Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat councillors have attacked Haringey Council for failing the children of Fortis Green after it was revealed that the area will not have access to a new Children’s Centre.

New plans unveiled by Haringey Council on Tuesday (17 June 2008) showed that proposals for building phase three of the borough’s Children’s Centres failed to provide a centre for the parents and children in Fortis Green as well as Alexandra and Crouch End – the only three wards in Haringey without one.

In February Cllr Engert, at a meeting of Haringey Council’s ‘watchdog’ committee, asked for details of Haringey Council’s children’s centre plans in which it replied that Haringey Council were “committed to a children’s centre provision in Fortis Green”.

Cllr Gail Engert, Liberal Democrat Children, Schools and Families spokesperson comments:

“Clearly Haringey Council has gone back on their word. In February they said that they were committed to a Children’s centre but now they have let down the children and parents of Fortis Green. I am also extremely concerned that Crouch End and Alexandra are being left out and fully expect these wards to be included in the proposals on Children’s Centres in December.”

Cllr Martin Newton, Liberal Democrat (Fortis Green) adds:

“Fortis Green is a ward that contains pockets of deprivation and an increasing population. Liberal Democrats have continually identified the need in Fortis Green for a new children’s centre and will continue to press Haringey Council.”