Liberal Democrat pressure secures second consultation

2.30.22pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

Pressure from Haringey Liberal Democrats has ensured that a second meeting will be held to discuss bids for the new secondary school in Wood Green. Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone and Councillor Gail Engert (Spokesperson for Children and Young people) voiced their dismay at the disastrous turnout to the first meeting on Tuesday 16 th January. Of the thirty-five attendees only six were members of the public - the rest made up of members, teachers, councillors and bid representatives.

Cllr Gail Engert says :

"I am delighted that that Labour have bowed to the request from Lynne and myself for a second consultation meeting on the new school as there were only six ordinary residents at the first one"

"Its paramount that residents, particularly parents, are fully informed of the options. The Liberal Democrats once again have ensured that the people will not be cut-out of the process by inadequate consultation by the Labour council."

The new meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday 6th February at Alexandra Primary School in Western Road, N22. Liberal Democrats are urging more residents to attend. This is especially important as in a new blow to local democracy the New Labour Government are changing the rules so that the competition for who runs the new school will be decided by the Schools Adjudicator and not the local School Organisation Committee.

Lynne Featherstone commented

"I am very concerned that an issue of such importance to local residents will now not be decided locally. The Labour government have changed the rules to steamroller their academy programme regardless of local opinion".