• “YOUR call is held in a queue… your call is important to us.” This is the new catchphrase of Islington Council. For over a week, on six attempts to connect with Contact Islington I got this – each time giving up after 25 minutes.

I also wanted to report a repair. Last Thursday and Friday, I tried four times, spread throughout the day, never hanging up until waiting for 30 minutes.

Today, Tuesday, it took three attempts, totalling nearly 90 minutes to get through. I reported my repair and was told it would be next Monday. I asked: why? “The timescale for the job, sir, is three days but because of the Bank Holiday an extra day is allowed.”

Through gritted teeth, I said: “But if I’d got through on Friday I would have the repair this week.” “Yes, sir, that was unfortunate.”

Islington Council, please employ extra people to answer phones. The messages saying: “For more information go to www…” have to be re-thought.

Islington Council, please realise that not everyone wants to or can use a PC or device with the internet, or is able to afford it.

So please, use some of the money from massive diesel fines to send out a printed booklet to every resident. Surely, this is the least you can do to show you really care.

Or have printed copies available in housing offices and 222 Upper Street. I will end this letter now as you are reading it at an exceptionally busy time, but your reading is important to me.

MARTIN RUTHERFORD
Popham 1 estate, N1