It is understandable if people become disillusioned with politicians – both at the local and national level. This was highlighted recently in the run-up to the local council elections when an election leaflet from the Tory councillors fell on my doormat on April 26 – a month prior to the vote.
It shouted out “Your Priorities Are Our Priorities”, and stated that “If you would like to raise an issue of concern, need help with a problem…please contact us”. This not only perplexed me but other Jackson Road residents in East Barnet, as we had raised several issues with councillors Robert Rams, Joanna Tambourides and Barry Evangeli over the previous months.
These matters related to planning applications for three and four-storey flat developments in a rear garden near a main Thames Water foul water sewer, and a dangerous paved area in the village used by many schoolchildren and the elderly.
We had no response from any of the councillors and in both cases, we the residents, campaigned to fix the paving and fought the planning applications by liaising directly with the relevant Barnet Borough Council departments.
This lax response from our then elected councillors frankly makes a mockery of claims that they were listening to local residents and flies in the face of their election literature. It may also have contributed to their failure in being re-elected on May 22.
Separately, may I thank all those who voted for the Green Party in East Barnet. We are listening to you and genuinely want to hear your views.
Roger Aitken
Green Party candidate – East Barnet
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here