This week residents of Barnet gave the council a lesson in what democracy looks like (‘Councillors flee meeting due to public outrage’, times-series.co.uk, February 15) The exercise by residents of their democratic right to hold elected officials to account shook the council out of its complacency; its belief that it could slash and burn public services and public sector jobs in Barnet.

Questioners, supported by a chamber packed with residents, demanded proper answers.

Councillors like Brian Coleman literally laughed in their faces, giggling and guffawing throughout, though told repeatedly by residents to stop.

The rest of the councillors responded with the usual evasive, non-responsive replies. When questioners and the audience insisted on proper answers, the council threatened to have residents evicted, calling in security guards and police.

However, residents were undeterred by this, insisting question time continue.

The council leader tried to carry on business as usual, that is the business of cuts. This failed miserably.

In the end, the insistence of residents on being heard forced the council to halt its meeting.

Unfortunately, not before it had passed a number of measures shamefully attacking some of the most vulnerable people in the borough — children and old people.

These attacks were of course packaged prettily, as though the council was doing something good. The truth of this, is that it decided to close eight out of 21 children’s centres.

Under the guise of providing fair access to care for the aged, much of the provision for the aged has been privatised and public funding removed from key aspects of care for the elderly, such as the provision of wardens in sheltered housing.

But, the message from residents is clear and Barnet Council had better take note of it.

We will take back control of our public services. We will rid ourselves of you. We will use all that you cost us, all that you wantonly waste, for those of us who need it.

Dr S Pandit
New Southgate