The Marble Arch Mound

• IT is no surprise that the Westminster Amenities Societies Forum (WASF) has launched a scathing attack on Westminster City Council following the £6million Marble Arch Mound fiasco.

All the accusations of “top-down” decision- making, “box-ticking” consultation and “unacceptable spin”, all ring so true to anyone who has had any dealings with Westminster Conservatives in recent years.

Working with residents’ groups and amenity societies should be a collaborative process involving sensible and practical discussions, “give and take” and, above all, an understanding that Westminster works best when decisions are the result of consultation and discussion, not top-down diktats.

Next May residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new council. Before then, we will do all we can to establish a proper working relationship with the Westminster Amenity Societies Forum.

I have written to Richard Cutts, chair of WASF, to offer a meeting with Labour councillors to discuss how future relations with the council should work.

We are confident that we can reset the council’s relationship with residents’ associations, amenity groups and individual residents for the benefit of all.

There is little doubt that Westminster is crying out for change.

CLLR Paul Dimoldenberg
Labour City Management Spokesperson
City Hall, Victoria Street, SW1