Partnership policing project well underway

Building work is well underway at Friary House in Friern Barnet as part of an exciting new joint venture between the council and the police that will see a Safer Neighbourhood Team take up permanent residence there.

Earlier this year, the go-ahead was given to refurbish the 19th-century gothic revival-style Friary House, which is currently mostly unused. The popular café in the building will continue to be used as a café for park users and the rest of the building will be fitted out as offices and meeting rooms with a kitchen. The meeting rooms and kitchen will be available for public hire during evenings and weekends.

As well as being a neighbourhood policing base, the refurbishment will enable the council to move the community groups currently holding office and meeting room space on licence at a property leased by the council in Friern Park, North Finchley, to Friary House, providing them with a new spacious, modern facility in which to hold their events and regular meetings.

Building works started in May and are set to be completed in September 2010. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Lynne Hillan, and police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Neil Basu, visited the site on Monday 12 July to see how building works are progressing.

Councillor Hillan said: "Friary Park is already one of our most popular parks. The re-development of Friary House will help make this a real centre for the local community.

"I am delighted that we have also been able to come to an agreement with Barnet Police. It's a practical example of how we're moving towards 'one public sector' through our Future Shape proposals. Tangible, physical partnership working like this is vital.

"It will also provide them with a base in their community, giving residents easy access to frontline policing."

Mr Basu added: "It's a fantastic opportunity for our Safer Neighbourhood Teams in the area to use great premises and work alongside some other valued community organisations.

"Friary House is a wonderful facility that not only adds some character to the usual Safer Neighbourhood offices, but is also a popular landmark in the area.

"SNTs are all about serving the community, so being in the midst of this one provides excellent opportunities to improve policing responses in the locality.

"I can't wait to see the finished building and I will be visiting the teams that move in there as soon as I can."

http://www.barnet.gov.uk/

Other Local News from Barnet

• Revamped Leicester Square unveiled
• 'No one in charge' in tug sinking
• Jogging couriers help deliveries
• Official 'offers 2012 tickets'
• VIDEO: Official 'offers 2012 tickets'
• View All Latest News in Barnet