Andrew Dismore

Barnet Council’s scheme to charge for the use of park car parks has been branded “bonkers” by local Labour London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore.

Barnet Council is consulting on plans to introduce charges for Mill Hill Park, the Old Courthouse Recreation Ground, Scratchwood Open Space and West Hendon Playing Fields.

Mr Dismore said:

‘Barnet Council’s obsession with privatisation continues. They couldn’t privatise the parks because of a huge community campaign, led by Labour Councillors, so now they want to privatise the car parks. This is another assault on the poorest in the borough, and especially families with young children. This unstinting vision of “pay as you go” for public services is part of their ignominious “easycouncil” model, which has thus far failed. The Conservatives never learn from their mistakes, they just apply them to different services.’

The Labour Candidate for Barnet and Camden in the forthcoming London Assembly Elections Cllr Anne Clarke added:

‘The Coronavirus pandemic has shown how vital local parks are for residents, especially those without gardens. With more people working from home for the foreseeable future, it is all the more important we keep good access to green spaces. It is morally wrong to be taking these measures at a time of financial hardship for many families and when the need to use local parks is at its strongest.’

ENDS

Notes:

• Andrew Dismore is the Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden
• Cllr Anne Clarke is The Labour Candidate for Barnet and Camden in the forthcoming London Assembly Elections.
• The consultation can be found here: https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/car-parking-charges-parks