Barnet’s Liberal Democrats have launched their manifesto with pledges to boost police numbers, protect communities and keep streets clean and safe.

The party, which currently only has one sitting councillor in the borough, is contesting all 63 seats in the upcoming local elections, which will take place on May 3.

On policing, the Lib Dems have vowed to accept the mayor of London’s “two-for-one” policing pledge to boost numbers.

The offer, which was rejected by the Conservative-run council, would see the mayor provide an extra neighbourhood police officer for every one funded by the council.

The Liberal Democrats have said they are “committed to ensuring value for money” and will review outsourcing contracts entered into through the council’s One Barnet programme.

Due to concerns about the level of development and a lack of supporting local amenities, the party has pledged to use construction levies to provide extra GP practices, easing the burden on “oversubscribed” surgeries.

It is also opposed to planned residential developments at Pentavia Retail Park in Mill Hill unless public amenities are supported.

To combat fly tipping, the party has said it will introduce neighbourhood skips, and it has also pledged to guarantee potholes are fixed and checked independently rather than allowing contractors to self-certify repairs.

The Liberal Democrats are aiming to win back Mill Hill, which they held between 1994 and 2010.

They are also determined to return all three councillors in Childs Hill – a Lib Dem stronghold for 28 years until 2014.

Speaking at the event, Donna Pickup, Liberal Democrat candidate in Mill Hill, said: “The Conservatives have taken Mill Hill for granted. We have seen a rise in residential development across the borough without the proper support of doctors’ surgeries or secondary school places.

“Failure to formally adopt new streets are leaving our new residents out of pocket. The Liberal Democrats have a well costed plan to bring common sense and fairness back to politics, to support our communities and keep Barnet streets clean and safe.”

Jack Cohen, sitting councillor in Childs Hill, where he has represented the community for 32 years, said: “This is a manifesto for the people of Barnet who have been let down by the Conservatives.”