Residents of Muswell Hill, Highgate, Fortis Green and Alexandra wards had the chance to voice their anger over the controversial new lamppost advertising banners at the Muswell Hill Area Assembly last night. Charles Adje, Labour Leader of Haringey Council, faced furious residents who questioned him as to why the Council had felt that there had been no need to consult local people over the unsightly banners.

However, the Leader of the Council could offer, “no apology for keeping residents informed” of Council actions in the borough. This justification for the erection of the banners did not sit well with many residents, who feel that the banners are not only a poorly disguised political ploy, but the latest in a long series of Council actions taken without consultation with local people.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Neil Williams comments:

“The Council’s arrogance and self-interest here is clear. They have signed a fifteen-year contract for these banners to be placed around the borough, and have not consulted local residents in order to do so.

“As if this wasn’t enough, it is quite obvious after last night’s meeting that Councillor Adje is not bothered in the slightest about residents’ concerns – indeed, it seems probable that the Council did not consult residents in the first place because they knew that most would be against the idea, especially given the council’s own guidelines on reducing street clutter. They are riding roughshod over their own rules.”