Do they fear public?

Published: 26th March, 2010

• I WAS appalled to witness the treatment of a member of the public who attended the Partners Residents’ Forum in the town hall last Thursday. The unfortunate man was told he could not attend and that if he stayed others present would leave. The individual left very graciously.
Later on, it was suggested that Partners starts a surgery, where tenants and leaseholders could raise repairs issues. A member of the public who had been allowed to remain shouted out that people had to trust Partners first and that people were being treated as second-class citizens.
The chairwoman also brought to the attention of the forum an emailed question about Listed Buildings Consent being obtained by Partners or its building contractors to refurbish Grade II-listed Georgian council properties during the Decent Homes works.
Failure to gain consent can be a criminal offence and can lead to a £20,000 fine. It was left to a Partners official to look into this matter.
 After last Thursday, I can quite see why Partners was insistent that residents’ forum meetings should be held in private and conducted as a “business meeting” and not open to the public.
Surely, if it had nothing to hide, it would not fear the public.
ORIEL HUTCHINSON
Organising secretary, Islington Conservative Federation, and Conservative candidate for Canonbury ward