More than 100 police officers a fifth of Barnet's entire contingent will be drafted in for next week's Notting Hill Carnival.
Senior borough officers face a huge overtime bill to cover Barnet's part in policing the popular two-day event in we London.
Borough commander Sue Akers has been asked to supply four inspectors, 15 sergeants and 104 PCs for the Sunday, and four inspectors, 16 sergeants and 107 PCs for the Monday.
Because that is a Bank Holiday, officers will receive double-time, with the bill running to tens of thousands of pounds. Figures dwarf the 30-or-so officers commonly on duty in the borough at any one time and may anger residents.
Councillor Brian Coleman, GLA member for Barnet and Camden, called for the event to be held in Hyde Park, where it could be properly supervised, or cancelled, adding: "Why should Barnet suffer losing officers for the carnival?"
Chief Superintendent Akers told the Times Group her commitment had been significantly increased because of last year's troubles.
However, hundreds of Barnet residents will join an estimated two million revellers for the 37th carnival.
A Notting Hill Carnival Trust spokeswoman said the event was not just for Notting Hill, but the entire capital and, indeed, the entire country.
"It attracts people from all over the world, it's an international event," she said. "In a year when the whole country is suffering from tourist problems because of foot-and-mouth, this is one of the biggest attractions we have got."
She added: "It's fair to say we have done everything we can this year to ensure safety. When you're getting crowds of two million, unfortunately you have to anticipate some trouble."
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