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.

-

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.

-

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.

-

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.

-

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.

-

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...?

-

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.

-

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:

-

"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"

-

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.

-

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!

-

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.

-

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.

-

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.

-

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

-

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

-

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...?

-

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.

Much maligned - but still fights crime!

Inadvertently the Liberal focus has made reference to my work and tried to lessen my efforts. Fortunately, both local and national media and the Prime Minister himself has recently observed and recorded my fervent battle to reduce crime.

The recorder said (Click Here)

Eastern Eye Said (Click here)

Security Mangement today said (Click here)

As maligned as I am - at least I don't look like Morgif!

Terrible state of affairs

Here is an image of Graffiti near the Chadwell Heath Lane end of Tendring Way
More of the same!

I saw this comfortable sofa on Chadville Gardens and decided to take a rest from my delivery of King George Hospital protest leaflets.

It is arguable whether people's respect for the environment has worsened in recent times or has always been bad. I for one am aware that people have always complained and believe that it is always a minority that lets the side down. Better education works temporarily to a degree and effective enforcement is unaffordable. Thank God for Russell Ward and his team. I have sent a report on these items to Russell and hope to see the area brought back to a state of normality. I have also reminded his team about Rochford Avenue and Park Lane which have been missed on the recent cleaning operation.

King George Hospital Question Time

A public meeting, organised by Lee Scott MP, is to be held regarding King George Hospital on Wednesday November 18th, at The Holiday Inn, Newbury Park commencing at 7pm.

Heather O'Meara has been invited to answer questions and our MP's will be present as well as the Leader of Redbridge Council.

Do come and air your views, regarding the proposal to bring closure to A&E Facility at our local Hospital!

Who is responsible...?

Click on image to enlarge

In the previous post I provided evidence of my work towards the the road repairs on Gresham Drive.

In the image above containing an article from the recent Chadwell focus you will read that a reference is made to the fact that Gary (Cllr Staight) drew the poor state of Reynolds Avenue to the Highways Team during sometime this year. The Highways team advised him that they had wanted to repair the road the previous year, however budgetary constraints limited progress. "Gary" is quite right in his report, however he has omitted the fact that I reported both Gresham Drive and Reynolds Avenue two years ago and encouraged residents to campaign with me - inclunding getting local people involved with an article in the Yellow Advertiser for the Reynolds Avenue concern. Perhaps the Focus team were just not aware of my work...? Strange though, as they always seem to be reading my blog - probably because it is full of good ideas!

Here is word for word the response received from Steve Grayer of the Highways team in response to my request on an update for the proposed repairs to Reynolds Avenue and Gresham Drive, derived from my report and visit with his officer Barry Welch (sic):

"Wilson

I refer to our telephone discussion yesterday. My team had a meeting with the contractor today on site to discuss the proposals. It was agreed that the work would be carried out in the spring (End March/April 2009) when the temperatures would be more suitable to the micro asphalt treatment.

With regards to South Road I have emailed Dave Renvoize with your request for temporary repairs, however I refer to my advice that the residents are responsible for South Road and that no decisions have yet been made by the Council as to how to tackle the adoption of its many private roads and access ways. A further report will go to Scrutiny next year on this subject.

Regards,
Steve Grayer

Group Manager Highway Engineering

Highways and Engineering Services

London Borough of Redbridge

This was received on 12th December 2008

An even older email received on the 12th October 2008 stated (well before the "This Year" quoted by "Gary"):

Dear Wilson,

my Engineer dealing with these projects is on leave and I understand that he has made arrangements with the contractor to carry out works before the end of the financial year. A date has not been firmly agreed, but I will get him to confirm on his return.

Regards,
Steve Grayer

Group Manager Highway Engineering

Highways and Engineering Services

London Borough of Redbridge

I am willing to forward any of these emails to any resident who would like to see them to confirm they relate to the roads mentioned (which can be seen in the subject field of my email).

I cannot understand why the Liberals have made reference to Hickman Road as this road was not covered in the recent works programme. I can only assume it is another error in judgement!

Wilson

Gresham Drive/ Reynolds Avenue

In the recent Chadwell Focus Newsletter Liberal Councillors have refuted my work towards having the Reynolds Avenue and Gresham Drive repaired.

Click on image to enlarge story

Residents of these roads will have been notified directly in writing about my work and a copy of the email below, was attached to the notification letter sent, after seeking permission from Steve Grayer from Highways:

Dear Wilson

I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner as I wanted to discuss the matter with my Network Team Leader, Barry Welch and I also wanted to have a look for myself.

My initial views are, and I agree with you, the road is scruffy. The verge and crossings which were once overlaid with a thin Fine Graded Asphalt have degraded exposing the original concrete finish. I can understand why our inspectors have only identified the small number of defects on the footway as the depth of the defective surfacing is not deep enough (20mm intervention )to warrant raising a safety repair. I note that the defects that were identified under this criteria have been treated.

Since this road was last resurfaced, which must be well over 20 years ago, materials and specifications have changed. We no longer lay Fine Graded Asphalt to such thin depths using alternative deeper construction and thicker wearing course to footways. We are currently looking at options for dealing with such roads and considering slurry seals which are alternative thin treatments that will allow us not to break up sound concrete construction to get the depths of the material in with limited threshold levels.

Our Capital Programme has been committed for this financial year, however. I have discussed this matter with Barry who has identified Gresham for future treatment and we will be putting this road forward to 2008/09 programme and this will depend on clearances from the utilities and adequate funds being made available.

With regards to Barley Lane, this has been treated in sections over a number of years and the footway strengthened and treated with a more robust material has it has suffered in the past from vehicle damage. It is also a Class B Road, a strategic link with major routes, it is a bus route, it has a school, shops and a hospital. With limited budgets available we have to target those roads with greater need and usage and network priority.

If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Steve Grayer

Group Manager
Highway Engineering Engineering Function Engineering and Building Services

London Borough of Redbridge '

The email above was sent to me by Mr Grayer in March 2008. I will also post confirmations about my work in Reynolds Avenue soon

Wilson

Armageddon

Image of graffiti on the High Road Halfords store sign!

Image of graffiti at Reynolds Avenue/High Road Corner

Closer image of Graffiti

On wall of flats from 1115 High Road (OMEN)

Image of graffiti at Ashbury Gardens/Norbury Gardens Corner

I have reported all the images above to the Street Scene Team and hope to see these item removed swiftly. The Street Scene team have become extremely efficient in the removal of graffiti in recent times. I am worried that one of the writers is using the tag OMEN - is this a sign of the times....?

Apologies for the poor humour please excuse the pun!

Make me invisible!

The Council's lack of concern for our issues make me feel invisible - how about you?!???

Our incumbent Liberal and Labour Councillors out did themselves at the Area 5 meeting on Tuesday 10th November 2009.

The application I submitted for security fencing at Chadwell Allotments, was analysed for over an hour. Council members incessantly debated over the same issue - the issue being whether it should be a council responsibility or the responsibility of the elderly couple at no.12 to secure the fencing around the allotments.

I argued that the allotments that had become the magnet for antisocial behaviour and thus that the Council should overlook land rights and if necessary, realign any secure fence 1 foot inside the boundary, to overcome this dispute. Moreover, would it be fair for pensioners in their 80's who have both survived world war 2, only now, to pay for safety measures that would affect a whole community?

Cllr Bellwood claimed that the area 5 has never made any capital spend affecting private property, however they have forked out over £5000 for South Road repairs twice (once after my own appeal). A member of the public made his objections to Cllr Bellwood's comments that were so obviously incorrect.

Moreover, funds were agreed for the improvement of a church garden (which will be used publicly and I have no objections) yet the problem with the allotments, that has seen several arson attacks and much antisocial behaviour including depositing of beer cans, syringes and other drugs paraphernalia - has been left on the wayside.

The Ilford recorder reported on the shenanigans of the Councillors in an Area Committee report in this weeks paper. It really was a disgraceful and rather disgusting introduction to politics - all the councillors were just insulting each other, rather than tackling local problems.

This whole experience now leaves us bereft of any funding for the scheme, which would have provided an important safety aspect to our community.

As much as the Councillor's make me feel invisible, seeing their escapades on Tuesday, made me wish I could have been invisible - rather than exhibiting the blushing that watching them make fools of themselves induced.