New efforts to re-open New Malden Police Station
Davey backs Kingston Police's "Community Volunteer" initiative

New Malden Police station's front desk could be re-opened if local volunteers come forward, under new plans being discussed by Edward Davey MP and local Chief Superintendent, Keith Free.

Mr. Davey has welcomed local police ideas as a "positive step forward" towards his ultimate goal of "a complete re-opening of the station when Jack Straw and Ken Livingstone respond to our needs for the extra cash".

Mr. Davey met local police at New Malden station last Friday to talk through all the options available in the short term for a partial re-opening of the front desk. The two key issues identified were the need for funding of some building alterations and for some local volunteers to
come forward for training to staff the front desk. If both issues can be tackled, New Malden Police Station could be re-opened to provide a service, albeit restricted, for the local community.

Chief Superintendent Free and Edward Davey undertook a tour of the station to assess what alterations would be needed, what services could be legally and safely provided by community volunteers and during what hours in the day. It was agreed that Kingston Police would now explore the idea with their local sector working group to seek potential helpers and Mr. Davey would seek the financial support of Kingston Council. 

Commenting on his meeting Edward Davey said:

"Chief Superintendent Keith Free clearly appreciates the strength of community feeling in favour of re-opening this station.  Therefore, I was pleased he is now happy to explore this idea."

 "There are a number of hurdles to overcome but his officers will carefully progress it.  The first step is to make sure there are people willing to give of their free time to staff the front office."

"We agreed that it would be sensible for his officers to confirm with the local sector working party whether these volunteers can be found. I hope the local community will now come forward and back our efforts to enable
this important project to proceed."

"I am still completely committed to the full re-opening of the station, with uniformed officers, as this is the best long term solution for New Malden.

"This idea builds on our success earlier this year in having the Police Dog Unit for South London located at the Station. This saved the building from being sold-off and means police officers and vehicles are now working from the site. But now we want the front desk re-opened."

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