Today (Friday, 31 October) marks the last day of patrols for Royal Parks Police officers as the unit officially disbands after 150 years of service.

Back in 2 April, the Met Police announced cuts to 1,700 officers, PCSOs and staff, and a drop in a number of services, as part of efforts to address a £260m hole in its budget for the coming year.

The move sparked concern among local communities, with both Richmond Council and local MPs campaigning against the decision, warning it could undermine safety and enforcement in the borough's much-loved green spaces.

In a post via X (formerly Twitter) last night (30 October), Royal Parks Police said: "And its goodnight from us. 

"Our last post on here as we hand over The Royal Parks to MPS colleagues.  

"From summer crowds at the Palace to snow-fuelled winter evenings in Richmond Park, its been an absolute privilege for us to police these stunning parks."

Over 100 users commented under the post at the time of writing, giving thanks to the unit and its service.

However many criticised Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for his "shortsighted" decision.

Park Lane Stables wrote: "Thank you for all you have done for us, keeping us safe & responding so quickly when we needed help."

Holly Lodge Centre commented: "You are all fabulous and will truly be missed."

Another said: "Shortsighted move by The Mayor to cut the Parks Police. They know their areas and issues best. Crime will profit as a result."

Calling the move "such a loss", Leader of Richmond Council Gareth Roberts said: "The idea these vast open spaces (Bushy & Richmond combined are the equivalent size of the London Borough of Islington) will no longer have a dedicated police team is incomprehensible.

"The Mayor of London should be ashamed that this happened on his watch."

The Met's East Sheen, South Richmond, and Ham, Petersham and Riverside Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) will take over policing duties in Richmond Park.

Meanwhile, the Teddington, Hampton, and Fullwell and Hampton Hill SNTs will take over policing duties in Bushy Park.

The force was created in 1872 as the Royal Parks Keepers, but was renamed the Royal Parks Constabulary in 1974.

In 2004, following a review of the Royal Parks Constabulary, the the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit from the Met has taken charge of the green spaces until today.