"A Good Day for New Malden"

10.7.01

MP congratulates police and volunteers on new front desk service at New Malden

New Malden's local Lib Dem MPs were on hand this Saturday as Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, opened a new volunteer-run front desk at New Malden police station.

The front office will now be staffed by community volunteers who will be trained to provide simple assistance and information to members of the public.

Edward Davey and Jenny Tonge have been campaigning to re-open New Malden police station ever since it was closed as a result of Conservative police cuts, and they believe that re-opening the front desk with volunteers is a key next stage in their campaign for full re-opening with uniformed officers.

It builds on the major achievement of attracting the Police Dog Unit for all South London to be located at New Malden, which prevented the station being sold off in the first place.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP said,

"Our efforts have finally paid off and the police and all the volunteers should be warmly congratulated.

"This is a vote of confidence in New Malden by the police and residents. It's a positive step forward in our local fight against crime.

"The significance of opening up the front office at the police station should not be underestimated. To me, it marks the next step towards the full re-opening of New Malden police station."