Ed Davey stopped by as part of the Liberal Democrat leader's push to woo Hertfordshire Conservative votes.

On his “blue wall tour” the MP was in Three Rivers and got behind the wheel of a truck at Batchwood Depot in Rickmansworth (February 23).

He praised the £558,000 site, opened last year, for being the Lib Dem led council’s “most environmentally friendly building”.

Watford Observer: Ed Davey at Three Rivers Environment Depot Ed Davey at Three Rivers Environment Depot (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Mr Davey also blasted the Conservatives on crime, claiming police forces in “blue wall” areas like Hertfordshire have been disproportionately impacted by cuts.

Get a Watford Observer digital subscription for just £1 | Watford Observer

“The Conservatives have gone from being the party of law and order to the party of chaos and crisis,” he said.

“This government is allowing a silent epidemic of crime to sweep across the country, letting far too many criminals off the hook while millions of victims are denied justice

“Voters across Hertfordshire have had enough of broken promises from a Conservative Party that no longer represents them.

Watford Observer: Ed Davey at Three Rivers Environment Depot Ed Davey at Three Rivers Environment Depot (Image: Liberal Democrats)

“More and more people are turning to the Liberal Democrats because we work hard for our communities, we hear your concerns, and we never take you for granted.”

The party has called for a return to “proper community policing where officers are visible, trusted and have the time and resources they need to focus on preventing and solving crime”.