4:13pm Thursday 2nd July 2009
By Neil Skinner
Residents angered by the introduction of a “divisive” and “unfair” council loyalty card have delivered a weighty petition against the scheme.
Hillingdon Borough Council has upset hundreds of local residents with its controversial Hillingdon First Card, which offers preferential parking and recycling facilities to holders.
The Tory run council claims the card simply “puts local residents first”. Many residents in Northwood and Eastbury, however, claim it discriminates against them.
Those who live in the Three Rivers District Council area, but have always shopped in Northwood, now face 100 per cent higher parking charges and a £10 fee to use recycling facilities.
Other “phase two” benefits, to be rolled out next Spring, will include discounted access to leisure, sports and entertainment venues.
Elizabeth Willetts, chairman of the Eastbury Residents’ Association, this week delivered a 900 signature petition to council leader Ray Puddifoot.
She told the Watford Observer: “A lot of people are very angry about this. It is completely unfair to those who live outside the borough.
“For people living in Eastbury Northwood has always been the place where they do their shopping and go out to dinner. Now they are expected to pay more to visit just because of where they live. That is not right.”
The council has offered neighbouring authorities help to implement similar schemes for their residents.
Mrs Willetts, however, argues such schemes are completely unnecessary – simply introducing another layer of needless bureaucracy.
She added: “Where will they stop? Will every council be expected to roll out a similar scheme exclusively for its residents?
“In the middle of a recession councils should be encouraging neighbouring residents into the borough and not discriminating against them. This scheme is divisive and there is no need for it.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk