Andrew Dismore

 

Andrew Dismore, Labour parliamentary candidate for Hendon and  London Assembly member has today learned that  Public Health England (PHE) yesterday informed staff at its Colindale  HPA site that it will be recommending to the Government,  that PHE consolidate its operations at the former GSK facility in Harlow.  This means closure of the Colindale site, beginning in 2016. 

Mr Dismore said:

“If this closure is allowed to go ahead, this will be a major blow to Colindale and the 1,000 staff who work there.  I am seeking an urgent meeting with the PHE management and staff at Colindale to discuss this unwelcome plan.

“The work done at Colindale is world class and vital to the protection of the public.

“This move is undoubtedly a consequence of the takeover of the HPA site by Public Health England in July 2011, and which was then welcomed by Hendon’s Conservative MP when he wrote on his website:

“Changes to public health in England could be a big boost to local people – in keeping them healthy and by providing greater local employment…..

I am keen to ensure that we capitalise on those and the current Health Protection Agency in Colindale. The HPA site employs over 1,000 people and contributes to vitally important work to ensure protection against viruses and diseases.”

“As usual, he got it badly wrong at the time and has failed to defend effectively these important jobs and essential service in Colindale. He has had nothing to say about this closure threat. No doubt he wants to see yet more flats built on the site, to add to Colindale’s overdevelopment. Now, through his incompetence we face the loss of these jobs and their contribution to the local economy.”

Even though Hendon’s  Conservative MP has failed, I am working with my newly elected Labour Councillor colleagues to do what we can to fight off this threat. It is essential that Barnet Council works with us to contribute their weight to this campaign to save HPA Colindale and 1000 local jobs.”