HIGHGATE - DISMAY OVER PLANNED PENSIONER CUTBACKS

9.29.43pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 21st Nov 2006

Highgate councillors Bob Hare and Neil Williams have expressed dismay at the prospect of the popular luncheon club at Jackson's Lane community centre facing the axe in a council round of cutbacks. Local Lib Dem councillors have been contacted by worried residents who rely on the service and fear it may be lost.

Lib Dem Group Leader Neil Williams says that as well as providing meals for elderly residents, the club performs a vital social function, keeping vulnerable Highgate residents well, in touch with one another and arranging other events such as coach trips. All of this is achieved through a grant of just £10,000 from Haringey council.

Lib Dem Leader Neil Williams comments: "Elderly Highgate residents have very little provision from the Council, and it is difficult to imagine a more cost effective service. For such a small amount of money, a huge amount of care and social contact would be lost.

Cllr Bob Hare adds: "It would be scandal to shut the service for such a small saving. Jackson's Lane provides a vital service, and at a very high degree of efficiency. This senseless cut must not get the go ahead."