Pressure from Haringey Liberal Democrats has forced Haringey Council into belatedly extending the consultation period into the future of the borough’s Parks Constabulary.

In April 2008, Haringey Council agreed in principal to a new scheme for supervising Haringey’s parks, which would see the Parks Constabulary abolished. The plan’s initial consultation period ended on 30th June 2008, however last week Haringey Council announced that residents can comment on the plans up until 26th September 2008.

While welcoming the extension of the consultation period, local Liberal Democrats criticised the council for not informing residents earlier.

Councillor Ron Aitken, Liberal Democrat Crime, Policing and Community Safety spokesperson commented:

“I’m pleased that Haringey Council have at last announced that the consultation into the future of the Parks Constabulary is to be extended. However, it’s unacceptable that the Council waited until 7th August to inform residents of this, when the initial consultation period ended on 30th June.”

Lynne Featherstone MP added:

“The Parks Constabulary have provided a great service over a number of years in providing help to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour in our parks.It would be madness to disband them. “