Residents angry at report findings

By Ian Proctor

A confidential report has been outraged a residents' group after it questioned their actions and integrity.
Independent investigator Allan Graham was appointed to probe complaints made by the Rayners Lane Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association (RLETRA) against Stonham over the way it provided a support service for vulnerable people living on the estate.
In his adjucation published in April, Mr Graham dismissed each of the four separate charges and criticised the association's professionalism and behaviour.
Mr Graham wrote: "Given the form in which this complaint has been submitted, there has to be a question mark over the way in which RLETRA is being run.
"I have not read its constitution but I find it difficult to believe its constituents would uphold the actions that have been carried out in its name.
"My great concern is that the approach being taken by [chairwoman] Margaret Opare in the name of RLETRA is working against the interests of vulnerable people on the estate."
But the findings of the report, and Mr Graham's suitability to conduct such an investigation, have been challenged by RLETRA in a backlash to Harrow Council, which originally appointed him with the association's blessing.
Chairwoman Margaret Opare wrote to Mr Graham: "The committee and I are very surprised and confused by the findings of your report.
"The report contains several important inaccuracies and in light of this the committee must question the validity of these documents.
"Our concerns are based on the contents of your document that bares no relationship to the real situation and appears biased towards Stonham."
RLETRA simultaneously protested to Harrow Council, which told Mrs Opare it accepted Mr Graham's qualifications and his findings, and rejected a call to end Stonham's contract in favour of another provider.
Mrs Opare, who is yet to receive a reply to a second letter of complaint to the council, told the Harrow Observer: "The residents are not happy. Harrow Council said they stood by the report but we're not going to step back and let tenants continue to suffer. People need to know what is really happening."
A Stonham spokesman said: "We're happy with the findings of the independent report and are very pleased that we can continue to support Rayners Lane's vulnerable tenants."