Stop the sell-off

Emily Thornberry has demanded that Islington Council cancel tomorrow's planned sell-off of a community asset, which threatens 35 jobs.

Emily said:

"We should be supporting local businesses not undermining them in this way. I am writing to the Council today to warn them that if this asset is sold off I will fight any proposal to turn it into luxury flats"

Against the bitter opposition of the current tenants of 110 - 116 Elmore Street, Islington Council plan to sell-off their property at an auction which starts at noon tomorrow. Lot number 5 is being auctioned at the super-luxurious Radisson Portman Hotel in Portman Square. 

The building currently houses a number of small local creative businesses including: an independent film company, workshops, architects practice, furniture company and a creative construction firm run by women.  The sell-off puts 35 jobs at risk. The tenants would like to buy the property and maintain its use, but sadly have faced obstruction and inefficiency from the council.

Emily said:

‘'The Council should cancel its auction to sell-off the building for luxury flats. The Lib Dems will take any opportunity to sell-off our community assets. Our buildings should be protected, not sold to the richest bidder for luxury flats"

The tenants have been trying to contact top Lib Dem councillors about the issue, but they are spending their time at an away day.

Editors' Notes:

• 35 people work full time at 110-116 Elmore Street
  
• The Auction is being held by Barnett Ross Auctioneers (http://www.barnettross.co.uk/) at the Portman Hotel in Portman Square (www.radisson.com/londonuk_portman). 
  
• Currant occupants of the building include:
  
• Anne Thorne Architects: An established Architecture Practice, designing for both sustainable communities and a sustainable environment.See http://www.annethorne.co.uk/ 
• Insight Lighting: Creative event hire company Specialists in Lighting environments for events, exhibitions and promotions
• North One Interiors: Commercial Refurbishment specialists, focussing on creative solutions for small and medium sized enterprises.
• Sail and Son Construction: Creative construction firm run by women, specialising in sets for stage and screen and general building works
• IVO Furniture: Bespoke, beautifully crafted furniture - made to order
• One Light Workshops: Soundproof spacious workshop, used for drumming, yoga and cultural happenings
• Technobabble: Award winning film company, supported by Film London, the Film Council and private sources. Currently with two films touring internationally and in production of a documentary feature http://www.technobabble.demon.co.uk/ 
• Kulcha Productions: Film and video Production Company working with number of clients spanning a diverse range and ethnicity: production companies, indie film makers, up-and-coming actors, corporate bodies and charities Clients include Islington Enterprise Agency, Department of Transport, Commonwealth Institute.
• Tim Hetherington: Internationally renowned War Photographer - currently gaining a reputation as a Channel 4 documentarist
• Bewildering Pictures: Film Production company currently working on a low budget feature film with a high number of Islington clients
• Geoff Johnston: International touring Video artist and performer. Also runs educational workshops with Roundhouse