A NUMBER of issues close to the hearts of Barnet residents will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

The policy and resources committee on Thursday September 1 marks the first meeting for Barnet Council following their August recess.

Among the items on the agenda, Ross Houston, Labour councillor for West Finchley, will ask the council questions about Victoria Park lodge, which is set to be demolished following a council sale.

Cllr Houston’s concerns include whether the housing planned to be constructed on the site will fall under the remit of affordable housing, which is currently a hot-button issue in Barnet.

His submission said: “I am particularly concerned with whether or not the sale and future plans represent value for money for both the Victoria Park Charitable Trust and the council tax payer.”

Also to be discussed are proposed revisions to the Freedom Pass, which permits travel concessions for elderly and disabled people who qualify.

A key reason for the revisions is the controversial revocation of hundreds of passes by the council without properly advising card holders, leading to a need to refine the distribution process.

In the wake of the Olympics, the committee will also discuss the petition to stop the closure of Copthall Leisure Centre, which was 2,161 signatures.

The committee will meet in Hendon Town Hall, the Burroughs at 7pm on Thursday September 1.