Local Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has demanded an urgent meeting with Arts Council London bosses to make a direct plea to secure the funding of a much-loved community centre.

Organisers at Jacksons Lane, based in Highgate, were told in December that its annual £125,000 grant may be cut this year. Without funding the centre, which has endured nearly a year of closure, may have to close permanently. Lib Dems have launched a petition for residents to support a campaign to safeguard the future of Jackson’s Lane for the community. This has been distributed to thousands of residents in the Highgate area.

In January 2006 the centre was closed after high winds damaged the roof. Labour-run Haringey Council was criticised by Liberal Democrats for delaying funding for repairs and failing to provide the centre with a long lease, preventing the centre from applying for a £1 million grant. Now Arts Council London has questioned the commitment of Haringey Council to the centre. Lib Dems are urging Haringey Council to do all it can to reverse its neglect to save the much needed community asset.

Cllr Neil Williams (Highgate) comments:

“Jacksons Lane is a wonderful community asset for Highgate, providing classes and a space for meetings that is really valued by local people – but it has been badly neglected by the Labour Council. It is no wonder the Arts Council says that it feels that Haringey Council are not committed to the Centre, but they must be persuaded otherwise.

“The Council need to do more to show that they will not let Jacksons Lane close.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“This funding is absolutely vital to the future of the centre and I will not see it disappear without a fight.”

TAKE ACTION: sign the petition to save Jacksons Lane.