Liberal Democrat councillors have welcomed initial plans to regenerate the Campsbourne Estate in Hornsey, but say more needs to be done following years of neglect by Labour-run Haringey Council. The plans were unveiled during a heated meeting between local residents and council representatives at Campsbourne School regarding regeneration funding on Wednesday, 4th June.

Residents were critical of the council for the handling of the meeting, complaining that it had been arranged by word of mouth and as a result many people were unaware it was taking place. Residents highlighted the fact that the council had watched the estate decline for many years and although they had made many promises, the council had failed to deliver. These issues ranged from drug dealing to infestation problems, many of which had be reported a number of times with no action taken by the council.

The council’s proposals to target three main issues of rubbish, repairs and the increasing height of Campsbourne Road wall were welcomed by Lib Dem councillor, Wayne Hoban. However he was critical of the time that it has taken for the council to react to this problem and called for wider consultation with residents over issues on the estate.

Cllr Hoban, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, comments:

“The council has sat back and watched the Campsbourne Estate decline for too long. I am pleased that they have now recognised that Campsbourne needs investment. However I find it shocking that they have allowed the estate to deteriorate to the present extent.

“In order to see a sustained improvement to the quality of life in and around Campsbourne, the council need to invest in regenerating Hornsey High Street and return it the bustling place it was 10 years ago.”

Lib Dem Regeneration spokesperson, Cllr David Winskill (Crouch End) adds:

“Residents on the Campsbourne Estate need to be consulted fully. They need to know what is going on and feel that they are being involved in the process to improve the area. Without their involvement the council will fail to address the problems fully.”