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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 30 January 2009

Leader in row over NIMBY jibe

‘Not in my back yard’ clash over plan for a new unit for troubled pupils

LIBeral Democrat council leader James Kempton this week branded opponents of plans to build a new pupil referral unit as NIMBYs (not in my back yard).
Cllr Kempton said that the planned unit, in Lough Road, Holloway, is for the “community’s most troubled children,” including those who have been suspended from school.
He added: “It’s easy for opponents to say not in my back yard. NIMBYS can always find 100 reasons for not wanting something.”
The new centre would replace a school referral unit for 78 children already established on the same Lough Road site at a former Victorian school built in 1891. Labour councillors say they are not against a new referral unit. They just believe that with the current need for homes the site would be better suited to family social housing.
Holloway ward Labour councillor Barry Edwards said: “Calling us NIMBYS is very disingenuous.
“We are certainly not against a referral unit. But it doesn’t need the kind of space available at Lough Road.
“This is a site that is perfect for up to 50 family homes. It’s a very desirable area, being opposite Paradise Park, with an adventure playground, small café, and schools and nurseries in easy access.”
At last week’s west area committee councillors voted six to three against the referral unit being built at Lough Road.
Six Labour councillors, including chairman Cllr Edwards, voted against – with two Lib Dems, including Cllr Kempton, and one Labour, Cllr Lisa Spall, in favour.
The decision could be overturned by a Lib Dem majority at the next executive committee.

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