Barnet’s Labour Council is committed to improvements to West Hendon Playing Fields, after the recklessness of Conservative plans has become clear.
Barnet Conservatives pledged £18 million to the site to create a variety of facilities including pitches and play areas – but claimed that it would be funded through future development income that then did not emerge.
It was a gamble with residents’ hopes and aspirations that lost spectacularly.
Barnet Labour is committed to delivering the ambitions in the wider plan as and when funding can be identified and secured. It will start by investing £3million in facilities in Phase 1 plans to be outlined early next year, as well as seeking external funding.
How that can act as a launchpad to deliver further elements will be put together throughout 2025.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Ross Houston said: “The irresponsibility of the Johnson-Truss Conservatives played out in Barnet as well. They hoped to fund this massive project on wishful thinking.
The development income they took for granted didn’t come through, and the disastrous Liz Truss mini-budget broke all their cost assumptions.
“We are still committed to improving the playing fields and will start with an initial investment that will see new facilities for the community.
“We will continue to look to add further facilities but will do so based on honesty and money that actually exists, as and when funds can be identified and secured.
“We share in residents’ disappointment. After years of Conservative recklessness, they deserve Labour responsibility.
“We will continue to deliver changes to the West Hendon Playing Fields, making promises we know can be fulfilled.”
