HILLINGDON Council has been ordered by a government watchdog to publish a flood risk report within one month or else face contempt of court proceedings.
The decision by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to force the release of a year-old 'scoping report' is a victory for residents at Ruislip Lido who had complained the council was withholding data.
Peter Silverman first submitted a Freedom of Information request demanding to see the document more than 12 months ago, and complained to ICO when he was refused.
The council had argued the report was part of an incomplete flood risk assessment which would be made public in due course, after feedback from the Environment Agency. But commissioner Gerrard Tracey has written to demand its release before June 23.
His decision notice read: "The information clearly is part of a major programme of works being undertaken by the council to improve access and facilities at the lake. Works involving the lake could have a significant impact on the environment and could affect people's lives. There is a particularly strong public interest in the public having access to information concerning potential works such as these."
The council announced a £1.5million 'improvement programme' for the lido in January 2010, including the potential reintroduction of swimming and boating.
It subsequently asked engineers Halcrow to conduct a number of studies looking into environmental and flooding concerns.
Mr Silverman, of Kingsend in Ruislip, told the Gazette: "This report has either got something in it that condemns their ideas, or they are just being bloody-minded about it. This report is complete and it is sitting on someone's desk. ICO has looked at it and said it is not a work in progress and it must be published."
Mr Tracey warned the council that failure to comply with the notice "may result in the commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court and may be dealt with as a contempt of court".
The council first told residents their full flood risk assessment would be published in September 2010, but has delayed the publication date ever since.
Nigel Dicker, deputy director for public safety and environment, said: "The council has 35 days to comply with the decision of the Information Commissioner or to appeal. The council is currently considering its position."
