Haringey Liberal Democrats have expressed their concern in response to a survey released yesterday showing that Haringey is considered as one of the worst places in the UK to bring up children. Haringey came 404th out of 408 areas surveyed by Reader’s Digest that asked parents to rate the characteristics of a family-friendly environment.

Good state schools and a low crime rate were seen as the most important requirements for a family-friendly area, the poll suggested. These were closely followed by good local hospitals and affordable family housing, the researchers found.

Cllr Gail Engert, Children and Young People Spokesperson comments:

“I am deeply troubled with the results of this survey. Haringey is placed at the bottom of the list for, not only London, but the UK. I am concerned that it shows a widespread failing by those in power in Haringey to provide a safe environment for children. I hope for the sake of children growing up in Haringey that these services can be improved.”

Cllr Neil Williams. Lib Dem Leader adds:

“We all love our area, but this shows the challenges faced by those who rely on public services in the borough – and the family agonies that this can cause. Great cities like London, and wonderful boroughs like Haringey, with its beautiful open spaces and cosmopolitan communities, shouldn’t be difficult places to raise a family. It is the poor performance of Haringey Council over many years, underinvestment, bad planning, and the relative starvation of resources for public services in London generally that cause these problems.”