Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/667/11902
From The Socialist newspaper, 20 April 2011
"Lambeth council know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"
Andy Tullis
Lambeth Unison's public meeting to save youth services and adventure playgrounds (APGs) on 12 April was a huge success, 45 people attended.
The meeting was called after the council made devastating cuts in children's play services. There had also been a marvellous turnout from young people when we lobbied Lambeth council meetings in February.
Dozens of children and parents who use local APGs came to those lobbies and the children addressed the full council chamber imploring councillors not to cut their service.
Labour group councillors, very cynically, promised those children that they would not be closing their APGs. Unfortunately they broke that hollow promise immediately afterwards.
Public-sector union Unison in Lambeth believes the Labour group proposals for APGs amount to sabotaging the future of the in-house service and will lead to its eventual break-up and destruction.
People at the meeting spoke movingly about how APGs, youth centres, parks and one o'clock clubs are a lifeline to families and single parents on low incomes.
They admired the diversity these free services provide.
One man commented that Lambeth's proposal to cut £700,000 from the APGs' budget showed that: "Lambeth council know the cost of everything and the value of nothing!"
Their plan will reduce the service to only a few hours opening time a week as well as losing experienced and dedicated staff. Many former service users and staff attended the meeting, one woman said "Dick Sheppard Youth Club (former Lambeth YC) saved my life when I was a teenager; I learned self confidence there".
For these people APGs, one o'clock clubs and youth centres are not just a convenience but a necessity for living. Parents and staff at the meeting unanimously called for a mass campaign to save all children's services in Lambeth and a lobby of Lambeth council on 11 May.
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In The Socialist 20 April 2011:
Anti-cuts campaigning
How can the Con-Dem coalition be most effectively punished?
Kick big business out of health care
Fighting anti-cuts programme needed in Scottish elections
Coventry: support for socialists increases
Enthusiasm for ten TUSC candidates across Kent
Vote Against Cuts alliance launched in Leicester
"Lambeth council know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"
Socialist Students
International socialist news and analysis
Sarkozy instigates ban on veil to boost his political ratings
Libya: Is humanitarian aid providing mission creep for western powers?
War - what is it good for? Arms sales!
Socialist Party workplace news
"Staggering scale" of London Ambulance service cuts
Enthusiastic support for PCS call centres strike
Socialist Party features
Anniversary: Black Friday 15 April 1921
The Alternative Vote referendum - 5 May
Socialist Party news and analysis
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Newcastle: Socialists won't be intimidated by racists
Gay protest and discrimination
Angry protest at death of Smiley Culture
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