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Shouldering the cost

Sep 13 2002

By Oscar Mortali, South London Press

THE Kennington residents clobbered with a huge bill after unsuccessfully challenging congestion charges have seen their close-knit community rally round.

Cathy Preece and Gareth Adamson - dubbed the 'Kennington Two' - were on the wrong end of a failed High Court legal battle last month when Ken Livingstone and his team of lawyers emerged victorious.

The pair had bravely put their names to the action and were landed with a whopping £20,000 bill for their troubles.

But out of adversity has emerged an even stronger sense of community spirit as Kennington residents join forces to help bail them out.

Around £9,000 has been raised, with a host of fundraising events to come.

And one prize donated for a grand prize draw is the use of an apartment in Minorca in February - so the winners can be away in the sun when congestion charges kick-in next year.

Cathy Preece said: "People have been so kind and I feel very supported by the whole community."

Originally from New Zealand, Miss Preece said: "I'd always heard that when the British were up against it they came up trumps. They certainly have on this occasion."

Mark Rogers, spokesman for the Kennington Association added: "We are really touched by the way people have rallied round.

"There was nothing forcing people to contribute and at one stage, it looked as if it were a lost cause.

"We would like to think we have won a moral victory."

Other prizes for the draw include tea for two at the House of Commons from Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey and lunch for two at Kennington's Lobster Pot restaurant.

Also on offer are tickets and a venue for a benefit event at Kennington's leading fringe theatre the White Bear Theatre Company.

*If you have any prizes to donate contact the Kennington Association at 335 Kennington Road, London SE11 4QE.

Alternatively you can send cheques to the same address or make a direct payment to the association's account at the Alliance and Leicester. Sort code: 72-00-03, account number: 51 34 54 85.

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