Encouraging message promoting unity

We can all live together in peace - but only if we work together!
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Today I was very impressed with a comment for someone who has taken the time to read my British Pakistani Christian Association blog and has provided a mesage of hope and peace. I have recently highlighted the heinious, immoral act that occured to a 12 year old domestic servant girl in Pakistan. However, the immoral act is an act not of religious persecution but one that highlights the sexual depravity of a pernicious lawyer and the inequality that pervades in Pakistan due to wealth and power divide. Read more below:

Anonymous said...

I have read a few different articles about the case of Shazia. However this is the most reliable one as an attempt has been made to be objective rather seeing this as a case of Muslim v Christian.

This article rightly points out the condition of rights of both women and children(Muslim & Christian)in a country that is still run by elites who act outside the law or as a law unto themselves and a country where a large section of the population are livig in absolute poverty and therefore have no access to proper legal representation or other basic human needs: housing, nutrition, health, education, work and fair working conditions etc.

According to both communities there is a case of death that needs to be investigated in accordance with the law. Muslim and Christians should avoid subjectiviness and work together for the good of the nation and in accordance with the principles of truth and justice held by both religious communities.

Those who claim to be Muslim or Christian but do not strive to uphold truth and justice will not be saved by the labels the give themselves.

Thanks for your more objective article and we pray that this and other similar cases will find justice.

A concerned Muslim - UK

If you would like to read the posted article it can be found by clicking (here)

Joint Christian and Sikh delegation to 10 Downing Street and the Pakistani Embassy

My report on the Joint Christian Sikh delegation to 10 Downing Street and Pakistani Embassy that I organised in my role as Vice Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association:

In the wake of a number of violent and heinous atrocities enacted upon minority faith groups in Pakistan. The British Pakistani Christian Association in conjunction with the British Sikh Council, United Sikhs, Christian Peoples Alliance and the Sikh Human Rights Group, has organised a delegation to both 10 Downing Street and the Pakistani Embassy. The diabolical incidents include:

• False blasphemy charges resulting in the burning down of the Christian villages of Korian, and Gojra. Nine deaths occurred during the attack on Gojra, after a young couple were newly wed and confetti was purported to be made of torn pieces of the Quran.


• Attacks on the Christian villagers of Sumbrial under false blasphemy charges - leading to the murder of a young man in prison.


• 65 Christians worshipping at a new church in Kalar Kahar were beaten in an unprovoked attack against the Christian faith.


• A 12 year old domestic servant was raped, tortured and killed by her employer. The former president of the Lahore Bar Association has been set free on bail, as contrived evidence refuted the initial post-mortem. 300 Lawyers mobbed initial court proceedings, forcing the judge to defer the initial hearing. The rogue Lawyers have threatened Christian lawyers not to attempt a prosecution, not one has been disciplined or disbarred for any of their untoward activity.


• Jaspal Singh was travelling with two members of his family. All 3 Sikhs were kidnapped and a demand for a ransom was sent to their relatives. Attempts were made to forcibly convert the 3 Sikhs to Islam that resulted in the beheading of Jaspal Singh on Sunday 21st February 2010.

The British Pakistani Christian Association calls upon the Pakistani Government to act in accordance with its Constitution and the will of the general public of Pakistan in holding the Taliban responsible for the heinous acts against Sikhs in Swat. We ask that the British Government engages in Dialogue with the Pakistani Government to ensure this takes place.

The British Pakistani Christian Association calls upon the Pakistani Government and the legal structures within Pakistan including the Lahore Bar Association to bar or discipline the lawyers who have disrupted the court proceedings in the Shazia Bashir case. Additionally discipline should be taken against those lawyers who are preventing the rule of law being carried out by way of intimidation of lawyers acting on behalf of the family of Shazia Bashir. We petition the UK Government to engage in dialogue with the Government of Pakistan to ensure this takes place.

The British Pakistani Christian Association calls upon the Pakistani Government to afford better protection for the Christian Prosecution lawyers, acting on behalf of the family of Shazia Bashir. We ask that the British Government engages in dialogue with the Pakistani Government to ensure such protection is provided.

The British Pakistani Christian Association calls upon the British and European Union Governments to impose stricter conditions upon their aid to Pakistan relating to the welfare of minority communities within Pakistan.

The British Pakistani Christian Association wishes to work with Government Departments in looking at ways in which the rights of Pakistani minorities can be supported and improved both here in Britain and Pakistan.

Wot no Wilson!!!! - Where was he!!

Addressing protesters outside Redbridge Town Hall
Some say I don't need a megaphone.

Others say I am rarely seen without one!

Amongst the amassed protesters - rallying all behind our unified cause.

Leading protesters in song, chant and slogans!

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Just because I did not feature in the Ilford Recorder's write up on the King George protest, some residents have been querying my attendance. Until now I have not had the pictures to evidence I was there. These images were provided by our auspicious Ilford Recorder - The last picture with me holding my megaphone, was featured in their centre page spread on the 18th February.

The event was a great success and I have officially been told by the Redbridge Police Events Team, that in excess of 170 people attended. Many of you will be aware that I have been very fervent in my work against the diabolical plans to attritionally reduce facilities at King George Hospital. Moreover, My petition was mentioned in the Yellow Advertiser report on this protest, it has been growing since my initial two protests and this one. An electronic version of my petition even had an article dedicated to its success in the Ilford Recorder.

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My work in our borough is being recognised. Leader of the Council Keith Prince, invited me to speak, in his introduction reflecting on my early work to highlight the issue of the plight of our local hospital. I was one of few speakers that mainly included MP's and Councillors and was grateful for an opportunity to raise my disgust at the diabolical and nonsensical proposals created by Redbridge PCT.

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To me the proposals seem like an opportunity to retain inappropriate salaries, for senior level cronies, of the existing Chief Executive Heather O'Meara. Whilst, reducing the quality and availability of much needed services to a community growing at an alarming rate, with a poor level of health service already ineffectually rationed.

Juliet part of 10 Downing Street delegation to submit petition against Closure to any King George Hospital Services!

In the image you can see Juliet standing defiant against any closures to King George Hospital.

On the 4th February 2010 Juliet Chowdhry represented the Green Party, Women and ethnic Minorities in her role as a Redbridge resident (first and foremost of course!).

The petition delegation submitted a petition to 10 Downing Street opposing any closures to A&E facility at our local Hospital. Juliet the wife of Wilson Chowdhry is now 4 months pregnant as is very concerned about the potential loss of Maternity facility also. In her press release- from which a quote was added to the centre page spread in the Ilford Recorder on the 18th February 2009 - she said:

"As an expectant mother, I am particularly concerned at the loss of maternity facility from King George Hospital. My first child Hannah was born without any difficulty at King George's they even allowed a guest to stay by my side all night to help me care for my child. I needed the support during my weakened state.

During the birth of Naomi my second child, inexperienced nurses at Queens Hospital misjudged the size of our child, causing her to get trapped in an incident that could have been fatal for my child and I. Nursing staff at Queens Hospital would not permit a family member to stay with me. Many women like myself, come from sheltered and protective backgrounds and are not used to staying anywhere alone - forcibly placing us into lonely situations can cause depression and anxiety. Doctors wanted me to stay in hospital for 5 days yet nursing staff expected me to care of the baby and hobble to the toilets without support. I discharged myself from the hospital immediately (walking through the pain barrier) unable to bear the feeling of being alone. Since then the BHRT have altered this unfavourable policy. Much due to my husband Wilson who started a campaign during the Ilford Recorder led meeting at Vine Church in 2007.

Having local A&E and Maternity facility encourages the use of one's own transport or public transport and reduces the burden on the London Ambulance Service. Moreover, shorter journey times reduce potential for fatalities during serious emergency. Local hospitals reduce inconvenience and distress for expectant mothers - often going through great trauma -and of course their partners. I hope Redbridge PCT rescinds their unfair and inconsiderate proposals. The notion that more mothers should undergo home births is a trend I believe will never be as popular as the NHS would like it to be.

Wilson and I love living in Redbridge the place of his birth and having our children born in the same town is a privilege we would like to maintain - it espouses a strong local identity."

Fields Park Crescent - Community meeting update

The Fields Park Crescent meeting held on the 4th February 2010 was a great success - over 15 people attended from a road with around 40 properties.. All residents in attendance were pleased with the implementation of the Double yellow lines to the dangerous bend on the road, which had resulted in frequent failure for emergency vehicles to progress on the road due nonsensical parking issues.



Continued Parking on dangerous bend post-implementation of double yellow lines.



At the meeting Wilson clarified that the Highways Team had confirmed that they would start enforcement on the road and that communication regarding the implementation of the double yellow lines had not been provided to them - hence the lack of initial enforcement.



"If you recall the introduction of these restrictions were made at the request of the residents via yourself. The complaint was that of dangerous parking and to assist the flow of traffic especially emergency service vehicles. The restrictions became enforceable last week and the Council's Parking Enforcement Contractor have been made aware of the restrictions and will commence enforcement."



Some residents queried whether vehicles parked on the pavement elsewhere would be penalised. Wilson clarified that this would not occur unless complaints were received from residents. Redbridge generally does not penalise for parking on the pavements, due to the narrow width of many of our roads. This brought relief to many local people.



Additional parking bays on Fields Park Crescent.



A local resident - himself an architect - produced a proposal for the removal of some of the excess green verge on the road to facilitate additional parking bays. Wilson conformed there was no budget for the scheme after receiving correspondence from the Highways Team:



"Please be advised that this plan was tabled several years ago. At that time there was insufficient funding within the Highways Budget for such a scheme. The matter is on the work programme but has suffered a similar fate over the last budgets, insufficient funds.

I am able to advised you this is the similar situation for 2010/11."



Wilson suggested the Local NHW produced a constitution and opened a bank account enabling them to apply for Area 5 Committee funding towards the proposed scheme. It was agreed this would ensue. Wilson has forwarded an application form to the Local NHW Coordinator and a template for a constitution. During discussion it was also agreed to scale down the project, as residents from one side of the proposed road reform, were concerned about loss of privacy.



AOB:



A resident asked if the local street lighting could be improved as existing luminosity was poor, he also wanted a number of faulty lights to be repaired. Another resident asked if a new street light could be implemented in an area that had an extremely long gap between lights. Wilson has passed on contact details of the local residents to the Street Lighting team, who have agreed to investigate the concerns.



Residents asked if the road could be turned into a one-way street due to health and safety concerns. Wilson queried the concerns with a Highways Team Officer who provided the following response:



"Anything is possible but not probable. As you are aware we have a matrix for assessing requests for traffic calming/management matters, I have just had a quick check of the accident statistics for the road and there have been none in the last three years, which would immediately put the request as a medium priority, I do not have traffic flows and speeds for the road but looking at its position and length I doubt they would be high which would then put it in a low priority category and unlikely to be funded from the Councils Traffic management budget or by TfL. Any scheme would need Area Committee approval and funding so in the short term I think it is unlikely that we would pursue the request."



This officer failed to recognise the frequent lack of mobility for emergency vehicles. We will take this concern to the Area 5 committee for their response.

Residents queried the lack of shrub and tree cutting services on their road and asked if more trees could be planted and maintained. It transpires that the grassy verges are unadopted road and catually belong to Redbridge Homes who have funds that could be allocated to tree plantation and maintenance (or even parking bay implementation...I wonder?)

"Our attention has been brought to the grassed areas in Fields Park Crescent and our records indicate that the land is Redbridge Homes.Apparently, some shrub areas in the Crescent have very recently been adopted by Highways but some have not. Most areas that were causing a problem last year, including those areas not adopted, were pruned in October/ November time and would not have regrown over the winter to any extent. We are not aware of any outstanding problems. If you email with exact locations which you are concerned about, we will look into further and get back to you"

I would appreciate if residents could come back to me with specific locations so that I can investigate further. Digital pictures would assist. With regard to planting trees a lead officer from the Trees Department,speaking to another officer in the Parks Department indicated:

"The Mayor Of London Scheme does not cover Fields Park Crescent so I am unable to use these funds to plant trees in this area; however, I would be available to draw up a scheme so that your office can seek funding from the 'Quality of Life' scheme. Alternatively, we could approach Area Committee to request funds to plant trees in this area. I await your advise in this matter.



With regards to Ground Maintenance, I understand that the area in question is outside 10-40, but there are also areas outside 25-27 and 1-11. The query relates to the current state of the grounds and the potential to improve the quality of the three areas."

We will update local residents of any development in any of these subject matters.

Heathfield Park Drive Estate NHW Meeting.

Between 30th and 31st January 2010 a burglary occurred at Heathfield Park Drive, RM6. The occupants went to bed the previous night and came down in the morning to find various items had been moved and the front door key was missing from the hallway table. It appears the suspects gained entry by 'hooking' the keys from the letterbox. Cash was taken along with a mobile phone and some valuable silverware worth approx £500. Police are appealing for any information concerning this matter. Please contact DS Andy Lowe in Ilford CID on 020 8345 2710 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Other crimes are being reported in your area including additional burglaries. To equip your community against crime, We are proposing to assist with the formation of a NHW Group for the entire estate.

We have booked Somerville Hall for 19:00 on Thursday 4th March and would encourage residents to come along.

The Police have been invited and the Redbridge ASBO Team have already confirmed that they will be attending.

Neighbourhood Watches are proven to reduce crime in communities and are useful crime intelligence gathering vehicles for statutory crime agencies, whilst also providing a good local resident networking opportunity.

To those that come to the meeting, we will be distributing crime prevention literature and some free gifts. So please do put in the effort to help your community galvanise itself against crime, grime and nuisance – enabling better quality of life for all.

Justice for Shazia Bashir

A 12 year old girl -an underage domestic servant - was tortured, raped and murdered. On Saturday 13th February 2010, the powerful, wealthy and influential former President of the Lahore Bar Association accused of the murder, was released on bail. It is purported that contrived medical evidence/Death certificate in contradiction to the original post-mortem has facilitated his release. Over 300 lawyers mobbed the court in support of the accused in a shameful act that has brought further disrepute to the Pakistani Legal system

Learn more here:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/02/human-trafficker-amanat-wolf-in-sheeps.html

In my role as Vice Chairmanof the British Pakisrtani Christian association I have produced a petition for Justice for Shazia Bashir. A copy will be sent to the Prime Minister of the UK and one to the Pakistan Embassy. Please sign the petition and cascade this through your personal networks. For this petition to be successful we need as many signatures as possible before the 23rd February the date for the next trial.

Please click on the link below:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-shazia-bashir/

Please support us in this endeavour.

Kind regards

Wilson Chowdhry
Vice Chairman BPCA

ANti Social Behaviour Training Session

Both Sgt Mark Lowrie (Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team - Met Police) and Phil Walby have expressed that need for me to advertise the following training course, held tomorrow at the Town Hall. If you can make it please do so and register today:

Redbridge anti social behaviour roadshow

Residents have a chance to learn about tackling anti social behaviour at a roadshow at Redbridge Town Hall.

The free event, which will be held in the main hall from 9.15am to 3.30pm on Thursday 25 February, aims to bring communities together to help tackle ASB.

Those who attend will be able to talk to representatives from a variety of organisations including the Council and the Police.

Find out more and how to book your place.

Wimpey Estates!

I have an update from the Highways Team on the adoption of roads on the Sherman Gardens Estate (Wimpey 1 Estate) and the Richmond Estate:

Dear Wilson,

Further to my email of 8th September and our telephone conversation earlier this afternoon, I write to clarify the position with regard to the two Wimpey developments as follows :-
Polygram Site (Sherman Gardens etc)

LBR are now in possession of the Thames Water vesting certificate, which means that Thames Water officially intend to adopt the public sewers.

Wimpey are now awaiting the completion of EDF works to enable lighting tests to be carried out and certificates issued to LBR. Once this has been completed, the adoption can progress.
Natalie Faulk has confirmed today that she is chasing the outstanding matters.

Hopefully we are close to final adoption on this site.

Chadwell Heath Hospital Site (Richmond Estate)

Original notes from the meeting I had on 25/11/08 regarding numerous adoption problems, and a subsequent meeting I had on 3rd August are being looked at by Wimpey’s and their consultant again to propose a way forward.

Phil

In response to this email I have contacted Taylor Wimpey. They have informed me they are in receipt of a 40 page document from EDF, detailing the underground cabling. It seems to be rather intricate and complicated so they have decided to undertake some groundworks to investigate the location of cabling and to reconnect the street lighting. I will keep you informed

Wilson Chowdhry will speak to 25,000 people at IFSEC Conference and Exhibition!

IFSEC is the world's leading global annual security event, uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies. The exhibition also boasts a comprehensive educational programme. The event will run for 3 days from the 10-12 May 2010 and entry is free.

At the event series of conference modules are presented alongside the exhibition which delegates can attend to keep up-to-date with key issues, hear the very latest in legislative and technological developments, and share best practice.

Wilson Chowdhry the Vice Chair has been invited to give a presentation on on 11th May 2010 about corporate security. Wilson's session begins at 15:05 and he will be joined by the following speakers inter alia;

• Neil Stansfield, OSCT Deputy Director for Science & Technology, The Home Office
• Chris Phillips GCGI, MSyI., DCI Head of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)
• Simon Whitehorn, Security Management Specialist, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust
• John Shaw, Managing Director Police Support Services, G4S
• Steve Kemsley, Head of Industry Engagement, Olympic & Paralympic Security Directorate
• Mike Hurst, Vice Chairman – Strategy, ASIS International Chapter 208
• Don Randall MBE, Head of Security, Bank of England
• Paul Mackie, Compliance Director, Camerawatch Ltd
• Jonas Andersson, Axis Communications & Chairman of Steering Committee, ONVIF

[These are but a few of the guest speakers to the event we will provide a more comprehensive list once the organisers have completed the schedule.]

The topics Wilson will be covering as part of his presentation include:

15:05 Prioritising and contingency planning
Managing risk and ensuring you are focusing on the right priorities
Planning for essential business continuity and crisis management on a budget
Taking a holistic approach to corporate security

Learn more about the event here:

http://www.ifsec.co.uk/

The event organisers said;

"Thank you so much for your call today letting me know that you have agreed to speak at the IFSEC conference this year. I am thrilled that you would like to participate in the conference and I can therefore confirm your involvement as a speaker at 15:05 on 11th May 2010."

Another burglary - please be vigilant!

Today as I was delivering letters along Somerville Road, I was approached by a local resident concerned that a resident from Canon Avenue was burgled. It is imperative that as a community we look out for one another, especially during this time of recession, when burglaries have increased significantly.

If you suspect a house is being burgled please call 999. If you have information relating to a local burglary, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2562.

Gang Violence in Somerville Road Subway and Racist attack!

Hooligans!

Last night at approximately 20:15 I spotted over 9 youths targeting a shopkeeper and his wife for some abuse, outside the Londis shop on Somerville Road. I drove to the front of the shop and asked the youths to leave on threat of calling the ASBO team and the Police.

One of the boys who was brandishing a stick threatened me and the shopkeeper, the youths came closer in an intimidating fashion. As nervous as I was I warned them that I would call the Police if they continued.

They surrounded my car and threatened to scratch/damage it, I informed them that I would physically prevent them from doing this. As slight as I am, the situation required some bravado and it seemed to work. They drew closer again and became more vitriolic with their words and I decided to call the authorities.

Being unsure about Police response to a 999 call, I called the Redbridge ASBO team. The Control Centre receptionist was very professional and took details of the incident. Whilst on the call the receptionist could hear the boys jeering at the shopkeeper and I - she also heard them issuing threats. Kindly she offered to call the Police and completed this task after my call.

The youths used racist terms to abuse the shopkeeper and I. They also used a number of expletives and imitated the shopkeepers accent in a derogatory manner. The shopkeeper was a lot less defiant then I and needed assistance.

The boys heard in the conversation I was having with the ASBO control room, that the Police were being called. Their reaction was to run towards the Somerville road subway. I followed them for a bit to ensure they would not come back trying to take a picture I could use as evidence for their apprehension by the Police. As I ran behind them one of them threw the stick I was initially threatened with, at me. It missed me and hit a car no doubt causing damage.

I spent 10 minutes with the shopkeeper and his wife, making sure they were ok and then proceeded to follow the youths (by car) to ensure they did not undertake any more mischief and to obtain a photograph as evidence. I was not surprised when I found them loitering around the bus stop near the Somerville Road subway. They were causing a nuisance there too, to the annoyance of local people.

In my efforts to take a picture to use as evidence ( see attached image) I was threatened and had missiles of various nature thrown at me. The youths tried to entice me to the subway for a threatened beating. They also had grown in number and presumably their associates had already been waiting in the subway. I took a picture and as I was doing so, they all uniformly covered their faces with their hoods. I realised that the picture venture would be a futile one so decided to return to my car, whilst keeping the youths in my peripheral vision. They followed me to my car at what I felt was a safe distance so I did not run, any sign of panic would have fuelled them into an attack frenzy I am sure. during the youths were throwing stones and other items to my rear and taunting me with threats of violence using a "wonderful array" of expletives.

These youths are purported to be form the Marks Gate estate. I cannot confirm this as this is the view of a passing resident and the Shopkeeper. However, I have advised Barking and Dagenham ASBO Team, Redbridge ASBO Team, Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team (Redbridge and Chadwell Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team (B&D) of the incident. I have intimated to them that a range of overt and covert patrols along local roads and subways during the half term break, might prevnet any serious incidents. The shopkeeper informs me that this type of behaviour always increases during the school holidays. After last night I am ready to believe him!

I have also advised the Headmaster of Oaks Park School of the incident hoping he will warn children that activity at the location will be monitored.

In addition I have asked for TFL to provide an update on the proposed safe ground level crossing to be installed at Whalebone Lane. It is obvious to me that we will have a return of the subway violence we have seen in recent years and I would like an alternative facility to be provided to local residents - sooner rather than later!

Total crime stats for December 2009.

Crime Stats for Chadwell Ward for the month of December:

Crime type/Crime count/Crime rate

Total notifiable offences/ 62 /5.62

Residential burglary/11 / 1.00
Burglary other/ 1 /0.09
Theft of motor vehicle/ 2 /0.18
Theft from motor vehicle/2 /0.18
Robbery business /2 /0.18
Robbery personal /3 /0.27
Violence against the person /18/1.63
Most serious violence/0/0.00
Anti-social behaviour /60/ 5.44

Thses stats compare favourable with the total crime for October which were 87 and November was 78. At 62 Total notifibale crimes it would seem that we are starting to see a reduction in crime, however please stay vigilant.

Burglary update!

Joydon Drive:

On 10th December 2009 between approximately 9am and 8.30pm a burglary took place at Joydon Drive, RM6. £80 cash was stolen and a games console valued at £300. Suspects gained entry by smashing a rear pvc double glazed window and left via a garden gate which was unbolted and left open. No suspects were seen and police are appealing for any witnesses to this.
Anyone with any information should contact the CID Office at Ilford Police Station on 020 8345 2610 and ask for DC Zoe Plant.

Heathfield Park Drive

Between 30th and 31st January 2010 a burglary occurred at Heathfield Park Drive, RM6.
The occupants went to bed the previous night and came down in the morning to find various items had been moved and the front door key was missing from the hallway table.
It appears the suspects gained entry by 'hooking' the keys from the letterbox.
Cash was taken along with a mobile phone and some valuable silverware worth approx £500.
Police are appealing for any information concerning this matter. Please contact DS Andy Lowe in Ilford CID on 020 8345 2710 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rochford Avenue and Gresham Drive:

Whilst I was delivering letters on Rochford Avenue today a victim informed me of a burglary at her home that occurred last wednesday. I was informed this was one of two burglaries that had taken place on their road, over the last two weeks. There has also been a burglary on Gresham Drive. Please do be more vigilant and report any suspicious activity!

Robbery at Chadwell Supermarket:

Police were called after Chadwell Supermarket at 105 Chadwell Heath Lane was robbed on 27th November 6:35pm.
Two men entered the store and threatened to hit the staff with a hockey stick if they didn’t open the till. Both of the store employers aged 49 and 35 years were scared and opened the till. It is believed only £50 was stolen.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may of witnessed the two men enter or leave the store as we believe there was a large group of youths hanging around near the shop.
Suspects are described as:Suspect 1 - Black male, 15-18 yrs, 5ft 8 wearing a dark coloured jumper with white Adidias stripes down both sleeves, red scarf covering his face and a JD Sports bag.

Suspect 2 - Black male, 15-18 yrs, dark jumper and bottoms with a black ski make and red bag.
Anyone with information should contact DC Jennifer Watson in Robbery Squad, Ilford Police Station on 020 8345 2610.

Redbridge March to save Accident and Emergency at King George Hospital

I was going to write a story about today's March for King George Hospital to Ilford Town Centre. Fortunately I have received this one from Bob Archer of the Hope not Hate Campaign. It has saved me some time. I have been told by PC Adrian Saggers of the Redbridge Police that 170 people attended. That is an accurate figure and indicates the deep animosity for the diabolical proposal. Here is Bob's article (sic):

Nearly 200 people marched from King George hospital in Barley Lane to Redbridge Town Hall on Saturday afternoon (13 February) to fight the closure of the Accident and Emergency department at the hospital.

Campaigners from the national “Keep our Health Service Public” organisation and local groups protesting at the closure of hospitals and units in Greenwich, Tottenham, Waltham Forest and Barnet came along to show that this is not just a Redbridge problem but part of a concerted attack on NHS provision.

The anti-BNP group “Redbridge And Epping Forest Together” supported the march and local pensioners and others helped to distribute their material at the rally.

The march was supported by local MPs Lee Scott and Mike Gapes, leading Redbridge councillors and prospective candidates of all parties, and editor of the “Ilford Recorder” newspaper Chris Carter.

Government minister and Barking MP Margaret Hodge led off a number of speakers from the Town Hall steps, which included the two Ilford MPs, The Green Party’s Wilson Chowdhry, Conservative councillor Lorraine Sladden, Labour councillor Bob Littlewood and others. A trade unionist who brought a message of support from workers at Whipps Cross hospital in Waltham Forest was well received.

The campaign will hold another and even larger march in a few weeks.

Chadwell Heath Lane/Grove Road Telecoms Mast!

In the recent Telecom roll out plan read at the area 5 Committee in January we were made aware of the proposed Vodaphone telecom mast, for the Chadwell Heath Lane/Grove Road Junction.

We have expressed our objections against the mast to the Planning Policy Team, for the following reasons:

1. Government guidelines promote mast sharing and it would benefit Vodaphone to share the existing TMobile mast at the location.

2. St Bedes School is within 400m of the mast proposal and should be consulted. Irrespective of consultation we are concerned for the safety of children.

Should you wish to object to the mast please use the details provided below:

Laura Edwards, Policy Planner, Planning and Regeneration, London Borough of Redbridge, Town Hall, 128- 142 High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1DD
Tel: 020 8708 2748 or email Laura.edwards@redbridge.gov.uk

We have also created an on-line petition against the proposal that can be found by clicking (here)

Back to life - Back to reality! (that's a song I remember!)

The future looks promising!

Many of you will recall that in response to a number of complaints regarding the state of underground Car Parks in the Richmond Estate, I submitted a Planning Enquiry form requesting information on any breach of original Planning consent. It transpires that my supposition was correct and below I include two emails from the Head of the Planning Department (sic):

"I recall that during our telephone conversation that you requested an update on the investigation. We agreed this would be provided by the end of the week. As you will appreciate I am not in the office this afternoon. However I can recall that Mike Lowe has met representatives of the developers and discussed the issue of the underground car park. The short term solution is for me to serve a breach of condition notice. There is no appeal against the notice and attracts a fine of up to £1000. My approach to enforcement is to resolve issues by negotiation. Therefore I am keen for the parking area to be reopened. If Mike is able to provide any further information on my return tomorrow then I will contact you again" Received 5th February

Since then we have received a further email that states:

"Further to my previous email, I am writing to advise you that I have authorised a letter, drafted by Mike Lowe, that will be sent to both Taylor Wimpey and Residential Management Group today. In the letter, I have indicated that the underground parking area must be made available for use within 3 months from today. Otherwise I will instruct Legal Services to serve a Breach of Condition Notice. I trust that this information is sufficient for your purposes. Perhaps you may care to contact Mike Lowe on 6th May 2010 if my deadline has not been met."

We hope this is good news for local residents and promise to keep you updated with progress. In the meanwhile, do not hesitate to make contact with further enquiries.

We reported the potholes on Havering Gardens previously and see that they have been marked out and should now be filled within 28 days of the marking.

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I have repeatedly asked the Highways team to remove the remaining bollard outside 56 Overton Drive. It would seem that vehicles parked to close are preventing its removal. I will obtain the contact details of a local resident, so that the Highways team can inform local residents of the next scheduled works. Hopefully this will result in clear traffic, permitting the favourable removal. A senior highways officer said:

"Spoke to one of my Technicians who was arranging works, unfortunately our contractor has made several attempts to remove the bollard but have had a parked vehicle obstructing them getting safe access to remove it. They are on the case and will do so as soon as possible."

Graffiti Alert for Aston Mews!

Someone cannot read! (middle of Aston Mews)

Garages near opening of Aston Mews

We have reported the flytipping and Graffiti to our Streetscene team and believe it will be removed shortly.

Heliport me to the Hospital!

Above you will see images of Ilford Town centre as it came to a standstill on Thursday 4th February at 16:00. It is purported that a man collapsed at a bus stop and hit his head on the pavement. Emergency paramedics flew in by helicopter and provided immediate care. The event enthralled a large crowd, many of whom, had never seen a paramedic helicopter in action before. Read more (here)

Chris Connelley - Man of radical and libertarian insticts!

Now that Wilson has outed me as a former Labour councillor, I feel obligated to explain my presence as a Green, lest I be perceived as some ghastly old unreconstructed leftie - still mumbling the red flag and prone to nostalgising about the winter of discontent, as a positive manifestation of workers' power.

Yuk!!!

No, let it be clearly stated that I am very much a man of radical and libertarian instincts, and instinctively distrustful of centralising, socialistic or statist ambitions. I did indeed hold a Labour card for much of the 1980s and early 1990s - show me a social science student of the time who did not, as some kind of generalised statement distancing oneself from the emerging backdrop of Mrs Thatcher's Britain.

My presence as a councillor in 1994 came as much as a surprise to me as anyone, my original willingness to stand based on the total unlikelihood of a Labour victory on the Seven Kings bungalow estate.

In that febrile local election year, however, many unlikely candidates were chosen, and I hope that I used my time on the council in a constructive and ecumenical manner. I know I helped some local people in their attempts to get a fairer deal from the council but in party political terms, was certainly seen as hopelessly independent and way too collaborative by more traditional party comrades. In fact, my overall experience of the Redbridge Labour Group was sadly negative and dysfunctional; and actively contributed to my decision to bow out of frontline party politics in 1998

Despite being Labour, I had invariably voted Green in european elections and throughout the 1990s became increasingly interested in, and excited by, areas like localism, social enterprise and how to help re/build and cohere fragmented local communities, which I pursued through groups like SKAG- the Seven Kings Action Group-and now TASK- Take Action or Seven Kings.

I have enjoyed these journeys, which have introduced me to some brilliant free-thinking people, working together for the common good. As in the current case of the Seven Kings library, now- almost- back after 19 years after a spirited spot of neighbourhood campaigning.

My environmental awareness has grown over the years, as I have grown older myself alongside the debate on climate change, peak fuel, transition towns; and have actually subscribed to the greener way we now generally live our lives through recycling household waste, going organic and cycling even more.

Green is now decidedly mainstream for ordinary folk yet still fundamentally challenges the political parties, who pay lip service but stumble and obfuscate when it really matters. Like at Copenhagen in December.

My genuine sense is that in age where so much associated with the old parties seem bloated, self-indulgent and frankly irrelevant, the refreshingly modest, lo-fi and free form Green party offers a refreshing beacon of light, localism and hope.

Which is surely beyond price in these wayward, morally compromised times.

This is why I am pleased to be a party member -----

Fields Park Crescent - Community meeting

Last night in a small cold hall, over 15 residents of Field Park Crescent arrived to debate over parking burden and impeded road access for emergency vehicles.

The meeting went well with lots of inputs and an "Any other business" discussion that has increased our caseload. We summarise the meeting for the benefit of local residents:

Double yellow line implementation and reduction of Green Verge/Pavement:

Wilson read out an email received by him from Terry Bowe from Redbridge Highways Team:

"If you recall the introduction of these restrictions were made at the request of the residents via yourself. The complaint was that of dangerous parking and to assist the flow of traffic especially emergency service vehicles. The restrictions became enforceable last week and the Council's Parking Enforcement Contractor have been made aware of the restrictions and will commence enforcement. Unfortunately, no officer from the department is available to attend the meeting on Thursday evening. In relation to your comment for the request of reduction of green verge/pavement then on receipt of your proposed plan from your Mr Dossery this can be considered and you will be advised accordingly."

Residents supported the Double Yellow line, however they had wanted it implemented on the other side of the bend.

Wilson explained that when he visited the location with the former Police Sergeant Colin Smith, Colin in his risk assessment, had wanted to prevent the 4 wheel pavement parking abuse that was occurring. Funnily enough, all residents then supported the implementation, as this was one of their major concerns.

Residents complained that they would like an increase in the frequency of visits, especially during this early phase soon after implementation. They believed it would set a precedent and should curb the continued excessive abuse of parking regulations. They also questioned whether a parked car would be penalised, if the boot extended over the double yellow lines. A gentleman pointed out that wheels would need to be on the yellow line for a fixed penalty notice to be served. Residents questioned whether vehicles would now be penalised for parking two wheels on the kerb in other areas of the road. A complaint was also raised with respect to a local resident who threw a penalty notice on the floor - shouting that he could park wherever he wanted. The complainant was concerned that the vehicle may not be registered correctly allowing such insousciance.

Wilson confirmed that the council, generally, would not penalise such infringements, unless a resident complained. Wilson also indicated that he would be communicating with the Highways Team and would provide specific answers to all the queries raised. Wilson indicated that he would highlight the potentially incorrect/false vehicle registration to local Police for investigation.

With respect to the Pavement and green verge cut backs (designed by a resident architect) submitted to the Highways team -after much argument - residents agreed to pursue the plan for the cutbacks around the bend where double yellow lines have been implemented and to drop the other potential bays. Residents indicated that they would want the road parking bays to be classified as unadopted and agreed to submit a funding application to the Area 5 Committee, via the local NHW. Moreover, they have also agreed to accept ongoing maintenance costs for the bays, as long as they could personalise the bays.

Wilson agreed to cascade a draft constitution template and an area 5 funding application, to the local NHW Coordinator. Wilson also agreed to support the application when it is presented to the Area 5 Committee.

Any other Business:

A resident complained about the lack of street lighting to the fore of her home. the gap between lamp posts is excessive and unusual. The darkness to her property, led to someone trying to force her window open.

Wilson agreed to pursue the Street lighting team to see if they would consider installing another one. He also recommended installing an intruder light to the front of her house.

Concerns were raised regarding malfunctioning street lights on the road. Wilson agreed to contact the Street lighting department to resolve this issue.

A resident complained that the vegetation on the road was infrequently maintained.

Wilson agreed to contact the Aboricultural section, to uncover why this was happening?

The group unanimously agreed that they wanted trees planted throughout the green areas on the road.

Wilson explained that the Mayor of London had set up a specific fund for this purpose. He agreed to chase the tree section on this matter.

Going green to save the planet!

Going green together!
Putting aside political differences to tackle the ongoing issue of Climate Change!

Redbridge ‘Copenhagen style’ summit inspires locals to take action

Sonia Klein (PPC Ilford North) hosted a meeting with Jean Lambert MEP (Green Party), Murad Quereshi, (London Assembly Member) and Peter Durante (Democrat) to investigate the implications of Copenhagen at a local level.

On Sunday, 31st January, at the Redbridge Institute, Sonia brought together members from different parties to discuss the potential of a bottom up strategy to tackle climate change.

The event focused on environmental and commercial opportunities where a local community can have a big impact. Decentralised energy models, electrification of public vehicles, green education, technical skills training and also the growth of a local low carbon economy were discussed.

The Conservative Leader of Redbridge Council has stated that he cannot do anything to influence what types of business come to the borough. Sonia believes it is the responsibility of every elected official to engage in aggressive, ethical, economic development for the constituency.

Sonia, PPC Ilford North, says “being green is more than an ideology. It is a necessary next step for economic competition for the UK and for Redbridge. We cannot pass the buck and as the Torys say….let the market figure it out. The industrial revolution was lead by visionaries and the market followed. This made Britain Great. We must support our small businesses; encourage growth and inward investment. We must do this together as a community, seize the momentum and make Redbridge the best place it can be.”

Wilson Chowdhry, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ilford South - Green Party, has elaborated:

“Evidence supporting human interaction and consequential affects on climate change has increased in recent times. The domain of tackling environmental matters in earnest, has encompassed a wider range of political parties than ever before. I am pleased to be associated with Sonia Klein and her recent meeting at the Redbridge Institute. Working in tandem with other partners, I believe real change can be introduced both Nationally and Locally. Britain must invest in newer "Green Technologies!". Growing global committment to Carbon Reduction and the need to tackle depleting resources should see "Green Enterprise" dominate future economies. Britain is a land of innovation and I believe strongly that we can lead the way, but only if our national government supports such development wholeheartedly.

Wilson Chowdhry and Sonia Klein are committed to making the local community a more sustainable place to live. By working together they aim to create innovative solutions to immediate concerns.

At last a library for Seven Kings!

I received the following comment about Seven Kings Library from Chris Connelley just hours ago. It is very inspiring, please do read it for yourself:

The new library coming our way very soon is a seriously good piece of news, which really attests to the power of positive campaigning as a way of making a real difference.

Even just a couple of years ago the notion of a new library opening here would have provoked laughter, and when we first asked the then council member for culture summarily dismissed it out of hand.

We could have given up, but chose to take the argument to the people via some very old fashioned community doorstep campaigning, which gave rise to the huge 2000 name petition that helped change the politicians minds

A change of regime within the Conservative administration, and the arrival of Keith Prince as a refreshingly accessible and dynamic Council leader, saw a greater receptivity to the case for a new library, leading to the funding commitment that makes it all possible

For the last few months, TASK, working with other residents and ward councillors newly invigorated by this campaign, have been working behind the scenes with library managers on things like possible locations, fittings and opening hours, our aim being to generate a new library with a strong local personality and some typically distinctive practices.

Overall, discussions have been creative and good natured and should produce something that looks brilliant and really excites local people

A lot of time has been spent finding an outlet we can afford to adapt, and we seem now to have found the right place.

Its not yet possible to reveal its identity other than to say its pretty central and should really help upgrade and enliven the streetscape

We are hoping it will be open for busines in the Spring, and will be working hard to give it an outstanding launch; and to promote it widely so it gets maximum use.

Once it is up and trunning our attention can then move to the thorny issue of the empty lorry park, which we are proposing is cleaned up and turned over to the community until its long term future is agreed, allowing for a wide range of community and commerical activity with all money made recycled into the local economy.

Keep watching this space and remember that if an idea is really important, it really is worth campaigning for.

People power can work , as it did here in Seven Kings on the new library.

Go for it!

Potential new Library for Seven Kings

Many of you may not be aware of "Take Action for Seven Kings" TASK a unfunded community group who are at the cusp of progressive change for the Seven Kings Area. We are well aware of the group, as our newest activist in the ward for Seven Kings is Chris Connelley a former Labour Councillor and a strategic member and founder of TASK.

Whilst the quality of life in Seven Kings has slowly been declining, community stalwarts such as Ali Hai, Doug Suckling and our own Chris of course! Have been striving to bring about more positive change. They have been campaigning against the proliferation of "chicken shops" and other takeaways that have decimated the local business community and increased street litter tenfold. They have also campaigned against the late licensing permissions in Seven Kings that have increased local antisocial behaviour. Chris and his cohorts have also been pivotal in campaigning against untoward development at Seven Kings Lorry Park and the loss of our local allotments during the "Conservative Land Sales Prerogative" of recent times.

It was with great delight that I recently received news, that one of TASK's major priorities - a library for Seven Kings, could become a tangible reality by as soon as this summer! Chris Connelley was delighted no end as he informed me of the progress. Already Councillors have revealed that they are seeking a temporary building which they hope will be open by April. Moreover, they have also advised that a new multi-million pound leisure centre is being planned for Seven Kings that will contain a more permanent library feature in future years and will of course address the glaring lack of swimming facilities in Redbridge. Read more in the Ilford Recorder (click here).

Don't hold your breath for too long waiting for the leisure facility, knowing our council, it could be years before such plans come to fruition!

Kinked George Hospital - overspill parking solution

At the recent Area 5 Committee the London Borough of Redbridge Highway Team reported back on their solutions, to alleviate the increased parking burden, on roads surrounding King George Hospital. Most of the residents indicated great dissatisfaction against their proposals. In the meeting our Liberal Councillors backed a hard line approach to resident objections. The Ilford recorder reported (click here)



I asked a lead Highways Officer for a clearer report and queried the feasibility for a Public Meeting:





Dear Wilson



The correct vehicle for addressing this issue is through the Area Committee process and any decision for the introduction of parking measures is for the approval of the Members of Area 5 Committee.



At the request of residents and the Area 5 Committee we have already carried out an area wide consultation on the proposed options of introducing parking controls in this area to address issues of displaced parking from King George Hospital. As you already state the outcome of that consultation was reported to the last meeting of Area 5 where there was no overwhelming support for parking/permit controls. Members have now agreed the recommendations based on the results. The only areas that we will look at is the treatment of some junctions with at "any time restrictions" and introduction of single yellow line waiting restrictions in some locations on the grounds of safety or restricted access.



Whilst there was a good return to the consultation questionnaire with a 35% response rate there remained some 65% of residents in the area consulted that did not take the opportunity to make their views and support the introduction parking controls by completing and returning the survey. They also had plenty of opportunity to attend the Area 5 meeting and have their say about the options available.



I'm sorry but it is not appropriate for my officers to attend a public meeting to discuss options for the parking issues in the Barley Lane area, as this matter has now been agreed by the area committee.



Thanks.

Still unsure of their proposals and worried that local residents might be forced by Councillors and Highways staff, to accept detrimental parking conditions, I asked;

"Could you map out the essential changes to corners and "safety need" areas, so that I can take this to residents and then decide on the need for protest?"

The Lead Officer's response was as follows:



"This is currently on my programme of work and seeking section 106 funding. Will keep you advised as soon as we have the details."



I will of course keep residents updated and will assist with further political action against any bullying.