Opening hours are set to be cut at one of Islington’s two police stations with a counter service.

Holloway Police Station in Hornsey Road will no longer operate a 24-hour desk.

It will mean only Islington Police Station in Tolpuddle Street will remain open to residents round the clock.

The reduction is part of the draft police and crime plan introduced by the Mayor of London, who says there are far fewer counter visits these days. The Mayor also says the changes, which will be subject to public consultation, will see the number of officers in Islington go up, from 643 in 2011 to 647 in 2015. However, critics claim the 2010 numbers are the real benchmark and the borough will have 64 fewer officers in 2015, compared to 2010.

Jenette Arnold, a Labour London Assembly Member representing Islington, also complained the plans will see fewer Safer Neighbourhoods Team officers on the beat.