Questions left unanswered at Talk London in Barnet (From Times Series)

Questions left unanswered at Talk London in Barnet

1:10pm Wednesday 18th January 2012 in News By Kate Jenkinson

Questions left unanswered at Talk London in Barnet

MANY questions were left unanswered last night as the public turned out in the hundreds for a Talk London event with the London Mayor.

Talk London in Barnet was held at the Peel Centre, Aerodrome Road, and saw Mayor Boris Johnson quizzed on topics including the Olympics, the HS2 high speed railway, the Outer London Fund and disposal of weapons.

Mr Johnson was joined on a panel by leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, Barnet Traders’ Association chair Gail Laser and Deputy Mayor Isabel Dedring. It was chaired by cabinet member Councillor Brian Coleman.

By far the most contentious topic was parking, which was met with applause at its first mention.

Fiona Rosen said: “I can’t believe nobody has brought this issue up yet, and that is parking.

“We can’t park to use our high streets and Brent Cross offers free parking – how can we compete with that?”

Cllr Cornelius replied: “Of course no one likes the parking – none of us likes change.

“The council has absolutely listened to the objections, but there are 115,000 who are using the pay by phone system.”

Cllr Cornelius said that there were many who “could not and would not” use the new system and that scratch cards had been made available, now also in the borough’s libraries, that aimed to alleviate the problems.

Ms Laser, who has been campaigning across the borough against pay by phone parking said: "Pay by phone parking is here to stay and I think it's the way forward.

"The way it was introduced was very poor and I think the council needs to look at several issues.

"Our high streets are dying on their feet and I do think the council are starting to see that.

"It has been the death knell for our high streets."

A group of parking campaigners in branded white T-shirts were thanked by Mr Johnson at the conclusion of the event, as Mr Coleman refused to take further questions and furore erupted among those yet to have their say.

Campaigner and Finchley trader Sangita Shah said following the meeting: “I felt Cllr Coleman was extremely rude. He was deliberately avoiding a lot of people. I was so angry.

“I found it all a bit of a farce to be honest. He’s an elected member and he should care what happens to his constituents.”

As Cllr Coleman directed panellists to give closing remarks, Mr Johnson asked whether more questions could be taken, but was cut off my Mr Coleman, inviting those who were unable to speak to contact the City Hall or attend the next Talk London event.