Liberal Democrat councillor Dave Winskill has expressed concerns that Labour-run Haringey Council is not doing enough to ensure that the employment prospect of those employed at Pembroke Works in Hornsey are assured for future years. Lib Dem say that the premises have space for several companies and can provide 50 or 60 jobs.

At Monday’s full council, Cllr Winskill asked the Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration to ensure Haringey wouldn’t be tempted by the lure of a substantial cash receipt in return for changing the terms of the lease of the Pembroke Works, of which it is the freeholder. He says the Pembroke Works could be a vital centre for employment and that the Council needs to retain the original lease – and the covenants in that lease that protect the jobs there.

Cllr Winskill comments:

“This part of the Hornsey ward has over the past few years seen many dozens of jobs completely disappear. The Hornsey Water Works and Haringey-owned Hornsey central depot have both closed, as well as many car repair workshops, light engineering factories and textile studios.

“It must be tempting for a borough that is raiding its reserve funds to pay for a £10 million plus overspend on IT to want to keep these reserves topped up. The Council would get a big cash receipt from an early termination of the existing lease.

“But the premises are purpose-built and quite modern, and fit in well with their area. Local residents want them to stay.Hornsey needs these jobs, and the Labour Council must resist the temptation to cash in.”