Haringey Council’s failure to consult residents in the heart of the Highgate conservation area before work was meant to commence on major changes to bus stops has been met with criticism from local Lib Dems. It was not until residents and businesses, situated on the 143 and 603 bus routes along North Hill, wrote to Haringey Council that work was postponed to give time to listen to their views and opinions.

Local Lib Dem councillors have written to Council to express their continuing lack on confidence in the Council’s consultation and the Council’s lack of regard for resident’s views.

Cllr Bob Hare (Highgate) comments:

“It is difficult to believe, not to say ridiculous, that this extensive programme of works had got to within a week of starting without any consideration at all of local people’s views.

“The area is part of a conservation area and all works must be done in a way that respects its environment and heritage. Who could be better than the people who live and work in the area show what is needed and wanted locally.

“Once again, Labour are failing the residents.”

Haringey’s Lib Dems last night selected popular local campaigner and barrister David Schmitz as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for the Tottenham constituency.Amidst heartfelt congratulations from his Lib Dem colleagues, Mr Schmitz used the meeting to warn Haringey Labour that the days when Tottenham residents would simply put up with Labour neglect were over.

David Schmitz is already a formidable Tottenham campaigner for the Lib Dems, who almost unseated a former Labour Mayor in a huge swing in last year’s local elections. He role was key to securing the election of Lib Dem councillors in Tottenham for the first time in many years.

The Lib Dems see the area as one where residents are now turning to the Lib Dems, with the Tories knocked into third place in the last general election and having no seats at all on Haringey Council.

David Schmitz says:

“I will be fighting to ensure that Labour’s neglect and mismanagement are gone forever.

“A few years ago, the house next door to us became a drugs den. Haringey Council’s inability to deal with the problem turned me into a local campaigner. When the drug den was destroyed by fire, my partner and I bought the wreck and spent a year doing it up as our home. I was so impressed by what the Lib Dems were achieving in Haringey that when our building work was done, I decided that the time had come for me to join in their campaigns.

“Haringey Labour knows that a Lib Dem Haringey Council and a Lib Dem Tottenham MP will improve our borough beyond recognition. I am delighted to be building on the work of our Tottenham councillors and I look forward to emulating the brilliant successes of Lynne Featherstone MP in the west of the borough.”

David Schmitz was congratulated at the meeting by Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone, who adds:

“I am thrilled to be working with David, who is already a formidable Tottenham campaigner.He can achieve similar successes in Tottenham to our own in Hornsey. I am sure we will make a truly great team.”

Labour-run Haringey Council’s commitment to recycling was cast into doubt this week after comments by a senior Labour member saying that he was not concerned at reports that recycling volumes had fallen. Lib Dems have expressed their astonishment at comments from Cllr Brian Haley, the Labour cabinet member for environment, who was responding to Lib Dem questions at the Full Council meeting on 15 th Oct 2007 voicing their concern at the 1.1% fall in recycling in Haringey.

Lib Dems have criticised Haringey Council’s lack of action and have set up their own ‘Make mine a double’ campaign to help increase recycling by telling residents how to obtain a second recycling box – something the Labour council does almost nothing to publicise.

Local MP Lynne Featherstone’s successful postcard campaign isbeing rolled out to tens of thousands of homes in the borough.

An ungracious Cllr Haley failed to welcome the campaign – but had little choice but to agree to residents receiving their extra green boxes.

Cllr Bob Hare, Lib Dem Sustainability Spokesperson, comments:

“I am shocked at the way at which Labour seem to think that decreasing rates of recycling can be disregarded without explanation. Every effort needs to be made to keep residents’ enthusiasm strong and if there is the slightest downturn in rates we must act. This is something Labour don’t seem to grasp.”

Local MP Lynne Featherstone adds:

“Cllr Haley has agreed to provided the extra boxes – albeit through gritted teeth. It’s a pity he couldn’t do so with more enthusiasm, as we need to encourage recycling as much as we can.”

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem MP for Hornsey & Wood Green, has been nominated for the British Computer Society’s MP Website Award.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the BCS is presenting these special awards for the MP with the website in one of the following three categories: the best design, engagement or accessibility.

The winners will be announced 7 November.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP says:

“I am thrilled that such a prestigious organisation as the British Computer Society has given such a big thumbs up for my website.

“My site and blog are fantastic for allowing me to communicate directly with local residents and get them properly engaged in the important issues that affect our community, from potholes in the roads to fighting for funding for our schools.”