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The main opposition parties have called for a special meeting to discuss the planned closure of the care facility Leaders of the opposition parties on Hounslow Council, Cllr Peter Thompson (Conservative), Ray Fincher (Liberal Democrats) and Phil Andrews (ICG Community Group), have taken the unprecedented step of presenting a petition calling for a Special Meeting of the Borough Council to discuss the Executive's decision to close John Aird House. Cllr Peter Thompson stated "We have taken this extraordinary step, as we are not convinced that at the time the decision was made, all the relevant facts were presented to Councillors, nor the Executive. However, rather than admit that the decision was hastily made, the Executive has chosen instead to dig their heels in, in the face of overwhelming objections. At the end of the day, if the residents and their families are quite happy to remain where they are, who are we to second guess their decision and to try to impose our will on them, which is exactly what the Labour Executive is insisting on doing. Although we are conscious that the closure is many months off, we want this matter to be resolved sooner rather than later. It surely cannot be pleasant for the residents and their families have this sitting over their heads." Cllr Andrew Morgan Watts, for the Liberal Democrats commented "In all my time on the Council this is the only decision that I can recall that could be a matter of life or death for residents in this borough! Under our profoundly undemocratic system in Hounslow, arrangements decisions like this can only be made by the ruling Labour Executive - this meeting will at least give us the opportunity to show whose decision this really is!" Cllr
Andrews said "This is quite literally a matter of life and
death and I feel the Executive has really lost its way on this.
The Scrutiny Panel gave them a second opportunity to show leadership
but instead they continue to read from the script. Two-thirds of
this council are opposed to this closure, yet the new structures
leave them without a say in the matter. Members from all parties
and groups have a moral duty to call the Executive to order and
this meeting may be the last chance they will get to do it." May 29, 2003 John Aird House Still Faces Closure |