Roy Wills, Waltham Forest Socialist Party
Pretty soon now, the only publicly owned buildings will be town halls, where the councillors decide on all these cuts.
The temptation must be immense. For instance, there’s the Markhouse Centre in Walthamstow in east London. It serves adults with special needs.
Is it vital for the wellbeing of vulnerable adults, who would otherwise have to fend for themselves? Yes.
But does it make a profit? No.
Can the Waltham Forest Labour council make money by selling the land, and boast to the electorate that it is not going bust like other authorities? Yes.
The Socialist Party and the trade unions in Waltham Forest Trades Council have lent our support to the campaign to prevent the closure of this specially equipped centre.
The Labour council claim that the complete refurbishment of the centre would cost £1.2 million and, therefore, this is a reason not to do any repairs at all. This approach does not really seem logical or fair.
Quite apart from its immensely practical support, the centre is a source of community for people who would otherwise be isolated. Have we really become a society that does not want to deal with those amongst us who are less fortunate?
The proposed closure date has already been pushed back a month. We are aiming to cause further delay and hopefully halt the process altogether.
The Labour council should demand the funding we need from the Labour government, and join with us to campaign for it.
Public meeting hosted by trades council
Thursday 24 October, 7pm, William Morris Community Centre, 8 Greenleaf Road, E17 6QQ
Lobby the council cabinet
Tuesday 3 December, 1pm, town hall steps