What would Peter Forrest know about our Ally Pally discussions?

Peter Forrest suggests the Lib Dems contested every Ally Pally move . The truth could not be more different. We have said time and time again, including in this newspaper and at the meetings (which are held in public) of the Ally Pally Board, that we

Peter Forrest suggests the Lib Dems ''contested every Ally Pally move''. The truth could not be more different.

We have said time and time again, including in this newspaper and at the meetings (which are held in public) of the Ally Pally Board, that we have no objection in principle to a lease of part or even the entire Palace to a private business.

However, Mr Forrest wouldn't know that because in five years he hasn't attended even one board meeting. Perhaps this is a truer indication of the real level of his interest.

Far from contesting every move, our concerns have been about the wording of the lease. Of course, this is all currently unavailable to the public, so Mr Forrest would have no idea at all - and we are not permitted to say - what our concerns are.

However, I can say they were extremely thoroughly backed by expert legal advice, and were properly raised in the interests of protecting this historic, much-loved building on behalf of the people of Haringey, London and the UK, also the interests of the Ally Pally (charitable) trust that will continue to own it.

Peter Forrest presided over the total failure of the Conservatives in Haringey; it is hardly surprising his contributions on Ally Pally are just so much hot air.

CLLR Bob Hare

Member of Alexandra Park and Palace Board

Lib Dem Spokesperson on APP