Months after the controversial disbandment of the Haringey’s Parks Police, Liberal Democrats have attacked Haringey Council for failing to implement their promised replacement park safety scheme fully to keep residents safe.

The need for a replacement was brought into sharp contrast by worried local residents who have experienced an increase in incidents.

Barrington Road resident Debbie Tibber contacted Liberal Democrat Crime Spokesperson Cllr Ron Aitken after a flurry of incidents in Priory Park, Hornsey, involving groups of youths who have threatened local park users, including when her son was threatened at knife point.

Local Liberal Democrats say their worst fears have been realised after Labour-run Haringey Council scrapped the Parks Constabulary earlier this year leaving local parks without a dedicated police service.

Cllr Ron Aitken, Liberal Democrat Crime Spokesperson, says:

“There are legitimate concerns from local residents that show an increase in crime in Haringey’s parks since the Haringey disbanded the Parks Police. As Haringey Council has now failed to fully implement replacement schemes local people have no one to turn to.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“This is a completely unacceptable situation. We fought tooth and nail to stop the disbandment of the parks’ police. Labour’s argument against saving it was the new park protection services they would be introducing. Months later and local residents have neither, and nowhere to turn when they have concerns about safety.

“Haringey Council needs to pull its finger out so people who want to enjoy our local open spaces this summer can do so safely. Doing nothing is not an option.”