Commenting on today’s announcement by the Arts Council to continue this year’s funding for Jackson Lane, Rachel Allison, Lib Dem candidate in the Highgate council by-election, said:

“This is wonderful news. It’s a tribute to all the people at Jacksons Lane and in the local community who supported the campaign to protect the centre’s funding. The loss of a such a big grant at just a few weeks’ notice would have been a devastating blow, and I am delighted that the Arts Council has seen sense.”

Local Lib Dem Leader and Highgate councillor Neil Williams, who along with local MP Lynne Featherstone has been running a high-profile campaign to protect the Centre’s funding, adds:

“I’m relieved and delighted for Melanie Sharpe, her whole team, and the whole community- but in agreeing to carry on funding, the Arts Council have laid down a clear challenge to Haringey – provide the support and investment in your own building that it clearly needs. Lynne Featherstone and I made it clear, face-to-face, with the Arts Council that we would work tirelessly to make sure that this happens. We now have a year to make sure that Haringey Council delivers.”