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Permalink Reply by Richard McKeever on September 8, 2011 at 10:32

Hi Dawnage

Whilst I entirely understand your concern about the disruption caused by the road closure, this is not an ordinary funeral.

It was reported in the Haringey Independent last week that the funeral of Mark Duggan will take place at the the New Testament Church of God in Arcadian Gardens on Friday. Duggan was the man who's shooting by police was the spark for the riots in Tottenham, Wood Green and across many other towns in England last month.

The funeral will form a procession from Tottenham for a short service in the Church before a burial at Wolves Lane at the bottom of Arcadian Gardens. Without doubt there will be significant disruption locally for a couple of hours, however I think it is understandable that the whole process - including isolating an area for the funeral procession to park - is being closely managed. Given the background, the day of the funeral is likely to be a moment of heightened tension locally, and ensuring that it can take place smoothly will help alleviate some of the concerns expresed about the initial police reaction to the Duggan family detailed in this Guardian article from a couple of days ago.

I feel sure that this is a unique situation to manage the very particular circumstances of this funeral.

 

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Permalink Reply by dawnage on September 8, 2011 at 11:28

Thanks for your response - it certainly makes more sense now, and that will surely be a big funeral and gives some explanation for the unusual situation arising.

Is there any indication of a precise timeframe? The letter indicated that cars not moved by 9am will be moved and that this disruption will continue until 4pm, which is several hours longer than I would anticipate for a funeral service and procession - even a lengthy and sizeable one, as will understandably and expectedly be the case.

I am still interested in the legalities of Haringey Council moving cars, out of interest. Any idea whether those whose cars have been moved will incur a fine? I imagine there isn't any precedent for this in the borough, so am wondering how this will work. Luckily for me, I am due to be at work all day so it shouldn't really impact me - however, I would be a bit concerned for anyone who may be on holiday, or away for a few days, and returns to find a space where they left their vehicle! Especially if Haringey has seen fit to fine them for the pleasure...

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