Tonge Welcomes New Police Teams

10.48.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Apr 2004

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has welcomed the new Police Neighbourhood teams announced on Monday April 5th.

The MP said: "This is really good news. Three teams to cover the Richmond side of the constituency may not sound much, but it's a start and we have the guarantee that they cannot be drafted elsewhere, not even for a President Bush visit."

"I am aware of the huge amount of work which has gone into the setting up of these teams, and am greatly looking forward to the inaugural meeting of the Forum next Wednesday. This will give local residents and business people the chance to set the priorities for the new teams. Local people want to see policemen on the beat - their policemen, committed to their neighbourhoods."

Susan Kramer, Prospective Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the Richmond Park constituency, said: "Finally, we are getting back to the kind of old-fashioned policing that people want, with local people setting the three key priorities. Eventually I hope we will have a team for every neighbourhood, but this is a very good start."