Jackson's Lane Centre Closure - Haringey Council Must Act Now, Say Lib Dems

2.57.22pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 5th Feb 2007

Highgate Liberal Democrat councillors Bob Hare and Neil Williams, along with local MP Lynne Featherstone, are calling for urgent action from the council to make repairs to the Jackson's Lane Community Centre on Archway Road. The Centre has been closed for several days following serious problems with the roof exacerbated by recent storm damage, with many classes and performances cancelled.

Lib Dems also say that the council, which owns the freeholds of the building, has been aware of the need for structural repairs for over a year, but has taken no action. Apart from the disastrous closure of the centre, the Lib Dems say the council may well have put the surrounding area in danger. The Council says it is unable to start repairs for three weeks, which is not good enough, say the Lib Dems, as the centre needs to re-open quickly to avoid potential bankruptcy, as its major sources of income have been cut off.

Local councillor and Lib Dem Leader Neil Williams comments:

"What has happened to the centre is nothing short of disgraceful and Haringey must take responsibility. It is a much loved community resource, and one of few council premises in the Highgate area. The council should have acted before to secure the safety of the roof, and any delays are just not acceptable.

Cllr Bob Hare adds:

"We are awaiting an urgent response from the council to this crisis. This simply cannot wait. The centre has been severely let down. We are lucky the falling masonry did not kill or injure anyone. Now the building and surrounding area must be made safe. The Centre must also be compensated for the substantial revenues they have lost as a result."