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'Deaf ears can't hear your views' [editor's title] At a public meeting recently, I witnessed a good few hundred residents - the overwhelming majority of those present - attempt to assert their opposition to Brent's skyscraper plan (sorry, "landmark building") for Queens Park. The trouble is, Brent's representatives gave every indication of their determination to pursue their high-rise dream - only with extended deep therapy for residents (sorry, "consultation"). And, of course, a compromised, politically expedient timetable. To cap it all, Brent leader Ann John practically asserted that their hands were tied by imperatives from above. Whilst this may not come as a revelation to seasoned campaigners, the public admission is a sign of desperation: a local government that denies responsibility for actions that it is going to take on our behalf but against our will. Forgive me, but it is imperative, nay high time, that residents also assert themselves at the ballot box next May. Dr Shahrar Ali |
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