Sir, As Treasurer of the borough wide Islington Leaseholders Association Ltd., I am delighted to see that the Tribune has explicitly drawn attention, via its letters column, to the horrendous and shameful plight of leaseholders.
Following Dr Brian Potter’s article (17 October) attendance at our meetings held at St Mary’s church (second Tuesday monthly at 7pm) has quadrupled.
Sadly, recent reports of cyclical maintenance bills totalling £60,000 – £80,000 are no longer uncommon forcing residents, many of whom,
particularly elderly pensioners, have lived in the borough all their lives, to move out.
It is not surprising, therefore, that due to the misery and depression caused, some have even contemplated suicide.
Cllr Woolf’s comments regarding “consultation” procedures are at best disingenuous. So much for honesty and transparency!
Since there is no opposition in this borough to the council’s approach to billing, I, along with others, will be standing as Independent Leaseholder candidates at the next borough elections in May 2026 to challenge the present “rotten borough” situation.
Our election policy is based essentially on vigilance and constant scrutiny of all policies affecting the appalling waste of essential finances and consequent financial persecution of its residents.
Bear in mind that a well run borough is one that is the product of constant public vigilance and a strong independent opposition, which this borough does not have. It should not be blind adherence to an uncaring central party policy, with the sole objective of staying in power.
Yours sincerely
Ray Alcock
Highbury