Loxford Polyclinic

By now many of you will be aware of the existence of the Loxford Polyclinic which now provides a lot of the Minor Operations (non- elective), traditionally undertaken at our larger hospitals. This will include a phlebotomy service, ophthalmic service, severe dental service, Sexually transmitted infection service and much more. I will provide a fuller description in a future blog.

What many of you will perhaps not be aware of is that I have been involved with the Loxford Polyclinic Community Panel and we held our first post-initiation meeting, which was a resounding success. The PCT have been very honest and open with us and have informed us of some teething problems with installed software that caused delays over the weekend and Monday morning, however, this glitch has now been rectified and a long term solution preventing a recurrence is being developed.

The new facilities are excellent and can actually be used by all residents of the borough -rather than going to the larger hospitals. An existing target stipulates that any person in the borough should have access to an appointment within 24 hours. These would have to arranged via your own GP' Clinics.

The clinic had a number of delays in the Construction phase that resulted in a 2 month extension to the initial opening date. However, It now looks a far sight better than when it was in its construction phase and is very state of art!

The next Polyclinic - within a wider Polyclinic system that will eventually serve the borough - is to be located on the site of King George Hospital!

The PCT will be placing a picture of all the Polyclinic Community Panel in the foyer of the new Loxford Polyclinic to thank the panel for its hard work and commitment. So you may be seeing my mugshot around for some time yet!

Arrrrgggh I'm being poisioned!

The Environment Agency has confirmed that blue green algae is present in the stretch of water from Fairlop Waters to South Park (Seven Kings Water). This includes Fairlop Lake, the river and lake at Westwood Recreation Ground, South Park Lake and the river at Seven Kings Park.
Residents and visitors are advised to keep away from water within this area as the algae can produce toxins that are poisonous to humans and animals.

Dog owners should also ensure that their dogs do not go near or swim in the water as the toxins are particularly harmful if swallowed.

If any contact is made with the affected water, the area of skin should be washed thoroughly with clean water.

The Council will be putting up temporary signs by affected lakes and rivers to inform visitors to keep away from the water.

For more information or advice contact the Council’s Community Safety Pollution Team on 020 8708 5496.

Silence is Golden!

During the summer months from June to August, Redbridge Council's Antisocial Behaviour Team will have extra staff on duty to help with the increased number of complaints received from residents about noise.

The service times which are 6 pm to 2 am will be extended to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Residents are advised to show consideration when hosting events that could result in excessive noise and affect their neighbours.

It's advisable to inform neighbours in advance of any gatherings taking place and make sure noisy parties finish early and the volume of music isn't too loud. We would encourage people to hire appropriate places like halls for larger events.

The Council has a duty to stop noise becoming a nuisance and over the last year has seized over £10,000 worth of noise making equipment including stereos, amplifiers and televisions.

To report a noise nuisance from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday call 020 8554 5000.

the Out of Hours Service team can be contacted on 020 8478 4679 from 5 pm to 1 am Sunday to Thursday and 12 pm to 2 am at weekends.

Free Cycling Training!

Young children in Redbridge will be taught balance control exercises when the Council's Road Safety Team runs a series of cycling sessions throughout the summer holidays.

The free cycling sessions for children aged between five and nine years will run at various locations across the Borough on Thursday 6 August and Thursday 13 August.

The sessions will be split into two age groups; five and six year-olds and seven to nine year-olds. Children wishing to take part must be competent on two-wheeled bikes. We are unable to accept children on trikes, still using stabilisers or those who can't ride unaided on two wheels.

Sessions will last an hour and will take place in a safe environment where children can learn and practice new skills away from roads and traffic.

Anyone wishing to take part must live or go to school in the Borough and all places must be booked in advanced.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you do not book a place we are afraid your child will be unable to take part in the sessions.

For further information or for an application form please call 020 8708 3692 or email vicky.blackburn@redbridge.gov.uk

Bacon the agenda (ooops! I meant Back on!)

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that there are now several cases of swine flu in the Borough with some of Redbridge’s school pupils affected.

In light of this, NHS Redbridge is reinforcing the importance of personal hygiene to restrict the spread of any infection, including disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin, wiping down communally used surfaces such as door handles and table tops and washing hands before eating food and after using the toilet.

It is also asking people to find a ‘flu friend’ who can pick up medication on their behalf should they catch swine flu.

Anyone with swine flu is urged to stay at home until they recover but can give their prescription number to a family member or friend who can then collect it from a designated pharmacy. Children who do fall ill should be kept at home until they have recovered. Parents should keep schools informed of the nature of the child’s illness.

The HPA are communicating with schools that are affected and sending letters to parents of children in those schools. HPA guidance is that schools should not close as the virus is now circulating at a community level and closing specific buildings will not contain its spread.
The NHS already has a good supply of antiviral drugs in the Borough and these are readily available to patients diagnosed with swine flu.

Anyone feeling ill should ring their GP, the national helpline on 0800 1513 513 or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. People should not book an appointment with their GP as effective diagnosis can be made over the phone.

Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
Tamiflu will not be available to buy over-the-counter and will only issued with a relevant prescription number.

For more information visit http://www.nhs.uk/.

Ground level crossing at Whalebone Lane

I will keep chasing TFL until they fulfill their promise to introduce a safe ground level crossing at Whalebone Lane. I emailed TFL yesterday, requesting and update and received a very positive response today. In the response they intimated that a solution (project) may be initiated far sooner than I originally anticipated:

"It is on the programme to be looked at this year, however I cannot give you any specifics on timescales. We will, as part of the process, consult on any options once a design has been progressed."

This as you will remember was the culmination of a lot of hard endeavour!

Reassuring News - Surveillance of Dangerous alleyway!

I advised you all of the concerns regarding the alleyway between the Chadwell Allotments and St Chads Park in a recent post. Today, I just received a response from the Sergeant of Chadwell Heath SNT:

"Patrols in the area continue from both Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham boroughs which will continue and Anti- Social behaviour in both boroughs is being tackled through a range of partnership and police led initiatives, which will also continue."

This is very good news, however I will still be arranging a public meeting, to which I will invite all the community safety organisations in both boroughs. It is in this way we will keep the issue current as a priority!

The grass is always greener on the other side!

We sat on the green green grass

The greenest we could find

But ***** sat on something

The cows had left behind.

If this seems familiar you are showing your age - a poem popular in my youth. Nonetheless, I am regularly perturbed by the green vegetation we find on our roads in Chadwell, it seems we are the forgotten land and I am always having to remind the weeding department, of our plight. You may not be aware of this but on a recent BBC documentary they discussed the potential for all our streets to be conquered by natural vegetation in less than 10 years - one up for nature methinks! I have reported the following roads:

• Roxy Avenue
• Flora Gardens
• Grove Road
• Primrose Avenue
• Gresham Drive
• Glendale Avenue
• Grove Road
• Park Lane
• Nursery Road

if you are aware of other areas of excessive weed growth, please advise.

The Weeding Section have responded recently:

"The contractor has just informed me he has treated the Chadwell area and in next week or so you should see the results".

Armed Forces Day 2009

Here I am pictured with Captain Baggs of the Army Cadets on Armed Forces day in Valentines Park. They were a little disappointed with this years turnout, however I will be sharing ideas on marketing with them for next year.

The event was really fun and I got to use an unloaded gun and learn how to load it. I pictured some of the incumbent councillors to my fore during this demonstration.

Anne Chambers head of the Local St Johns Ambulance informed me of a recruitment drive for the local area. She was proud of her cadets attending on the day. Learn more here.

Barley Lane Primary School Summer Fete

It was great fun at yesterday's Summer Fete which proved to be one of the best run events I have been to in Redbridge. In the picture you can see me throwing a sponge at Colleen Chairman of the PTA. She took it well and still let me inform visitors about Redbridge Carnival.

Here I was given an opportunity to address the crowds of people at the event, when I was invited to inform them of the forthcoming Redbridge Carnival Event on the 5th and 6th September 2009 at Valentines Park. Some of the great performers at the school event such as the Majorettes group and the Dholl Players.

Barley Lane Primary School

Barley Lane Primary School Suumer Fete Saturday 27th June 2009
Bouncy Castles
Stalls Food
Live Music
Penalty Shoot out and Much more!
For more details contact the school or view the Barley Lane Primary School page on our website.
020 8590 8474 (fax: 020 8599 1202)
Address: Huxley DriveChadwell HeathRomfordRM6 4RJ
Email: admin.barleylane@redbridge.gov.uk

Free Events this weekend 27th June - 28Th June 2009

Celebration in the park for Armed Forces Day Saturday 27 June
Venue: Melbourne Fields, Valentines Park,IlfordIG1 (view on map)
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Event: The final of three events in the Borough to mark Armed Forces Day, will be a thrill for the whole family as residents have the chance to have a go on a flight simulator and take part in paintball.
Local armed forces and cadets will bring display stands and there will be a display of First World War equipment.
find out more on Armed Forces Day.
Age: Any
Price: Free entry, activities may be priced individually
BookingsNo need to book a place

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Woodlands Summer Fete Saturday 27 June
Venue: Woodlands Junior SchoolLoxford LaneIlfordIG1 2PY (view on map)
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Event: DetailsWoodlands Summer Fete will be held on Saturday 27th June 09 from 11 to 4pm.
A fun day for all the family with:
stalls
bouncy castles
henna
raffle
games and more
Price: Free
Enquiries: Please contact Mrs G Navaid on 020 8478 4612 or email Ghazala.Navaid@redbridge.gov.uk for information.

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Community Entertainment Fair Saturday 27 June
Venue: Ilford Conservatives Club42 Ilford HillIG1 2AT
Time: 11.30 am to 5 pm
Event: Opportunity for Small business' in redbridge area to promote their skills and talents!!!
Join Luis Lema and his FREE Rumba and Salsa classes, with over 30 Community Entertainers represented from local community groups.
Acts are:
Dancers
Singers
Entertainers
Comedians
Arts and Crafts stalls will be selling a range of goods and there is a Pirates and Princess face painting competition. Free arts and dance workshops for children will also be running
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call 020 8519 7999 or email changecproject@aol.com.

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Gilbert Colvin Primary School summer fun day Saturday 27 June
Venue: Gilbert Colvin Primary SchoolStrafford AvenueClayhallIG5 0TL (view on map)
Time: 12 noon to 3 pm
Details: Gilbert Colvin Primary School Summer Fun Day with activities including:
bouncy castles
go karts
BBQ
cafe
international food
stalls
games with prizes
performances from the children and an auction.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information please call Helen Harris on 07894 808 311 or email helenharris866@btinternet.com.

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Nature hunt Saturday 27 June
Venue: Roding Valley Parkmeet outside the Ray Park visitor centre
Time: 10 am to 12 noon
Event: Come and join us for a nature hunt in the park and along the river. Use your detection skills to find hidden treasures and then work out what they are.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call the Nature Conservation Team

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Parkside Playgroup's summer fete Saturday 27 June
Venue: 176 Goodmayes LaneIlfordEssexIG3 9PP (view on map)
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Event: Come and join us for lots of fun! There will be:
a bbq
raffle
tombola
basketball shoot out
cakes
sweets
bric a brac and much more.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For more information please contact Vicky Hart on 020 8590 7497 or email parksideassoc@btconnect.com for details.

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Farmers' Market - June Sunday 28 June 2009
Venue: Valentines Mansion
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Details: A chance to buy top quality local and seasonal food and visit the mansion and gardens.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call Valentines Mansion or visit the official web site for Valentines Mansion & Gardens.

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Wonderful world of medicinal herbs walk Sunday 28 June
Venue: Ray Park visitor centre, off Snakes Lane East
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Event: Following on from Debbie Syrett’s herbal workshop at Forest Farm, come along and find out what fascinating medicinal uses there are for the many native wild flowering plants along the Roding Valley Park.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call the Nature Conservation Team

Terrible State of affairs

I have received a further response from the Allotments Manager who has advised me of wider and more serious antisocial behaviour problems in the area of the Chadwell Allotments:

"Further to our conversation earlier, I write to confirm that the pathway, which is between the allotments and park in Barking & Dagenham had clear evidence this morning of anti social behaviour. I saw approximately 50 used beer cans or glass bottles, plus evidence of drug use. It is not for me to tell other professionals how to deal with matters such as these, but it needs to be monitored and cleaned as it is a health and safety risk.

My concern is that if these individuals are drinking and taking drugs, then they may see the huts on the allotments as a place where they can seek refuge when it rains or is cold. Once they get bored, then they probably just play with matches or not stub out cigarettes or joints and then the sheds actually go up in flames. I am just speculating, but if they are congregating in this area then they might seek access via the residents garden or over the main gate on the opposite side."

The fact that this behaviour is taking place on a border with Barking and Dagenham has led me to request a joint operation between the Chadwell Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team and our counterparts for Chadwell and both Boroughs' ASBO Teams - They have all been contacted and advised of the Situation. I intend to arrange a public meeting and will be inviting local people including the Allotment holders and Management Team to input into the programme for a solution. I will also try to initiate a Chadwell allotments Society to encourage a more cohesive approach to resolutions for allotment issues. Keep watching this space......

Chadwell Allotments - Success!

I have just received a response, regarding the Chadwell allotments Arson attacks:

"I have visited the site today with my Parks Development Manager and spoken to a number of plot holders on the site. I have inspected the damage to the tenants fence and I can say that the fence in question is in a fairly dilapidated condition however it is accepted that the damage caused to the three wooden panels was due to the alleged arson attack on the wooden shed. I am therefore arranging for the three wooden panels and posts to be replaced.

I am planning to upgrade these from a trelless fence to a 1.8m wooden panel fence. The council cannot accept any further responsibility for the tenant's fence and no further repairs will be undertaken to the fence in question as it belongs to the tenant and it is up to them to secure their own property.It is not for the council to put fencing up to protect the properties of others. If the yobs who are carrying out these acts are gaining access via a residents house or front garden, then it is the residents responsibility to protect their own property. I have to be very careful on this matter, otherwise I could set a precedent across the whole borough.

I have also inspected the palisade fencing along the boundary of the allotments leading from Park Villas and can confirm the fencing is in tact with no missing panels or gaps that are a concern to us. I believe our responsibility regarding the fencing has been fully met and the tenant will need to make their own repairs/arrangements regarding repairs to stop youths accessing their front garden.They could do this by locking their front gate or improving the quality of the fencing. Our Allotments Officer has offered to make some temporary repairs to the fencing, but was refused permission by the resident when he enquired.

The natural dense hedgerow along the entrance to the site is made up of various species and is of a high nature conservation value to wildlife and biodiversity. To reduce this hedge to the suggested height would have an adverse effect on the site and the environment therefore I wouldn't at this stage look at taking any drastic action to the hedge. What I intend to do in the near future is meet with the allotment holders at Chadwell Heath to discuss their concerns and any issues they may have with the site and how we can best address them. I spoke with a few of them today and although they would not mind it being tidied up, they would not want more than 2ft cut off the top and this would not improve security or lines of vision from the outside.

I have had our Senior Nature Conservation Ranger inspect the hedges and he agrees with this approach. He advises that the council has a duty to protect and enhance biodiversity in the borough under the NERC Act 2006 section 40, and hedgerows provide valuable habitat for wildlife and are used by two species under the Redbridge Biodiversity Action Plan (house sparrows and bats). Allotments are included in the Redbridge Biodiversity Action Plan as a key habitat. Actions relating to removal of habitat on allotments, does contradict council policy on retaining and enhancing areas of ecological value within allotments. Under the nature conservation supplementary planning document, the retention of hedgerows and areas of green space is encouraged. In addition, heavy pruning of hedgerows could disturb nesting birds, which is a criminal offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1984. Officers will meet with some of the plot holders again and discuss the hedgerow, but it is not as simple as saying cut it back or down. The earliest work could be done on it would October, due to the nesting and breeding season.

Plot holders feel that the arsonists maybe gaining access by simply climbing over the gates at the main entrance, which we think is the way that they are gaining access, so we will look at raising the height of the front gates. There are 2 small gaps in the hedgerow, but it unlikely that an arsonist would use these points of access, as it would take time and would cause injury due to the thorns and brambles. This view was shared by the plot holders.

It must be stressed that we share the concerns of the plot holders regarding the vandalism at the site but this is a criminal offence and the police have been informed and are investigating the incidents. We will continue to work with the police and all interested parties to try and combat these crimes. My officers have asked for additional support in terms of a more visible presence from Community Support Officers in the area and clearly the border between Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge on the access path alongside Park Villas is used heavily for drinking and anti social behaviour and this was evidence today by the volume of empty beer cans and broken glass.

Officers will instruct our contractor to repair the fencing panels damaged by the fire, but in our opinion the rest of the fencing is acceptable for this type of facility. The council has other sites, which are protected by 2m palisade fencing, but I have seen young people simply climb over in a matter of seconds regardless of the risk of serious injury. I would advise the resident in Park Villas to look at their perimeter fence, as it is dilapidated but it is not the council to replace it, although as I have said we have offered to repair it to try and prevent access to allotments.

I will ensure that my Officers continue to work with yourself and the Police to try and prevent this type of activities. I would stress that arson is a serious criminal offence and plot holders agreed that they would work with council officers to report and prevent, but it was for the Police to try and catch these individuals. I will continue to speak to Mrs Storey at Park Villas, who is the daughter of the couple who live there and hope that she is satisfied with our gesture to replace those panels damaged in the arson attack."

This is positive news as the measures provided will provide some additional security and We are ware the Police and the ASBO Team are working on other crime prevention schemes. They are also going to look into potential lighting for the front gate area and cutting back some of the hedgerows around the gate area to make it more visible.

Rushed Seven Kings NHW

Those who attended the Seven Kings NHW meeting and residents of Chadwell who may have seen me wearing my fancy Asian Clothes, may be wondering what the purpose was? I was actually delaying an awrad ceremony for my business as I had to complete this community meeting that I had scheduled for people of Seven Kings over 3 weeks ago. I almost missed the event but arrived at 21:30 just before the award ceremony, but too late to eat the 3 course meal - the things I do for you all....

Read more on this link

Seven Kings Crucible Park NHW

There was a rather disappointing turnout at the Seven Kings Crucible Park Neighbourhood Watch, however those that came voted to inaugurate the group and a Chairman Eugene Martin from Christie Gardens was duly elected. We were joined by Phil Walby from the Redbridge ASBO Team, who provided support and guidance and agreed to cascade any concerns to relevant council departments or to the Police as necessary.

The main concerns that were raised at the meeting included:

• A food lorry parking in front of the school daily that was is causing a regular disruption to local residents and obstruction to the flow of traffic. It was agreed that I would ask the headmaster if he would be willing to allow the lorry to park in School ground to reduce these impacts.


• A motorcycle owner revving his engine in a back garden from within a property along Priestly Gardens (I have a full address), is to be asked to reduce the noise and scale of his activities.


• The school children littering within Crucible Park has continued since our last meeting with the Headmaster. To resolve the matter Phil Walby and I are to seek guidance from the General Cleansing Team, about whether a purge could be undertaken by their enforcement officers - penalty fines for littering can be administered to juveniles. We would hope this might activate a better response from local headmasters in trying to resolve the issue and might also deter children from continuing their practice of littering. The supply of bins in the park is more than adequate enough to cater for the needs of the children.


• I was asked to approach the headmaster again to request that sporting supplies be provided to children during lunchtimes to coax them to stay in school. Whilst also requesting the school to manage and monitor a permission only policy for leaving the school grounds at lunch time.

The group will be holding their next NHW meeting on the 10th September at Somerville Hall from 19:00. At this meeting they will also be selecting their priorities for the following roads who are to be included in membership:

• Priestley Gardens
• Manin Road
• Galsworthy Avenue
• Christie Gardens
• Arandora Crescent
• Primrose Avenue -( at both meetings no resident from Primrose has attended and this road may be removed if this figure does not change)

Juliet Talks at Redbridge College!

Juliet Chowdhry one of our long standing activists for Chadwell spoke recently at Redbridge College to ESOL students as part of a motivational speaker process. Juliet willingly gave of her time to facilitate this process - wishing to inspire others to follow in her steps to becoming a business woman. Why not read more from the Redbridge College website. We have written about this and other College functions on our blog read here.

Tired of Allotment Management Shenanigans

I have waited for a response from the Redbridge Allotment Management Team for long enough. Today I have emailed the Cabinet Member for Leisure Service Alan Weinberg and the Lead Officer for Leisure Services Iain Varah for their response to the recent fires in the allotments. Further to this, I have asked to speak at the next Cabinet Meeting on this issue. This will be held on Tuesday the 30th of June at the Town Hall from 19:15. Please do feel free to come and join me. It just seems as if people in the right places want to make the wrong moves!

Chadwell Allotments - The Plot thickens!

A local resident the son of one of the allotment holders has asked me to add a picture of the devastation caused at the allotment site (to the left) and a link to his blog. He hopes the story will trigger increased vigilance from local residents and rapid action from the powers that be.

Thus far the Allotment Management team at Redbridge are being rather evasive and sending out conflicting information. It is this department that needs to find and potentially fund a long term solution - which in my mind requires cutting back of the hedge around the perimeter of the allotments and the installation of security fencing around the vulnerable locations that the Police and ASBO team have inspected with me. My main concern is the fact that other allotments have holistic perimeter fencing and the council is aware of the 5 arson attacks in 2.5 months at this location - yet no action is being taken?

The police have increased patrols and the ASBO team have agreed to install an overt CCTV camera. Will the allotment managers get involved....we shall wait and see. I am working with some allotment holders to submit an application to the Area 5 Committe for funding towards the fencing.

Caught in the act!

In response to my request for action to tackle the growing concern of drug dealing in South Park, I have just received very positive if not excellent news from our Borough Parks Police Chief:

"The Parks Police have detained 9 people since the beginning of March for possession of cannabis between the hours of 10am and 6pm. The area is regularly patrolled and observations kept. There is also a static park keeper employed on site."

Urination in South Park - A solution has been found!

It is a shame that peoples enjoyment of South Park and resident quality of life is being eroded by the acts of a few mindless and rather disgusting individuals - who choose to urinate in bushes near South Park Drive.

It is well known that South Parks toilets have been improved and re-opened and they have won a few Borough-wide cleanliness awards. Yet a few persistent joggers refuse to recognise the health and safety implications of urinating in bushes that are only yards from the toilets? Surely if exercising, a slightly longer jog would burn more calories? The perpetrators may not be aware that is illegal to urinate in public places and that if they are seen by children and adults more severe breaches of law are taking place.

I include a very positive response from the Parks Manager to my request to lower the height of the bushes at which the activity is most prominent :

"In response to the urinating issue, the area described has already been earmarked to have the shrubs lifted, which in essence have the same effect. The term contractor will roll this out in the forth-coming weeks. Obviously the other enforcement issues are for the SNT or Parks police to respond."

Redbridge Carnival Queen Selection Dance

The new Redbridge Carnival Queen selection will be occuring on the 26th July 2009 from 18:00 - 21:45 at Redbridge College. The event will be an exciting one with a performance from Alexandra School of Performing Arts who will provide a jazz, tap and Ballet routine fused with pantomime. We will also have performances form Elektra who will provide fusion belly dancing performances to wow the crowds. Tickets are limited to the first 100 people and will be sold at the price of £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Refreshments will be sold on the day and we will also have a special raffle that includes hampers, Blue tooth device sand much more.
If you would like to join us, strut your stuff or just boogie - please call 020m 8514 0861 24 hours a day or Rajeshri Chouhan on 07941 083 716.

South Park Crises!

Residents surrounding south park are complaining about the Drug Dealing occurring in the park around 2am when there is purported drug dealing between young adults who climb into the park.

There are also a large number of joggers who are urinating in the bushes across the road from no.37. I have asked the Trees Section and Parks Manager to cut these bushes to a lower level to reduce the occurrence.

South Park School is leaving its lights on during the evening and residents are concerned about environmental waste. I have asked the School for a response

Residents are concerned about the lack of policing of the roads around the school where parents are parking in front of drives and on the Zig Zags. I know there was a policing priority to reduce this issue and a programme of scheduled visits. I have asked the Local sergenat to confirm this is on their list of priorities.

The gates at the corner of the park a little further from the school are being left open all night? I have asked the Parks Manager to confirm why this is occuring.

I never thought pigs could fly till I saw Swine Flu - Excuse the Joke!

The Health Protections Agency (HPA) has confirmed that one pupil at Wells Primary School and one pupil at Snaresbrook Primary School in Redbridge have contracted swine flu.

The first pupil fell sick more than a week ago and is recovering well following prescription of the antiviral tamiflu. A second case was reported today (Monday).

HPA guidance is that schools should not close. The virus is now circulating at a community level and closing specific buildings will not contain its spread.

Children who do fall ill should be kept at home until they have recovered. Parents should keep schools informed of the nature of the child’s illness.

The Borough already has a good supply of antiviral drugs and these are readily available to patients diagnosed with swine flu. Anyone feeling ill should ring their GP or ring the national helpline on 0800 1513 513.

People should not book an appointment with their GP as effective diagnosis can be made over the phone.

NHS Redbridge is reinforcing the importance of personal hygiene to restrict the spread of any infection including disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin, wiping down communally used surfaces such as door handles and table tops and washing hands before eating food and after using the toilet.

Help through the recession

The London Borough of Redbridge has geared up to support small/Medium sized business, people on low incomes, the elderly and other local residents who are finding the recession difficult to cope with.

More information can be obtained by following this link

There are a number of helplines set up and all staff answering calls have undergone intense training enhancements to ensure advice provided is both specific and comprehensive. Please do avail yourself of this facility to learn about potential benefit claims, grants and other assistance that can make your transition through this difficult less of a nightmare.

Redbridge has announced a week of activities to celebrate the first ever Armed Forces Day.

The Borough is marking the inaugural event with three separate events culminating in a celebration at Valentines Park on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 27 June.

The first event takes place at 10.30am outside Redbridge Town Hall on Monday 22 June where cadets, soldiers and veterans will witness the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag.

On Wednesday 24 June at 10.30am the forces will pay tribute to the fallen at Ilford War Memorial in Newbury Park. Wreathes will be laid and there will be a two-minute silence to honour those who have served their country.

The final event will be a thrill for the whole family as residents have the chance to have a go on a flight simulator and take part in paint ball in Valentines Park. Local armed forces and cadets will bring display stands and there will be a display of First World War equipment. The event takes place between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 27 June in Melbourne Fields, Valentines Park.

Leon Greenman Memorial

A memorial to Leon Greenman is to be installed at the Holocaust Memorial Gardens in Valentines Park. Leon was a leading community figure promoting peace and unity to young people in the borough by speaking at various schools - as he shared his experiences of the tragedy of having to survive a holocaust. A Redbridge Hero we should all remember who suffered antagonism from fascists after the war and yet unstinting in his resolve to promote community cohesion.

As chairman of Redbridge Carnival Association I was pleased to be involved in a contribution towards this worthwhile scheme. I look forward to its eventual installation.

Learn more about Leon Greenman here.

Back From 10 Downing Street

I just returned from 10 Downing Street after meeting with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The event was a chance for small/medium sized businesses to be acknowledged and recognised for the impact they have on our country. PM Gordon Brown spoke eloquently about the support he intends to give to small /medium sizedbusinesses (SME) and the need to work together to improve our ailing economy. We were also taken on a tour of the actual cabinet room in which this Nation's decisions have been made since the days of Warpole. A ceremonial sword provided by the Saudis to John Major was the only highlight in this rather austere room. I spoke with Lord Peter Mandellson about the malfunctioning of the "Access to Work Scheme" but did not get much more of an opportunity to speak about other real issues as The PM left quite hurriedly after the event which led to an en mass and rather intense business networking session.

It's a shame really as I was prepared with a number of issue and don't feel I really had an opportunity to address pertinent needs for our community or my business sector. The government has lost an opportunity for consultation and absorption of real issues facing businesses within the SME category.

It was a privilege to enter into one of history most recognised places and I am looking forward to the future events of a similar nature.

Watership Down

A public meeting is to be held regarding local flood risk and people are being invited to raise their concern over potential flood fears to industry experts. The meeting is to be held at the prince Regent Hotel, Manor Road, Woodford Bridge between 7pm and 9.30pm on Tuesday 23rd June 2009. In attendance will be Redbridge Council, The Environment Agency, Thames Water, The Met Police and the Fire Brigade.

Free coach service to the event from certain areas contact me for further details.

This meeting has been arranged following the recent flooding at the River Roding a result of torrential rains and excessive snow this year. If you are a local concerned residents this is a great chance to be a part of the management decision making process and to learn more about local flood concerns.

Weatherspoons Wine Festival

Four Weatherspoon Pubs will be celebrating wines with a festival that will continue until the 28th June 2009. For more details do pop into the Eva Hart on Chadwell Heath High Road. The other three pubs as requested include:

• The New Fairlop Oak" - Fence Piece Road, Barkingside.


• "The Gret Spoon of Ilford" - Cranbrook Road nr Ilfor Town Centre.


• "The George" - High Street Wanstead

On-line crime reporting scheme

Oaks Parks School have snapped up an opportunity to help protect their pupils by initiating the School Help Advice Reporting Page (SHARP) - after being approached by the local Police. This will now allow students to communicate, Knife, Hate, Antisocial behaviour and Drugs problems to school management who will share information with the Police.

To learn more follow this link

Canny Business!

A major haul of Cannabis purported to be worth thousands of pounds was was sequestered from a home on Eccleston Crescent on Friday morning. This was the result of a number of tip offs from local people that led to a high priority investigation. The owner of the house is yet to be tracked down. If you have any information you would like to share on this please call 0300 123 1212 which is a central non-emergency number for London-wide issues.

Valentines Park - Victorian Day

Today I was awestruck at how much effort the Valentines Mansion Organising Committee are putting into making the venue one that is interesting, stimulating and fresh for all age groups and types of people.

Today's Victorian day event was excellent I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history of the mansion and the borough at the Redbridge Museum display. Such effort deserves recognition and I honestly hope people within the Borough will avail themselves of the opportunity available to them almost every day of the year at Ilford Library.

I include pictures of some of the interesting artifacts that they brought with them including the ceremonial key presented for an extension to the park in 1913....








.....and a copy of "A potted History of Ilford" written by the late Norman Gumby.









My youngest Daughter and I also decided to visit the Victorian Kitchens were real Victorian costumes were worn by staff, who were showing children how to make angel cakes a particular fancy from that period.






I intentionally showed a picture of Naomi watching the staff member add the wings to the cakes as she was rather messy in the mixing of the icing sugar - even when supported by me!

There was so much fun to be had and I hope that more residents attend in future- as you will miss out if you are not there!

Sunday Redbridge Free Events

A Step in Time Sunday 21 June
Venue: Valentines Mansion
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Event: Step back in time with costumed characters at Valentines Mansion. See how staff worked during the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover more about the history of the Mansion in a special display from Redbridge Museum and Local Studies & Archives and a chance to borrow books from Redbridge Libraries about history, gardening and architecture.
Join us as we take part in the Story of London, a new festival from the Mayor of London. Celebrate aspects of Redbridge’s past and present through history, film, music and literature. Revisit your borough with fresh eyes.
Price; FREE – no need to book
Enquiries: For further information call Valentines Mansion
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Summer solstice walk and picnic Sunday 21 June
Venue: Claybury Woods, gate on Tomswood Hill, opposite Wannock Gardens
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Venue: It’s the longest day of the year. Come and mark it by joining the Rangers on a gentle evening stroll through the woodland followed by a picnic by the lake. Please bring your own picnic and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call the Nature Conservation Team

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World Music Day Sunday 21 June
Venue: Forest Farm Peace GardenHazelbrouck GardensHainaultIG6 (view on map)
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Event: World Music performances and lessons in a garden setting. To celebrate with the Refugees and Asylum Seekers who grow their own organic food at Forest Farm Peace Garden.
Free Entrance and Hot Food made from the Garden's organic ingredients.
Professional Musicians from Africa, Turkey, Eastern Europe, Brazil and elsewhere will fill the garden with music.
Confirmed schedule so far is:
12 pm to 1 pm: African Drumming Circle Lessons lead by Gambian Seneke Sillah of Mbilla Arts.
1 pm to 2 pm: Afro Drum Generation from Zimbabwe
2 pm to 3 pm: African Drumming Circle Lessons lead by Gambian Seneke Sillah of Mbilla Arts.
Also featuring the Carbon Town Cryer and Capoeira exhibitions.
All Musicians welcome to bring an instrument!
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call Stephen on 07913 089 979 or email steve@forestfarmpeacegarden.org

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Midsummer's Day Summer Solstice Sunday 21 June
Venue: Hainault Forest Country ParkMeeting point Visitor Centre
Time: From 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Event: The sun is now at the peak of its power – this is the longest day of the year. Join Alice Greenacre on a stroll and hear about the astronomical function of ancient monuments such as Stonehenge, and why people always visit them on this day. End with a summer picnic (bring it with you) at our own recently enlarged Woodhenge feature in Hainault Forest.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For more information call Hainault Forest Country Park

More Details on event is Redbridge Can be found by following this link:

Community Crime Fighters

Justice Seen - Justice Done. This is the new motto being driven forward by a new scheme championed by the "Ministry of Justice" . In a number of training sessions led by senior Police Officers, ASBO Officers and CPS - active community members learnt about the new policing pledge its contents, purpose and formation process. We also learnt how best to tackle antisocial behaviour and how to provide support to witnesses and link into the wider network of witness support. The aim of this event held on Friday 19th June 2009 and future training courses is to equip local community activists into becoming more knowledgeable, competent and confident when undertaking any role involving crime reduction and prevention. It was also a chance for the Justice system to recognise the commitment of members of local communities. I was invited to attend by two local sergeants as was Isla Martin from the Green Party, a reflection of our work with the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association (RNWA -an overarching advice and guidance body set up to support local Neighbourhood Watches) and our own Local Watches. We both have achieved much through these watches resulting in this invite to the holistic London-wide meeting for only a selected 240 individuals. Our completion of the Course has resulted in our membership with the Community Crime Fighters Club which allows us access to a variety of training, best practice sharing and advice opportunities. We will be attending more training sessions and with other members of the RNWA who attended the course we shall cascade this information to other watches across Redbridge by designing our own training package. Please contact Isla or myself should you require further information.

Ooops! Sorry last day to register!

Crossrail Corridor
FAQ for Crossrail Corridor AAP
Contact for Crossrail Corridor AAP Add to MyPages

Have Your Say - Help Shape the Future of the High RoadIssues and Options Stage Consultation 11 May – 19 June 2009

As part of the continuing preparation of its Local Development Framework, the Council is preparing an Area Action Plan (AAP) for the High Road, running from the eastern edge of Ilford Town Centre to the boundary with the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham in Chadwell Heath.

The AAP will set out a planning framework for the area and aims to improve the overall character and quality of the High Road, and maximise the potential benefits of future Crossrail stations located at Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath. It must be in general conformity and consistent with Redbridge’s adopted Local Development Documents, particularly the Core Strategy and Borough Wide Primary Policies Development Plan Documents.

Initial consultation to inform the content of the Area Action Plan will take place for a period of six weeks between Monday 11 May and Friday 19 June 2009. The Council is seeking your views on the issues, opportunities and options, as set out in a consultation leaflet (PDF, 2.35mb) to inform the new planning framework for the High Road.

Sorry all I read this very late! perhaps more Car Parking around the stations would be a good option....?

Wot - no expansion of Chadwell Schools?!

Redbridge Council will begin seeking views on the possibility of permanently expanding four of the Borough's primary schools in an attempt to solve the Borough's shortage of school places.

Redbridge and much of London is facing a sharp increase in the demand for primary school places which the Council has been working hard to address for a number of months.
The pre-statutory consultation to establish an additional three and a half permanent forms of entry in primary schools from September 2011, begins on 1 June and runs until 5pm on Friday 16 October.

The schools proposed for expansion are Christchurch, which would go from three forms of entry to four; Farnham Green and Downshall from two forms of entry to three and Fullwood from one and half forms of entry to two. Each proposal for additional places will be considered individually.

Consultation booklets are being sent to all parents of schools concerned as well as parents of schools within a mile radius. Chairs of Governors, Teaching Unions, neighbouring boroughs, all Councillors and the Catholic, Jewish and Church of England education boards will also receive copies as well as other faith groups.

Copies of the consultation document will be available from the One Stop Shop at Lynton House and on Primary schools consultation page.

Please make sure you have your say!

Looking Good!

Chadwell Heath Lane is finally undergoing the completion of its pavement renovation works that should have been completed last year. The works will take approximately six weeks and then the same contractors will be moving on to complete the schedule of major works I have been promising for a while now at Reynolds Avenue and Gresham Drive. Chadwell has never had it so good and I intend to keep things that way.

We will all have to bear with the increased congestion for a little while longer, however, in the long run it will be well worth the effort.


I am also pleased to announce that thus far East Thames have not yet submitted another plan for the Development at Grove Farm! This silence can only mean they are thinking up a complete overhaul of the previous plan - hopefully a more suitable development will be proposed.

Capstan/Millhaven/Crucible Close NHW

Today was the second meeting of this Neighbourhood Watch organisation and many local people attended the meeting. The Chairman of the group Paul Sampson has set a number of priorities including collating a list of the different Management Agents looking after all the properties, which will allow better communication when trying to resolve local issues.

They are to prepare a new newsletter and have agreed a 6 weekly programme of meetings. Members of the group are particularly concerned that Redbridge Council may not be exercising their responsibilities with respect to the maintenance and street cleaning of adopted sections of the road and I have offered to investigate this issue. The group looks like a very strong unit and I would encourage other residents of the estate to join this forward thinking team.

If you would like to join the group contact me for further details.

Multicultural Day

I have been invited to speak on Community Cohesion at the Mayfield School Multicultural Day on the 4th July. My slot will be between 14:30 - 15:30 and I hope to see many of you there. The event itself is a remarkable effort by the Sixth Form students of the School, who I facilitated two classroom sessions for recently, using my experience with Redbridge Carnival as an opportunity to guide them into making the event even better.

the event will have:

• Bouncy Castle
• Basketball
• Football
• Face Painting
• XBox/PS3 tournament
• Henna Art
• T Shirt Design
• Mask Design
• Sponge a teacher
• and much more including live entertainment and food of different varieties.

Do join us the event will start at 12pm and finish at 5pm

Venue: Mayfield School, Pedley Road, Dagenham Tel: 020 8590 5211

Wimpey 1 Estate

Your Residents Association Group meeting timetabled for tomorrow has been cancelled and rescheduled for the 2nd of July. I am posting letters to you tonight and tomorrow morning to advise you. I have an unfortunately very urgent meeting to attend tomorrow and apologise for any confusion.

Fingers Crossed!

I have received back the petition from Shepherds Close residents in respect to the proposed campaign to introduce a street cleaning service to the alleyway behind there homes. This is due to that fact that the alleyway is used as a collection route for the general waste, which culminates in a significant amount of residual waste.

I will keep you updated on progress.....

Over 50% of the addresses have signed the petition and those that have not were not at home during the collection of signatures. If any residents would like to add their name to the petition, there is still time to do so. I will then deliver the petition to your homes personally.

Keep up to date with Chadwell Issues

A number of residents have asked me how they could be sent updates to my blog automatically. I was not aware of it so asked "weggis" my comrade in arms to explain:

"To "follow" a blog you need to have a Google account or your own blog.
When you log in to your Dashboard scroll down to Reading List.
Here you can Add or Manage the blogs that you "follow".
If you follow a blog then a summary of recent posts will appear in that window."

If your wondering about the picture.... theprocess is called "feeding"!

Try it yourself to see how it works. Just type in the URL of one of my blogs or weggis's, eg

http://chadwellgreen.blogspot.com/
http://ilfordsouthgreens.blogspot.com/
http://redbridgecarnival.blogspot.com/
http://aasecurityservices.blogspot.com/
http://barkingside21.blogspot.com/
http://weggis66.blogspot.com/

Chadwell Allotments the Quest Continues!

I attended a meeting on site at 13:00 today with Phil Walby from the ASBO Team and with Mark Lowrie Sergeant for Chadwell Ward. It transpires that the information provided by the council was incorrect and that the attack on the allotments was the result of youths entering from the side fencing of a residential premises the owner of the property have not been contacted and are fearful of the youths entering into the allotment via their property. the angle ground lock was a result of the emergency services requiring access and not being able to gain this due to the existing lock not being to FLB Standard which can be opened with a fire service maintained key. I have asked the Allotments Team to review this and to provide a lock to the are expediently. In the meanwhile the Police and I have met with the residents of the property mentioned previously and barring a letter that informs them that visits have been made to their property, no contact has actually been made. They have stated that they would be more than willing for the council to increase the existing fencing to the allotments. It would at this stage seem I have been misled twice by the Allotments section and I shall ask them for further info. This area is to have increased Police patrols and the ASBO Team have put the are on a waiting list for an overt camera ( they cannot use a covert camera due to legislation) in the short term, however in conjunction with allotment holders and CHAG, I intend to submit a funding application for more secure fencing to the next Area 5 Committee and hope other residents will come and support us. I will write to you all and intend to provide further details.

Something to make people chuckle and made a few of us laugh today, is the fact that 2 Councillors finally decided to visit the allotments today after I raised the issue and had police support at Monday's Area 5 Committee Meeting.....are they finally realising the issue is a serious one? Lets hope so!

I did have a picture of the meeting, however since returning, I cannot find my camera...if you do find it, please return it, or at least the memory card that has some sentimental pictures.