How strange that you reported on most of the other agenda items at last Monday's cabinet meeting but did not report that 100 people crowded into the public gallery and downstairs to express their opposition to the phased closure of Stroud Green Lodge and Cheriton Lodge.

I formally proposed to withdraw this item from the recommendations. As the council had received a petition signed by 1,000 people in respect of Stroud Green Lodge, it seemed perfectly reasonable that a further consultation should be held where a debate could take place and questions asked and responded to by those concerned.

The main reason for the further debate was to establish the real reason why the home, which met standards regarding the bedroom size facilities, had "other reasons" why it did not meet standards and had to be closed and knocked down. Coun Paula Shaw had no explanation to give to the public at the meeting.

Surely the petitioners are entitled to an explanation.

Coun Margaret Mead

Opposition Spokesperson

Social Services