Politicians attack council after toddler left on bus (From Haringey Independent)

Politicians attack Haringey Borough Council after toddler left on bus

1:31pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Opposition politicians have hit out at Haringey Borough Council after a toddler in foster care was left on a bus.

The reaction comes after it emerged the two-year-old, who was being cared for by a council foster carer, was left on its own in a pushchair on the 491 bus in Enfield.

The child was found safe and well and was taken to hospital to be checked over.

Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Lynne Featherstone said: "This is yet another embarrassment for Haringey Council, and it certainly does not improve their bad reputation.

“We Haringey residents are sick and tired of one scandal after another - residents and children in this borough deserve better.

“I hope the investigation into this is thorough, and that proper procedures will be put in place to ensure that this – or something similar – is prevented from happening again.”

After realising what had happened, the foster carer called the emergency services.

A spokesman for the council said investigation into the incident had been launched and a new fostering placement has been arranged.

Councillor Richard Wilson, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, said: "The council continues to lurch from crisis to crisis.

"This worrying incident is another blow to the council's reputation and will make it harder to recruit the high quality carers and staff the council needs and residents deserve."

The Metropolitan Police have said they are looking into the incident and the council is working with the MPS Child Abuse Investigation Command.