Devil in the detail - Local Councillor calls for more detail in Muswell Hill Library proposals

12.20.00pm GMT Mon 24th Jul 2006

Haringey Lib Dem Cllr Gail Engert has welcomed the first step of progress on the refurbishment of Muswell Hill Library but expresses deep concerns on the lack of detail in the proposal.

To applause from assembled residents at the Council's consultation' meeting, Cllr Engert publicly challenged Cllr Lorna Reith Executive Member responsible for Community Engagement, on the lack of real detail for residents to consider and respond to.

Cllr Engert comments:

"What residents really want to know and understand is how the changes are going to affect the choice and availability of their library facilities, so they can have their say.

"The proposals on offer were so lacking in detail it is difficult to see how anyone could be expected to make an informed opinion.

"Sadly, this is the poor quality of consultation that we've become accustomed from the Labour administration. For them it seems like consultation is a perfunctory process that they undertake with no real consideration or skill rather than a fantastic and valuable opportunity to engage with the people we serve."