Lynne Featherstone MP launches petition against ‘sickening’ Council bonuses

Posted on 7th Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has launched a petition calling on Haringey’s Labour-run council to ensure that money is spent on building new homes, rather than on bonuses for staff.

The petition has been launched in reaction to revelations that Homes for Haringey staff have received £3.7million in bonuses in the last two years.

The bonuses have been branded ‘sickening’ by the Liberal Democrats, who have said that the money should have been spent on building new homes, or refurbishing ones that already exist.

Residents can sign the petition here.

It has already attracted over 300 signatures.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Haringey Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson, said:

“It is disgraceful that money has been wasted on bonuses for staff that could have been spent on repairs and improvements to people’s homes. Tenants and leaseholders pay a lot for repairs through rents and charges and they rightly expect a good service and not for their money to be wasted on bonuses.

“Our petition is calling on the council to spend public money wisely on homes not bonuses. Hundreds of residents have already signed the petition and I urge everyone to support this campaign to stop Labour wasting local residents’ cash on bonuses and start spending it on the things that matter.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Even at a time when individuals, families and businesses have to tighten their belts, the culture of waste at Labour-run Haringey Council continues.

“It’s frankly sickening that £3.7 million has been dished out in bonuses, at the same time as the Haringey Labour cancelled Decent Homes repair work on hundreds of local houses due to a ‘lack of money.’

“The money also could have gone towards building new homes – which are much needed seeing as Labour-run Haringey haven’t built any in 25 years.

“I hope residents will sign the petition, and join me in calling on the Council to spend money on buildings, not bonuses.”

Labour’s half-price Christmas parking plan doesn’t go far enough

Posted on 6th Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Haringey Liberal Democrats have been calling for 4 days of free parking at Christmas on local high streets, shopping areas and council car parks. The Labour council have rejected those calls and are instead only offering half-price parking on 7 days in the run up to Christmas but only if you use a mobile phone to pay.

The opposition say that the Christmas parking proposals put forward by Labour do not go far enough and that there should be free parking for 4 days in the run up to Christmas at local shopping areas for everyone not just for people who use mobile phones to pay.

The Lib Dems have called for the free parking in the run-up to Christmas to help local traders who are struggling and to encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally. The Liberal Democrats have previously campaigned for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets and launched a petition calling for the measure which has been signed by hundreds of people.

Last year the Lib Dems also submitted a motion to a council meeting calling for free parking in the run up to Christmas to be followed by 30 minutes of free parking on the borough’s high streets all year round. The idea was rejected by Labour councillors. Haringey’s Labour politicians are still refusing to budge on the question of lowering parking charges permanently.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, comments:

“Whilst any reduction in parking charges at Christmas is to be welcomed, the proposal put forward by Labour does not go far enough. We suggested free parking for 4 days in the run-up to Christmas but the council have instead gone for a few days of half-price parking for people who decide to pay by mobile. What about everyone else?

“Many other councils across the country give shoppers free parking on local high streets for several days in the weeks running up to Christmas, why can’t Haringey do the same?

“Local small businesses and traders need all the help they can get to keep our high streets distinctive and thriving. We think that Labour can and must do more to support our local high streets.

“I encourage residents to do as much Christmas shopping as they can locally and to support our campaign for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets.”

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“Half price parking on weekends in December is better than nothing – but doesn’t go far enough to help local trader and shoppers. £1.50 an hour is still more than it costs to park in a superstore car park, for instance.

“The local Lib Dem call for four days of completely free parking would have made much more sense – it would have really incentivised shoppers and given our local high street traders a much needed boost.

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I will continue to support our traders through our campaign for 30 minutes free parking, and cheaper high street parking more generally.”

Lib Dems submit 2000 residents’ view on a 20mph speed limit to Haringey Council

Posted on 1st Nov 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Liberal Democrats yesterday submitted responses to Haringey Council’s consultation on a borough wide 20mph speed limit.

During the consultation, the local Liberal Democrats and the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green surveyed over 2000 residents, to ascertain residents’ views on the proposals.

Based on the results of the survey, the local MP and Liberal Democrats backed a borough wide 20mph zone – but only on residential roads and, where appropriate, town centres. They also recommended that the scheme should be enforced by signs, rather than speed humps.

The Liberal Democrat MP and local Lib Dem group have campaigned for residents to have their say on the introduction of a borough wide 20mph limit since 2010.

The launch of the consultation represents a u-turn by the Labour-run Council, who previously refused to consult on a 20mph limit – rejecting the proposal outright in October 2012.

Cllr Jim Jenks, Haringey Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, said:

“We have been campaigning for a borough wide 20mph zone since 2010. Our survey clearly shows the majority of local people back that policy.

“Having previously rejected the idea, I hope the Labour-run council will finally listen to us and to residents and implement a borough wide 20mph zone on residential roads.”

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I campaigned for so long to get a consultation – and it’s great that residents have now had the chance to have their say.

“Over 2000 people responded to our survey, and we have passed these on to the Council and stated our support for the majority view.

“Thank you to everyone who took part. I will be keeping residents informed, particularly when the Council makes the final decision on a 20mph speed limit in our borough.”

Lib Dems call for free Christmas parking on local high streets

Posted on 31st Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP have called for 4 days of free parking at Christmas on local high streets, at shopping areas and council car parks.

The Lib Dems have called for the free parking in the run-up to Christmas to help local traders who are struggling and to encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally.

The Liberal Democrats have previously campaigned for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets and launched a petition calling for the measure which has been signed by hundreds of people.

Haringey’s Labour politicians are still refusing to budge on the question of lowering parking charges permanently.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, comments:

“Local small businesses and traders need all the help they can get to keep our high streets distinctive and thriving.

“Haringey Liberal Democrats are calling for free parking at Christmas to help local traders and boost our local shopping areas. We think that Labour can and must do more to support our local high streets.

“I encourage residents to do as much Christmas shopping as they can locally and to support our campaign for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets.”

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“This year the Haringey Lib Dems and I have worked hard to support and promote independent shops. We ran the independent shops competition and fete, and have collected thousands of signatures to support our campaign for 30 minutes free parking, so people can pop into their favourite high street stores without worrying about parking charges.

“Contrast this with our local Labour Council – who have raised High Street parking charges to a whopping £3 an hour. Retailers have told me that this is stifling their businesses – but the Council will not listen.

“Now, we’re calling on Haringey Council to allow free parking on our local high streets for just four days in the run up to Christmas, to encourage people to buy presents in our local independent stores. It really is the least they could do.”

Lynne Featherstone MP to hold Public Meeting on Hornsey High Street future

Posted on 29th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP will hold a public meeting to give local residents and stakeholders the chance to discuss the proposed development on the old Depot site on Hornsey High Street.

The site has been derelict since 1998 – as Labour-run Haringey Council continually failed to strike a deal with a developer. Now, an application has gone in, which seeks to demolish the existing structures to make way for a Sainsburys supermarket, a car park, over 400 flats and a gym.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and the local Liberal Democrats have criticised the Council for not providing residents with enough information about the application.

The local MP is therefore inviting community figures and local people with expertise to attend her event, so that they can provide information and opinions for local residents. Representatives from developer St James and Sainsburys will also attend to answer any further questions.

The public meeting will be held on Friday the 15^th November, 6:30pm, at Griegs City Academy (entrance via Hillfield Avenue.)

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I would very much like to see something happen to the derelict depot land – but any development must be beneficial to the local area, and full details of the plans must be made available to local people.

“That’s why I am holding this meeting, and inviting local residents associations, business owners, representatives from the developers and the Council, and of course the general public.

“I think it’s about time we sat down, listened to local business owners and community groups, and had a proper debate about the future of our high street and the potential impact of this development.

“I look forward to seeing local residents at the meeting.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes emergency repairs at New River Village

Posted on 29th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has welcomed the emergency works undertaken and planned by Circle 33 at the Colorado Apartments at New River Village.

The Liberal Democrat MP called on Circle 33 to make the repairs, following a number of complaints from local residents about poor living conditions, acute damp, and the corridors being in a state of disrepair.

Along with Hornsey Liberal Democrat campaigner Dawn Barnes, the local MP started a petition, recorded a video and demanded a meeting with the Managing Director of the Housing Organisation.

After the meeting, Circle 33 agreed to run a specialist site investigation. On Friday, they informed the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green that:

emergency works have been completed to address specific risks around water ingress and damage;
the sealing of the building to prevent further water ingress will start in November 2013, along with work to dry out the building;
repair of properties damaged by water and damp will begin in early 2014.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It should never have taken this long, but I am glad that Circle 33 has finally started to undertake these vital repairs.

“Thank you to all the residents who signed the petition and helped us up the pressure on Circle 33 to make repairs. Together, we have pushed them into action.

“This is not over, though. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation, and we will not rest until residents in Colorado block are happy with their living conditions.”

Lynne Featherstone MP re-launches local Wood Green business

Posted on 29th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP recently helped to open a business – On Time Cars – on Lymington Avenue in Wood Green.

Formerly Top Cars, the business has now re-launched, and prides itself on providing the best minicab service – by being reliable, available, and safe. Services are available 365 days a year.

Dozens of local people and employees were present to celebrate the launch – some of whom were working hard to process bookings at the same time!

The Liberal Democrat MP was given a tour of the office and shown the software used to process bookings, before cutting the ribbon and congratulating On Time Cars on their official opening.

The business owners raised a glass of champagne to toast the opening, and invited everyone to stay and enjoy some drinks and Turkish food.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It was an honour to attend the official opening of On Time Cars, and to cut the ribbon! There was a great community feel about the event, with everyone joining in to celebrate the business’ achievements.

“In these tough economic times, it’s great to see a local business thriving, and I wish them all the best with this new endeavour.”

The proprietor, Mr. Sertap Balci, issued the following thank you note:

”Dear Lynne, Thank you for accepting and responding promptly to our invitation sent by our Sales and Marketing Manager Ayse Guner. It was a great pleasure meeting you on our opening evening of On Time Cars. We were honoured by your presence.

“On Time Cars is a developing company, we are actively seeking to recruit new members of staff to different parts of the Transport Sector as well as providing a one stop shop to meet our clienteles growing demands for all transport services.”

Lib Dem calls for Children Services review rejected by Haringey Council

Posted on 23rd Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP and Councillor Katherine Reece have today expressed their anger and disappointment, following Haringey Council’s refusal to allow an independent review of its Childrens Services department.

The Liberal Democrat MP and Councillor called for the independent review last week, after a serious case review into the abuse of Child T revealed multiple failings by Haringey Social Services, similar to those in the Baby P case.

The news about Child T was shortly followed by news about a Haringey Social Worker, who was sacked for failing to protect another child (Child B) from sexual abuse.

In response to the call, the Chief Executive of Haringey Council stated that the Child T abuse occurred at a time of ‘significant transition in the service,’ and he did not agree that conducting an independent review would be the best way to tackle the challenges.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green will be meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss the matter further.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“After the recent reports about Child T and Child B, it is shocking that Haringey Council are not taking this opportunity to conduct an independent review and get an objective assessment of Childrens Services.

“It’s all very well to say that things have changed, or are changing, but I have heard this all before – after the failure to protect both Victoria Climbie and Peter Connelly.

“On this basis, my colleagues and I still believe that an independent review is absolutely necessary to protect Children in Haringey.

“I will be meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss this further and will be keeping my constituents informed.”

Lynne Featherstone MP slams Haringey’s ‘pothole blitz’ as a botch job

Posted on 22nd Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lightfoot Road in Hornsey, where a man suffered brain injury as a result of tripping in a pothole. Some potholes have been filled but others (which had been marked for repair) were left untouched. Lynne Featherstone MP has slammed Labour-run Haringey Council for failing to take better care of the borough’s roads, and failing to manage repairs efficiently.

Early this year, Haringey Council announced a ‘pothole blitz,’ to repair the borough’s many dangerous roads. However, the Liberal Democrat MP has criticised this as a ‘botch job’ – following complaints from residents that many dangerous potholes remain.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has also expressed her concern about how repairs were managed and carried out. On many roads, some potholes were filled in but others left untouched.

On others like Rectory Gardens, the Labour-run council ordered repairs to potholes just before a scheduled resurfacing of the road. This prompted residents to contact the local MP to complain about the waste of time and taxpayers money, which could have been used to repair potholes on roads which have not been subsequently resurfaced.

Lightfoot Road in Hornsey, where a man suffered brain injury as a result of tripping in a pothole. Some potholes have been filled but others (which had been marked for repair) were left untouched. Lynne Featherstone MP commented: “Unfortunately this is just typical of Labour-run Haringey Council. They make grand statements about a ‘pothole blitz’ – but it is all talk. Yet again they have failed to manage the project and failed to deliver results.

“It is ridiculous to repair potholes in a road just days before resurfacing it completely. Similarly, to only repair a couple on a road and leave others on the same road untouched. What a lack of common sense – and what a waste of local taxpayers’ money.

“Now, going into winter, Haringey residents are still faced with many unsafe roads, which increase the chances of accidents and damage to cars.

“Enough is enough. At the end of this week, I will be contacting my constituents and asking them to inform me of the most dangerous potholes in their local area. I’ll then present these to Haringey Council and demand further action before winter sets in.”

UPDATE: The council’s own official figures show that the blitz was a flop with only one in three potholes reported to the council fixed within its own target time.

Lynne Featherstone MP joins apprentices at Hornsey Rail Depot!

Posted on 18th Oct 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP today went to Hornsey Rail Depot, to meet apprentices who are working on the site.

Volker Fitzpatrick is the company contracted to build two new train maintenance depots, as part of the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. They currently have 5 apprentices (3 railway engineering and 2 business administration) and are looking for more.

The Liberal Democrat MP met two of the engineering apprentices, before putting on safety gear and taking a tour of the site – and seeing their work first hand.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was shown the building site, including the train wash and the under-construction maintenance depot. The local MP then discussed the local resident reaction to the works with the development managers.

Since the Liberal Democrats entered Government in 2010, over 1.2 million apprenticeships have been created. Lynne Featherstone MP held an event in August, matching up Haringey’s young people looking for apprenticeships with potential employers.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities, giving young people a chance to learn a trade whilst earning money and gaining qualifications.

“That’s why I held the event in Wood Green for young people to find out more about apprenticeships, and why I was so keen to go to Hornsey Rail Depot to see apprentices in action.

“Volker Fitzpatrick is clearly working very hard to build the new depots and facilities, and it’s great that they’re taking on apprenticeships to help. I’d like to thank them for taking the time to show me around!

“If any local resident has any questions or thoughts about the work being done on this site, please let me know.”