The best for Haringey - a panel pulling together the views, knowledge and ideas of the community.

[OpinioN8 Administrator]

The best for Haringey

Friday 2 September 2011

Making Haringey a better place than ever before is the ambition behind a community panel launched today by Haringey Council.

Far from simply recovering from the recent riots, formation of the panel marks a determination to draw on local ideas and experience to do the very best for the borough in both the immediate and long term future.

Council Leader Claire Kober, who will chair the panel, said:

“We’re eager to build on the energy and commitment which have been so strong in Haringey since the disturbances.

“The emphasis of the panel will be on pulling together the views, knowledge and ideas of the community. No one person or group has a monopoly on this, which is why we wanted a varied panel to listen to people’s views.

“Everyone has a right to be heard and I am confident in the panel’s ability to listen and to bring thinking together into practical recommendations to move us forward for the benefit of everyone.”

Acknowledging the borough’s flourishing community and business network, Cllr Kober added:

“There is no shortage of inspiration out there and it is vital that these groups feed into the panel.

“We will also link up with each of the local Area Forums so that individuals are able to get involved and make suggestions.

“This is not about a fixed agenda, we want to hear what the community wants to see and try to take that forward.

“The voluntary sector and other parts of the community already have an enviable reputation for high achievement and anything we can do to help with that must be good.”

The panel will meet for the first time in early September to agree its approach, how best to engage with groups and individuals and its timetable.

The panel will review existing data and also draw on fresh input from local people and organisations.

An action plan with timetable will be published, following the first meeting, as will regular updates on progress.

Panel members are:

• Tony Hartney, headteacher of Gladesmore School
• Sharon Grant, Citizens Advice Bureau
• Michael Polledri, Chairman, Lee Valley Estates
• Eugenia Gerghaty, North London Citizens Exec, Jesuit Parish Council, former headteacher at Tottenham School and Ladies Convent School
• Georgina Walters, Homes for Haringey Board
• Jo Olsson, Tottenham resident, Director of Children, Education and Families Services at Thurrock Council
• Symeon Brown, Haringey Young People Empowered (HYPE)
• Aziza Ali, West African Women’s Welfare Group
• Father Miller, Archdeacon of Hampstead

Individuals or groups should send views, ideas, research, feedback and information for building a better borough to: Community Panel, 5^th floor, River Park House, 225 High Road, N22 8HQ

or via email [e-mail]