Lib Dems councillors in Muswell Hill have called for Haringey Council to put on hold its plans to build a skate park in Priory Park, N8 after they received complaints from residents that they had not been properly consulted on the issue.

Muswell Hill councillors Lynne Featherstone MP, Gail Engert and Jonathan Bloch have written to Haringey Council highlighting the reasons why the consultation has been inadequate:

Many said they never received the consultation document, and reports from those who did say it was a generalised questionnaire with the skate park hidden amongst other questions. The forms were sent out in August with only about two weeks to respond – despite it being a time when many residents were away.

The councillors are also angry that despite numerous requests, the Council has failed to keep them informed on the progress of this issue. Furthermore they are pressing for an explanation as to why, despite over 70% of respondents being against the proposals, the Executive approved the scheme.

Lib Dem Councillor Gail Engert who has been leading on this issue says that despite Lib Dem support for a skate park in the area they are angry at the Council’s failure to consult residents and ward councillors.

She says that residents must have their concerns addressed before any plans can be approved.

Cllr Engert (Muswell Hill) comments:

“It is clear from the letters we have received that Haringey Council has failed to carry out a meaningful consultation with local residents and failed to keep Friends of Priory Park and ward councillors informed.

“It is another bodged consultation from Haringey. This is completely unacceptable and we are demanding urgent action to resolve the situation.”

Cllr Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“It is vital that young people have somewhere safe to skateboard. All proposed sites should be properly assessed and then properly consulted on with local residents. The results of that consultation must then be taken seriously by Haringey Council.”