Highgate Lib Dems have welcomed Haringey Council’s decision to take action over the pursuit of vital grant funding for the much loved Jackson’s Lane Centre. The development, which follows pressure from the Centre and local Lib Dem councillors to grant a long lease, means that grant funding can be pursued from the Government’s Community Asset Fund.

In an email to local Lib Dem councillor Bob Hare, Haringey Council has agreed in principle to the long lease that is needed to pursue the funding. This means a funding bid from the Centre can go ahead. 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 have been 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 comments:

“It is a relief that Haringey Council has taken action that will remove a barrier to this source of funding for the Centre. Haringey does owe the Centre more attention, given that the Labour Council has been allowed the structure of the building to become run down. Major investment is needed to give the centre the boost, and give Highgate residents the facility they deserve.

“Now this barrier has been removed, we all wish Jacksons Lane every success with their application for refurbishment funding.”