Candidates clash over crime 'credit'

ELECTIONEERING continued with an uncomfortable stand-off between two candidates on the day former Tory leader William Hague strode into town.

Labour's Rachel Reeves and Tory Bob Neill came face to face outside Bromley police station last Thursday (15) both trying to woo voters in the by-election.

The focus for the hopefuls was law and order, and Ms Reeves was accompanied by Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority Len Duvall for a discussion with police about knife crime.

She said: "The government has introduced tough legislation on anti-social behaviour and it is up to the police and local council to implement that.

"Things are getting better all the time."

In response to accusations that Labour provides police on the cheap - relying on support officers and volunteers - she claimed Safer Neighbourhoods police teams are 'really working.'

"They are really getting to know all the issues in an area. Dedicated teams for local areas - that's how we're really going to make a long term difference."

Mr Duvall backed her up, saying over the past six years an extra 5,000 police officers have been put on London's streets.

He added: "It's not doing it on the cheap it's increasing these services. We want to see Bromley council supporting the warden service. We're still not sure where their commitment is."

Meanwhile William Hague joined Neill on a trip to Burnt Ash Lane, where in the past traders have fallen prey to vandalism by gangs of yobs.

Photographer Tony Isbitt, who has run his shop there for nearly 21 years, said: "Over the years there have been problems with vandalism and stuff like that but since we've had the community police team it's really down to a minimum.

"There used to be gangs of 20 or 30 kids around here."

Although he says he is happy with the way things are in terms of law and order, he still intends to vote Conservative.

Mr Neill claims his party deserves the credit for the improvements there.

He said: "The key things have been implemented by the Conservative council so for Labour to take the credit would be a bit rich. Bromley have been pushing for more policing for years."

On a walk about in Bromley High Street Hague received a warm welcome, meeting voters and pledging he has no intention of running for the Tory leadership again.

Denying the Prime Minister's accusations the Conservatives 'talk tough' on crime but don't 'vote tough,' Neill claimed community police teams were originally a Tory idea.

Mr Hague added: "The Conservatives are trying to amend Labour laws to make them tougher on crime. Tony Blair is just trying to cover up the farce in the Home Office and rising levels of violent crime. People are very worried about it."

Mr Neill welcomed plans to introduce minimum sentences for anyone found in possession of a knife, and said the Human Rights Act should be amended as it currently impedes the police.

It is widely known Bromley and Chislehurst is a very safe Tory seat - so why has the party staged such a fierce campaign?

Neill says they 'don't take anything for granted,' while Hague adds: "For every politician it's an important opportunity for us to listen to people and learn what people are worried about.

"We take every opportunity to do that.

BROMLEY TIMES