| |
Link up and stand up to bullies in schools row
• LETTERS from Councillor Andrew Mennear and Nick Russell (about the Camden schools fiasco reflect the smug and condescending attitude that was on display by Liberal Democrat and Tory members of Camden Council’s executive as they pushed through their plans for Edith Neville School Knock-on effect of academy will be positive, July 31).
It is no good to keep repeating that they are spending lots of money on new schools when they have met with the most widespread opposition to any council plans for a very long time.
The demonstrations by first Frank Barnes and then Edith Neville schools have filled the council chamber to overflowing. What a lesson in democracy for the children of Edith Neville who handed in their 2,000-strong petition. The executive did not just dismiss the opposition; they said how proud and happy they were to be making the decision!
The council sets a very bad example when it comes to bullying as well:
l we can have a new secondary school in Camden, but only if it is an academy;
l Frank Barnes can have a new home, but only if it is Edith Neville;
l South Camden Community School can be rebuilt, but only if hundreds more students are squeezed onto the site.
The council is not the only bully.
University College London and other big institutions like the Medical Research Council think they can do what they want regardless of local views and the need to develop facilities for our young people in the area.
Camden’s primary care trust tells local GPs they can have new premises – only if they move into a University College London Hospital polyclinic.
And all of these are backed by government policy.
Everyone needs to continue to support those fighting back over the mess Camden is making of our schools.
But each group can’t be left on their own.
The Somers Town People’s Forum has tried to link up some of the campaigns in our area. But what we really need is borough-wide co-ordination to provide support and solidarity across Camden if we are successfully to stand up to all of these bullies.
Candy Udwin
Secretary
Somers Town
People’s Forum
|
 |
|
| |
