Liberal Democrat councillors in Crouch End have unanimously condemned aproposal by Haringey Labour-run Council to close Red Gables Family Centre,which is located in Crouch Hill N8 and provides vital health andwell-being facilities for children and families. The closure would enablethe Council to cut £260, 000 from its budget.

The announcement made at the Social Services and Health Scrutiny Panelcomes just months after the Council announced the closure oftwo day hospitals for people with mental health problems in the area.

Despite Lib Dem Health Spokesperson Cllr Aitken and Crouch End colleagueCllr Peter Floyd voting against the closure on grounds that new children’scentres promised will not be up and running for at least two years, theLabour members forced it through.

There is also fear that the centre, located on a prime site in Crouch Endcould be sold off to a developer for a large capital sum, depriving thewest of Haringey with a much needed facility and leading to yet anotherhigh density housing project in Crouch End. Fellow Crouch End and Lib Demcouncillor Dave Winskill backed the opposition to the closure of RedGables.

Cllr Winskill (Crouch End) comments:

“This is an appalling decision whichis badly managed and has the strong smell of political neglect in thewest. This side of the borough has been crying out for years for decenteducational provision: to create another massive hole for two years in thealready depleted provision is beyond belief.

Cllr Aitken (Crouch End) adds:

“It is yet another closure of vital serviceby Labour. It has been a miserable and uncertain year for vulnerablegroups in Haringey who looked to New Labour to protect them, instead jobsand facilities are to be cut and dedicated staff and carers faceuncertainty. We will continue to fight these closures.”