Thousands of residents are being let down by Haringey Council’s feeble attempt to help Haringey’s creative industries says local Liberal Democrats. Monday night saw the launch of a belated draft Cultural Strategy at Haringey Council’s ‘watchdog’ committee.

Liberal Democrats have expressed their disappointment at the plans and have challenged Haringey Council to buck up its ideas.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Culture, Cllr David Winskill, criticised the draft for:

·Being too late – the Council’s previous Cultural Strategy ‘ran out’ in March 2008
·Not enough ambition – Liberal Democrats feel that the arts and culture sector should be seen as an integral component in the regeneration and prosperity of Haringey and a stimulus to employment opportunities.
·Failing to involve local cultural providers and artists.
·Not bullish enough about the cultural gems in the borough.

Cllr Winskill commented:

“We are one of the few London Boroughs that have no up-to-date strategy. This reflects Haringey Labour’s lack of appreciation of the contribution this important sector can make to the well being and economy of the Borough.”

Cllr Winskill urged officers to use the consultation process as an opportunity to establish a permanent Arts Council for Haringey to focus ideas and opportunities as well as informing and feeding into the preparation of the Strategy.

Cllr Winskill added:

“Haringey is one of the cultural hotspots of London and deserves recognition as such. This document needs more oomph and heart: it should champion the arts. We will work to make sure that it gets much more priority.”

Cllr Rachel Allison, Liberal Democrat Regeneration spokesperson, added:

“The arts in Haringey have been neglected for too long. What cultural activity there is, is largely despite Haringey Council’s help, not because of it. Officers are trying their best but have poor resources and no champion at Cabinet level to argue the case for the arts.”