Lynne Featherstone MP last week met with Circle 33 managing director to discuss the ongoing saga at Colorado apartments, part of the New River Village in Hornsey.

Together with local campaigner Dawn Barnes, the Liberal Democrat MP has long been campaigning for better conditions for these residents – last year publishing a video on Youtube to get Circle 33’s attention.

Since then, Circle 33 have committed to make numerous repairs and to re-house residents on the ground floor. The Managing Director said that work to the roof and pumping to remove water coming through the floor has started.

But, the residents who are still experiencing poor living conditions made their voices heard – they want faster repairs and better conditions now.

At a recent planning meeting at Haringey Council, a representative from New River Village developers St James admitted that there were “a number of design issues and operational problems” with the development.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner and candidate for Hornsey, Dawn Barnes, said:

“Whilst it’s good news that work is in progress, these residents are still living in awful conditions on a day to day basis. We will continue to push Circle 33 to act as quickly as possible.

“The St James chairman has publicly admitted there were design issues. This is something that should have been picked up by Labour-run Haringey Council building control, when they were overseeing the development.

“There has been complete failure all around – and it’s the residents who are paying the price.”

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Circle 33 know we are watching them and the New River Village closely.  We know how substantial the repair work is, but it must continue without any further delay. These residents have suffered enough.”