Councillor expresses concerns about policing consultation (From Harrow Times)
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Harrow councillor, Husain Akhtar, expresses concerns about length of Mayor's Office for Police and Crime consultation
2:00pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes
Cllr Akhtar believes the consultation is too short
A politician has criticised plans for a consultation on the future of policing in Harrow as too short, given serious local concerns.
Independent Councillor Husain Akhtar, who represents Canons ward, believes the one-hour public consultation scheduled for January 10 is too short and will not allow enugh time to discuss policing problems in the borough.
Cllr Akhtar has written to Stephen Greenhalgh, the deputy mayor for policing and crime, who will chair the meeting.
Cll Akhtar wrote: “I have gleaned significant anxiety about the nature and briefness of this event, which the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime brands a consultation.
“Would one hour provide adequate opportunities for healthy discussion and Q&A, especially at a time of serious concerns?”
He added that many feared the consultation would mostly be presentations, giving the public little time to ask questions or express concerns.
The consultation is scheduled to take place at the Civic Centre in Station Road at 5.30pm on Thursday.
During the event, which will form part of the consultation on the draft police and crime plan, Mr Greenhalgh will set out the Mayor’s strategy for reducing crime in Harrow.
During an eight week period there will be a public consultation meeting in each of London’s boroughs.
The Harrow Times is awaiting a comment from Mr Greenhalgh.
jackdaw says...
7:45pm Sat 5 Jan 13
It will not be a true consultation with any depth but just a box ticking exercise to say that Stephen Greenhalgh had visited Harrow and spoken to residents. Will he take any notice at all about what residents have to say. I feel Harrow taxpayers will not get value for money from this visit.
You only have to read the pages of the Harrow Times to be aware of residents' concerns and a brief visit from Stephen Greenhalgh would seem to be cheating residents of their chance to make their views and questions known.
It seems this is a shabby charade which is being paid for by Harrow taxpayers.