MPs Press London Police Boss over Police Stations

3.49.24pm GMT Mon 13th Mar 2006

London Lib Dem MPs met Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner of the Metropolitan police this week and Vincent Cable questioned him over the poor condition of local police stations. In particular he questioned the lack of investment in new police cells, which is a major problem in Twickenham, and the system of queuing at police desks regardless of the urgency of the enquiry.

Vincent Cable said: "for some years the main preoccupation has been recruiting more officers and getting them out on the street. These tasks are well on the way to completion. The police are now more numerous and more visible. But other aspects of performance still leave a lot to be desired. The poor response to telephone calls is recognised and should improve with the new communications system being installed. But police stations still belong to a by-gone age and fail to provide either proper custodial facilities or service to the public. There is a serious shortfall in investment and I shall be pursuing the Home Office over the issue."