Liberal Democrat councillors joined with local residents to secure a promise from Jarvis to “start over” with controversial proposals for floodlights for a new ‘all weather’ football pitch at Fortismere School. In a rowdy public meeting on Tuesday night, organised by Haringey Council to explain the proposals for six 15-metre high floodlights, representatives of Jarvis plc (who are the contractors for the Private Finance Initiative scheme) conceded that public consultation had been inadequate and promised to do better.

Around 60 residents attended the meeting to voice their objection to the scheme and many condemned Jarvis for their failure to consult. As angry residents stormed out of the meeting, local Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Gilbert challenged the representative of Jarvis, David Evans, to act in an honourable way:

“I explained that residents feel let down by Jarvis and no longer have faith in what they are being told. I asked the Chairman of Jarvis to freeze the application for these massive floodlights until another public meeting has been arranged with proper notice for local people.

“I’m pleased that he agreed, but Jarvis need to take away the message that they can not push around local people.”

Councillor Lynne Featherstone, who was also at the meeting, added:

“Throughout the redevelopment of this site Jarvis have acted in an arrogant way and have shown little consideration for the views of local people.

“Jarvis should know that they face an uphill task to convince people, and they need to start rebuilding trust and showing respect to residents.”