Tottenham Lib Dems Slam Tories For Suggesting That Police Be Diverted Away From Tottenham

11.34.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 3rd Oct 2008

The Liberal Democrats' prospective parliamentary candidate for Tottenham, David Schmitz, has criticised local Conservatives after the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming Alexandra by-election hinted that police should be diverted away from Tottenham.

The Tories' call was contained in a leaflet produced ahead of the Alexandra by-election being held on 9th October. In it, the Conservatives complain, "surely we can have police dedicated to protecting our area, and not just Tottenham".

David Schmitz, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Tottenham, commented:

"Because the Conservatives have no plans to increase police resources they seem to be suggesting that police should be taken away from Tottenham in order to make up the numbers in places where a by-election happens to fall, when serious issues remain in areas like Northumberland Park."

"In contrast to the Tories, the Liberal Democrats unveiled plans just last week to put more police on the streets by scrapping Labour's unworkable scheme for ID cards and Lib Dem councillors continue to work hard to help police to do their best for our area - including action to stop Labour's plans to disband our parks police."

"It's time for local Conservatives to engage in serious debate and to stop resorting to some bizarre form of the politics of envy."

ENDS