Forest Hill policing short changed, say Lib Dems

5.17.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th Apr 2008

Lib Dem London Mayor candidate Brian Paddick

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that Forest Hill ward has been short-changed by Mayor Livingstone's Safer Neighbourhoods policing scheme. The ward is estimated to be short by 4 uniformed officers compared with next-door Perry Vale and Sydenham wards, which have similar populations and proximity to high streets, schools and stations.

"Forest Hill ward suffers from a similar level of crime as neighbouring wards yet its served by fewer police constables and community support officers," comments Liberal Democrat councillor for Forest Hill ward, Alex Feakes. "Residents here deserve proper policing, and Mayor Ken and the Met have to explain why our area is losing out."

"This is another example of how Labour has failed people in Forest Hill and Ken Livingstone has failed to deliver on his promises on crime. The Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor, Brian Paddick, a former police chief, is ideally placed to solve this sort of problem and deliver better policing in Forest Hill and across the capital."

Forest Hill's Lib Dem councillors have written to the Lewisham borough police commander asking for an explanation for Forest Hill's under strength police team.

Related Links:

Brian Paddick's website.

Lewisham Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.