Police station front counters could be axed in a cost-cutting Metropolitan Police review.

Kingston police said counters at Surbiton, Kingston and New Malden – which is staffed by volunteers and offers a Korean speaking service to the community – were being considered.

Borough commander Martin Greenslade said: “We are doing a review of all of our front counter facilities, which will include New Malden, but I am acutely conscious of the service at New Malden and it is entirely staffed by volunteers. I can’t give the outcome of that review at the present time but I would be hopeful we will be able to maintain some sort of continuity.”

Councillor Ken Smith said: “I would not like to see it closed down. It is just a review but we don’t know what is going to happen. Crime certainly is in the minds of residents at the moment and it is something people are concerned about.”

The New Malden counter, located in CI Tower in High Street, is staffed by 35 volunteers who share duties from 12.30pm to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.

A team of Korean-speaking volunteers, who have been trained by police, also help man the desk and provide interpreting services for the large Korean population in the area on Tuesdays from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Kingston has a 24-hour desk at the main police station in High Street.

There is also a front desk in Millbank House, Ewell Road, in Surbiton, which is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, with an hour closure from 1pm.