Police and schools first

Published: 19 November, 2010

• PERHAPS Kaya Makarau Schwartz should read page three of her own local Labour manifesto for this year’s local elections (Regenerate bit by bit, November 5). It reads: “The next council administration is going to face tough financial times and it is vital that every penny of council taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.”

What did they mean by “is spent wisely”? 

I keep hearing from Labour in Islington that due to the cuts it has to pare everything down to the bone to protect key services and frontline staff, but closing a primary school and sacking 16 community police officers doesn’t sound like that plan, does it? 

Then spending £2million on wider pavements and a pedestrian crossing to link Junction Road in Archway with an additional eight shops really does make it sound as though Labour is just making all this up. 

Archway town centre desperately needs proper investment and it is clear to all who work or own businesses or live or visit here that the area has not seen the level of investment it deserves, but is this really the right time?

I’m pretty sure the vast majority of us in Islington would rather the council protected schools and police. Clearly, Ms Schwartz doesn’t agree.

CLLR ARTHUR GRAVES
Lib Dem, Junction ward