The inspector in charge of Wanstead and Snaresbrook wards has said he is working hard to get another police officer to bring their force back up to full strength.

Insp Jack Rainey said each ward should have two police officers but one of theirs had been seconded to another department.

He spoke at the area one committee meeting, held on Monday in Wanstead Church School, Church Path, to explain the new policing model for the area and about the closure of Wanstead Police Station, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead.

He said: “The roles will be greater and the work load will be greater.

“The closure of the station was decided centrally. We don’t know when the police station will close but we are actively looking for contact points.”