THE top policeman in Barnet says he is “committed” to keeping safer neighbourhood teams for every ward in the borough.

Yesterday the Times Series revealed Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged to keep the local teams staffed by two PCs and six PCSOs in every Barnet area.

However, there is currently a review of whether a sergeant can oversee more than one area under plans to save money, as police are set to receive a lower Government grant.

Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Neil Basu said he wanted to keep named officers familiar with their areas on the beat.

He added: ““In the light of our duty to respond to the fiscal challenges facing the entire public sector, we are undergoing a review process that is looking to build on our current model whilst improving efficiency, intelligence sharing, and problem solving across boroughs.

“This review is focusing on the location, function and structure of SNTs - which includes an assessment of the most effective management structure and composition of our teams.

“Extensive consultation has taken place with the public, local partners, and stakeholders and the returns are now being examined.”