It was reported here earlier in the week that a decision was expected about the future of the Parks Police on Friday. See https://childlawobserver10.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1854&action=edit

That did not happen. But yet again the extreme financial pressure under which the Metropolitan Police are operating has been emphasised. It is regarded as highly probable that the Parks Police will be disbanded and that this would be sorted out by the end of 2025.

A cynical view might be that that of course gives the Met, the Home Office and the Government time to acclimatise the public to what on any account would be a disastrous decision for local policing, Park employees, the maintenance of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the public in the area and at large. Maybe they think that we will get used to the idea and the huge local opposition to the idea will simply drift away.

It will be interesting to hear how the authorities justify their decision and what proposals they have for ensuring our safety and the well-being of the Parks. No doubt it will all happen behind closed doors * , so that the authorities can try to ensure that opposition wanes rather than grows.

At a time when the Met makes so much play of seeking public support in the light of severe criticism of some of their activities, it is a public relations disaster. This column has steadfastly opposed the idea of private security groups operating in public areas. So it is regrettable in the extreme that policing policy seems to be inviting discussion of vigilantism.

• For those of you less familiar with 1970s satire see

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Policeman%27s_Ball_(1979)

Bring back John Cleese!