Labour has launched its Barnet local election campaign with pledges to crack down on crime and rebuild houses ‘torn down’ under the Conservatives.

The party has promised to recruit 30 extra police officers for a new Safer Barnet Police Team, which will crack down on anti-social behaviour and tackle drug dealing, modern slavery and criminal landlords.

It has also pledged to build at least 800 council houses to replace the social homes it says have been lost under the Conservatives, ensuring 50 per cent of homes in new developments are affordable.

The party set out its manifesto commitments following a weekend of campaigning attended by shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry.

Speaking at the launch on Saturday (March 24), Ms Thornberry said the election presented Barnet’s residents with a clear choice: “You can have more of the same from the Conservatives, who have let developers build thousands of flats local people can’t afford and failed to keep the streets safe and clean.

“Or you can have real change with Labour, and a council that makes sure the benefits from new developments are shared fairly, recruits 30 extra police officers for the new Safer Barnet Police Team and takes tough action on fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.”

Labour is hoping to win a majority on Barnet Council after the Tories recently lost overall control following the resignation of Cllr Sury Khatri.

Cllr Khatri stood down after he and two other councillors were deselected by the party, sparking a wave of in-fighting and claims of a pro-Brexit coup by allies of the deputy leader.

It means Labour needs to win just two more seats this year to gain a majority on the council, with voters set to go to the polls on May 3.

The Labour manifesto also pledges to protect private renters with ‘tough action’ against rogue landlords and a new tenants’ rights charter.

Further commitments include restoring access to libraries for schoolchildren by guaranteeing Saturday opening and four hours’ opening after school on at least four days a week.

The party has promised not to raise core council tax this year to fund the extra spending but said it would retain the 3 per cent increase ring-fenced for the care of vulnerable adults and the elderly.

Instead, new homes will be funded through a mixture of borrowing, capital receipts, rents and cross-subsidisation from the sale of new private homes.

Meanwhile, cost-cutting measures including a reduction in the number of agency staff will fund changes to council services, while reserves will be used to pay for extra police officers.

Cllr Barry Rawlings, leader of Barnet’s Labour councillors, said residents had been ignored and services run down during the Conservatives’ 16 years in control of the borough.

He added: “On Thursday, May 3, Barnet’s residents have a chance to vote for a brighter future with a Labour Council that’s ambitious for Barnet and ready to govern.

“We will put residents first, build more genuinely affordable homes, crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour, build a thriving local economy, protect our environment and support families to lead healthy, happy lives.”