Councillor Wayne Hoban, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has expressed concern over future provision for young people in the west of the borough after yet again the Labour Executive member for Children & Young People failed to confirm whether the much loved family centre Red Gables in Crouch End will be closed despite the promised review and consultation over the original decision.

It is almost a year since Lib Dem councillors voted against the closure of Red Gables at a scrutiny meeting in November 2004, blowing the whistle on Labour plans and forcing them into a review over the decision. Since then Haringey Council has failed to confirm whether or not the future of Red Gables is secured.

Red Gables is a vital and well-used service, providing quality support for families from all areas of Haringey. However its future is under threat following a new Government agenda that will see Haringey Council establish 18 new smaller ‘Children’s Centres’ across the borough.

Cllr Hoban says that the Labour Leader’s own report to yesterday’s council meeting on the establishment of Children’s Centres highlighted that most of these centres will be developed in the east of the borough. He is also deeply worried about the sustainability of the planned new centres after it was confirmed that revenue grant funding for Children’s Centre Services was not guaranteed after 2008.

Cllr Hoban comments:

“There is clear pattern emerging from this out of touch and complacent Labour-run council. Despitewidespread support expressed from all sections of the community that Red Gables should undoubtedly be retained, it unfortunately does not fit the Labour model of how and where services should be provided and is therefore considered expendable.”

Education spokesperson Cllr Gail Engert who has also been involved with Red Gables adds:

“The Labour-run council’s desire to please the Government’s agenda is to the detriment of the needs of residents in this borough. We will continue to work alongside local residents and our MP Lynne Featherstone to fight for the retention of this invaluable service. The failure of Labour to listen to the users of Red Gables will not easily be forgiven.”