Deanna Bogdanovic suggests Muswell Hill police front counter site in the Viaduct in St James’ Lane

By Jaber Mohamed

11:48 am Monday 15th July 2013

Concerns over security since her local police station closed have prompted a Muswell Hill woman to suggest a new site for a police front counter.

Deanna Bogdanovic, the director of BonaFideStudio in the Viaduct, St James’ Lane, wants the borough’s police to use one of Haringey Borough Council’s properties in the street to maintain a presence in the area.

Muswell Hill Police Station, in Fortis Green, was closed as part of Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s crime and police plan.

However, Borough Commander Victor Olisa has previously said that if an alternative location could be found for the front counter, which is manned by volunteers, he would be willing to keep it open.

Mrs Bogdanovich has suggested the authority houses the police free of charge in one of the Viaduct properties or that the police are housed there permanently at a discounted rent.

The recording studio director said: “Since Muswell Hill police station closed down, residents feel less secure.

“If there’s a problem, they need to be able to meet face to face with local police who know and understand the area.

“At the same time, the local council owns five properties under the Viaduct which are currently unoccupied so it makes perfect sense.

“Muswell Hill would have a local police presence once more, the businesses under the Viaduct would be far more secure and the council would have one less empty property to worry about.”

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone, has contacted Borough Commander Victor Olisa and the council to ask if the site is suitable.

Ms Featherstone said: “It has taken a while, but finally we have a lead on a replacement police front counter for Muswell Hill.

“I met Victor Olisa on Friday morning and have emailed Haringey Council’s property services and I hope they will work together to investigate this option.”

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