Gun attack on Roxy Avenue - Chadwell Heath!

I have received reports regarding a gun wielding incident along Roxy Avenue. I am very concerned that crimes of such nature, are increasingly occurring in both our borough and our local ward. I read with great dismay about two separate gun incidents enacted at Seven Kings and Loxford ward in recent Ilford Recorder articles.

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Our streets seem to be getting more dangerous and it is high time that something was done to restore local community confidence.

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I refrained from detailing a story about a knife attack at Redbridge College last month, in an attempt to reduce the heightened perception of crime in recent times. However I will obtain feedback form the safer neighbourhoods team regarding both Chadwell incidents, to alleviate the increasing local concern.
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If you have any details regarding the crime, which happened on Tuesday at around 21:00 please let the Police know by calling Det Con Daren Rabey on 020 8345 2635.

I have informed your local Roxy Avenue Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator of the incident.

Police are still appealing for witnesses of the Redbridge College incident - read more (here).

Greens are Fun

Interview with BBC Asian Network

Heathfield Park Drive success!

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate local residents especially those that signed our petition for the yellow line and waiting time restrictions to be introduced on your roads.

The scheme was devised at a recent public meeting attended by a number of local residents. It was agreed that on your behalf we would challenge for waiting time restrictions from 08:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 17:00.

More can be read about the meeting (here):

It took several emails, a petition and your signatures to encourage this sensible approach. I just hope that residents are now pleased with the result:

A Lead Officer form the Highways team said:

“With regard to your telephone call of yesterday I can confirm that Heathfield Park Drive, and turnings off it, are included on the Parking Management Work Programme to look at introducing waiting restrictions to control the parking in this area.”

I will keep chasing this till we see the work through to fruition.

I hope now, this will alleviate, the parking burden caused by the recent King George Hospital staff car parking fiasco!

Asian Green Candidate to explain appeal of Green Party in BBC Interview!

Asian Green candidate to explain appeal of Green Party in BBC interview

BBC Asian Network News

Thursday April 29th, 12.30pm

The Green Party parliamentary candidate for Ilford South, Wilson Chowdry, is to discuss a range of issues affecting Asians in the UK and explain why Green Party policies have particular appeal, when he appears in a live BBC Asian Network News interview this Thursday April 29th at 12.30pm.

The BBC took the decision to interview candidates from smaller parties after its recent Asian Network ICM poll found that one in three (36%) would consider voting for a smaller party - and even higher amongst Muslims.

Wilson Chowdry said:

" Muslims in this country are definitely disenfranchised with the mainstream parties. Much of this is due to the disillusionment created by the Afghanistan and Iraq wars the Afghanistan war being an unwinnable war and the Iraq war an illegal and immoral war that we should never have taken part in."


"These wars have been counter-productive, culminating in schism and polarisation within British communities. We've seen an increase in Islamaphobia and it is about time that this country put that right."


"The Green Party has a more enlightened approach to international affairs. One of the first things that we would instigate would be the immediate withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan. We would campaign for more involvement of the weaker nations within the international decision-making process. Moreover, we would pursue peace in the Middle East by engaging with all parties."

"As a party we are a secular organisation and believe everyone has the right to freedom to practise ones faith or no faith, if that is the case."

"We are concerned that Islamaphobia is becoming an issue in workplaces and other social centres. We are also very worried about the way police forces in the UK are targeting Asians in stop and searches. Blacks and Asians are now 3.3 times more likely to be stopped than their white counterparts."

St George's Day! Should it be a national holiday...?

Dancing a merry jig - periodic dancing from the 16th Century, wowed the crowds!

Fire breathing dragons with music and dancing was an exciting performance. Moreover the dragon was made from recycled metal!

Some people think I look better this way!

My daughter Hannah by the fire breathing dragon in Ilford Town centre this Saturday.

At first she was to frightened to go near the horrendous beast.
Waving the flag of England - I have brought my Children up to feel English not in the racist manner proposed by the BNP or in any superficial grandiloquence, but in a healthy patriotic way.
I think only my daughter and I were brave enough to wear the English St Georges Cross flag in Ilford Town centre. I hope we have encouraged others into believing this flag is our own, just as the Union flag promotes the united Kingdom of Britain.
The world cup will be upon us soon, expect Hannah and I to wear our flags quite often - on match days at least!
Hannah holding a dragon that has been slayed by St George -well me actually!
As a family we do have some fun don't you think....?
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As far as I could see, we were the only Redbridge business to celebrate St George's Day - celebrating the famous patron saint of England. I have always been proud of my English heritage. When I complete equality questionnaires describing my nationality as British Asian it often riles me. However, I gain solace in understanding that the process is one used to collate data, which when used correctly can help to reduce inequalities.

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Onlookers are often surprised when I drape my home with St George's Cross flags, during every England Football match. Watching these matches with my close friends and family around I feel proud of this island nation.

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When the Pakistani Cricket team was at the pinnacle of the cricketing world, I supported England, as I am proud of my nationality. Not that I condemn British or in particular English people with former nationalities or ancestry from foreign lands, supporting teams other than England - that is their choice,. However for me there is only one team I could possibly support Engerrrrlaand!

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Our flag has become one that many ethnic minorities are uncomfortable with, due to the improper use by far right groups. I hope in some small way, I have diluted the negative images of the flag and challenged people to reassess their perceptions of the flags purpose. One "British Asian" man and a former Newham Councillor commented on how pleased he was on seeing me wear the flag, he commented on how there is a need for more patriated ethnic minorities to accept a flag, that is theirs by right.

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Another white couple commented on how more people should be proud of wearing the flag and took pictures of us, which they have emailed. I quite agreed with them!

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My daughter and I were bemused by one white male, who slightly tarnished the day by faking a sound similar to the retching one undergoes when vomiting. When I questioned him on this peacefully, he laughed and walked away. I just let the incident go, and carried on enjoying the day in my usual manner - what better way to rile the oppressive instincts of the aggressor...?

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Personally, I believe we should make St George's Day a national holiday. Redbridge Council's Leisure team impressed this weekend, with the first celebration of a much maligned important date. The only day we have a chance to celebrate Englishness, whilst promoting community cohesion and good citizenship.

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The event had a mixture of "old and new" events including a Punch and Judy and St George puppet show, a fire breathing dragon with music and dancers, performers clad in 16th century garb, who danced in periodic style and explained about customs of the time. There were also Steel pans performances, modern dancers, an opening speech form our Mayor and much more.

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The event was a perfect example of the cosmopolitan society we live in, with a large array of cultures that are intrinsic to the concept of modern Englishness. More of the same I say - can't wait till next year!
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Let's hope our boys can do England proud in this years "World Cup Football" tournament!

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"Come on England!"

Cedar Park crisis an update!

After our enquiry yesterday, we have received an update from the planning department regarding the long term issues associated with the commercial property based at 8a Cedar Park Gardens. A lead officer has stated (sic):

"Following your email below I have today revisited the site.On this visit I noted that the land was untidy and have therefore opened an enforcement complaint. I will shortly be writing to the owner requesting that the land be tidied to a "reasonable condition". I am looking into a complaint relating to the possible change of use of the commercial unit. On my initial visit, I observed some internal works going on to sub divide the storage area into smaller units.
I intend to monitor the situation closely. I am aware that a colleague Mr Beeson looked into a complaint here recently but he is on annual leave at present. I will liaise with him on his return to discuss his findings."

We will keep residents informed on progress relating to the complaint. This whole situation is based on a ludicrous planning decision to allow a B1 status commercial build, in the middle of a densely packed residential area.

Your Green Party candidates are committed to a more sensible approach to such applications. Primarily, we would ensure that local community concerns were more appropriately addressed.

Safe crossing to be introduced at Whalebone Lane junction!

Last June, after a spate of racially motivated aggression and attacks on others, at the East Road, Somerville Road and Whalebone Lane subway at junctions to the A12, your Chadwell Action Team, organised a private meeting between TFL and the local community. In attendance were:

• Redbridge ASBO Team
• Chadwell SNT
• Barking and Dagenham ASBO Team
• Chadwell Heath SNT
• Head Teacher from Warren School
• Head Teacher from Oaks Park School
• 3 Managers from TFL

The meeting was chaired by Wilson Chowdhry and had input from 3 Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators present on the day.

During the meeting we pushed for a safe crossing to be implemented at the East Road subway. The subway is so notorious it was used in the film "Harry Carter" starring Michael Caine released on DVD last month - depicting gang violence.

TFL argued that logistics and costs, prohibited a project at the East Road subway and argued for a crossing at Whalebone Lane junction. We conceded, as it was the only option being made available to us and it was agreed they would look into a proposal, that they would inform us of at the end of that Financial year, which ended this month.

We have continuously chased for an update and received the following email yesterday, via a lead officer from TFL (sic):

"Further to our telephone conversation today, I can confirm that the Whalebone Lane junction is on this years programme to do the study with funding committed to complete it. As yet I do not have an accurate start date but I have been informed that I should be able to provide this in the next month or so."

We hope residents of Chadwell are pleased with this result....?

Cedar Park Crisis returns!

Despite numerous complaints raised by residents and my reports that have led to a number of visits by the Local Police, the ASBO team and Planning team, the noise and disturbance from the commercial unit at 8a Cedar Park Gardens persists.

The owners promised the ASBO team, that they were going to build an outhouse, for heavy sawing, to reduce local disturbance. This proposal has not been enacted upon. Moreover last weekend a resident from Birchdale Gardens found the noise so unbearable he approached the builders and a loud argument ensued.

The whole community is in a state of furore over the continual noise from the works being undertaken. It is believed that the work is being undertaken beyond specified hours and legal sound limits.

The residents of both Cedar Park Gardens have agreed to sign a petition to ask for a proper audit of the work, a noise inspection, and a review of the existing planning agreement to ensure compliance. I have created both an on-line version and a hard copy and will submit them to an Area 5 Committee meeting after the elections.

Click here to sign online petition

Flight rights!

ABTA the Travel information Association, have provided the following guidance for passengers caught up in the recent flight cancellations, due to volcano ash:

FAQ: FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS DUE TO VOLCANIC ASH

1. Are customers that have yet to travel from the UK entitled to a
refund?

If they’ve booked a package holiday, and their outbound flight can’t be
re-arranged until at least a significant time after (the normal rule of
thumb is 12 hours), they’re entitled to be offered a refund by their tour
operator. This is a refund of the full package price, not just the flight
element.

2. What if they’re not travelling on a package holiday?

If they’ve booked flight and accommodation separately, they can get
their money back for the flight. The airline, under the Denied Boarding
Regulations, must offer the choice of a refund of the ticket price, or rerouting
at the earliest opportunity. The customer might not be able to
have a refund for their accommodation costs; this would be down to
the accommodation supplier. The customer should also check their
travel insurance policy.

3. What’s the position in terms of customers that haven’t been able
to fly home?

Customers on package holidays will be provided with replacement
transport home when possible, by their tour operator. Customers that
have booked with airlines will be provided with replacement transport
home when available, by their airline.
Tour operators have an obligation to provide prompt assistance to
their customers. In particular, they should liaise with the air carrier to
ensure that the customers’ rights under the Denied Boarding
Regulations are met by the carrier (see 4 below). Other assistance
should be provided by the tour operator in accordance with their terms
and conditions and contractual customer welfare policy.

4. Is the obligation on the airline?

Airlines, if they’re an EU airline, or any airline if the flight is departing
from an EU country, are obliged to offer customers a replacement
flight at the earliest opportunity, or a refund of the part of the journey
not made. If the customer chooses the replacement flight and it’s
going the next day or later, the airline is obliged to provide
accommodation and meals. This comes from the Denied Boarding
Regulations. Customers are in theory supposed to check-in at the
airport for this obligation to apply, but in practice they are being told
not to go to the airport. The best advice is that they should reserve
their rights by contacting the airline, probably by email or through their
website, to explain that they’re unable to check in but they will expect
the airline to fulfil its obligation and cover the additional costs. They
should keep a copy of this communication, and of receipts for
accommodation and meal expenditure.
Non-EU airlines, flying in from a non-EU country, don’t have this
obligation. They should be asked whether they will voluntarily provide
assistance as part of a customer service policy.

5. How does “force majeure” come into this situation?

The fact that the cancellations are clearly being caused by an
exceptional circumstance i.e. a volcanic eruption, doesn’t affect the
basic obligations described above on airlines and tour operators. It
only means that customers aren’t entitled to additional compensation
on top.

Further information is available on their website at

http://www.abta.com/consumer-services/travel_information

Happy Vaisakhi

Hi in the image above you can see an image of Wilson Chowdhry with Upkar Rai of the British Sikh Council. Wilson was invited by Upkar to view the Vaisakhi celebrations at Seven Kings Gurdwara and learnt about the true vision of Guru Gobind Singh who commissioned the Khalsa (Five K's), which the Sikhs celebrate on Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is also the celebration of the harvest in the Punjab.

the Five K's include:

1.Kesh - uncut hair. Sikhs believe that hair is a gift from God, therefore it remains uncut.
2.Kanga - a wooden comb. Not used for combing the hair but for keeping it in place under the turban.
3.Kara - an iron bracelet. Serves as a reminder for Sikhs to follow the morals of their faith.
4.Kachera - a specific style of cotton underwear. Reminds Sikhs of the Guru's message regarding the control of the Five Evils.
5.Kirpan - a strapped curved sword. Symbolises the safety of all and the carrier's personal duty and responsibility as a Sikh in the message of peace.

Upkar explained that the five K's are only a physical reminder of the need to keep a pure heart and strong commitment to the virtues of Sikhism. True Sikhism is based on a walk with God and regular commune rather than religious practice.

As a Christian it was a striking reminder how similar our faiths are, as we too believe in a walk of faith and avoidance of the instinctive desire, to fulfill faith through overt religious practice.

This is not a religious blog so I will not labour too long on this subject, suffice to wish all Sikhs a happy festive period.

Major grafitti!

Quarles Park Road Crises.
Graffiti on generator wall

Graffiti on shop wall at 74 Somerville Road

I have noticed to large bits of graffiti one on the shop at 74 Somerville Road and another on the wall of the electricity generator in Crucible park, that is accessed via Christie Gardens.

Another complaint was brought to my attention at the other end of Crucible Park at the Quarles Park Road entrance. Whilst locating this graffiti I spotted an additional location on the side wall of a property as you walk to the entrance.

All these items have been reported to your General Cleansing team and will no doubt be removed shortly.

What a cheek!

Youths from St Pauls Church, Goodmayes.

This is the article sent to me by Bob Archer of leader of the Redbridge NUT:

"Redbridge residents took to the street again on Saturday 17 April to oppose plans to close the A&E department at King George hospital. About 200 marched from the green near the hospital through Seven Kings and into the centre of Ilford to hear local community and religious leaders condemn the plans. Organisers emphasised the need to maintain the campaign through the election period and keep ready for new challenges after May 6. Members of Redbridge NUT and of Unite the Union also joined the march with their banners and flags. A lively group of young churchgoers from St. Pauls Goodmayes brought their megaphone and for once the Chadwell Heath Greens had some competition to see who could chant slogans the loudest."

Wilson would like to express his abject opposition to these comments he believes unconditionally that his voice for local residents was the loudest (tongue in cheek). To tell you the truth it was just exciting to see so many young people involved. Wilson took out his daughter Hannah Chowdhry who enjoyed the event and also joined the chanting. Isla Martin and her children attended and we all had a very enjoyable day despite the negative reason for the event.

Wilson said:

"It is important we encourage young people to attend such events as it will create the awareness of local issues that will stimulate the next set of community leaders. Moreover, it is the next generation that will be affected by decisions made now"

Victory is ours - no additional telecom mast for Chadwell Heath Lane!

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate residents of Chadwell that signed our petition for the mast at the Grove Road/Chadwell Heath Lane junction to be shared. By some almighty effort, we have convinced the 3 and T Mobile telecoms operators to share the local mast.

It took several emails, a petition and your signatures to encourage this sensible approach. I just hope that residents are now pleased with the result:

A Lead Officer form the Highways team said:

"We held a meeting with the operators to discuss the Rollout Plan 2009/10 on Friday 19 March. I was advised at this meeting that due to the consolidation between the operators 3 and T Mobile the proposal for a telecomms mast at Grove Road/ Chadwell Heath lane junction is likely to be an upgrade to the current T Mobile Mast on that site."

This is a first for Chadwell before the work of the Green Party the telecoms operators would just have installed masts, without any objection. Even on this project our Liberal Democrat Councillors and the Labour Councillors on the Area 5 Committee panel were in favour of an additional mast. With three schools in the area your Green Team was concerned about potential health issues - it seems any potential threat whether evidenced or not is now reduced.

Increased awareness of issues, has galvanised our community into a strong force to be reckoned with - at last we have a voice!

Images from Save King George Hospital Protest held on April 17th!

Over 100 people on protest march against potential hospital closures!
Wilson acknowledges local concern
Wilson a Pakistani Christian standing together in opposition to hospital closures with

Ghazanfar Ali secretary of Ilford Lane Mosque.

Almost dropped it!
Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and other faiths joined by people of no faith oppose

health cuts!

The NHS call it "Rationalisation" we call it Community demoralisation!

The NHS call it rationalisation - we call it health deterioration!

Chris Carter of the Ilford Recorder takes the stage.

Stop the dastardly proposals!

English, Gujarati, Punjabi and other languages it was a cross community event.

Crammed like sardines but still enjoying the day!

Don't throw those dear....

Yeah...my arms not hurting!

Tired after a 2 hour march!

Where is Hannah!

Hiya!

Interacting with the crowd - Redbridge still has a strong sense of Community!

Making sure everyone was ok.

Meeting the wide range of patrons to the march.

Letting people know about our online petition.

It sure is hot and packed!

Don't forget to sign our on-line petition.

People were just happy to be involved in a wonderful event with a great array of cultures and faiths represented.

Sorry we cannot share this secret!

Leading the clamour for retention of existing services!

With the Conservatives behind him Wilson had to watch his step (tongue in cheek)

MP Lee Scott and fellow contender for Ilford South Toby Boutle -it felt like being on Gladiator!

Surrounding by the blues but still confident as ever!

Whilst other jostled for the front position - Wilson calmly waited for a less crowded area. trying to avoid shouting into peoples ears

Who is cooler Hannah or her dad...?

A defiant community!

Cramming them in!

Wilson squeezes between the conservative candidates.

Wilson and Ghazanfar Ali -I think the two of them were cramping Hannah's style!

Over 100 people turned up for the last of the scheduled protest marches opposing any reduction in services at our local King George Hospital. People from all over the borough, from a diversity of faiths, political and community arenas, prepared for battle against the NHS. The campaign has not ended and please do continue to sign our on line petition.