Two important issues will be discussed at a meeting of Haringey Council next week on Monday 19th November at 19.30 at Haringey Civic Centre in Wood Green.

The Labour-run council decided to double the parking charges in Muswell Hill and other local shopping areas last year and traders have seen business fall as a result of these extra charges.

Local traders in Muswell Hill have submitted a petition asking the council to lower parking charges in Muswell Hill. The petition has been signed by over 5,200 people and because the petition is so large it will be debated at the council meeting on Monday the 19th November.

The Liberal Democrats have been supporting the traders with their campaign and we have submitted a motion to the council meeting calling for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets in the borough, such as Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Green Lanes to encourage people to shop locally and support local businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have also decided to debate waste disposal and recycling in Haringey and a delegation of local residents concerned about the plans for a waste processing plant at Pinkham Way will be making a presentation of their case. This is an important opportunity for local residents and the Pinkham Way Alliance to have their say.

If you are interested in either of these issues come along to the meeting and watch the debate.

Cllr Jim Jenks, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on parking and Muswell Hill councillor, comments:

“The Labour Council could be doing a lot more to support local businesses. 30 minutes of free parking on high streets would boost local traders and allow residents to go for a quick Christmas shopping trip without worrying about the cost of parking.

“It is about time they did something positive to help businesses. The council should be helping to save our high streets.”

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, comments:

“I’m delighted that two of our community organisations – the Pinkham Way Alliance and Muswell Hill Traders – are finally getting an audience with Haringey Council.

“With the Pinkham Way situation uncertain and high street parking charges sky rocketing, it’s so important that their voices are heard and that the Labour administration listen!

“That’s why these organisations need support – I encourage as many residents as possible go to the council meeting to see the debate on waste disposal and to support our local traders with their parking petition.”