A CAMPAIGN calling for greater access to Southgate Police Station has been launched by the Enfield Lib Dems.

The group is concerned that the station's front desk is only open to the public from 10am to 5pm during the week.

Michael Trup, Chairman of Enfield Liberal Democrats, said: "The police are talking about community policing but if we have a closed front desk then we are giving out the wrong message.

"We will carry on campaigning until something is done. It is absolutely core to this part of the borough that the station opens longer."

The group handed out more than 1,500 leaflets outside Southgate Tube station calling for the re-opening of the front desk.

Currently, the front desks at Edmonton and at Enfield Town are open for 24 hours a day throughout the week. The Winchmore Hill front desk is open on Fridays from 12noon to midnight, while the desk at Ponders End is open from 7am to 11pm throughout the week.

In a residents' survey, conducted by the Lib Dems, the result was unanimously in favour of the station opening for longer.

A police spokesman said Borough Commander Simon O'Brien is open to the issue. He is reviewing the situation and will come to a decision by the next Police Community Liason Committee meeting.

Commander O' Brien has previously pledged to increase high visibility policing around vulnerable areas in Enfield. This need was highlighted last month by the introduction of nine Community Support Officers (CPO's) to the borough.

April 30, 2003 10:00