Lynne Featherstone presents prizes at local May Day street party

Posted on 7th May 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP on Sunday attended a maypole dance and street party on Hillfield Park in Muswell Hill. This year, it included a bake off judged by Maison Blanc, a hulahoopathon, a tug of war and maypole dancing.

The Liberal Democrat MP gave a short speech praising the residents and organisers of the street party, which has become an established annual event.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green then presented rosettes to the winners of the ‘best pet’ competition. The runners up included dogs and a hamster (who sat on the rosette to pose for the photo!) The local MP presented the winning rosette to the pet owner – as the winning cat, Boris, had disappeared!

After the party, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I had a great time at the street party, which is always so well organised and attended by the local residents.

“It’s fantastic to see a community come together and take part in these fun activities. I was very happy to present the best pet prizes – even though the winner absconded before the prize giving ceremony!

“I look forward to next year’s party.”

Save Muswell Hill Front Counter!

Posted on 1st May 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my most recent Ham and High Column on Policing in Haringey

Policing in Haringey is undergoing major changes. This all started last year, when the Conservative Mayor of London announced that changes would be made to policing in Haringey and across the city.

In the current economic climate, changes have to be made to make policing more efficient and cost effective. But from day one, the Lib Dems were clear that any changes should not have a negative impact on public access to the police.

Police front counters, for instance, are vital local services – allowing victims to go and report crimes face to face, in a safe and secure environment. We all hope that we will never have to visit one, but it is certainly reassuring to know they’re there.

So, when the Mayor mentioned that front counters might be closed and replaced with contact points, we started expressing our concern and asking questions.

Straight away, Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon asked the Mayor for a guarantee that there would be no time gap between a front counter closing and new contact point opening.

The Mayor gave this guarantee, and went on to say that no front counter would be lost without an ‘equivalent or indeed better’ replacement – open for the same number of hours.

During the consultation period, the Haringey Lib Dems and I called on the Mayor to keep to his word.

You can imagine our disappointment and anger when the Mayor announced his final plans, which include the closure of Muswell Hill volunteer counter. This would leave a huge chunk of the borough without proper access to front counter services.

Yes – changes had to be made, but not like this.

In response, I have launched a petition, calling on the Mayor to retain a local base for the Safer Neighbourhood Team on, or near, Muswell Hill Broadway with an accessible front counter for the public to report crimes.

Hundreds have signed already, and residents can add their names here: http://bit.ly/MuswellHillPolice

After launching the petition, I met with Haringey’s new Borough Commander – Victor Olisa. I was very pleased to hear that he had contacted the volunteers and is keen to keep a police presence in Muswell Hill. But Haringey Police need help finding a new location for the service – as the Met will be selling the building it currently operates from.

So, Haringey Police are willing to keep the volunteer counter service, but only if a suitable location can be found. Please contact me if you have any ideas for a suitable location for a front counter service in or around Muswell Hill.

We also saved this very front counter once before. With enough support from residents and Haringey Police, we can do the same again.

Lynne Featherstone MP delighted as new W7 bus stop made permanent

Posted on 24th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that the new W7 bus stop on Muswell Hill Broadway will become permanent, following a six month trial period.

Previously, the only nearby stop was located on the steep Muswell Hill, causing numerous problems for residents who found the stop inaccessible and unsafe to use. Elderly residents, disabled residents and those with young children had particular difficulties waiting for and boarding the bus.

Following a three year Liberal Democrat campaign, an additional W7 bus stop was finally installed by Haringey Council and TFL. The new, permanent stop is on flat ground outside Boots on Muswell Hill Broadway.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Muswell Hill Gail Engert said:

“The trial of the new bus stop has been a great success I am delighted that TfL have decided to make the new W7 bus stop permanent.

“We have campaigned since 2009 to make this happen. The new bus stop is much better for residents, particularly those with mobility difficulties and parents with buggies. We look forward to the trial for the 144 bus to also use the new stop from the autumn. We will continue to press TfL to make other local bus stops more accessible too.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I am delighted that this new, safe and accessible bus stop is finally permanent. This comes after years of local Lib Dem campaigning and demands that Haringey Council take action.

“I’d like to thank all the residents who supported our battle to secure a trial for this additional stop, and to make it permanent. The combination of Lib Dems and people power in Haringey triumphs once again!”

Lynne Featherstone MP takes step towards saving Muswell Hill’s police front counter

Posted on 22nd Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has taken a step forward in her campaign to save Muswell Hill’s volunteer police front counter, following a meeting with Haringey’s new Borough Commander, Dr Victor Olisa.

The front counter – which is run by volunteers – was earmarked for closure by the London Mayor as part of his ‘Crime Plan for Haringey.’

The Liberal Democrat MP launched a petition last week, calling on the Conservative Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police to maintain a front counter service and police base in Muswell Hill.

During the meeting, the Borough Commander said he had spoken to the 70 volunteers who staff the front counter. He affirmed his commitment to keeping the volunteers and a contact point, despite the Mayor’s decision to sell the building that the counter currently operates in.

The Borough Commander further confirmed that Haringey Police are looking for a suitable replacement premises in Muswell Hill. In the mean time, the volunteers will operate from the safer neighbourhood team base in East Finchley.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“It was fantastic to see the Borough Commander’s enthusiasm for keeping a police contact point staffed by volunteers in Muswell Hill.

“This is a vital local service and it would be such a shame to lose it. Residents should always have access to a local and safe place, where they can report crimes face to face.

“All we need now is a suitable premises for the front counter. It must be fully accessible and have at least two rooms. If anyone has any suggestions, please do let me know so I can pass these on to the police.”

Lynne Featherstone MP launches petition to save Muswell Hill Police front counter

Posted on 15th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today launched a petition to save Muswell Hill’s police front counter, following the Mayor of London’s decision to close it down.

The Mayor’s ‘crime plan’ for Haringey will see Muswell Hill’s volunteer front counter closed, and counters at Wood Green and Hornsey stations downgraded from 24hrs to part time.

The Haringey Lib Dems responded to the initial consultation, and spoke out against the proposals. After the final announcement, Local Lib Dem councillors have written again to the Deputy Mayor for Policing expressing their disappointment.

In November, the Mayor of London promised “equivalent or superior access to the police.”

The petition calls on the Mayor to keep this promise, and maintain a front counter service and police base in Muswell Hill.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Lib Dem Leader of the opposition, added:

“The Mayor’s decision to close Muswell Hill police counter is extremely disappointing. We will continue the fight to keep a front counter and safer neighbourhood team base in Muswell Hill.

“I urge local residents to sign our petition and put pressure on the Mayor to change his mind.”

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone said:

“The final crime plan announced by the Mayor was extremely disappointing. During the consultation period we conducted a survey, and it was clear that residents wanted their front counter services to stay.

“We were promised equal or better access to the police, but the Mayor has simply not delivered this. It is unacceptable and I will continue the fight to keep this counter open – as I did successfully in 2011.

“Residents can now sign our petition, which calls on the Mayor to retain a local base for the Safer Neighbourhood Team on, or near, Muswell Hill Broadway with an accessible front counter for the public to report crimes.”

Haringey Council admits responsibility for destruction of community artwork

Posted on 5th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today condemned Haringey Council, after they admitted that missing artwork in Muswell Hill was washed away by one of their contractors. The portraits had mysteriously vanished earlier this week.

The public portrait display was of local traders, who are speaking out in support of local trade as part of a global art project called Inside Out.

The artist, Matt Humphrey, had wanted to ‘give a face’ to the plight that independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives are currently facing.

The pictures had attracted a lot of attention, from local press and local residents alike. However, they have now disappeared for good, after being washed away by the Council.

The Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green had written directly to the Council two days ago demanding an explanation, as soon as the removal of the art was brought to her attention.

Muswell Hill Liberal Democrat Councillor Gail Engert commneted:

“If officers had simply picked up the phone to the Muswell Hill Councillors, we could have explained the significance of the art to them.

“This would have avoided this incredibly embarrassing situation for the Council, and saved the delightful community portraits.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It is a travesty that Haringey Council removed this artwork. They were fantastic portraits of local traders – inspiring a great sense of community cohesion and originality.

“You would think that after the Banksy saga, the Council would have learnt that people simply do not like high quality street art being removed from their area.

“I cannot believe that common sense didn’t kick in at any point before the pictures were washed away. And shockingly, they did not even attempt to contact the artist before they removed them.

“This is unfortunately just typical of Labour-run Haringey Council – no common sense and no connection with the local community. Residents deserve better.”

Lib Dems formally criticise Mayor's decision on police stations

Posted on 4th Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The Lib Dem opposition in Haringey have slammed the decision by the Mayor to close the front counter in Muswell Hill and reduce opening hours at Hornsey and Wood Green police stations.

Lib Dem councillor and crime spokesperson, Martin Newton has written to the Deputy Mayor of London objecting to the decision and calling on him to change his mind.

The Lib Dems have argued that having a contact point in Muswell Hill Library instead of the police counter is unacceptable because it will only be open for a short time and will be based in Muswell Hill Library. The library does not have disabled access so will not be usable for disabled people who would be forced to travel across the borough to report a crime.

Haringey Lib Dems have been campaigning for a local base for the Safer Neighbourhood Team on, or near, Muswell Hill Broadway with an accessible front counter for the public to report crimes.

Local Lib Dem MP, Lynne Featherstone, is also fighting the decision and has stated her opposition to the closure of Muswell Hill volunteer counter and the reduction of opening hours at Hornsey and Wood Green stations.

Martin Newton, Lib Dem crime spokesperson and councillor for Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, comments:

“This decision by the Mayor is unacceptable. We need to keep a front counter and safer neighbourhood police base in the Muswell Hill area and to keep Hornsey and Wood Green open twenty-four hours a day.

“The contact point in Muswell Hill Library, open three hours a week is completely unsuitable and will not have disabled access.

“We will continue the fight to keep a police presence in Muswell Hill and keep Hornsey and Wood Green police stations open twenty-four hours.

“I have written to the Deputy Mayor calling on him to change his mind, protect our twenty-four police stations and keep a proper police base in Muswell Hill. I hope he sees sense and listens to us and the pleas of local residents.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I am deeply disappointed with the Mayor’s crime plan for Haringey, which leaves the whole of the west of the borough without any nearby police station open twenty-four hours.

“In the past, I was promised that the Muswell Hill counter would never close without a suitable replacement service. The current alternative presented by the Mayor is certainly not suitable, and I will continue to campaign for an equal or better replacement in the Muswell Hill area. I will also continue to oppose the downgrading of front counters in Wood Green and Hornsey Police Stations.

“I encourage residents with views on the plans to also make themselves heard by contacting the Mayor directly.”

Read the full letter here.

Lynne Featherstone MP investigates disappearance of portraits in Muswell Hill

Posted on 3rd Apr 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Before

After

Lynne Featherstone MP has today written to Haringey Council, requesting information regarding the disappearance of portrait paintings in Muswell Hill. The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was alerted to the disappearance via twitter.

The public portrait display was of local traders, who are speaking out in support of local trade as part of a global art project called Inside Out.

The artist, Matt Humphrey, had wanted to ‘give a face’ to the plight that independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives are currently facing.

The pictures had attracted a lot of attention, from local press and local residents alike. However, they now have been washed away.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Just a few weeks ago I met the artist and saw the portraits of local traders. They were wonderful and it is so sad that they have been lost.

“First, our Turnpike Lane Banksy mysteriously disappeared, and now these wonderful portraits have been washed away.

“More needs to be done to protect high quality public art. It adds vibrancy and originality to our streets and can encourage visitors, which is good news for local businesses.

“The building owners did not remove the art, so I have now contacted Haringey Council to try to find out what has happened.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits Muswell Hill LOCALgallery exhibition

Posted on 19th Mar 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP visited theLOCALgallery in Muswell Hill on Saturday, to view an exhibition of photographs and discuss measures to keep local trade alive in the area.

The event organiser (local business owner and photographer Matt Humphrey) also took the opportunity to unveil a new public portrait display of local traders who are speaking out in support of local trade, as part of a global art project called Inside Out. The project in Muswell Hill is being co-organised by Matt Humphrey and photographer David Gould.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green viewed the ‘Paris in the Sixties’ photographs by local photographer Alan Scales, and took a wander through the French themed street event on Avenue Mews.

The Liberal Democrat MP then gave a brief speech about the measures she is taking to support independent retailers and high streets – including her independent shops competition and a campaign for 30 mins free parking on high streets.

After the event, organiser Matt Humphrey said:

“It was great that Lynne could visit Avenue Mews and theLOCALgallery at the weekend. Our mews and the ‘Paris In The Sixties’ exhibition are prime examples of the hidden creative talents that are bountiful yet overlooked in N10.

“Through the Inside Out Project and portraits of local traders, we wanted to literally give a face to the plight that we are facing as independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives. This is a theme that not only resonates within our area, but across the country, as high streets lose their individual characters and shops to become clones of one another.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I really enjoyed visiting this wonderful exhibition and gallery. I am so happy that Matt has taken the initiative to showcase local art, and bring the Inside Out project to Muswell Hill.

“In my constituency, we are lucky enough to have many unique, independent shops and retailers. During these tough times it is vital that we protect them. That’s why I’m running a competition to find our best independent shops, and campaigning for 30 minutes of free parking on high streets to encourage people to stop off at local retailers, rather than big multinationals.”

MP offers further support as Connaught House residents face eviction

Posted on 11th Mar 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today offered her continued support to residents of Connaught House in Muswell Hill.

The remaining residents face eviction today. The Metropolitan Police, who own the building, have refused to extend the lease granted to Crown Housing Association. The Association and the residents must therefore vacate the premises.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has previously contacted the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in an attempt to stop the eviction, and subsequently Crown Housing and Haringey Council, to ensure that appropriate alternative accommodation is found.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I have made numerous representations on behalf of my constituents at Connaught House. I have contacted the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Crown Housing and Haringey Council.

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the Met are intent on selling the land. They will not withdraw the instruction to Crown Housing to vacate the property.

“I have urgently contacted Crown Housing and Haringey Council, to gain assurance that all residents of Connaught House would be given appropriate alternative accommodation.

“Haringey Council said that they were advising and offering different housing options to each resident. Crown Housing also said that alternative housing options have been offered.

“I can only imagine what the residents must be going through. If any of them do not feel that Haringey Council or Crown Housing has offered them appropriate alternative accommodation, I urge them to contact me immediately so that I can make further representations on their behalf.”