Kennington News

SOUTH London's top cops are set for a major shake-up.

The reshuffle will see Martin Bridger, borough commander for Lambeth, step down after 30 years in the force.

He will be replaced by Sharon Rowe, the current borough commander for Enfield in north London.

Lambeth's next highest ranked officer after Mr Bridger, Chief Superintendent Stuart Low, will become the new commander for Wandsworth.

Ch Supt Bridger will retire in August after serving 30 years - the maximum standard term for officers.

Unofficially Ch Supt Bridger has already left his post after using up outstanding holiday leave and has been applying for jobs outside the force.

But it is understood he will return to ensure a handover to his successor Ch Supt Rowe,who will take up the post on July 2.

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) rubber-stamped the new borough commander's appointment for Lambeth last week.

MPA member John Roberts said: "Martin Bridger will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Sharon Rowe who is moving here from Enfield.

"She is very excited about it and up for the challenge."

Ch Supt Bridger has spent two and a half years in the Lambeth hotseat - seen as one of the most challenging posts in the Met.

During that period crime has dropped significantly in Lambeth and theborough has shed its image as one of London's most dangerous places to live.

In an effort to combat gun crime Ch Supt Bridger published his personal number so the public could contact him directly.

Figures released in April show recorded crime fell 7.31 per cent - the biggest drop in South London.

But Ch Supt Bridger also hit the headlines in May after the high profile raid on the Rastafarian temple in St Agnes Place, Kennington.

Cops were refused a closure order by magistrates for the temple because they had not presented enough evidence that drugs were being stored there.

Temple bosses received £8,000 compensation after fighting the closure order.

Rastafarians based in the temple have since moved out and the previously squatted building is back under Lambeth council control.

Lambeth's Community Police Consultative Group agreed to consider a special meeting to investigate the raid when it met on Tuesday.

Lewisham's new top cop, Ch Supt Alan Pughsley, was unveiled at the borough's CPCG meeting on Tuesday.