Following the controversy at Monday’s Full Council meeting, Lib Dems in Haringey have condemned the Council’s ruling Labour Group as “uncaring” after they voted not to hear a deputation of users from the Canning Crescent and Kate Marsden mental health hospitals. As well as refusing to hear residents’ concerns over the threatened closure of the two centres, residents protesting over cutbacks in classes at Park Road Pool also failed to get a hearing.

The decision to accept the deputation was supported by all the Lib Dem councillors present. However it was voted down by Labour members who viewed the closure of the hospitals as a “non-urgent” issue and argued that it could be discussed after the Council’s recess in September. This was met with anger from the public gallery, with residents saying that September would be too late.

Lib Dem health and social services spokesperson, Ron Aitken is disappointed by the Council’s lack of interest in a service that has provided help to many of the most vulnerable people in Haringey.

Cllr Aitken (Crouch End) comments:

“Labour say they care, but they wouldn’t even listen to the pleas of mental health users and carers against the looming closure of these vital services. People are very angry that Labour chose to snub a vulnerable group like this. They could quite easily have agreed to give the groups a hearing. This was a heartless decision.”