Lib Dem anger at indefinite closure of Muswell Hill Youth Club

3.13.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Dec 2006

A local Lib Dem Councillor has expressed dismay that Haringey's Labour run council has closed Muswell Hill Youth Club until further notice due to staff shortages. Cllr Gail Engert (Muswell Hill ward), is also pointing out that the number of serious, youth-related vandalism incidents have risen at various sites, including Albert Recreation Ground. In addition, since mid-September there have been several incidents of damage and unruly behaviour both within the Muswell Hill Centre itself and to adjoining properties.

This closure also comes shortly after the highly critical Ofsted Report into Haringey Youth Service, which labelled it 'inadequate' and the range of provision 'unsatisfactory', awarding it with a Grade 1 - 'A service that does not deliver minimum requirements for users.'

Cllr Gail Engert comments:

"It beggars belief that this Labour Council cannot provide staff to keep open the only youth facility that Haringey provides in the west of the borough. This is particularly shocking after the damning Ofsted Report on Haringey youth services that raises serious concerns borough-wide.

Closing the youth centre so there is nowhere for young people to go just leaves the police to pick up the pieces of youth disaffection. Local Lib Dem councillors are continually highlighting the lack of youth provision in their wards but under this Labour administration instead of getting better, things are only getting worse."