Bus stop consultation not good enough say Liberal Democrats

10.00.18am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 19th Oct 2007

The Council's decision to only consult residents in the heart of the Highgate conservation area until one week before work was meant to commence on major changes to bus stops has been met with criticism from local Lib Dems. It was not until residents and businesses, situated on the 143 and 603 bus routes along North Hill, wrote to Haringey Council that work was postponed to listen to their views and opinions.

Local Lib Dem councillors have written to Council to express their continuing lack on confidence in the Council's consultation and the Council's lack of regard for resident's views.

Cllr Bob Hare (Highgate) comments:

"It is difficult to believe, not to say ridiculous, that this extensive programme of works had got to within a week of starting without any consideration at all of local people's views.

"The area is part of a conservation area and all works must be done in a way that respects its environment and heritage. Who could be better than the people who live and work in the area show what is needed and wanted locally.

"Once again, Labour are failing the residents."

Notes:

Works to improve bus stops are due to begin on 22nd October 2007 and are expected to be completed by 3rd November 2007. These have now been postponed to consult with residents.

The works to this bus stop involve:

• Raising the kerb stones at the bus stops to provide easy access for disabled passengers.

• Kerb and footway realignment.

• Providing red anti-skid road surfacing and bus stop marking.

• Relocating existing lamp column and bin.

• Relocating bus stop sign post, bus stop clearway restrictions sign (no waiting and no loading at any time) and bus stop information.