Lib Dems Anger Over Labour Council's Botched Public Meeting Proposal

1.41.00pm GMT Tue 6th Sep 2005

Haringey Lib Dems have slammed the Labour Council for failing to carryout a meaningful consultation over plans to build a concrete batching plant in Cranford Way, N8 after the Council proposed yesterday to hold a public meeting with residents next week.

Laura Edge, Lib Dem councillor for Stroud Green, is angry that little notice has been given of this proposed meeting scheduled for 7.30pm, next Wednesday (14th September) at Hornsey School for Girls, Inderwick Road. She says it does not leave adequate time to ensure that all interested parties are able to attend.

Cllr Edge is concerned that the Council is spending its 'limited resources' on another public meeting rather than the independent reports and investigations into the environmental impact of this site as requested by residents, local pressure group Green N8 and Cllr Edge.

Furthermore she is bewildered that while the Council is proposing another public meeting with residents in Hornsey and Stroud Green, worried residents to the east of the site in the Harringay Ladder are yet to be consulted at all.

Cllr Edge says this is just the latest in a long list of failures by the Council to adequately consult on this issue. Previously the Council have had to be pressed by Cllr Edge, Green N8 and residents:

To include many roads that would have additional traffic volumes as a result of the plant being built including Tottenham Lane and Church Lane.

Not to renege on previous promises to carryout full and independent reports on the environmental impact of noise, dust and traffic created by the plant.

To allow time for comprehensive impact reports to be completed before a decision is made at planning committee.

Cllr Edge is encouraging residents, particularly those living in the Ladder to attend the meeting should it go ahead next Wednesday to ensure that the Council are made completely aware of the residents' displeasure at the Council's botched consultation.

Cllr Edge comments: "The Council's handling of this consultation process has been nothing short of disgraceful.

"The decision to hold another meeting with residents in the Hornsey area with no clear objective seems senseless especially in light of their continued failure to consult those living in the Ladder. I will be writing to the council to bring this issue to their immediate attention."