What a difference a few weeks can make.

At the December Barnet Council meeting, which was abruptly halted, the cabinet member for regeneration responded to our motion on the West Hendon estate stating that the 2002 pledge given to residents was no longer viable, and that the Conservative administration was not prepared to spend money on an estate due for demolition.

Eight weeks later, on March 4, council leader Mike Freer informed residents of West Hendon estate he was going to spend £2 million on replacement windows and other long outstanding repairs, and that he would also try to get the original pledge honoured by Barratts and Metropolitan.

This is a complete reversal of Mr Freer's stated position, forced on him and his administration by prolonged and, in recent weeks, intense justifiable pressure.

Ward councillors, the local MP, West Hendon Residents Association and comprehensive media coverage all heaped criticism on his administration.

So important is this outcome that the residents of West Hendon estate have both vindication and victory after six years of complete indifference by this Conservative administration.

The council at long last has had to accept responsibility to ensure residents are entitled to decent well-maintained homes before and during the regeneration process. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this worthwhile campaign.

Councillors Julie Johnson, Agnes Slocombe and Ansuya Sodha, Labour West Hendon Ward