Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed strong disappointment over the Labour party’s decision to block an inquiry into the controversial collapse of the Queen’s Lodge in Muswell Hill.

There was dismay from residents groups who also addressed the meeting, with Labour councillors saying Haringey Council’s planning department was not at fault and that the Liberal Democrats were “trying to exploit a very small issue.”

Despite the Lib Dem motion being voted out by Labour members, local Lib Dem councillors in Muswell Hill and Fortis Green vowed to press on with their bid to force the Labour-run council to hold an inquiry. During the meeting, Labour Lead member Ray Dodds said: “I have no problem with an inquiry at the end of the legal process.” However other Labour members rose to contradict his offer, and the Labour position is now mired in confusion.

Lib Dem councillor Stephen Gilbert comments:

“I’m extremely disappointed that Labour did not heed residents call for an inquiry into whole issue. We were more than willing to accommodate them on the timing of such an inquiry, but this offer was rather cynically turned down.”

Cllr Lynne Featherstone who seconded the motion, adds:

“We will keep up the pressure on Ray Dodds and hold him to his commitment to an inquiry at the end of the current legal process, However with Labour councillors flatly contradicting each other, it may well take a prolonged campaign to hold them to this pledge.”

Comments from Labour councillors during the debaite:

“I have no problem with an inquiry at the end of the legal process”
Ray Dodds – Lead member for the Environment

“I do not feel that the planning department can be said to be at fault”
Cllr James Dawson, Labour

“Trying to exploit a small issue”
Cllr Isidoros Diakides, Lead Member for Housing on the Lib Dem motion

In addition, Cllr Narendra Makanji, Labour Leadership contender and Labour Lead Member, opposed calls for an inquiry.