Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone, has secured a commitment from the police to look again at reopening Muswell Hill police station, following a meeting with Helen Smith, the Met’s consultant for volunteer initiatives, who is coordinating efforts to secure police station volunteers across London.

Helen Smith has told Ms Featherstone that she agreed it believed it would be possible for the police to try again, when the introduction of new police community support officers brings new impetus in policing to the area.

This latest development follows the disappointment in Muswell Hill earlier this month, when Haringey Police announced they were putting on hold plans to re-open the front counter at Muswell Hill police station.

Liberal Democrats have mounted a long campaign for the front counter to reopen, with a system of trained volunteers already successfully used elsewhere. Last year they organised a public meeting to give the police the chance to explain how such a scheme would work, attended by over 200 residents.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“I feel that the discussions with Helen were constructive and there is every chance that the bid to reopen the station can be put back on track.I welcomed her commitment to look again at the issue, and to continue discussions with the police in order to make this happen.Then, we can get back to work to find a way foreward. The battle to reopen the station is far from over.”