Lynne Featherstone MP vows to continue the fight against delayed Pinkham Way development

Posted on 7th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Just weeks after campaigners launched a new petition against a 30 year waste contract that could open the way for a new development plan Pinkham Way, the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has announced the new timetable for the North London Waste Plan (NLWP)

The revised waste plan sets out how 7 north London boroughs plan to deal with waste in the future.

The original plan – which had been delayed significantly as a result of strong campaigning efforts from local residents, the Pinkham Way Alliance and the Haringey Lib Dems – was thrown out as it failed to comply with the law and the consultation was flawed.

The timetable for the new plan mean further delays, as the document will not be signed off by Haringey Council and the other north London boroughs until after the local elections in May 2014, rather than before the elections as originally planned.

Haringey Liberal Democrats and Lynne Featherstone responded to the initial consultation on the new waste plan raising their objections and concerns about Pinkham Way and the need to reduce the amount of waste boroughs generate.

In contrast, Haringey Labour and Labour councillors in Bounds Green failed to respond to the waste plan consultation despite the fact that a waste development or lorry depot on Pinkham Way would badly affect residents.

Lynne Featherstone MP and the Haringey Liberal Democrats have vowed to continue to fight against the waste plan as it stands and any proposals for a waste plant or lorry depot at Pinkham Way.

Cllr Jim Jenks, Lib Dem Environment Spokesperson, comments:

“It doesn’t matter how long the NLWA delays the new waste plan Haringey Liberal Democrats will continue to object to the flawed plan and will fight any proposals for a waste plant at Pinkham Way.

“The waste plan has many problems and does not focus on reducing waste; instead it leaves the door open for a waste plant at Pinkham Way, despite the concerns of local residents.”

“It really worries me the NLWA intends to award a 30 year contract when we have no idea what changes in waste use and technology are going to take place in this enormous timescale.”

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

“Last year, we celebrated as plans to build a massive waste plant on the Pinkham Way site were thrown out. This was down to a huge campaigning effort by local residents, the Pinkham Way Alliance, and the local Lib Dems.

“But the battle goes on, and we need a similar effort to protect Pinkham Way from a new waste contract and development plan. The Haringey Lib Dems and I will keep on fighting this every step of the way – representing residents and opposing the plans.

“It’s a shame the same can’t be said for the Haringey Labour – who waved the original, flawed plans through and couldn’t even be bothered to respond to the consultation this time around.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits Action for Kids

Posted on 6th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP today visited ‘Action For Kids’, a local charity based in Hornsey. The organisation aims to help disabled children and young people towards independence, through the provision of mobility equipment, learning, training and support.

The Liberal Democrat MP was given a tour of the charity’s building before meeting some of the children and taking part in their activities, such as painting. The local MP also got to see a group of children heading off on a trip – facilitated by the charity.

In a meeting with the new Chief Executive, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was told more about the services offered by the charity, and how they are now focussing on getting some of the young adults into jobs.

Following the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It was fantastic to join in with some of the activities and see a group of youngsters ready to go on a trip together – all facilitated by this great organisation.

“The new Chief Executive is doing great things – particularly trying to help these young people into paid jobs. I will certainly keep in touch and up to date with the work they’re doing, and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Lynne Featherstone MP and Jobcentre Plus announce local apprenticeship event

Posted on 29th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Local MP Lynne Featherstone has teamed up with Jobcentre Plus to run an apprenticeship event in her constituency of Hornsey and Wood Green.

The event will introduce young people to a range of apprenticeships and companies that are offering these opportunities. Companies will be giving out information on their apprenticeship opportunities at the event, and also holding free workshops to give people advice with their applications.

The Government Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle MP, will be present at the event and will make speech.

Since 2010, 530 new apprenticeships have been created in Hornsey and Wood Green, and youth unemployment has fallen by over a quarter. The Liberal Democrat MP and Jobcentre Plus both want to help reduce unemployment further, and continue to increase the number of young people entering apprenticeships.

The event will take place on Wednesday 14^th August, between 2pm – 6pm at Haringey Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Creating more jobs and opportunities – particularly for young people – is currently top of the Lib Dem’s list of priorities.

“Any young or unemployed person in Haringey who would like an apprenticeship, or more information on what they involve, should come along to the Civic Centre on the 14^th and find out more.

“It will be a great opportunity for people to get advice, make some contacts, and even secure apprenticeships that will kick start their future career.”

Jessica Hodgson, Operations Manager for Haringey & Islington, Jobcentre Plus commented:

“Apprenticeships are a great way for our local young people to begin their careers and this event is a perfect chance for them to meet employers who have opportunities now.”

Lynne Featherstone MP backs Pinkham Way Alliance petition

Posted on 26th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has encouraged local residents to sign the Pinkham Way Alliance’s current petition to halt the £3 billion waste contract for North London.

The North London Waste Authority is intending to award a 30 year waste contract worth £3 billion for the management of waste across all seven of its member boroughs – including Haringey.

The Alliance assert that the contract is deeply flawed, as it is based on waste predictions for 30 years ahead – absurdly far in advance and already shown to be inaccurate and based on guesstimates.

The new contract could also see renewed plans for a waste facility on Pinkham Way.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and the PWA have teamed up before, and successfully stopped the building of a massive waste plant on the Pinkham Way site.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Last year, we successfully prevented the building of a completely unsuitable waste plant – but the fight goes on.

“The Haringey Lib Dems and I are now supporting the PWA’s latest petition – and encouraging residents to do the same.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes huge boost in funding for primary schools

Posted on 22nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has announced the biggest ever rise in the Pupil Premium for primary schools to help ensure that more pupils are able to achieve higher standards.

The Pupil Premium provides schools with extra money to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It will be increased to £1,300 per eligible primary school pupil in 2014/15, up from £900 per child this year. That’s likely to be an extra £3,640,000 for primary schools in Hornsey and Wood Green.

Schools will be able to spend this money in ways that they feel helps their pupils best. Evidence shows some schools use it to hire extra staff, reading and maths classes for children who need an extra hand or provide appropriate IT facilities.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg recently visited a school in Hornsey and Wood Green to discuss how the pupil premium is benefitting students.

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

“All the evidence shows that if your child starts behind in secondary school, they stay behind. That is unacceptable.

“As part of the Liberal Democrats’ aim to build a fairer society, the Coalition Government is putting extra money into primary schools to help teachers support disadvantaged children.

“This boost in the Pupil Premium will help ensure we give those children a better start at secondary school, so they have a better start in life.”

Lib Dem success as 20mph consultation launched in Haringey

Posted on 22nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has welcomed the consultation on a Borough-wide 20mph speed limit for Haringey.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and the Haringey Liberal Democrats have campaigned for residents to have their say on the introduction of a borough wide 20mph limit since 2010.

Hundreds of local residents have also signed a Lib Dem petition calling for the introduction of a 20mph zone, and others have filled in a survey with their views on the proposal.

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

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone commented:

“I am glad that the Council have finally caved in to pressure and agreed to consult on whether Haringey should become a 20mph borough.

“It is vital that residents get to have their say – and this is what the local Lib Dems and I have campaigned for since 2010. Thank you to all who took part in our campaign and have helped us get this far.

“I must say, it seems bizarre – and dare I say cynical – that Haringey Labour are only now campaigning for a speed limit – having rejected and delayed the proposal for years to date!”

Rubbish!

Posted on 22nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

During the hot weather, it’s nice to have a bit of shade, a cold lemonade and some free time to relax.

It’s also nice to have clean streets and frequent rubbish collections – to avoid smelly, rotting rubbish from accumulating on our pavements.

But unfortunately, Haringey Council have let residents down again. Take a look at the mess on Hornsey High Street and Lymington Avenue.

Even worse – take a look at this tweet from a local resident – who has had to deal with maggots due to Haringey Council’s incompetence.

This is just awful. What on earth do we pay our Council Tax money for? Poor services and smelly, rotting rubbish on our streets? For public health hazards not to be removed?

And what kind of image does this give to people visiting our borough?

I think it’s about time Labour-run Haringey got a grip on this. During this weather – they more than ever need to ensure that collections are made regularly.

My team will report any uncollected rubbish to the Council on the day you report it to us – so please do let us know of other instances of smelly, rotting rubbish in your area.

I am determined to keep the streets of Hornsey and Wood Green clean and safe – even though the Labour Council clearly aren’t bothered.

The latest on the Whittington

Posted on 18th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my most recent Ham and High column about the Whittington Hospital

Last week, the Whittington Hospital Board released their revised strategy for the Hospital’s future. And it is certainly an improvement on their first attempt!

The Whittington Hospital Board sure did give us a scare in January, when they announced that they would be selling hospital buildings and reducing staff and beds – without any public consultation .

As well as being a local MP, the Whittington is my local hospital, and has been for decades. Like everyone, I was concerned and fearful about the Hospital’s future.

The local Liberal Democrats, residents and I had campaigned hard back in 2010 to save the A&E – as the then Labour Government attempted to close it down. We thankfully saved it then, and I fully intended to do the same this time.

That’s why we launched a petition in January, calling on the Whittington Board to pause, listen to residents and assure us that there would be no loss of services without equal or better replacements in place.

Unlike some – we didn’t go out all guns blazing calling for no change at all. We recognise that the Hospital will have to make some changes to secure its long term future – but community consultation and no loss of hospital services are of paramount importance.

After meeting the Hospital Board regularly, and collecting a whopping 3,600 local resident signatures on our petition, they agreed to our demands. They assured us that there would be no loss of service, and agreed to pause and listen to residents.

This was a fantastic victory for local people power. The listening exercise gave us all a chance to tell the Whittington what we thought about their plans for our Hospital – and the result was a revised strategy! I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to every resident who signed our petition and made the Board see sense.

As for the strategy now – two buildings that were earmarked for sale have been saved, while two others will be subject to a community consultation. The Hospital’s maternity unit will still see a £10million investment, and plans for an ambulatory day care centre to support the A&E will go ahead. Beds will not be lost unless they are not needed, and there will be no significant reduction in staff.

And in other good news – the Hospital are now in no rush to push through any changes. Thanks to Lib Dem work in Government, the deadline for Hospitals to make changes and become Foundation Trusts – set by the previous Labour Government – has been removed. This means Hospitals like the Whittington can progress under considerably less pressure.

The Haringey Lib Dems and I will of course continue to push hard for high quality health services for our community as the details of these plans are worked out – and keep residents updated on any opportunities that arise for them to have their say.

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes fall in unemployment

Posted on 18th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed the falling levels of unemployment in her constituency of Hornsey and Wood Green, as well as in London and the UK as a whole.

In Hornsey and Wood Green, the number of people currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) is 480 lower than in June 2012 and 171 lower than in May 2013.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) also show that unemployment in London dropped by 16,000 since the last quarter. Across the UK, the level of unemployment dropped by 57,000, including a 20,000 drop in youth unemployment.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“This fall in the number of people claiming JSA is a welcome sign. This drop, combined with the rise in the total number of people in employment, shows that our economy is recovering and people are returning to work.

“This is clearly a positive step forward, but we have to remain focussed on creating jobs and building a stronger economy.

“Jobs are the key building block in creating a stronger economy and fairer society that allows everyone to get on in life. That is why our unrelenting focus will be promoting job creation and encouraging businesses to take on apprentices.”

Equal Marriage becomes law!

Posted on 17th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has expressed her delight today, as the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was granted Royal Assent and consequently has become an Act of law.

The first marriage ceremonies are expected to take place by summer next year.

The Liberal Democrat MP has been at the forefront of the process to secure equal marriage since it was first confirmed as Liberal Democrat policy in 2010, having brought the policy to the Home Office and initiated the Government consultation process in March 2012 in her former role as Equalities Minister.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has been awarded ‘Politician of the Year’ for her efforts by Attitude Magazine in October 2012.

On her blog, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I am so happy – that’s it – just so happy. You go into politics wanting to change the world for the better – and here is my little bit of it.

“Tributes to all who have helped over the ages in the step by step journey to equal marriage – but especially to those who have had to suffer the discrimination and bigotry that made its path so painful.

“And very best wishes to all those who will now get married. As Ben & Jerry put it on the special ice-cream tub they sent me to thank me for my work instigating equal marriage: ‘Everyone deserves to live Apple-y Ever After’

“…and so they do!”