CAMPAIGNERS have accused the council of being “patronising” after talks over the future of a library broke down.

Friends of Marcus Garvey Library have raised concerns over the fact that it is going to be refurbished because this also means it is going to be made smaller.

But the group were left angry after Haringey Council offered to call a meeting about their concerns – because they were given three day notice.

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn has also backed the campaign

Tottenham Independent:

The meeting was due to be held on Monday, October 12 at 5pm and they were informed about it on the Friday before.

Chairman of the group, Jasmin Taylor, said: “One can only assume that their decision to give us the weekend to try to negotiate time off work, arrange alternative childcare for our children and to generally rearrange our commitments is yet a further example of the total disregard that the council holds of the community that it is paid and elected to serve.

“Monday at 5 o’clock is convenient for them, and we the people of Tottenham having such meaningless lives are expected to drop everything and spurred by the honour of the mere fact that they acknowledge our existence, scurry to attend a meeting held at and for their convenience.

“We also take exception to the patronising concept that we need them to enlighten us about the potential of our library. If we did not believe in the potential of our library we would not have mounted this campaign to stop them degrading it.”

Ms Taylor remains unconvinced the group would have been given a voice at the meeting.

She said they would have been there “merely been there to provide substance to the fantasy the council are consulting people”.

She added: “If we attend the meeting would we have the power to change anything? For example would they stop the installation of a Customer Service Centre into the heart of our library?

“If they are genuine in wanting to meet with us then in addition to creating a situation where meaningful interaction could occur they would also pay us the respect of arranging the meeting with suitable notice.”

A Haringey Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased that work has started to refurbish and make customer service facilities available at Marcus Garvey Library and we look forward to celebrating the new look library with library users when it re-opens.

“The £3million refurbishment will see the library enhanced with new books and more and better computers and study desks, as well as accessible customer service facilities alongside the full range of existing library services, in an area which is quickly becoming the civic heart of Tottenham.

“We have been in regular touch with library users in the run-up to works starting, including offering meetings, and will continue to do so throughout the process.”