Liberal Democrat councillors in Alexandra, Muswell Hill and Fortis Green have offered to step in and help the borough’s police commander in the search for volunteers to staff the front desk at Muswell Hill police station following news from the police on their search for volunteers.

The counter service has been controversially closed to the public despite local protests and a campaign by the Liberal Democrats.

The offer comes in response to news from Chief Supt Stephen James that he has so far found 12 volunteers to man the desk, but say he needs approaching 40 to provide a viable counter service on a part time basis.

Lib Dem councillors Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) and Steve Gilbert (Forts Green) say they can find more, and have offered to help the local police commander. Ms Featherstone has written to Chief Supt James requesting further details of the requirements of volunteers, and has offered to accompany him on a fact-finding trip to a station manned by volunteers elsewhere.

Steve Gilbert, Lib Dem councillor for Fortis Green comments: “Lynne Featherstone and myself are determined to work with the local police to get the front counter opened.The police deserve credit for already identifying some local volunteers. We are keen to help the police find the other volunteers needed.”