Camden New Journal - News: Outspoken citizen watchdog ousted for ‘breaking ranks’

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 27 September 2007

Outspoken citizen watchdog ousted for ‘breaking ranks’

A TENANTS’ leader who claims to be the second member of Camden’s community policing panels to be ousted for speaking out in a single month has called for an independent inquiry into neighbourhood law enforcement.
Maiden Lane estate tenants’ representative Peter Preston was removed from his two-year voluntary post on the Cantelowes Safer Neighbourhood Panel last Friday when panel chairman Meric Apak wrote to the estate’s board complaining about his conduct.
Dr Preston, who was quoted in the New Journal last Thursday expressing criticism of the police over their handling of £120,000 worth of sabotage on the Maiden Lane estate’s gas system, has claimed that he was “fired” for breaking ranks and has compared his case to that of Beverly Gardner, who was expelled from Haverstock’s panel last month.
He said: “It is clear that she and I have both been removed because we have committed the sin of making our case very strongly for issues to be investigated. There should be an inquiry into the whole matter by somebody who is outside both the police and the council.”
Safer Neighbourhood Panels – the 15-strong citizens’ groups which liaise with police teams in every ward – have come under scrutiny since Ms Gardner claimed she had been unconstitutionally removed as vice-chairwoman in Haverstock. Police denied her claim that she was axed for highlighting youth disorder on the Denton estate in Kentish Town.
Both Mr Apak and the chairman of the Maiden Lane estate management board, Gordon MacQueen, have dismissed Dr Preston’s claims.
Mr Apak said Dr Preston had been a “negative” influence.
He said: “The Cantelowes SNP has not removed anybody. But due to a negative history from Peter Preston on the panel, I have recommended to the chair of the Maiden Lane estate management board, that he be replaced.
“I have given him every opportunity to appeal against the decision. The incident (of ‘sabotage’) has nothing to do with us. But anti-social behaviour is so rife that we do need to devote time to that.”
Mr MacQueen said: “Peter’s heart is in the right place, but he is on a crusade, and he seems to think his crusade is more important than the normal rules.”
Superintendent Martin Richards, head of Community and Partnership for Camden Police said: “I welcome the flexibility that these panels have the freedom and flexibility to change their membership.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: