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Come clean
and tell us what the future holds
The New Journal has occasionally reported the
saga of the Fitzrovia Childrens Centre, until it was closed
by the council in July 2004. It was the only childcare facility
in the area and provided for 25 children.
Since its closure 20 months ago, the local community, with the
indefatigable support from ward Councillor Penny Abraham, has
fought to get it reopened. It was as a result of her initiative,
the Fitzrovia Trust, a social enterprise, was given the opportunity
to make an offer to reopen the centre, at no cost to the council.
That offer was made in June 2005, yet to date no response has
been received, and the council refuses to discuss the plans
for the future of the centre and related open space.
Clearly, given the closeness of the local election and the marginal
nature of the Bloomsbury Ward, any plans for reopening the centre
would have been announced with fanfares and trumpets. Failure
to do so only confirms local belief that after the election
the site will be sold, a possibility the council admits is under
consideration. It is time that Labour comes clean and tells
us their intentions for the future of this centre and how they
propose to meet their promises of childcare for all who want
it in Fitzrovia.
MAX NEUFELD
Secretary
Charlotte Street Association
Tottenham Street
W1
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