The most vulnerable in society, including those with disabilities, have been “airbrushed” out of a campaign to promote Haringey, according to campaigners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LssVe6rOlzo#action=share

Politicians spent £20,000 on producing a short film as part of a £86,000 council re-branding project, calling upon locals to say “I’m In” for Haringey.

Out of all the people chosen to feature, however, there does not appear to be anyone with any physical or mental disabilities – or anyone over the age of 50.

“It seems that the new Haringey is only for the young and fit,” said Mary Langan, one of the organisers of Save Autism Services Haringey.

Ms Langan is a mother to 22 year-old James, who has a severe learning disabilities, autism and epilepsy.

Ham & High: Haringey Council has come under fire after its £86,000 rebranding, which included unveiling this logoHaringey Council has come under fire after its £86,000 rebranding, which included unveiling this logo (Image: Archant)

“Any decent life for old people and people with disabilities depends upon being recognised and included in the community,” she said.

“It is a bitter irony that the rebranding project rests upon the declaration ‘I’m in’. Not for me and my son evidently.”

Emel Teymur, who is a carer for her husband who has dementia, also described how she was “thrown” by the video.

“There were no references to residents who are poor or disabled,” she said. “It made me think, what are you going to do with them? Are you going to send them to another borough?”

The 68 year-old resident who lives off Fortis Green is concerned about Haringey Council’s attitude, particularly ahead of its consultation on cuts to adult social services on October 1.

Ms Teymur was also concerned by the lack of carers in the film.

A spokesperson for Haringey Council said: “The Haringey Story is a celebration of the huge variety of people, locations and businesses that help to make Haringey the fantastic place that it is and features people from across the borough who are rightly proud to be a part of Haringey.”