Category Archives: News releases

MP launches petition against loss of services at Whittington

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Lynne Featherstone MP outside the Whittington Hospital

Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP have launched a petition calling on Whittington chiefs to ensure that no hospital services are lost – and no land sold off – without equal or better local replacement services being put in place.

The plans to sell off land and relocate six hospital buildings were confirmed at a meeting of the hospital’s Board and announced shortly after.

The MP and Haringey Lib Dems immediately raised their concerns about the plans. Lynne Featherstone MP had an urgent telephone conversation with Chief Executive Yi Mien Koh, and yesterday met with other MPs and Whittington Board members.

Alongside calling for guarantees that no services will be lost without equal or better local replacement services in place, Lynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Lib Dems are also calling for a proper public consultation on the Board’s proposed changes.

You can sign the petition here: http://eepurl.com/uEMk9

Cllr David Winskill, Lib Dem Health Spokesperson, comments:

“Residents will rightly be concerned that we could see a repeat of what happened at Chase Farm, where services were lost with no replacement.

“The Whittington should consult local people before any changes are made or any buildings sold-off. They must also ensure that replacement services will be in place first before they can even consider selling the buildings, it can’t be an after-thought.”

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

“I actively oppose any land sell off or loss of hospital service without an equal or better replacement being provided to local residents.

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I have launched this petition to ensure that residents’ views are taken into account, and so the Board know the strength of feeling on this issue.

“I encourage anyone who wants to ensure no services are lost to sign the petition, and encourage their friends, family and neighbours to do the same”

Lynne Featherstone MP concerned as allotment fees set to double

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Lynne Featherstone MP previously visiting Alexandra Palace Allotment to support lottery winning project.Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has today expressed concern over Haringey Council’s proposal to increase allotment fees in the Borough.

The Hornsey and Wood Green MP recently contacted Haringey Council on the matter on behalf of a number of constituents. In a response dated 9th January, a Council official confirmed that a proposal to increase allotment fees by 100% from 2013/14 was being considered.

This proposed rise has been criticised by the Haringey Allotments Forum, and comes on top of a recent 40% increase in allotment fees.

The final decision on allotment fees will be made at the full Haringey Council meeting on the 25th February.

Paul Hamilton, Haringey Allotments Forum representative, said:

“The Haringey Allotments Forum is very concerned about plans to increase allotment fees by 100%. This will generate a £60,000 annual surplus, of which only £30,000 might be reinvested in the allotment’s service in 2013/14.

“The Forum strongly opposes the proposal to increase allotments fees above the rate of inflation to make a profit out of allotments, and we have written to the Council to this effect. I am glad that Lynne Featherstone MP has stepped in and shown support for our submission.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Allotments are vital community resource – preserving green space, benefiting the environment and encouraging healthy eating. Under no circumstances should they be used solely as a revenue generator.

“Haringey Council should be encouraging residents to use allotments, and making them accessible to everyone. It’s hard to see how doubling fees will achieve this.

“If the proposal is pushed through by the Labour Council, I call on them to ensure that the money is reinvested in the allotments, and that allotment holders have a say on what the money is spent on.”

Lynne Featherstone MP reacts to shock Whittington News

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Lynne Featherstone MP outside the Whittington HospitalLynne Featherstone MP has expressed concern over the recent Whittington Health Trust Board decision to sell six of their estate’s buildings, including units for women’s health and NHS staff accommodation.

Maternity services will also be affected, with the hospital planning to cap births to 4000 a year.

The ‘estate strategy’ – which outlines the plans for rationalisation – was agreed on the 23rd January by the Whittington Health Trust Board. The strategy is based on a five-year plan, which will see the services relocate to existing space in the south of the hospital.

Following the shock announcement, the Liberal Democrat MP arranged an urgent call with Whittington Chief Executive Yi Mien Koh. The Hornsey and Wood Green MP has since been sent a copy of the estate strategy.

Councillor David Winskill, Haringey Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health, said:

“There has been a huge failure of communication between the Whittington Board and the public. This news has come as a shock to everyone, and without a proper advance briefing and consultation, we are fearing the worst.

“At Chase Farm, residents were promised alternative services to support closures – yet they still haven’t materialised. This cannot be allowed to happen at the Whittington – alternative, and improved, services must be in place before any closures or land sell-offs.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I want to be clear and state that I actively oppose any loss of services currently provided at the Whittington without an equal or better replacement being provided to local residents.

“After speaking with the Chief Executive on Friday and seeing the estate strategy, it is evident that the Board are planning to improve services through an estate rationalisation.

“I of course welcome an improvement in services – but nothing must go before new services are in place. I will be watching very closely to ensure that this happens, and that residents always have access to the treatment they need.”

Lynne Featherstone MP angered by Council’s poor response to cold weather

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Bourne Road, N8Lynne Featherstone MP has today criticised Labour-run Haringey Council for their poor response to the recent cold weather. The Liberal Democrat MP has received dozens of complaints from constituents, who have expressed concern about the lack of gritting on their roads and pavements.

The charity ‘Living Streets’ this week released figures indicating that over half of Londoners have fallen over on an icy pavement, with 21% sustaining an injury as a result.

59% of people in London thought that their Council could do more to keep pavements clear of snow and ice.

Living streets have a website where people can remind their Council to keep pavements safe. The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has been contacting the Council – on behalf of numerous constituents – to report hazardous areas.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“The cold spell was forecasted, so there is simply no excuse for Haringey Council not to have been ready. Instead of doing a proper job, the Council left many pavements in an incredibly hazardous state – endangering pedestrians and trapping many elderly and vulnerable people indoors.

“I sent an email to my constituents informing them of the location of their grit bins. Unfortunately, many of these were empty.

“This incompetence is what we have come to expect from the Labour Council. Residents really do deserve better.

“Although the cold spell is coming to an end, I hope the Council will look into what went wrong and do better next time.”

Living Streets’ Director of Policy and Communications, Phillipa Hunt, commented:

“Londoners clearly feel their local councils aren’t doing enough to keep pedestrians safe.  This is a reminder to councils that keeping pavements ice free and safe is every bit as important as gritting roads. People, especially those who are older and vulnerable, need to access their local shops and services and local authorities have a duty to ensure footpaths are as safe as possible.

“We urge councils to sign up to our winter plan for ice-free pavements including giving key walking routes the same priority as roads, supplying grit and encouraging the public to help clear pavements and redeploying council staff that are unable to do their usual jobs in the icy weather.”

Lynne Featherstone MP teams up with British Gas to fight the cold

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Lynne Featherstone MPLynne Featherstone MP has this week welcomed the work of British Gas in her constituency, Hornsey and Wood Green.

The Warm Homes Discount is run jointly by the Government and Energy companies. In Hornsey and Wood Green, 1,064 households have already received £120 via British Gas.  This year, 567,000 local households will receive £130 each.

British Gas has also insulated over 2.5m homes in the last five years, many for free, including 489 in Hornsey and Wood Green in the first half of last year.

The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that provides grants to clear domestic gas and energy debts and other household debts. 53 people in Hornsey and Wood Green received £58,076 worth of grants in the first half of last year.

The Liberal Democrat MP has been contacting constituents and advising them of the support available. British Gas customers who are struggling to pay bills and keep warm are encouraged to call and discuss their payment plan options. The Home Heat Hotline is available to non-British Gas Customers.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“During these bitterly cold periods, it is very encouraging to see British Gas taking action to ensure that vulnerable people keep warm.

“In the Coalition Government, we are doing our bit, through the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Front Scheme, and Cold Weather Payment – which has now been triggered in my constituency.

“No-one should ever feel they can’t turn their heating on because they cannot afford it. If anyone finds themselves in this situation I strongly encourage them to use the numbers provided.”

Andrew Reaney, Regional Director for British Gas in London said:

“There is lots of help and support available for British Gas customers in Hornsey and Wood Green. We are delighted that Ms Featherstone has highlighted how we can help those who need it most.  If anyone is concerned about heating their home during this cold snap, please give us a call on 0800 072 8625 to see what we can do to help.”

Last chance to support Lib Dem petition on parcel services that has already been signed by thousands of people

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Lynne Featherstone MP at Archway Road Post OfficeMP Lynne Featherstone and Haringey Liberal Democrats are calling on even more residents to support a petition to keep parcel collection services local.

Currently, residents can collect undelivered parcels at local office and collection points in Hornsey, Highgate and at the Arena on Green Lanes. As part of their reorganisation, however, Royal Mail plans to close these offices and move the collection points to Holloway and Tufnell Park.

The move will force local residents to travel miles to collect their undelivered parcels if they don’t wish to leave parcels with a neighbour, or pay to have them redelivered.

Following a massive campaign effort by the local Liberal Democrats, the petitions to save the under threat services in Hornsey, Highgate and at the Arena in Tottenham have already been signed by nearly three thousand people.

In total, 25,293 addresses will be affected by the changes Royal Mail wants to make.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader, comments:

“Nobody should have to travel so far just to pick up an undelivered parcel. Going all the way to Tufnell Park or Holloway will be inconvenient for most people and will be particularly difficult for the elderly and people with mobility problems.

“The Royal Mail must listen to demands from residents for a local collection service for undelivered parcels. If you haven’t already signed the petition please show your support for our campaign and sign the petition.”

Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone comments:

“I am delighted that so many local people have given their support to our campaign to keep local parcel services. I have arranged a further meeting with Royal Mail to present the petition to them. The more signatures we have, the more chance there is of changing their minds.

“Please sign the petition – and encourage your friends and family to do the same – so we can show Royal Mail the strength of feeling on this issue.”

 

Many councils listed in the 100 top gay-friendly employers, whilst Haringey fails to make the list

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Lynne Featherstone MP at Pride Last week it was announced that many councils are among the top 100 gay-friendly employers in the country. Haringey Council does not appear on the list, which was released by Stonewall as part of their Workplace Equality Index 2013.

In total, eighteen councils were in the top 100. Four London councils – Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest – were among them.  The London Ambulance Service also made it on to the list.

The Workplace Equality Index is Britain’s leading tool for employers to measure their efforts to tackle discrimination and create inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. Since 2005 more than 750 major employers have taken part in the Index, using Stonewall’s criteria as a model for good practice.

The Home Office, where local MP Lynne Featherstone was formerly the Minister for Equalities and Criminal Information, was at number 5 on the index.

Lynne Featherstone MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, comments:

“I congratulate all the employers who made it on to the Stonewall list. I was particularly pleased to see that the Home Office, where I was formerly a Minister, made it into the top five.

“I hope that Haringey will one day follow the example of other councils, and join the list as one of Britain’s top gay-friendly employers.”

Cllr Richard Wilson, Lib Dem opposition Leader, comments:

“It’s a real shame that Haringey is not on the list. The council needs to attract the best and the brightest to work in the Borough and being on Stonewall’s index would help to do that.”

Cold Weather Payment triggered in Hornsey and Wood Green

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Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that the Government’s ‘cold weather payment’ has been triggered in Hornsey and Wood Green – meaning that many constituents will receive extra money towards their fuel bills.

The payment is a fixed amount for each week of cold weather. For many years this was set at £8.50 per week. The Coalition Government has made the £25 rate permanent. Last year – winter 2011/2012 – 5.2 million individual payments were made, worth a total of £129.2 million.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone said:

“I’m glad that during these really cold periods, the Coalition Government is giving vulnerable residents extra money to cover the cost of their energy bills.

“Payments are made automatically to those entitled to them. There should be no need to make a claim, but constituents of Hornsey and Wood Green who think they may be entitled but do not receive a payment can contact me – and my team will investigate for them.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits Asian Centre in Wood Green

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Lynne Featherstone MP being shown the activities offered by the Asian centre by Dipak Jashapara, Project Coordinator.Lynne Featherstone MP last week visited the Asian Centre in Wood Green to see the services it offers to the local community.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was given a tour of the Centre and told more about the Centre’s activities, which range from yoga classes to computer skills lessons. There is also a focus on health, with numerous talks taking place on diabetes, cancer and general well-being. The classes and talks are either free or heavily subsidised.

After meeting elderly visitors in the day centre and visiting the lunch cafe, the Liberal Democrat MP went to the function room, and answered questions about a mix of national and local political issues.

Following the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“The Centre is an invaluable asset to Wood Green, providing a huge variety of services to the local community.  I was delighted to visit and see this excellent work first hand.

“It is vital that these community centres, run by voluntary organisations, are given the support they need to carry on. I have now written to my colleagues in Government to ask what further funding the Centre could benefit from.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits local Oxfam shop

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Lynne Featherstone at Oxfam (Wood Green) with four children from St Michael’s Primary SchoolLynne Featherstone MP last week met with Oxfam volunteers, local school children and community organisations at the Oxfam shop in Wood Green.

The Liberal Democrat MP was invited by local Oxfam campaigner Katrina Gajevska to discuss some of the issues affecting her constituency, Hornsey and Wood Green, and to comment on Oxfam’s GROW campaign.

The MP made a speech about youth unemployment and job creation in areas like Wood Green, coupled with the importance of volunteering as a means to combat poverty and disadvantage in a community.

And the end of the visit, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was presented with a poster, made by the local school children.

After the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It was a great event, and I’d like to thank Katrina very much for organising it. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the participants – particularly the school children, who we’re very polite and interested in the issues discussed.

“Wood Green is a busy, diverse and great part of London – but there are also many residents from disadvantaged backgrounds. Community organisations and volunteers play a vital role in tackling poverty.

“The Lib Dems in Government are also working hard to address the problems faced by young people from these backgrounds. Since 2010, 2,550 new apprenticeships have been created in Haringey thanks to a Government funding boost. This year, Haringey schools will receive an extra £13million to help disadvantaged pupils, as part of the Lib Dem’s pupil premium plan.”