Haringey Labour Cabinet forced to review plans to cut Older People's Services

Posted on 28th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

At a packed Overview and Scrutiny on Monday, the decision to close drop-in centres for the elderly in the borough was sent back to the Labour Cabinet for review, after Liberal Democrats successfully highlighted the issue.

The decision was made after both Liberal Democrat and Labour members asked Adult Services lead member Dilek Dogus to reconsider the Council’s decision to cut funding to all drop-in centres and to ask the Council Cabinet for more time to allow charities and the voluntary sector to find ways to take over their running.

Over one hundred users and organisers of the services showed their anger at the closure decision as Cllr David Winskill, LibDem lead member for Adult Services, made the case that Haringey had not properly assessed the financial impact of the proposal on other Council services and local Health services.

He also said that there had been inadequate time for the voluntary sector to find the money, training and to make arrangements to take these much valued and essential facilities over. The Scrutiny heard impassioned representations from Haringey Age Concern, HAVCO, I Can Care, Jackson’s Lane, Abyssinia Court, Woodside House and many other campaigners.

One 99 year old gentleman from Abyssinia Court stood up and said, “If these closures were to go ahead, it would be the worst decision Haringey has ever made”.

Commenting on the Referral Back to Cabinet, Cllr Winskill said:

“The meeting was a fantastic demonstration of just how important these centres are. Haringey must listen and try to ensure they are kept open or at the very least, give the Voluntary Sector a breathing space so that they can plan to take them over before they disappear.”

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green added:

“The Scrutiny Committee really showed its mettle on Monday. People are rightly angry that when times get tough, in Haringey, Labour always seems to hit the vulnerable first. There must be time for a rethink so that changes can be made without abandoning our old people’s services.”

MPs unite to fight plans to build waste plant in residential area

Posted on 28th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Three North London MPs have combined forces to help residents defeat plans to build a waste treatment plant at Pinkham Way.

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey and Wood Green), Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) and David Burrowes (Enfield Southgate) met last week to discuss the plans, which they say would fundamentally change the nature of the area.

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has submitted plans to Haringey Council to build a massive waste treatment factory on woodland adjacent to the North Circular Road’s junction with Colney Hatch Lane. Included in the plan is the relocation of Barnet Council’s vehicle depot onto the site, which is in the borough of Haringey.

The plant would treat 300,000 tonnes of black bin waste from at least four London boroughs and the site would generate more than 1,100 vehicle journeys a day through one of the busiest junctions in London.

Residents are concerned about the overall effects of introducing an enormous factory into their community, and especially about the effects of the traffic fumes, the noise and the smells from the factory, which will be working 24 hours a day.

Local parents are particularly worried about the health of their children, especially those with respiratory problems such as asthma.

Ms Featherstone MP, whose Hornsey and Wood Green constituency includes Pinkham Way where the plant is planned, said:

‘I know how worried local residents are about the plans. I think it’s fantastic that we have come together, MPs and residents, from different parties and from different walks of life, to fight the waste plant the NLWA is planning to shoehorn into our local community. Together we will be stronger.’

Ms Villiers MP, whose Chipping Barnet constituency includes the access roads to the proposed site, said:

‘I remain convinced that Pinkham Wood is simply the wrong location for a waste disposal plant. A major worry is the potential impact of hundreds of extra lorry journeys into and out of the site each day at an already congested section of the North Circular. I am also concerned about worsening air quality as a result.

‘I am campaigning alongside my constituents against the plans and would encourage them to make their views known to Haringey Planning Department, when the plans are made available for comment.”

Mr Burrowes, whose Enfield Southgate constituency is adjacent to the site, said:

‘This is the first time MPs have come together across the three constituencies to campaign on an issue. This cross-party unity of purpose, to stop the Pinkham Way plans, is an exceptional demonstration of the widespread opposition to the proposal. The primary issue of the impact on the local environment – air quality and traffic – is rightly a matter of huge importance for all of our constituents.’

Local people have formed the Pinkham Way Alliance to focus their opposition to the plans and ensure that their voices are heard.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance, local resident Colin Parish said:

‘The fact that our MPs have got together to fight these plans is further evidence of just how inappropriate they are. We are now calling on councillors in the three boroughs to unite to throw out these plans and come up with something more acceptable.

‘You can’t put a massive waste factory in the middle of a community – the nearest flat is just 85 metres from the site, the nearest primary school is only 308 metres away. It would be madness to go ahead with this scheme and we hope our MPs will be able to influence the outcome and help the NLWA to find a more suitable venue.’

Lynne Featherstone MP meets with radio police to hear of fight against Haringey’s pirate radio stations

Posted on 28th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

After hearing from worried constituents who were not able to listen to their favourite Greek radio station due to interference from pirate radio, Lynne Featherstone MP on Friday met up with the Office for Communication (Ofcom), which regulates radio stations, to hear what action they are taking to solve the problem.

Listeners of London Greek Radio have been growing increasingly frustrated at not being able to hear clear transmissions because of pirate radio station ‘dost.fm’, illegally broadcasting on a nearby frequency. Since January, Ofcom has taken close to 20 enforcement actions to end dost.fm’s broadcasts, resulting in the pirate radio station losing over 22 days of airtime since March. Pirate radio stations that illegally send out programmes on the FM band can earn lots of money from selling cheaper advertising, and disrupting legal radio stations’ broadcasts.

The problem with radio piracy is particularly big in Haringey, with close to a third of the capital’s pirate stations located within the borough.

Ofcom are working tirelessly to end broadcasts by pirate radio stations in London, by disrupting the day to day running of the stations and prosecuting the key players.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“Over the years I have had endless letters from constituents who are so angry at not being able to hear their favourite radio stations because of pirate radio. But the issue of pirate radio is wider than that. Many organisers earn millions of pounds by selling cheaper advertising space, putting legal community radio stations out of business.

“London Greek Radio provides a really valuable service to the Greek Community in Haringey, and I’m glad that Ofcom is taking strong action.

“Fighting pirate radio stations like dost.fm seems to be a bit like guerrilla warfare , you pull the plug in one place, just to see them pop up somewhere else. Nevertheless Ofcom does a fantastic job, and they have my full backing in their continued fight!”

Lib Dems have worked hard to make changes to NHS Bill – Lynne Featherstone MP

Posted on 23rd Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

The Government has announced changes to its Health Bill to address concerns raised by the public, medical professionals and the Liberal Democrats.

Liberal Democrats led the calls for changes after raising serious concerns at the party’s Spring Conference in March. Nick Clegg and others have worked hard in Government to make sure the concerns have been addressed.

In particular, Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats have ensured:

There will be no special favours for the private sector. There will be a level playing field, not a race to the bottom
The pace of change is slowed down to ensure changes are not rushed into and those taking on new responsibilities do so when they are ready.
The changes will be evolution, not revolution
The NHS is properly accountable, both nationally and locally

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green said:

“I am proud of the way Liberal Democrats have listened and acted to address concerns about changes to the NHS.

“The Bill is now a whole lot better and will make sure decisions are taken in the best interests of patients.

“Liberal Democrats believe the NHS must always be universal, based on need and free at the point of use.

“We have ensured there will be no special favours for the private sector, proper accountability and that the changes are not rushed into before people are ready to take on new responsibilities.

“But this is no time for resting on our laurels. The NHS still faces huge challenges, with an ageing population and the rising costs of new drugs and technologies. I am confident the NHS is now in better shape to meet those challenges.”

Lynne Featherstone MP hosts reception in parliament for local cerebral palsy charity

Posted on 21st Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

To help raise awareness of Muswell Hill based London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy’s (LCCCP) special work, Lynne Featherstone MP yesterday hosted a parliamentary reception to highlight their achievements.

At the reception, the charity’s Chief Executive Marc Crank spoke of their difficult but successful work, helping children with cerebral palsy increase their mobility and become more independent. The Liberal Democrat MP also spoke of her many visits to the charity, and the amazing support and help the charity provides to families and their children with cerebral palsy.

The Muswell Hill based school, which recently changed its name from the Hornsey Trust, supports 55 families and their children with cerebral palsy, ranging from ages 1 to 11. The charity uses a technique called Conductive Education, which focuses on increasing independence.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“The London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy is a very special charity. They work tirelessly to help the children increase their mobility and grow up to become more independent.

“It was lovely to hear from the charity’s many fans at the reception, from local architects firms, to Winkworth estate agents, of why they are supporting the charity. Clearly the LCCCP’s special work has touched many hearts!”

LCCCP Chief Executive Marc Crank adds:

“The work we do is so life changing for the children and their families, and it’s really heartwarming to know that the charity has good friends, who work hard to help us continue this important work.

“A special thanks to Lynne and to Winkworth estate agents for supporting this reception, and our wider work.”

Muswell Hill Area Forum Councillors give thumbs down to Pinkham Way

Posted on 20th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Muswell Hill residents packed the British Legion Hall last Thursday to hear about the controversial Pinkham Way Waste Plant from Haringey Council officers at the first meeting of the new Muswell Hill Area Forum. The Pinkham Way proposal was on the agenda at the insistence of Liberal Democrat councillors who demanded residents be given the opportunity to discuss the plans, and question planning officers.

Haringey will be handling the planning application, so the meeting was welcomed by many who were disappointed by the North London Waste Authority’s refusal to speak at a public meeting Lynne Featherstone MP was hoping to organise earlier in the spring. At the Forum Committee meeting, local councillors also voted overwhelmingly for a motion that criticised the Pinkham Way waste facility proposals.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Alexandra, Juliet Solomon commented:

“This is an issue that local people care passionately about, and I have frankly been astounded that the waste authority is so unwilling to meet with local people and hear their concerns. I was therefore delighted that the issue was discussed at the Area Forum, and residents didn’t hold back in showing their outrage at the plans.

“I am also really pleased to see local councillors taking an unequivocal stand on this troubling proposal. Local residents in three boroughs are shocked and dismayed by the proposals and will be reassured to know that their fears are shared by their elected representatives who will be arguing against the plant strongly in every possible arena.”

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone added:

“The waste authority is planning to squeeze in this giant waste plant in the middle of a residential area, and residents are rightly outraged. I am this week meeting with the MPs from Enfield and Barnet, to see how we can jointly stop this monstrosity. Once the planning application is available for comment, we will also be writing to local people to tell them how best to respond. Please also sign our petition and show your opposition to the plans. Together we will fight these plans.”

The text of the motion passed reads:

“This Area Committee opposes the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) plans for a waste facility at Pinkham Way, and calls on the NLWA to drop the plans.

“Whilst we recognise the need to plan responsibly for waste disposal, this must not be through the location of a huge plant in a residential area with the excessive movement of large lorries that will result.”

“We further oppose plans for the use of the site by Barnet LB as a lorry park. The London Borough of Barnet should make arrangement for the parking of such vehicles in its own borough.”

Liberal Democrats force Council rethink on children’s centres

Posted on 18th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

As a result of action by the Liberal Democrats, Haringey Council has been forced to rethink controversial plans to re-structure and close local children’s centres. The Labour Cabinet member for Children and Young People on Thursday announced the Council had relented in the face of pressure from head teachers, governors and councillors and decided to do more to help Children’s Centres stay open.

Liberal Democrats forced the Council to address the concerns of parents and education experts by calling a special cross-party Overview & Scrutiny committee meeting. The revised proposals take on board a number of the Liberal Democrats’ demands, but have been criticised for still leaving several Children’s Centres at risk of closure.

The restructuring model originally proposed by the Labour Council has been put on hold and Cllr Reith has promised to look at alternative proposals to be developed by Haringey Children’s Centre Alliance.

Cllr Reith also agreed to provide small amounts of money to keep health services in Highgate, North Bank and Rokesly centres, and help for those centres to develop business plans to stay open. But the plans to withdraw the rest of the council funding from these centres by August will continue, along with the closure of the Tower Gardens centre.

Cllr Katherine Reece, Liberal Democrat Children’s spokesperson, comments:

“While I am pleased that we have made the Council rethink its approach to closing Children’s Centres, I am disappointed that once again, vulnerable families in the west of the borough are being ignored. Labour don’t seem to understand that not all families in Highgate, Muswell Hill, Fortis Green, Crouch End and Hornsey are wealthy.

“I hope the Council is serious about trying to help Highgate, Rokesly and North Bank children’s centres stay open with paid-for services. But there is still no detail on how much support will be provided, despite the fact that the Council are adamant that funding cuts should start in just two months.

“Although the Council seems to have listened to some of the Liberal Democrats concerns, the consultation with children’s centres staff about redundancy continues unabated, which makes me question how serious they are about listening to different ideas.”

Highgate Primary School Head Teacher William Dean adds:

“I am delighted that the Council has taken on board our proposal to cover accommodation costs for health services and to provide funding that will enable the centre to remain open. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent and essential services for our community from Highgate Primary School”.

Liberal Democrats back local residents in fight to stop Hornsey train shed

Posted on 17th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrats have this week backed local residents in their fight to stop a giant train depot being built at Coronation Sidings in Hornsey. A strong consultation response to Haringey Council was made by Hornsey Councillor Robert Gorrie, backed by local Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone MP, following a meeting last week between Network Rail, Residents’ Association chairs and Liberal Democrats.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“Local residents are enraged at the plans to build this huge train shed right next to New River Village, and I was delighted to be able to help residents put their concerns directly to Network Rail bosses in the meeting last week.

“I firmly back local residents, the Residents’ Association chairs who came to the meeting, as well as my colleague Councillor Gorrie in their submissions to the consultation. I hope that with such a resounding ‘no’ from the local community, the council will throw out this application, and Network Rail will have to look elsewhere to build their shed.”

Hornsey Councillor Robert Gorrie adds:

“I have been working very closely with residents for the past two years to help them fight these plans. Residents’ Association chairs from the neighbouring area have been very thorough in their review of this huge and complex application. They have worked tirelessly to identify the shortcomings in the plans and I wholeheartedly back them in their opposition.

“My main concerns, which I have made very clear to the Council, are about the lack of transparency in the Network Rail consultants’ selection of Hornsey as the location of the depot, the lack of mitigation proposed for the impact this massive operation would have on local residents, and the lack of information of how the shed would be run by whatever unidentified subcontractor is picked for the job. I hope that the Council will listen to local people and stop this monstrosity.”

Haringey Liberal Democrats take stand on drop-in centres

Posted on 15th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

The campaign by local Liberal Democrats against Labour’s proposals to close four drop-in centres used by vulnerable older people in Haringey took another step today as councillors formally contested the decision.

In order to try to reverse Labour’s plan to close older people’s drop-in centres at Willoughby Road, Abyssinia Court, the Irish Centre and Woodside House, as well as the luncheon club at Jackson’s Lane, Liberal Democrats have sought a last-minute policy change by referring the proposals to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny committee.

Liberal Democrats believe that the cuts proposed by Labour represent an assault on the vital preventative services provided at drop-in centres throughout the borough and would lead to more vulnerable elderly residents becoming socially isolated.

Since Haringey Council published details of plans to close drop-in centres, local Liberal Democrats have spearheaded a campaign to save the services. In February Labour voted against Liberal Democrat budget proposals to keep drop-in centres open.

Cllr David Winskill, Liberal Democrat Adult Social Services spokesperson, comments:

“Some vulnerable older residents rely on these services to get out of the house, see friends, get a good meal and access health services. Without these services older people will become socially isolated and their health may deteriorate.

“This is a short-sighted cut to vital services that will not benefit older people and in the long term will not provide the savings identified.”

Lynne Featherstone MP, adds:

“This is not the first time that Labour has tried to close our older people’s drop-in services and luncheon clubs. Previously, in 2000 and 2006, our battles to save the clubs were successful, I hope that Labour will see sense again.”

Lynne Featherstone MP on mission to help save hearts in Hornsey and Wood Green

Posted on 13th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

To learn how to save hearts if someone goes into cardiac arrest or has a heart attack, Lynne Featherstone MP on Friday did a ‘heartstart’ training course with the local ambulance service.

The Hornsey and Wood Green MP received comprehensive training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation – the process of ‘restarting’ the heart – the only way to save a life if a person has gone into cardiac arrest.

The current survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in London is 21.5%, but in some cities, such as Seattle in the US, survival rates are as high as 46%.

The ‘heartstart’ training course, run by Sarah Dale, the Community Resuscitation Officer for the London Ambulance Service, aims to increase London survival rates by teaching CPR skills, and is available for members of the public.

MP Lynne now wants to encourage local residents to take the two hour course, and learn how to save lives.

Residents who want to sign up, shouldcall 020 7783 2534 or email resustraining@londonambulance.nhs.uk.

The Liberal Democrat MP is also writing to local schools to encourage them to run the course for their pupils.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“It was really easy to learn how to save a life, by doing this two hour ‘heartstart’ course, and it can make all the difference to someone’s chances of survival if they collapse and stop breathing.

“The difference in survival rates between London and Seattle shows that we are still losing hearts in London that are too good to die, and the way to fight this is to help spread awareness about how to do CPR and use a defibrillator.

“I would encourage all residents to sign up for the ‘heartstart’ course, because if a loved one should suffer cardiac arrest or a heart-attack, your skills can be life-saving.”

Sarah Dale, Community Resuscitation Officer for the London Ambulance Service, adds:

“When a person suffers acardiac arrest, blood is no longer being pumped effectively around their body and oxygen is not reaching their brain. It’s vital that someone calls 999 for an ambulance and starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation straightaway.

“We are on hand to deliver ‘heartstart’ courses in London. Please do get in touch and help spread awareness.”