Nightmare on Shepherds Close!

Residents of Shepherds Close have been requesting information on the intense Police activity that took place around the flats at the top of your road, on Saturday 19th December 2009. It transpires that from within one of the properties, were found; documents on how to make bombs, and chemicals such as Hydro Peroxide, Chloroform and sulphuric acid. 20 litres of the suspect liquid chemicals were found.

The resident also had a samurai sword and fireworks in his residence.

The resident has been refused bail, while his case is being heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

More details can be found by (Clicking here) - look up Chemist facing bomb charges.

BPCA Peace Rally in London

Wilson Chowdhry with Baroness Cox - addressing gathered protesters

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On the 19th December 2009 over 120 people form all faiths including, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, Atheists and Christians marched for equality, justice and peace in Pakistan. The event was organised by the British Pakistani Christian Association in the wake of Taliban led attacks on Christian communities in Pakistan. The event also had the honour of being attended by Green Party MEP Jean Lambert and Baroness Cox.

Wilson Chowdhry is the Vice Chairman of the BPCA and is pleased to announce that since the Peace rally took place - the High Commissioner of Pakistan has agreed to meet an all faith/no faith delegation on the 8th January 2010, to discuss the persecution felt by minority faith groups in Pakistan Inter Alia; Ahmadi Muslims, Shi'ite Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs. Wilson said:

"We hope to arrange a meeting with the Interior Minister of Pakistan as a sequel to our initial delegation, he is soon due to visit the UK. The BPCA believe these actions will be early steps towards a free Pakistan, with an end to the existing second class citizenship felt by many. This is the biggest Christmas present we could give to the persecuted minorities in Pakistan, and is a stepping stone, to a more stable economic and social environment in Pakistan."

Many people in the UK have questioned why the BPCA is asking the British Government to get involved with what outwardly seems to be an international issue outside of their remit. Wilson responded:

"The British Government are allies with Pakistan and have regular and more convivial dialogue with the Country, than most nations. The war on terror that has been instigated by the British Government in union with the USA has caused an increase in the intensity and frequency of the attacks on Christian communities in Pakistan. In the last 4 months 3 cities have been burned to the ground in violent mob attacks that have left the poor Christian communities destitute and they are still being threatened by the perpetrators. Our government is providing resources and funding to the Pakistan government to support the war on terror, yet the popularity of the Taliban seem to have increased. If we are to win this war on terror and reduce our overall fiscal costs and resource outlay, surely it would be wiser to channel some of these funds into increasing the level of literacy in Pakistan. The Taliban brainwash the illiterate masses in Pakistan, and recruit from the Poverty stricken areas."

The BPCA believe that while there are people that need others to make their decisions for them, due to a lack of discernment - the Taliban will always be a popular outfit. Their group wishes to challenge the American Government and the British Government into provoking internal change in Pakistan. Equal rights should not be a preserve of the social elite and parity of opportunity is a must. More often than not, minority groups live in the most squalid conditions and undertake the most menial roles. Moreover, only 7% of individuals for minority groups are literate (admittedly over 50% of all Pakistanis are illiterate). Pakistan has signed up to the Human Rights Act and is a member of the UN, as such the blasphemy law which exists in their country is illegal and requires immediate reform. the BPCA believes the UN and the European Union should be involved in addressing change to a law that espouses first and second class citizenship, placing one race in a superior position.

What benefits would such engagement give to western nations you may ask - Wilson has an answer to this question:

"Better education would reduce the support for the Taliban, with the recent more direct attack by the western agencies against the Taliban, this could result in a more expedient and long term eradication of their militia group. It is proven that attacks to Christians and other minority faith groups are undertaken by the lower tier members of the Taliban, and other local fractious groups vying for power - almost always these are illiterate pawns, who have nothing to lose as they are in a social and economic quagmire. Better education and learning provides a more moderate social climate and more efficient economy. We believe this would reduce Asylum seekers based on religious persecution and reciprocally immigrants due to favourable conditions at home. In the long term this would mean more jobs for indigenous British people, less strain on our benefits system and a return of our service men, which reciprocally would lower the overall budget for our war on terror.

The BPCA will continue to fight for justice, peace and equality in Pakistan and would like anyone who supports the notion to sign the on-line petitions below:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Stop-the-persecution/

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Save-lives/

Wilson Chowdhry with Jean Lambert Green Party MEP for London and EU Delegate to for South Asia to the European Union

Save King George Hospital

The Chadwell Green Party have organised a demonstration against the potential closure of A&E at King George Hospital for the 9th January 2009.

The protest will take place from 12:00 - 14:00 and will be located outside Ilford Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.

Today the Ilford Recorder reported on the success of our on-line petition which has attracted support from existing and retired doctors. Please do sign it, if you have not already done so.

Ilford Recorder article (click here)

King George petition (click here)

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Shepherds Close Development

You will remember in August I sent a flurry of letters to homes in Fields park Close and Shepherds Close, regrading the potential development of the unused car park ,at the top of Shepherds Close, near the large flats. I can confirm no-one responded to my request for any potential objections and so I did not challenge the Planning Application.

the planning application has now been approved and I include further details, Click!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The recent snow and cold weather has created mixed fortunes for local people. The treacherously icy roads and pavements have created a safety hazard for all people, especially the more vulnerable older and younger members of our community.

I have reported the terrible state of Havering Gardens and Shepherds Close to the Highways Team and will pass on details of other roads requiring attention - so please do tell.

I hope you like the snowman, my nephews, nieces, daughters and I made it outside my mothers house. See the snow can be useful!  Although even in this instance same children described above, decided to pelt me with snowballs! Don't worry though, I got them back! Heh heh!

Video of the BPCA peace rally and protest against persecution in Pakistan

In Urdu and English so please continue to view the whole video.

Response to recent comments on my Crime update post.

We received some comments on my recent crime update post and asked our Local Sergeant to respond to them. Here is his response which is rather positive - he has also provide some Christmas Burglary prevention advice:

"In relation to burglaries, yes we do inform victims of attempts when we are aware of the addresses. Attempts are also recorded as Burglaries. We always advise residents not to leave vehicle keys on display, and we are currently distributing the attached leaflet."

Click here for burglary advice.

And 6 advice sheets issued by Barkingside Crime Prevention Office, via Barkingside 21, added by Weggis.

Be Safe, not sorry this Christmas
Bogus Callers
Cash Point Security
Internet Crime
Steer Clear of Car Crime
Street Wise


Ps 52 JI LOWRIE Chadwell SNT

14 Wangey Road

Romford

Essex.

Tel; 02087212562

E-Mail; chadwell.snt@met.police.uk

Grove Farm Estate - Forward Planning

A group of mothers have united to combat the poor performance of management agents Winchester Properties on your estate. We have challenged them on several occasions with regard to their rather lax level of service and with some help from London & Quadrant have managed to induce some minor repairs to your area;some weeding, replacement of non-weed stones in green areas (unfortunately they opted for larger more dangerous stones rather than our suggestion of woodchip).

This has served both the flats and house on the estate. We have also obtained road signs, encouraged graffiti and bulky waste removed by the council (it was not Winchesters) and championed a number of Antisocial Behaviour contracts that have improved local quality of life

We channeled the impetus of the mothers into a newspaper article and Winchesters have now publicly registered a date for reinstatement of the Birch Court communal foyers . We can use this promise for debate, if they now fail to adhere to their commitment (they have offered several dates throughout the year in my previous letters to you).

We are now also pursuing the Planning Department for immediate repairs to bicycle and waste collection units (a complaint with respect to original planning consent has been submitted).

Here is a Link to the Ilford Recorder article.

Please thank the brave mothers if you see them....

Crime update its grim reading but you need to know!

Barley Lane:

Two shopkeepers bravely refused to give up their takings at knife point. A man and a woman were threatened at knife point, behind the till, at SSS Food and Wine Barley Lane. This incident occurred on Tuesday 7th December at 7pm. If anyone has information on the incident do please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Burglars caught on Grove Road and Mayesford Road:

Burglars were caught trying to break into properties at Grove Road around two weeks ago (by our famed Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team) and two were also caught trying to break into a home on Mayesford Road 3 weeks earlier in a separate incident. Both crimes were reported by neighbours in areas in which Isla Martin and I Have initiated new Neighbourhood Watches.

Havering Burglars Thwarted:

Two burglars were also thwarted by a resident who heard noises in his home on Havering Gardens on November 30th at around 4.30am. They ran off along Somerville Road after being interrupted, however they had already removed a pane of glass -leaving the property vulnerable. Police are warning residents not to leave Christmas presents near windows, as this attracts opportunistic crime of this nature.

Kinked George Hospital

Picture from our initial demonstration on the 21st November 2009

Many of you have asked how we intend to continue the campaign to save A&E facility at King George Hospital. We have been working hard behind the scenes and have invited all political parties and a number of groups to a public demonstration at Ilford Town Centre on the 9th January to the fore of Ilford Town Hall. MP Lee Scott has already confirmed attendance.

Please do join us!

In addition to this we have now initiated and on-line petition, that we hope, as many local residents as possible will sign:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Save-King-George-Hospital/

Please pass on this petition to any local people or groups within your network.

Protecting the Vulnerable!

Picture taken from Barkinside 21 blogsite

Doorstep crime is on the increase in the borough, reports of bogus callers dominates the local media and the RNWA faced with an ever increasing list of this type of crime sanctioned a No-bogus callers training day. This was held on the 4th Of December and one of the most esteemed guests was Richard Binder the Borough Commander for our Fire service. Ilsa Martin one of your Green Activists for Chadwell is the Treasurer for the RNWA which has recently secured close to £10,000 from the home office, funding this project and others.

The event went well although due to a restrictive timetable the dates were a little rushed resulting in a smaller than expected turnout. However, all those that attended received indicated that thy had gained from the session. It would be great to see more NHW Coordinators in the next training course we hope to hold sometime in February - so please do get in contact.

The RNWA as part of the training also funded a number of training CDs which have been distributed to all participants. They will now use the 15 minute Training DVD to teach elderly people in the borough safer door strategies and housekeeping skills that should reduce incidents of this type of crime.

The Aims of the course were as follows:

1. A stark warning not to employ cold callers whatsoever!
2. Improve Doorstep skills
3. Not to keep money at home!

Useful learning included:

- Promotion of the Buy with Confidence Scheme and approved subcontractor database of companies vetted by LBR Trading Standards and the Police.
-Notification of the utility company password scheme - Individual passwords allocated to subscribers now used by all utility companies. Staff visiting from any company are required to quote password before entering a premises.
-Information on the Redbridge Handy Van Scheme (Free crime prevention devices fitted at home provided by Help the Aged)

The course advised us that the average victim of bogus callers are white females between the ages of 71 - 78. This is much due to the unscrupulous perpetrators targeting the more vulnerable groups in society, who generally suffer social isolation and are limited by a physical or cognitive disadvantage.

The average age of death for women is 82 and that of men around 78.

UK Statistical data on health problems included:

16% of people of 75yrs+ have sight difficulties
50% of people 80Yrs+ have a hearing difficulty
6% of people 6%yrs + suffer from dementia
25% of People 85 -89yrs suffer from dementia

Advice provided for presenting the training to elderly people was to ensure that you give no credence to criminals. Many of the people visited will already have been victims. They may use the trainers as a listening post for disclosure.

Trainers will also have to face a much higher set of morals such as:

"I have never been a burden on anyone"
"I always pay for everything by cash - I was taught to spend only what I have earned"
"I was taught always to keep money for a rainy day"

However, it is imperative to explain to the elderly generation that we live in a time of changing if not evaporating morals, It is a disgusting and distorted world we live in and we need to alter the way we live to fit the circumstances.

Using banks and Cash Cards is favourable to the use of badly designed covert money boxes, stashing money under mattresses and in cupboards in the bedroom. Moreover keeping house well maintained will reduce the opportunistic criminals from recognising that an elderly person is living at particular homes.

As Chairman of the RNWA I would like to invite other residents or NHW Coordinators to enter the next course. Please contact us should you wish to be included. I can also advise that our budget will extend to purchasing signage like that in the picture, which we hope to introduce to your areas.

King George Hospital must stay!

Redbridge PCT are trying to build up a secure case for the eradication of A& E Facility at King George Hospital. They claim that doctors are- in favour yet evidence arising from a recent public meeting at the Holiday Inn, Newbury Park, suggested that such support was correct only to directly employed NHS doctors and that the wider practitioners disagree with closure.

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Read (here) to learn how 94% of Doctors are against proposals.

Read (here) about the PCT claim that the decision is not financially based.

Your Seven Kings and Chadwell Greens will continue the campaign for continued existing services at King George hospital. With this in mind we have organised a Public demonstration to be held in front of Ilford Town Hall on the 9th January 2009. We have already invited all political parties and a large number of groups. MP Lee Scott of the Conservatives has accepted our invitation and we hope that members of other political parties will follow suit.

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Whatever transpires it seems to me that evidence supporting closure of A&E is rigged and contrived. Moreover, statements that heart patients will not suffer with longer emergency travel are ludicrous and bizarre. We must galvanise together as a community just as we did two years ago to prevent an exceptional miscarriage of authority from threatening the future of our health. Personally, I would rather see the removal of some of the top and middle management - people who have made our local services so shambolic, rather than an essential A&E facility.

Please join us at our demonstration whatever your political or non political bias. Our lives could depend on your support.

GREENS MARCH FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Ashley Gunstock, Stephen Lambert, Jean Lambert, Mark Dawes and Wilson Chowdhry - campaigning against Climate Change.

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Members of Waltham Forest and Redbridge Green Party marched from Hyde Park Corner to Parliament to call for action on climate change last Saturday, December 5th. The march had over 50,000 people and as well as the Green Party was supported by organizations such as Oxfam, Christian Aid, World Development Movement, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF, RSPB, UNICEF, Campaign against Climate Change, VIVA, UNISON and numerous others.

There is now a scientific consensus that climate change is happening and it is the result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and the farming of animals for meat and dairy products. In fact, it is happening at a faster rate than previously thought. Unless action is taken now, the planet will experience extreme weather, food shortages, mass extinction of species and escalating wars over resources.

The protesters demanded tough action on climate change from the Government and world leaders at the Copenhagen summit next week and for a fair international deal to stop global warming exceeding the critical threshold of 2C. The Greens are calling for the European Union to commit to at least 40 per cent emissions reductions by 2020. The UK, in particular, has vast amounts of untapped renewable energy like wind, tidal and solar power that could be exploited far more with the right investment and support for development. Green industry could also provide a large number of new jobs at all skill levels.

Wilson Chowdhry, Green Party candidate for Chadwell Ward, said "It was great to see so many people united for what is an extremely important issue. We hear to often about the scepticism from rogue scientists disputing the need for mankind to reduce their own personal carbon footprint and to exercise better holistic carbon reduction programmes. On the day a group of 6 people held their own counter protest, which I found rather distasteful and they did receive a number of vitriolic jeers. The fact remains, that if we do not put in the effort now, to convince World Governments to impose stricter and more comprehensive guidelines on emissions and waste policy, there will be few recognisable living things left on the destitute earth we will create for posterity."

In May next year use your vote to secure carbon reduction!

Stop Persecution

Picture of a protest in India after a recent attack in Orissa.

Over the past few months there have been reports of attacks on Christians and their properties in Pakistan. Additionally there have been reports of a number of abduction, rape and forced marriage of female Christians, and false allegations of blasphemy against innocent victims over the past year. These events are not meted out singularly towards Christians, in fact, there are many notable incidents to other minority faith groups such as Hindu's and Sikhs. It would appear that the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan is being used as a tool for settling personal vendettas and is causing much strife to minority communities.

To address these issues in Pakistan the British Pakistani Christian Association has organised a peaceful demonstration on the 19th December 2009. The protest march will leave from the Pakistani Embassy at 12:00 and should arrive at 10 Downing Street at approximately 14:00. Petitions will be submitted to both the Pakistani Embassy and 10 Downing Street.

It is hoped that the march will have a number of benefits for those victims who now find themselves displaced, destitute and under constant threat:

• It is intended to pressure the Pakistani Government to move swiftly and decisively to bring to justice the perpetrators, inciters and collaborators of these unjust activities
• To pressure the Pakistani Government to reform the Police Service in Pakistan.
• To pressure the Pakistani Government to make sure the rule of law is enforced for all its citizens regardless of their religion or ethnic background.
• To pressure the Pakistani Government to repeal the Blasphemy Law, or add other amendments to the Blasphemy Law and enforce those amendments that have already been put into place.
• To reinforce the British Government’s criticism of these incidents and encourage further international pressure on the Pakistani Government to act in accordance with the above bullet points.

We would like to encourage people of any faith or no faith to come and join us on this protest for justice, peace and equality for all.

Speaking at the event will be:

Cllr Alan Craig Peoples Christian Party (Newham)
MEP Jean Lambert
Dr Rai Sikh Human Rights Group
Alex Chowdhry British Pakistani Christian Association
Wilson Chowdhry British Pakistani Christian Association
Pastor Jimmy Robinson Potters House Christian Fellowship Romfod
Dr Peter David Gateway TV
And many more.....

For further information regarding the British Pakistani Christian Association, and the ongoing problems in Pakistan please feel free to visit our blog at:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/

PS I attach a link the Pakistani High Commission in London's website which has directions to the High Commission:

http://www.phclondon.org/HC/ContactUs.asp

Kind regards

Wilson Chowdhry
Vice Chairman
British Pakistani Christian Association

Kinked George Hospital - Overspill parking solution

The Highways department have responded to a request, for Parking solutions to be implemented at near King George Hospital , in the wake of the recent dubious decision to charge staff for Parking. The issue was raised by a local resident and Wilson, at a very early Area 5 meeting this year. When it as raised your existing Councillors were not even aware of the issue. So we are a little perturbed and disappointed that the Liberal Focus has painted a picture that this work, was somehow, a result of their efforts.

Below we include images of the detailed plans for the proposed road changes

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

If you would like to comment on the proposal please do complete the consultation document below and send it to the Highways department. If you can please send me a copy of your completed form, or let me know about any apprehension - so that we might champion any worthy alterations you may wish for.

Consultation Document

Grove Farm Development

Great news! Rajeshri Chouhan (our Seven Kings Activist) read my report on why it would not be suitable for the Grove Farm development to proceed - at the recent Planning regulatory Committee (Tuesday). The Councillors thanked her for the information and then proceeded to argue in their usual manner.

The plan has been refused due to the lack of local amenities and inappropriate design and appearance.

All the arguments that we used, fueled a health debate and we ensured that we did not just focus on lack of school provision. The judging was a close decision as all 3 Labour Councillor's Cllr Maravalla (Loxford), Cllr Tewari (Clementswood) and Cllr Javed (Loxford) all voted in favour of the diabolical project. Common sense won out on this occasion - only just! Trust Labour to let the side down again....

I am sure we will be faced with a similar project in the near future so do let me know if you hear of any proposals.

The Liberal Focus stated that the site could not be used for any council projects as it had been sold to East Thames Housing. This might be a good opportunity for them to buy back the land at cut price. They repurchased Fairlop Waters after much community action. If you think this is a good idea why not let me know....

Reynolds Avenue/Hickman Road Repair

We reported the pot holes in the road surfaces of Reynolds avenue and Hickman road last week and have received a very positive response back from the Highways Department:

"Further to my previous e-mail, I can now confirm that both Hickman Road and Mayesford Road were inspected today. Eight defects were identified in Hickman and five in Mayesford. Works orders have subsequently been issued to our Contractor for repair."

We hope this good news for local people?

Please advise.......

The Motley Crew
Lovin it!

Last night I attended a brainstorming session with potential Green candidates for the local and general elections in 2010.

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I have never been amongst any more committed and deserving people with such strong community focus - even though I have been with the Labour party and the Conservatives. It made a real change from the "dirty tricks" politics that made me want to leave other groups. The whole session was based on how to get involved in the community, how to promote the work we undertake, and how to ensure our casework was both relevant and in demand. all in all it was very valuable session and I believe that many of the faces you see in the images above will be the budding political stars of the future.

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Besides, there cannot be a more vibrant selection of talented representatives in any of the other parties - what say you?

Potholes on my road again!

Here is an image of Isla Martin tripping over a pothole to the fore of 14 Hickman Road - there are others along the road include a large defect at no.42. We have reported this dangerous area of road to the "Reactive Maintenance Department". I will inform you of any intention to bring about repairs to the road.

Crucible/Capstan/Millhaven NHW

Leaf and litter mess along Millhaven Close
Graffiti on the wall of a property at Wimpey 1 estate (opposite Millhaven)

Millhaven garages targeted by vandals.

I have received the photos above and a complaint from the Coordinator for the Millhaven/Capstan/Crucible NHW. The reported incidents have been forwarded to the relevant council departments and I am sure they will be removed shortly. If you have similar issues please advise

Grove Farm - the final countdown

This polar bear made a bad decision - let's hope our Councillors fare better

I received a letter recently, which confirms the Grove Farm development planning application will be reviewed on the 30th of November. Councillors have now visited the site and I hope and pray that they will be sensible with their decision. Any decision they make will impact significantly on the already stretched resources and reciprocally stretched community of Chadwell.

I will not be able to speak at the event as I am away at another meeting. However, I have prepared a statement that will be read on behalf of myself, detailing reasons why I am against the project in its existing format. Please do also register to speak if you feel led to.

Bad decisions seem to be a common malaise.

King George Hospital Demonstration

Thank you to all of you who attended our demonstration today, braving the difficult weather conditions to make your voices heard.

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It was encouraging to receive so much support all day long ,especially all the cars that tooted their horns as they passed by and gave us a friendly smile.

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We have amassed a large number of signatures for our petition which will be submitted to Heather O'Meara the Chief Executive of the Redbridge Primary Care Trust, the Secretary of State for Health - the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP and the Chief Executive of the NHS David Nicholson.

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If you would like to assist with collection of signatures of our petition, you can obtain one by following this link. Please return these before the end of January as we want to submit them to all the above prior to any public consultation.

Update: See also Barkingside 21, for a report on the Lee Scott meeting

There's a ......behind the green door!

Where's my door!

Shakin' Stevens always talked about things behind the green door - now we know what they are!
Thackery Drive Thugs

Whilst delivering letters regarding our demonstration to be held at King George Hospital from 12:00 - 14:00 on Barley Lane tomorrow Saturday 21st November 2009 - Rajeshri and I noticed the diabolical condition of green telecoms boxes in your area...?

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We have reported both the box with no cover on Douglas Road and the box with graffiti and masking tape at Thackery Drive to the Streetscene Team. I am sure these items will now be back in good condition shortly.

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Do inform us of any issues of a similar nature in your area so that we can rectify them for you.

Seven Kings Christmas Surprise!

On Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

The people of Seven Kings are in for a real surprise this Christmas. A new business group has been set up and they have already gained funding from an Area 5 committee for the placing of a Christmas tree just outside Seven Kings Rail Station - if you look closely, you should also notice that festive lights have been placed on lamp posts in the area, these should provide an extremely welcome Christmas treat to local people and will be switched on from today.

Prickly Primrose!

Graffiti on street nameplate for Arandora Crescent



Flytipping on Corner of Arandora Crescent and Primrose Avenue

Graffiti on garage located on Primrose Avenue (Barley Lane end)

Graffiti on green telecom box located on Primrose Avenue (near Barley Lane junction)

Meet you new Seven Kings activist Rajeshri Chouhan she is a 40 year old Rail professional from Seven Kings, where she has lived most of her life. Rajeshri has been instrumental in organising the protest that we intend to hold on the 21st November at King George Hospital and is well know locally for her work with Redbridge Carnival. Whilst delivering letters in your area Rajeshri noticed the graffiti and Fly tipping along Primrose Avenue and Arandora Crescent and we have reported it to the appropriate bodies for removal.

Healthcare for London

Ilsa Martin, Wilson Chowdhry and Rajeshri Chouhan organisors of your protest

Please join us for our protest at King George Hospital this Saturday 21st November from 12:00 - 14:00 on Barley Lane (near entrance to hospital). We are campaigning against a potential reduction in A&E Services which is a regressive step by Redbridge PCT and could lead to an increase in fatalities. Read more here.

To be fair to our Primary Care trust I include a copy of the "Case for Change" document and the Fact File produced by the Redbridge NHS Primary Care Trust. This new programme of potential cuts is termed Health for North East London.

I have been asked by the NHS, why we have decided to hold the protest before the official consultation period. I explained to them that we in Redbrige are early interventionists and that we recognise that this battle for retention of services will be more difficult than the last. It is imperative that our community should illustrate our apprehension to this diabolical and rather contrived scheme from the outset. The failure of the "Fit for the Future" programme was based on non-consultation. The PCT have covered their backs this time (it seems they have consulted with doctors and will be consulting with residents), however, they will have an even harder task to action the proposed eradication of A&E facility at King George, this time round as our community has experienced this situation before and is more prepared. We have galvanised ourselves before and succeeded in our mission- now we need to show equal alacrity.

Last night at the meeting attended by Heather O'Meara a large number of visitors attended. I was held up at an Area 6 Committee Meeting and could not attend. I have been informed my MP Lee Scott of Ilford North that the overall premise that arose at the meeting was that the Public and he are not convinced and they will not support any cuts to services at King George Hospital. MP Lee Scott would have liked to attend our Protest but has another fixed appointment. He has indicated his support for our Protest and will be providing me with some words to read to visitors to our protest.

Isla Martin raised an intersting point with me:

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"When A&E facilities are local more peopel are likely to use their own vehicles to attend the hospital. Longer distances could result in more burden on London Ambulances, will this not reduce their effectiveness, ability to respond and reciprocally reduce the survival rates of sufferers"

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A point well made and one that is often overlooked. "Local Services for Local People" is what we are campaigning for!

East London Community Foundation

Wilson (Grant approval panel member) with Anja and Matthew Officers from the ELCB

The East London Community Foundation are looking for Community or Charitable Groups who might benefit from grants of up to £5000 from two different funds "Grassroots" and "Redbridge Small Grants".


Groups must be constituted or hold Charitable status, must be specific to Redbridge and much match their eligibility criteria:


Read more (here)


Good luck if your are thinking of applying.

Green Bazaar!

Wilson with London MEP Jean Lambert
Green Environmental stall

Rebecca of Redbridge Fairtrade

Group picture

Mark Dawes co-ordinator of the Waltham Forest and Redbridge Greens

Vegan Stall run by Mark Dawes

Our Waltham Forest & Redbridge Green Party held its Green Fair on Saturday 14th November 2009 from 11:00 - 15;00. Well known to traditionalists the Green Bazaar was held at the United Reform Church, Wanstead.

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A late change of date due to a double booking by the church and terrible weather, meant that attendance at the event was not as good as previous years. However, with a lot of hard work and endeavour the event raised £387.00 close to the figures of previous years - it should be noted that £175 of this was from a return of the Church hire costs - due to the late change of dates.

The event was very enriching with lots of Environmental information stalls, a Traidcraft stall, Bric a Brac Home made Jams and chutneys of which my wife and I bought several, after a taste survey that left us tantalised and lots more!

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If you did not attend this year do keep your eyes and ears open for next years event.

Stacey Solomon can she win X-Factor!

Above are images of the event that took place at the Curry's Car Park (behind Tescoes Goodmayes) during the X-Factor programme this Saturday. I alerted the Police to a large group of people and vehicles that lookedrather suspicious in the Car Park. I and local residents were not aware that this event had been planned.

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The Police visited following my call and were informed it was a planned event. They assured me that the organisors were introducing some crowd control, as much noise was emanating from the event and was concerning local residents. There were a lot more visitors than those in my picture, which was taken well after the event had finished. I still have no idea about what actually transpired at the location, except that a large number of very flash cars were present.

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I wish Stacey Solomon well and local girls like her should get support from local people. It is nice to see one of our own do well. However, perhaps the event organisors could forewarn local people of potential disturbance in future...?

No Parking!

Success in the Adoption of the London Local Authorities and Transport Act 2003 (section 14) Another article on the LLATA 2003

The early campaign

Many residents complain about the antisocial parking they are affected by in their local areas. This is parking to the fore of a drive with a drop down kerb, which inhibits ingress and egress to and from a residential property's safe parking area. The matter came to the fore in recent times, as increased car ownership and reducing parking provision, started causing community friction in areas with high traffic flow i.e. near schools, hospitals, clinics, colleges and businesses.

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A London-wide Council motion resulted in the forming of the "LLATA 2003". However, by the end of 2004 our council had failed to adopt the act within our own borough. The East Ilford Business Partnership and East Ilford Residents Association (both for which I am the Chairman), collaborated in a campaign to adopt the Act locally. After speaking at an; Area 5 Meeting, Area 6 meeting, Cabinet Meeting, a 7 man deputation to a full Council Meeting and much media attention -we convinced our local Councillors, that adopting the Act would be to the benefit of Redbridge people. This decision was made in May 2005

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The act is enforceable day or night irrespective of whether you have a vehicle present in your drive.

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During the daytime call 020 8478 3020 and ask for ACPOA.

From 17;00 - 09:00 call 020 8708 5211 and talk to ACPOA direct

Residents should expect a minimum 15 minute delay from initial call to a response visit. You must also be prepared to sign an authority to penalise the bad parker. Moreover, only a resident of the offended property can authorise the fixed penalty notice.

I hope this brings some solace to residents...?

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The service is undersubscribed, so please do start to use this service if you are hearing about it for the first time.

South Road - who was responsible

This is a copy of the recent South Road article in the Chadwell Focus.

An image of the newly repaired South Road!

Here is an extract from the Action sheet from an Area Committee back in December last year.

"Mr Chowdhry wanted to know whether this was a private road, as it needed repairs. Members advised that it was an unadopted road. Area 5 had previously sought a quote for repairs but the high costs were not feasible"

If you follow the link provided (here) and scroll to item 12 on page 30 you can verify that it was I that first raised the issue at a Public Forum, that led to the eventual patching repair to South Road (they actually talk about my work taking the matter to scrutiny panels too in later Action sheets). In the most Liberal Focus it is stated that the repairs on the road were via the efforts of the Chadwell Liberals. They forget that I first reported concerns about the road over 4 years ago when I first noticed the miserable surface of the road.

I have taken this concern to Cabinet Meetings, several Area 5 Meetings and a full council meeting -at which with a 7 man deputation -I managed to convince the council, of the need to create a priority list of all unadopted roads in the borough. This means that when a budget is prepared for a long term adoption programme. Roads can be upgraded in sequence commensurate with a long term strategy.

The quote from the Area 5 Minutes is not an accurate account of my request and even this mistaken quote was removed from latter Area 5 Action Sheets. This is probably why our Liberal Focus team forgot the early work I undertook to attain the South Road repairs, alluded to in their recent Newsletter (see top image). Moreover, they have made another faux pas, as it has already been clarified that South Road fits both the definitions of an unadopted Road and a Private Road. As such the residents living there, are well within their rights when utilising the private parking management team currently commissioned.

It is a shame that residents of the road have opted to use a private clamping service for their road as it is in close vicinity to a well used convenience store. However, I live across the road from a school and can tell you, it is very difficult to park in front of my house or simply ingress or egress my drive, during school opening hours. Similar nuisance and the lack of available council led parking schemes (unenforceable on unadopted or private roads) has left residents with no alternative. They have also had to suffer the consequences of a road surface in abysmal condition, that was the product of holistic parking and have had to await long periods for patching works.

I believe that any future funding towards patching should only be agreed on the basis of a more open door policy for parking as their would have to be a community benefit. However, if the Council were to agree to adopt the road, I am fairly sure, those living there would be willing to accept a number of compromises.