Camden New Journal - Letters: Treated

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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 30 August 2007

Treated as second rate?

• WHO is to blame (Outrage over security fence that could have, August 9)?
Camden appears to be treating us, residents of Ingestre Road estate, as though we are second-rate citizens.
Camden has erected this horrible fence (surrounding the grass and woodland) without proper announcement, chosen this kind of two- metre high, prison like, fence with lethal spikes, ignored the petition against the fence and even refused us visitors’ parking permits so that our family and friends can visit us whenever they wish.
All of this contributes to our feeling of frustration and injustice.
Since the erection of the fence some 22 months ago, at least five children have been injured trying to climb it, some badly.
It appears that the Kentish Town District Housing Office has stated that their policy is to report every parent of any child so injured to the social services, with the implicit threat that the child would be deemed to be in danger and placed on the social services’ at risk register.
This policy is carried out even though the child in question is over seven years of age, and in spite of the fact that the estate itself is relatively secluded with areas suitable for play well away from busy roads.
This policy undoubtedly intimidates parents, as well as placing the blame on parents and away from Camden. It serves to reduce the number of injuries reported to the council.
The fence is only one example of Camden’s failure to provide a hazard-free, safe environment for children.
Recently Camden installed new electrical wiring which was surface mounted on the ramps and walls, not concealed as before. Already children are climbing on it, or hanging down from it.
When the time comes and a child is finally electrified on these wires, is Camden going to put the blame on the parents and report them to the social services?
RUTH GRANOTH
Ingestre Road estate, NW5

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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