Council leader says parking to be reviewed if PM gives more local funding to councils.
Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Damian White has exclusively spoken to the Havering Daily today about the increase in parking charges and the removal of the free thirty minutes. Councillor White told The Havering Daily ‘Boris Johnson has said he will increase funding to Councils. If we get a real increase in funding, then we will be in a position to review our spending and adjust accordingly.’
Councillor White has spoken about the hostile meeting that took place last Thursday at Upminster library, where he left early after being verbally assaulted by angry local residents.
‘People are entitled to peacefully protest about matters that are dear to them, but intimidation and harassment are not acceptable. Last Thursday a very polarised group hi jacked the meeting which is not correct . Our libraries are run by volunteers so it is not right to have shouting and screaming in a library like that. ‘
Videos on social media sites have shown the Council Leader being obstructed from getting into his car and his way out sabotaged by angry residents unhappy about the removal of the free thirty minutes.
‘I came to the event by bus but was offered a lift home by a council officer after he saw the intimidation I faced. People tried to reach in and take our car keys, someone tried to jump in the back of the car, we were obstructed from trying to leave the premises.
‘I understand how people feel, I live in Havering and obviously want the best for this borough but resorting to harassment is not the right thing to do. There are many across our borough that do not have a voice, they don’t have a say in matters and as a council we must support the most vulnerable, those the hardest hit’
The leader went on to say ‘The Prime Minister has said he will pledge more funding into local governments, if and when he does then the council will be in a position to review these parking changes and other changes that are needed in the borough.‘
Good article but I won’t hold my breath . Let’s wait and see
I was at this event, which Councillor White insisted was not a meeting but a surgery. He was patronising, would not directly answer a question, took a long time to say nothing. I did not see any hijacking of the meeting rather I saw the whole crowd feeling very angry about not being listened to. He heard the crowds reaction which I believe was a direct response to his actions. He needs to reflect upon his style and approach to people.