Hillan 'aggrieved' at cash snub for community hub (From Times Series)

Barnet Council leader and NHS Barnet boss say they are disappointed at failure of Brunswick Park community hub plans

7:40am Thursday 29th July 2010 in News By Alex Hayes

THE leader of Barnet Council says she feels “aggrieved” funding for a new community hub in East Barnet was cut at the eleventh hour.

Cash for the Brunswick Park combined health centre, library and nursery was withdrawn by the Department for Education at the last minute, as it was due to go before planning committee tonight.

Councillor Lynne Hillan, who represents the area, said: "I am particularly aggrieved that funding has been withdrawn without any discussion with the council or NHS Barnet, and when the project is at such an advanced stage.

“I shall be contacting the Department for Education to make it clear that we don't consider this acceptable."

The scheme was dependent on the grant funding allocation and was being fast tracked by councillors in an effort to secure the money, but the DfE decided there was a high risk the project would not be delivered on time.

Cllr Hillan added: “: "We felt that the timetable - which wasn't set by the Council - was do-able. But in the current financial climate the DfE obviously feels the risks of overrun are too high.

"It is a real shame that this project has had to be cancelled at this stage. It hit all the right buttons for joined up public services.

“I am particularly disappointed as this would have been a fantastic facility for residents of all ages in my own ward.”

The idea for the scheme was developed after a fire shut a nearby health clinic in January, with two doctors surgeries moving into temporary accommodation.

Cameron Ward, the chief executive for NHS Barnet said they were “disappointed” the plans have had to be withdrawn.

He added: “The Brunswick park building was temporary accommodation 30 years ago and housed two GP practices. “The development of a new health centre to house four local practices and the opportunities for joint working between local authority and health services would have had a positive impact on how services are experienced by patients in the local area.

“ However, we recognise that difficult decisions need to be made at all levels.”

He pledged they would continue to work with the council to find a long-term solution for the two practices.