Haringey Council states "If we can't stop gambling shops in Green Lanes, then it's clear that we've lost any ability to control gambling anywhere in the borough"

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Permalink Reply by Liz on April 18, 2008 at 20:32

So much for sustainable communities. Fine words this government has about bottom up democracy and supporting communities but their appalling legislation belies that somewhat. Where to now? Many thanks to the campaigners who tried so damned hard to stop this but when a council simple throws its hands up like this and declares it cannot control something, then there is something very rotten indeed going on here.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 18, 2008 at 20:55

I've just written to Patrick Collinson at the Guardian with this soundbite and also to Lammy and the 6 local councilors urging them to use any influence they have to see that the case goes to appeal.

I'd urge as many of you as possible to write simillar letters.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on April 18, 2008 at 23:06

I will do so

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 19, 2008 at 0:06

I've also written spammed every Yahoo group in Haringey - well about a dozen of them, urging the same message, Yup, I'm from the fatladysings school.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on April 19, 2008 at 9:06

Sent to councillors and David Lammy
As residents, elected representatives and champions of Green lanes through
membership of the Green lanes Strategy Group, I am certain that you are as
alarmed as I, and many others, about the recent magistrates' decision in favour
of Metrobet and the effect it will almost certainly have on other pending
decisions. I was also equally alarmed to read on the Harringay online website
that the head of Haringey's legal team is of the opinion that "If we can't stop
gambling shops in Green Lanes, then it's clear that we've lost any ability to
control gambling anywhere in the borough". I hardly need to tell you what the
effect of large numbers of gambling establishments will have on a small stretch
of road both in the short term and for the sustainability of this community in
the long term.
Next week, the decision whether to appeal the magistrates ruling will made and I
am asking that you push for the council to challenge it. It is clear that the
effects of these decisions will have an effect both on Green lanes and the rest
of the borough.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 19, 2008 at 9:55

Goodonya!

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Permalink Reply by Alison P on April 19, 2008 at 19:24

Crass is putting it lightly. Who could disagree with this view of the current legal situation? There are so few grounds for the council to appeal - and I presume what he/she is saying that if they can't win on those grounds here then where can they.

I get really cross thinking back to all the hoo-hah about super casinos - when in reality this is the bit of legislation that has the biggest effect on what our neighbourhoods look like.

I've written to David Lammy too, will let you know when I hear back.

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Permalink Reply by Nilgun Canver on April 19, 2008 at 20:22

Hi Hugh, Thank you very much for all your help in objecting the application. I am grateful to everyone who signed the petition and sent in objection letters / e-mails. I am arranging that you are included in the list of those who receive a copy of the Majestrates decision and a special briefing that is being prepared for Councillors and residents who took part in the appeal process. The Council has listened to the local residents and concerns of our partners. That's why the licensing committee rejected the original application and defended the appeal. However, the whole process indicates that amendement to the legislation is required. David Lammy MP and I have been liaising with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Gov. on this matter. It would be helpful if people had factual info first before rushing into Council bashing. Will speak to you soon. Nilgun Canver

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 19, 2008 at 20:33

Nilgun, re-read the page. No one is council bashing. Any animosity is aimed at the legislation. I commend the Council for its decisions thus far. You've done right by us. The council officer was merely showing their exasperation at the law. I agree with them. We're all on the same side.

What we're asking of you now Nilgun is that you as councillors appreciate the grave nature of the decision to be taken next week and use all your influence to see that this legislation doesn't go unchallenged and wreak havoc across the borough.

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Permalink Reply by Nilgun Canver on April 19, 2008 at 21:03

Thank you. On a positive note, Cllr. Adamou was only this morning lobbying me based on your e-mail. We're at present seeking advice from Barissters to take an informed decision whether we go ahead with the High Court appeal. I'll be in touch. Nilgun Canver

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on April 19, 2008 at 21:05

Thanks Nilgun. On another positive note I welcome your constructive engagament with Harringay residents via this site.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on April 19, 2008 at 20:35

I am not clear what you see as 'council bashing' here. Our frustration is with 'rotten' legislation that has meant that the council has been forced into this situation and cannot defend the residents against the predations of the betting industry on our tiny stretch of road. I would suggest that there is an enormous amount of sympathy for the council in this fight and the fact that people are staging a last ditch attempt to persuade them to continue this is a measure of how much we care for our area.

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