Councillor Robert Rams claimed that he couldn't receive the libraries petition because "it was against the law". He insisted that it was given to a council official (see the exchanges here - http://barnetfutureshape.blogspot.com/).
I asked him to show me the specific legislation which forbade this. I copied Jeff Lustig, Borough Solicitor and asked if the legal point could be clarified. I have heard nothing back from either of them. I copied the local papers in as well, so it's all a matter of public record.
The petition was handed in as part of the "consultation process". This process consists of a blatently rigged survey with leading questions and no option to suggest better services or increased taxation. If you click on the link to the libraries petition (see sidebar) and click on signatures, there are many comments. These give Mr Rams all the consultation he needs. We had thousands of signatures. Rams has even resorted to planted questions on the Barnet Council "ideas" website. Whilst his suggestion of shutting Osidge library received 8 votes, the petition had a huge response. When Barnet Council had a consultation on Sheltered housing, 85% of respondents rejected the council proposal. The council ignored the results. They will ignore anything they disagree with. As a result people have lost faith in them. Mr Rams hasn't even bothered responding to my last email. Why? Clearly because he's lost the argument.
Lets just hope that his bosses have twigged that the library closure program has been recognised for the politically suicidal millstone which we all know it is
and now "Ram-Raider" has his beady eye on the local museum for closure. What happens to the proceeds? Let me guess..... increasing councillor allowances next year again?
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