West Hendon estate
Dear Editor,
So Barrett’s, the developers of the West Hendon regeneration scheme, Barnet Council and Barnet Homes think their plans are wonderful for current residents. (Times front page 23/10/14).
They rely for residents’ ‘support’ on the outcome of a ballot 12 years ago on a completely different plan, which the Conservatives had inherited from the then outgoing Labour Council administration, and which although not perfect was far better than what is now on offer to residents.
If they are so sure of their ground, why have the Council persistently and consistently refused to reballot the residents on their current scheme, despite repeated requests from the residents and myself on their behalf, formerly as MP and now AM, to do so?
Surely not because they are frightened that the secure tenants might just vote against it? After all, they will only see their views of the Welsh Harp replaced with views of the back of takeaway shops when those residents are rehoused in the block being built in the middle of the gyratory system car park?
Surely not because they are frightened that the leaseholders might conceivably vote against it? They are only facing compulsory purchase with a compensation offer of only a fraction of what their current homes are worth ( and certainly nowhere near enough to enable them to stay in the area) ?
Surely not because they are frightened that the temporary tenants might just be tempted to vote ‘no’? Even though they have lived on the estate for years and face being deported miles away to who knows where ( as they certainly don’t), away from friends , their kid’s schools and their jobs, could they conceivably back it?
Surely not because the wildlife ( if they had a vote) would oppose it because of the 29 storey tower blocks right up against the Welsh Harp lake and their natural habitats, which will be destroyed?
Maybe it is because the current Conservative MP has been noticeable in his failure to support these residents, refusing even to meet them when they turned up for his ‘public’ meeting which suddenly was transformed into ‘private’ one, to exclude anyone who might ask difficult questions.
The failure to listen to residents is yet another example of the dysfunctional and undemocratic council that is Barnet railroading their schemes irrespective of the damage to long standing communities and the environment alike.
yours sincerely,
Andrew Dismore AM
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Hendon and London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden
79 the Burroughs
