Cllr Sue Vincent pauses precipitate removal of railings by Camden officers

The Friends did not receive a reply to the Chair’s correspondence with Fiona Dean Assistant Director Culture and Customer Directorate at Camden Council questioning the basis for her decisions in removing the railings and asking for further information.

Local people spotted on 16 September 2011 that Camden contractors had begun to remove the railings.  Cllr Vincent stepped in to pause the work until a response was received.

The gist of the emails is below:

14th September

Dear Ms Dean,

I am disappointed that you still have not supplied me so long after my request with the material which I requested. It confirms my suspicion that such material as does exist doesn’t support the position which you have taken.

I am even more disappointed that you have not responded at all to my suggestion that you adopt Councillor Fulbrook’s idea that a hedge or some other means of enclosure should replace the railings if removed. This would deal with the problems which you believe to justify the removal of the railings but provide some sense of enclosure and security for the 4 quadrants and reduce the problem of desire lines not corresponding with the paths.

Robert McCracken QC Chair, Friends of Lincoln’s Inn Fields

19 September

Dear Ms Dean,

It is disturbing that you have engaged contractors to remove the railings before replying to either of my letters of 23rd August and 14th September or sending me any of the information which I sought.

Friends of Lincoln’s Inn Fields are a responsible group of local residents and others who have a great knowledge as well as love of LIF.

I invite you to suspend operations immediately.

Robert McCracken QC Chair FLIF

19 September

From: Vincent, Sue (Councillor)
Sent: 19 September 2011 22:52
To: Fulbrook, Julian (Councillor); Hand, Walter
Cc: robert.mccracken; Olad, Awale (Councillor)

Subject: RE: Lincoln’s Inn Fields – Perimeter Railings being removed now!

Walter – I have requested work cease until Robert has an opportunity to see the information requested in his email.

I also raised the issue of the hedging as a replacement and will let you have a copy of any response when received.

Regards

Sue

Councillor Sue Vincent
Deputy Leader
Cabinet Member, Environment & Planning
London Borough of Camden
Holborn & Covent Garden Ward