Councillor Ross Laird, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Muswell Hill, held a successful meeting at St Mary and St George’s Church Hall on 4 November with local residents from Connaught House and Connaught Gardens, Muswell Hill.

The meeting aimed to tackle long-standing problems in the area, including rubbish, poor maintenance of the buildings and damage from trees. A representative from Housing 21 was present to handle questions about their management of Connaught House.

Cllr Laird comments:

“This was a good meeting. Many of the questions from residents were aimed at Housing 21 and their lack of investment in the property. A welcome series of actions were agreed to take matters forward.”

These included:

* Housing 21 to take urgent action to repair some of the worst afflicted flats

* Haringey Council to be contacted regarding removing abandoned cars when necessary

* The Metropolitan Police Estates Manager to be invited to examine the site

* Local residents to try and establish a residents’ association, working with Housing 21

Cllr Laird continues:

“I am concerned that we are just 6 months away from a potential transfer of Connaught House to another manager. It is important that the views of local residents and tenants are paramount and therefore we hope that a residents’ association can be formed soon.”