An open letter to Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Opposition

• THE main subject of your PM Questions of March 23 was in relation to “fire and rehire” at P&O Lines. Sadly in Coram’s Fields playground, in your own constituency, the very same “fire and rehire” management wheeze is being attempted.

The management is attempting to fire the entire team of long-standing ground staff and rehire through agency or zero-hour contracts, (Save our park! Fears keepers at historic park will be axed, February 10). The community is protesting, with a significant public petition.

This is not the only significant management issue occurring in Coram’s Fields. For a while now, the organisation has engaged in major improper rental of its facilities, displacing children. Coram’s Fields is a national treasure, fully dedicated to children.

Coram’s Fields’s organisation has become entirely disconnected from the community and is ignoring all pleas and complaints. Is that a definition of a privatised organisation?

No response has been received from the organisation to the protest letters. This behaviour is causing community angst and anger.

Families and children are significantly affected. The user group is planning a protest in the grounds. Could you please tell us what are you going to do about this beyond speaking to the organisation?

I would remind you of the particular responsibility of the Labour Party, with Frank Dobson chair for over 25 years, during which period the organisation became disconnected from the community. We are witnessing the effects of those decisions today.

We have already previously informed you of our detailed submission to the Charity Commission.

VELJKO ZIZIC
Secretary
Coram’s Fields User Group