Highgate Lib Dems have warned Haringey Council that its failure to pursue vital grant funding for the much loved Jacksons Lane Centre means a major grant is in danger of being lost – if the Labour-run Council does not take urgent steps to back a bid for funding from the Government’s Community Asset Fund.

With the 15th November closing date for applications just one month away, Lib Dem Councillor Bob Hare has written to Haringey Council asking for urgent action, which must grant a 25-year lease that is needed to pursue the funding.

The Community Asset fund, which is a lottery fund, offers up to £1 million for each of up to two venues per borough. It is aimed at community buildings owned by councils, and applications are intended to support refurbishment and upgrading.

Lib Dem councillors are also pointing out that the Highgate venue is an ideal applicant for funding, as it is in dire need of investment and it would not readily qualify under other schemes designed to help areas with high levels of deprivation.

Lib Dem Councillor Bob Hare says:

“Haringey Council must act urgently to enable Jacksons Lane to purse this much needed funding. The centre provides a wide range of services across the whole community, from the elderly to the young. There is still time for Haringey Council to act, but time is running out.”

Lib Dem Leader and Highgate councillor Neil Williams adds:

“There is more than a whiff of hypocrisy here, as Haringey Council constantly seeks credit for the current repairs on the building – even though these works are actually being paid for by insurance and were only needed because the Labour-run Council allowed this building which they own, to become run down. It is not good enough, and major investment is needed. Action is needed now to give us the first class centre Highgate residents, and the wider community, thoroughly deserve.”