150 helped by problem-busting Council leader's supermarket surgeries

10.54.31am GMT Thu 28th Jan 2010

Cllr Terry Stacy held advice surgeries at supermarkets, shopping centres, and markets right across Islington.

Liberal Democrat council leader Terry Stacy visited Islington Farmers Market rounding off a series of advice surgeries that has seen him visit supermarkets, shopping centres, and markets right across the borough. Terry spoke to over 500 people, and has intervened to help around 150 people with their problems.

These 'street surgeries' were the first of their kind by a council leader in Islington. Since the surgeries started last summer, Terry has met hundreds of residents, promoted Islington's 'go green' message by handing out over 500 recycled cotton bags, and directly intervened to help over 150 people with their specific issues and concerns.

Terry has also visited faith groups and day centres for older people, and held meetings with residents on estates to talk about issues around crime and antisocial behaviour.

Terry Stacy said:

"When I became Leader of the Council last May, I promised not to spend my days stuck behind a desk in the Town Hall. If I'm really going to help our residents and listen to what they think I need to get out there and talk to them in the places they live - not wait for them to come to me.

"People have come to me with everything from housing, school place, problems with the NHS, benches at the shopping centre. It's been a pleasure helping people with their problems, but by going out into the community I've also been able to listen to how local people want us to improve council services for them."