Station front desk to close in major Met cost-cutting plan.

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