Cllr Bernice Vanier apologised for any offence caused.

Councillor accused of ‘disrespect’ at Mark Duggan service in Tottenham

by Tim Lamden Wednesday, August 8, 2012
3:40 PM

Haringey Council’s deputy leader has been accused of showing disrespect at a memorial service held in Tottenham to remember Mark Duggan.

Friends and family of Mr Duggan attended a “service of hope” at Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road, on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of his death at the hands of police marksmen.

Addressing the service, Cllr Bernice Vanier informed fellow guests about the council’s regeneration plans for Tottenham, sparking angry scenes and causing a number of family members to storm out.

Stafford Scott, a community activist and family friend, said the service was “spiritual” and “to remember someone who was taken from us”, adding: “She came and disrespected what we were doing.”

Cllr Vanier apologised “if anything I said caused offence”, explaining that she attended the service to “demonstrate our support for Mark’s family”.