My attention has been drawn to this press release on the OFFICIAL BARNET COUNCIL website.
http://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/article/160/council_advises_schools_on_use_of_former_library_building
It says
Council advises schools on use of former library building
Published Thursday 11 October 2012
Barnet Council has written to schools in the
vicinity of the former Friern Barnet library building advising them of
the Council's concerns about children attending events within the
premises.
Currently the building is being occupied by a
group of squatters. As part of the occupation, they are running a
number of events, including events for children.
The council is advising teaching staff that such events are not sanctioned by the council and that it cannot accept any liability for anything that happens in the building while the illegal occupation is taking place.
The council is not aware of any insurance in place for any of the activities or that volunteers have been CRB checked.
While it is clearly a matter for each individual school, the council’s advice has to be for schools not to participate in the events as part of the school curriculum.
Press Contact: Sue Cocker
This is a piece of the most disgusting spin I have ever seen. The implications of this statement are clear. Let us analyse what they say.
They claim that squatters are running events for children. This is a gross distortion. The library occupiers have made the space available to local people. Local people, not squatters, are responsible for all activities involving children.
The Council claim that they are unaware of any insurance or CRB checks on staff. This is true of any activity for young people not directly under the control of the London Borough of Barnet. They could make the same statement about local churches, mosques, independent and free schools, private tutors, youth groups, scouts etc, etc. Barnet Council do not monitor CRB checks and insurance for non council organisations.
To issue such a press release is clearly designed to make implications which are grossly unfair about the Peoples library.
The sad truth is that if the council had not closed the library, then they would be able to ensure all insurance and CRB checks are in place. I have spoken to groups involved with the library and they are more than willing to cooperate with the Council to ensure that all such insurance and CRB checks are fully in place.
I have today sent the following email to Councillor Robert Rams for clarifiaction of the position.
--------------------
The council is advising teaching staff that such events are not sanctioned by the council and that it cannot accept any liability for anything that happens in the building while the illegal occupation is taking place.
The council is not aware of any insurance in place for any of the activities or that volunteers have been CRB checked.
While it is clearly a matter for each individual school, the council’s advice has to be for schools not to participate in the events as part of the school curriculum.
Press Contact: Sue Cocker
This is a piece of the most disgusting spin I have ever seen. The implications of this statement are clear. Let us analyse what they say.
They claim that squatters are running events for children. This is a gross distortion. The library occupiers have made the space available to local people. Local people, not squatters, are responsible for all activities involving children.
The Council claim that they are unaware of any insurance or CRB checks on staff. This is true of any activity for young people not directly under the control of the London Borough of Barnet. They could make the same statement about local churches, mosques, independent and free schools, private tutors, youth groups, scouts etc, etc. Barnet Council do not monitor CRB checks and insurance for non council organisations.
To issue such a press release is clearly designed to make implications which are grossly unfair about the Peoples library.
The sad truth is that if the council had not closed the library, then they would be able to ensure all insurance and CRB checks are in place. I have spoken to groups involved with the library and they are more than willing to cooperate with the Council to ensure that all such insurance and CRB checks are fully in place.
I have today sent the following email to Councillor Robert Rams for clarifiaction of the position.
--------------------
Dear Councillor Rams,
I have today seen a statement from Barnet Council
stating that activities for children, held on its premises at Friern Barnet
library are being carried out without insurance and CRB checks.
The council has issued a statement
stating
--------------------------
Council advises schools on use of former library building
Published Thursday 11 October 2012
Barnet Council has written to schools in the vicinity of the
former Friern Barnet library building advising them of the Council's concerns
about children attending events within the premises.
Currently the building is being occupied by a group of squatters. As part of
the occupation, they are running a number of events, including events for
children.
The council is advising teaching staff that such events are not sanctioned by the council and that it cannot accept any liability for anything that happens in the building while the illegal occupation is taking place.
The council is not aware of any insurance in place for any of the activities or that volunteers have been CRB checked.
While it is clearly a matter for each individual school, the council’s advice has to be for schools not to participate in the events as part of the school curriculum.
Press Contact: Sue Cocker
--------------------------
Given that it is a matter of public record that the council was made fully aware of these activities a minimum of three weeks ago, in a public meeting with the library service at the Friern Library, this latest statement in no way reflects the true legal position. The council have, by sanctioning discussions with local groups associated with the library, assumed responsibility for ensuring all activities are carried out in a safe environment.
It was made 100% clear to library service staff that lessons were being held three weeks ago and no objections were raised.
As a public authority, in public negotiations with groups associated with the campaign to Save Friern Barnet library and aware of lessons for a minimum of three weeks, Barnet Council must either
a) accept full liability of activities carried out on the premises
or
b) accept that they have been criminally negligent in not informing groups/staff/parents of this issue for a minimum of 21 days.
Please inform me by close of business on Friday 12th October whether a) or b) is a correct assesment of the situation.
The council cannot claim it was unaware of the situation. I was at three public meetings where the activities were discussed with council officials. The statement issues today is an indictment of the failure of Barnet Council to have any understanding of issues related to liability or responsibility to its residents, taxpayers and young people.
Regards
Roger Tichborne
----------------------------
Councillor Rams should be aware that his failure to do anything for a period of three weeks is a complete dereliction of duty.
The council is advising teaching staff that such events are not sanctioned by the council and that it cannot accept any liability for anything that happens in the building while the illegal occupation is taking place.
The council is not aware of any insurance in place for any of the activities or that volunteers have been CRB checked.
While it is clearly a matter for each individual school, the council’s advice has to be for schools not to participate in the events as part of the school curriculum.
Press Contact: Sue Cocker
--------------------------
Given that it is a matter of public record that the council was made fully aware of these activities a minimum of three weeks ago, in a public meeting with the library service at the Friern Library, this latest statement in no way reflects the true legal position. The council have, by sanctioning discussions with local groups associated with the library, assumed responsibility for ensuring all activities are carried out in a safe environment.
It was made 100% clear to library service staff that lessons were being held three weeks ago and no objections were raised.
As a public authority, in public negotiations with groups associated with the campaign to Save Friern Barnet library and aware of lessons for a minimum of three weeks, Barnet Council must either
a) accept full liability of activities carried out on the premises
or
b) accept that they have been criminally negligent in not informing groups/staff/parents of this issue for a minimum of 21 days.
Please inform me by close of business on Friday 12th October whether a) or b) is a correct assesment of the situation.
The council cannot claim it was unaware of the situation. I was at three public meetings where the activities were discussed with council officials. The statement issues today is an indictment of the failure of Barnet Council to have any understanding of issues related to liability or responsibility to its residents, taxpayers and young people.
Regards
Roger Tichborne
----------------------------
Councillor Rams should be aware that his failure to do anything for a period of three weeks is a complete dereliction of duty.
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