• Huge show of support from 350 local residents
• Volunteers sign up for training with Met consultant
• Station could reopen by Christmas

Lynne Featherstone and other local councillors have expressed huge satisfaction with an overwhelming show of support from Muswell Hill residents for their plans to secure the reopening of Muswell Hill police station’s front counter.

Over 180 people turned up to a packed public meeting last night at the Muswell Hill Centre. With over 170 residents also sending written messages of support, Ms Featherstone says the police will have the backing they need from the local community to press ahead with the plan for a re-opening of the desk manned by trained local volunteers.

The meeting had been organised by Ms Featherstone on behalf of the councillors from Alexandra, Fortis Green and Muswell Hill wards – those most affected by the police station issue.

At the end of the meeting, over 40 people expressed an interest in serving at the station. These applications will now be processed by Helen Smith, the Met’s consultant on the volunteering initiative, who will add suitable applicants to the list of names already gathered by Ms Featherstone.

Would-be Muswell Hill volunteers will have the chance to meet trained volunteers from other stations where counters have been re-opened.

During the meeting, Helen Smith told residents about the very successful schemes now running in many other boroughs. She told them what was involved, what training they would receive, the sort of commitment needed and the systems in place to make sure all volunteers are 100% safe – including a ‘panic strip’ which if pressed has police officers there within moments.

Muswell Hill councillor Lynne Featherstone comments:

“I am delighted at such a huge show of support – it really gives a huge boost to the plans and brings reopening a big step forward.

“While we would all like full time police and a full time service at the station, sadly, with the present resources made available to the police, that is not going to happen. Properly trained volunteers can bring real additional benefits – and if enough people sign up – the station counter could be open for Christmas.

“All types of people can get involved. So long as you can commit a couple of hours a week and are reliable, there are no barriers. All that I needed is common sense, commitment, and integrity.”

Lynne Featherstone says that more volunteers will still be needed to meet the target for a core pool of volunteers. Local people interested in receiving the Met’s information pack on becoming a trained volunteer can contact Lynne Featherstone on 0208 340 5459 or send an email to lynne@lynnefeatherstone.org.