On Thursday 26th February a meeting was held between local community safety teams from Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham and TFL to discuss the issue of antisocial behaviour within the East Road and Somerville Road Subways. The meeting was arranged by Wilson Chowdhry for the Chadwell Heath Green Party and Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association – from TFL the following officers were present:
Chris Tudor – TLRN (Transport for London Road Network) Planning Manager, North
Morwenna Cox – Network Development Planner, North
Carl Horsman – Crime and Disorder Partnership Unit
Claire Lacey – Schools Liaison Coordinator
Esther Johnson – Major Projects Consultation Team Manager
During the meeting The local Police form Chadwell Heath Ward (Barking & Dagenham) and Chadwell Ward (Redbridge) stated that no crime had been reported around the two subways since December. Carl Horsman felt that as crime had now dissipated from the area it would be hard to substantiate the costs of £25,000 for each potential CCTV camera Mast.
Wilson Chowdhry stated that many residents he had been in communication with had stated that they had not reported crime due to a fear of repercussions and not believing the effort would be rewarded with any significant action. He also stated his belief that crime had reduced due to the increased police patrols in the area a consequence of the high profile media coverage and the extremely cold weather conditions. Crime around the subways, is known locally, to increase during the summer months. Wilson also indicated his fear that the significant number of priorities for the local police to be covered by a team of 6 officers’ of whom only 2 were PCs and 1 a Sergeant – would inevitably lead to a limitation to effective policing of the area during the summer months – despite the Police belief that the antisocial behaviour could be controlled. Moreover the Safer Neighbourhood teams do not work 24 hours a day or seven days a week but on alternating schedules of 5 days per week – resulting in an inability to cover the danger times regularly. Wilson also made a stark but honest comment that he felt that an opportunity for a long term solution was being overridden by a commercial decision and seasonal facts. He reiterated his concern for the safety and quality of life for Chadwell and Chadwell Heath residents and his hope that it would not take a fatality or serious injury to spark a more concerted approach to a resolution.
In respect to proposed extensions to existing Bus routes TFL stated that they have no plans for any new Bus route extensions and a previous scheme for extending the 499 Bus route met with significant local apprehension. No-one contested this decision.
Chris Tudor advised the group that “to provide a safe crossing you have to have the right traffic environment and on the A12 we have not got it.” (taken from Barking and Dagenham Post) he expressed concerns over the high speed area of 50mph along the section of the A12 at which these Subways cross. He added “We do not want to give people a false sense of security” (B&DP)
Wilson suggested that the 50mph limit could be reduced and a speed camera installed to reduce any safety concerns. However not being an expert on such matters Wilson was forced to acquiesce to his experienced and better judgement. Wilson has however contacted our local highways team to see if they could provide a second opinion.
Chris Tudor confirmed that a crossing would be feasible at the Whalebone Lane junction, a little further along the A12. Wilson agreed to confer with local residents via local public meetings to gauge community enthusiasm for such a scheme. One such consultation with residents of Shepherds Close has resulted in evidence of disappointment that TFL are neither introducing CCTV at Somerville Road or East Road Subways and that the location of the proposed safe ground level crossing is a far distance from the affected area. Moreover, elderly and disabled would find the increased length of journey extremely arduous in poor weather conditions.
Wilson has approached our local police to ask for permission to hold a demonstration at the East Road Subway on the 18th April 2009 from 12:00 – 14:00. A demonstration would include a walk between the two subways to raise the profile of our suffering. We will again challenge TFL to review their decision not to install CCTV cameras and ask for a review of the proposed location for a crossing. Petitions are placed at local shops on East Road Somerville Road and Chadwell Heath Lane and these will be forwarded to TFL our MP’s and the Mayor of London.
It would be appreciated if local residents would write comments with respect to TFL's response on this blog to be used as evidence of community dissatisfaction and a call for help!
Chris Tudor – TLRN (Transport for London Road Network) Planning Manager, North
Morwenna Cox – Network Development Planner, North
Carl Horsman – Crime and Disorder Partnership Unit
Claire Lacey – Schools Liaison Coordinator
Esther Johnson – Major Projects Consultation Team Manager
During the meeting The local Police form Chadwell Heath Ward (Barking & Dagenham) and Chadwell Ward (Redbridge) stated that no crime had been reported around the two subways since December. Carl Horsman felt that as crime had now dissipated from the area it would be hard to substantiate the costs of £25,000 for each potential CCTV camera Mast.
Wilson Chowdhry stated that many residents he had been in communication with had stated that they had not reported crime due to a fear of repercussions and not believing the effort would be rewarded with any significant action. He also stated his belief that crime had reduced due to the increased police patrols in the area a consequence of the high profile media coverage and the extremely cold weather conditions. Crime around the subways, is known locally, to increase during the summer months. Wilson also indicated his fear that the significant number of priorities for the local police to be covered by a team of 6 officers’ of whom only 2 were PCs and 1 a Sergeant – would inevitably lead to a limitation to effective policing of the area during the summer months – despite the Police belief that the antisocial behaviour could be controlled. Moreover the Safer Neighbourhood teams do not work 24 hours a day or seven days a week but on alternating schedules of 5 days per week – resulting in an inability to cover the danger times regularly. Wilson also made a stark but honest comment that he felt that an opportunity for a long term solution was being overridden by a commercial decision and seasonal facts. He reiterated his concern for the safety and quality of life for Chadwell and Chadwell Heath residents and his hope that it would not take a fatality or serious injury to spark a more concerted approach to a resolution.
In respect to proposed extensions to existing Bus routes TFL stated that they have no plans for any new Bus route extensions and a previous scheme for extending the 499 Bus route met with significant local apprehension. No-one contested this decision.
Chris Tudor advised the group that “to provide a safe crossing you have to have the right traffic environment and on the A12 we have not got it.” (taken from Barking and Dagenham Post) he expressed concerns over the high speed area of 50mph along the section of the A12 at which these Subways cross. He added “We do not want to give people a false sense of security” (B&DP)
Wilson suggested that the 50mph limit could be reduced and a speed camera installed to reduce any safety concerns. However not being an expert on such matters Wilson was forced to acquiesce to his experienced and better judgement. Wilson has however contacted our local highways team to see if they could provide a second opinion.
Chris Tudor confirmed that a crossing would be feasible at the Whalebone Lane junction, a little further along the A12. Wilson agreed to confer with local residents via local public meetings to gauge community enthusiasm for such a scheme. One such consultation with residents of Shepherds Close has resulted in evidence of disappointment that TFL are neither introducing CCTV at Somerville Road or East Road Subways and that the location of the proposed safe ground level crossing is a far distance from the affected area. Moreover, elderly and disabled would find the increased length of journey extremely arduous in poor weather conditions.
Wilson has approached our local police to ask for permission to hold a demonstration at the East Road Subway on the 18th April 2009 from 12:00 – 14:00. A demonstration would include a walk between the two subways to raise the profile of our suffering. We will again challenge TFL to review their decision not to install CCTV cameras and ask for a review of the proposed location for a crossing. Petitions are placed at local shops on East Road Somerville Road and Chadwell Heath Lane and these will be forwarded to TFL our MP’s and the Mayor of London.
It would be appreciated if local residents would write comments with respect to TFL's response on this blog to be used as evidence of community dissatisfaction and a call for help!
The Post: 4th March 2009. Click to enlarge.
[sentence removed by Weggis – Divisive]
ReplyDeleteSaw three white youths the other day at the end of Somerville road (A12 side) what look to me as peering into others people gardens.........
I have forwarded your comment to the Police for them to monitor the situation. Thank you for your time.
ReplyDelete