Residents in various localities have complained about dog mess on the streets. I will be requesting Dog Bins for the following areas with increased signage:
Fields Park Crescent
Sherman/Bengeo/Westfield Gardens
Please tell me if dog foul is causing nasal irritation in your area!
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Millhaven Project
I have just finished delivering the new Chadwell Greens Newsletter along Millhaven Close and the associated Closes. What should have taken 30 minutes took an additional 45 minutes as I was busy scribbling down the immense local concern I surveyed. The conditions for people living on Millhaven Close/Capstan Close and Crucible Close are to be quite frank - disgusting! This is definitely the most ignored region of Chadwell and must have a number of disgruntled residents. If the state of services they are receiving here was repeated in leafy Woodford....all hell would break loose as it would be deemed unsatisfactory by all. I believe your incumbent Liberal Councillors are to blame for the demise of your area and have reported the following issues:
- Graffiti on top of Green box by entrance to Crucible Close.
- Bulky waste (2 sofas) by Bins opposite Crucible Park/ 25 Capstan Close
- 9 – 65 Millhaven Close are sharing two bins, there were 4 previously however, the council has removed 2 - several residents have informed me, resulting in visible overspill.
- Rubbish is strewn ubiquitously over the communal grassy areas – this is very unsightly and noticeable.
- The road signs at Capstan Close are littered with graffiti and should be replaced.
- Bulky Rubbish in Car Park near opening by Grove road (rolls of carpet)
- Alleyway between Millhaven Close and Grove Road has graffiti on lamppost and minor items on walls.
- The bin areas are have graffiti and could benefit from doors.
- Vegetation in a number of areas is encroaching paths to flats or street pavement
- The street pavements need a real overhaul - I tripped twice myself!
The list goes on.
I have asked local council teams for a concerted effort to bring your area to a state of normality and will chart progress – no wonder so many disaffected youths roam are streets.
Please tell me your thoughts if you are a resident.
UPDATE:
I have contacted Labyrinth Properties, 5b, High Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex, RM6 6PU, Tel: 020 85861185, Fax: 020 85861123 and Flatcare Management Ltd 2 Walker Close Crayford Kent DA1 4SR Contact: Tony Simmons Tel 01322 559813. It would seem that Flatcare areas are in the main in good condition - however Labyrinth are still to respond.
UPDATE 2:
See Response from Flat Care recieved on Friday 13th March 2009 - They seem very proactive:
"Our team were there today and we have a list of three things that have been dumped. These will be removed within three working days.
We will look at the bin door you refer to.
Cleaners can sometimes not access litter entwined in bushes for health and safety reasons. This will be done when gardeners can get amongst the bushes
I would reiterate I hope you are contacting those houses with poorly kept garages, litter in gardens and overgrown bushes. We are looking after private flats and the owners satisfaction is our priority.
We do monitor these flats weekly so we will pick up items when needed."
If you are homeowners please do keep your gardens tidy too!
Friday, 13 March 2009
Westfield Crises
I was in the vicinity of Westfield Gardens, Sherman Gardens and Bengeo Gardens to complete a delivery of letters for the Green Party, at around 13:30 today. Whilst there I noticed some disturbing issues which I detail below;
Opposite 38 Sherman Gardens there are some brick constructions – one has bins in the other is currently vacant. Youths (aged between 11- 13) were congregated in the building and rapping as I passed by, they decided to give me some acerbic glances, but that was not to intimidating. After leaving I noticed there was a mass of graffiti inside the construction and offensive images such as a gun.
Behind 20 – 28 Birch Court there is a bin cabin without doors and 4 Asian teenagers (16+) where distributing drugs between themselves. Preparing to smoke some wacky baccy, no doubt.
Lots of youths could be seen running through the alleyway – although this is not overtly a problem. Some Police patrols might curb excessive behavioral issues and bring solace to the local community
I reported the issue to Police, the Redbridge ASBO Team, General Cleansing, Taylor Wimpey, Winchester Property and London Quadrant.
The police responded by sending 3 Police Officer's on bikes (this night) - which I can confirm as one of them lent me a pen to list the non-working lamp posts. Our Chadwell Team are working hard to resolve your local issues - please support them by providing any intelligence your have. Call 020 8721 2562
I am aware of your local antisocial behaviour issues and will be sending a letter to you to help and encourage you to start a new Neighbourhood Watch.
Opposite 38 Sherman Gardens there are some brick constructions – one has bins in the other is currently vacant. Youths (aged between 11- 13) were congregated in the building and rapping as I passed by, they decided to give me some acerbic glances, but that was not to intimidating. After leaving I noticed there was a mass of graffiti inside the construction and offensive images such as a gun.
Behind 20 – 28 Birch Court there is a bin cabin without doors and 4 Asian teenagers (16+) where distributing drugs between themselves. Preparing to smoke some wacky baccy, no doubt.
Lots of youths could be seen running through the alleyway – although this is not overtly a problem. Some Police patrols might curb excessive behavioral issues and bring solace to the local community
I reported the issue to Police, the Redbridge ASBO Team, General Cleansing, Taylor Wimpey, Winchester Property and London Quadrant.
The police responded by sending 3 Police Officer's on bikes (this night) - which I can confirm as one of them lent me a pen to list the non-working lamp posts. Our Chadwell Team are working hard to resolve your local issues - please support them by providing any intelligence your have. Call 020 8721 2562
I am aware of your local antisocial behaviour issues and will be sending a letter to you to help and encourage you to start a new Neighbourhood Watch.
Westfield/Sherman and Bengeo Project
Dear Residents of Westfield Gardens/Sherman Road/Madeline Close and Bengeo Gardens
Whilst delivering the Green Party Letters in your area today my Wife Juliet sketched a localised action sheet. The areas of concern she has collated include:
Whilst delivering the Green Party Letters in your area today my Wife Juliet sketched a localised action sheet. The areas of concern she has collated include:
- 100s of cigarette butts are littered at the entrance to Westfield gardens from Grove Road/Madeline Close side. Doors off hinges for litter bin enclosure at 24 – 38 Westfield Gardens – Graffiti on underpass next to 69 Birch Court
- 79 – 84 Birch Court shale has been kicked onto pavement creating H&S hazard.
- 80 – 120 Westfield gardens is littered with rubbish along streets and communal green areas
- Doors are missing from 16 – 19 Birch court communal bins area – who should be held responsible for these - please advise?
We have asked the Redbridge Streetscene team to investigate and confirm whether it would be possible to install a litter bin with ashtray, at the entrance to Westfield Gardens. A request has been made for an investigation into who has responsibility for the doors to the bin enclosures and for the unhinged doors to be replaced in correct fashion. We have also asked that shale disturbed by youths, that now creates a slip and trip hazard to pavements, should be swept into the appropriate banks. Juliet and I will keep you informed of progress.
Please share your thoughts or advise us of other issues.
UPDATE:
We have received several calls from concerned residents about the issues at this location and I have extended the list of issues to include:
- The Bengeo Street Name Plate is missing Opposite 2 Birch Court
- Street lighting is not working at 90 Sherman Road,
- Street lighting is not working to the fore of 71-78 Birch Court
- Street lighting is not working to the fore of 29-34 Birch Court
- Bins Cabin at 2-6 Birch Court has no doors (it is rumoured they were unscrewed and installed at another cabin?)
- Water pressure for 2-6 Birch Court is feeble and the water pump is leaking water.
- 55 Madeline Close street lighting not working
- Street lighting at entrance to Westfield Gardens not working
- Need dog bins on communal green
Also see Westfield Crises Story!
We have emailed L&Q, Taylor Wimpey and Winchester Property for a response and are awaiting an answer _ we will keep you posted!
UPDATE 2:
See response from Natalie Fulk of Taylor Wimpey:
Dear Wilson,
Thank you for your emails regarding the above mentioned site. I have below made comments against the points you have raised, and hope this will go some way towards solving the problems:-
- The Bengeo Street Name Plate is missing Opposite 2 Birch Court - I am currently arranging for some replacement road signs for other areas to comply with London Borough of Redbridge’s requirements for adoption. This will be added to the list
- In respect to Street Lighting - A night scout of the development is being organised. This will pick up any columns that are not working on adoptable areas only and repairs will be carried out as necessary
- Bins Cabin at 2-6 Birch Court has no doors (it is rumoured they were unscrewed and installed at another cabin?) a managment company issue
- Water pressure for 2-6 Birch Court is feeble and the water pump is leaking water. A management company issue
- 55 Madeline Close street lighting not working see street light comment above
Street lighting at entrance to Westfield Gardens not working as above - Need dog bins on communal green - a management company issue
- I have also been shown a broken light fitting outside no.2 Birch Court and told that an agreement is in place for a cyclical programme for painting of communal areas every 5 years. The residents of Birch court have advised that in 9 years not one dash of paint has been applied with respect to this? - A management company issue
In addition to the above points there are 2 street nameplates on the development that will be changed and moved to be sited on the footpath and a further street nameplate that will be in addition to those already there. The lamp columns are due to be fitted with numbers for the benefit of London Borough of Redbridge.
Taylor Wimpey are proving to be committed to resolving your issues - Wincheter Property are still not communicating!
Policing Priorities!
Crazy Paving!
Residents of Ilford South have been plagued by the unreasonable decision by our Cabinet, to not adopt our unadopted roads. This results in untoward road conditions, messy litter strewn areas and overgrown vegetation at these locations. This impacts on the quality of life of residents on these roads and other adjoining areas.
I have some good news however, which is that the Highways Team are preparing a costing for patching works on South Road and Thackery Drive - which they will produce at the next Area 5 Committee on the 23rd of March 2009. This is in response to the numerous complaints and campaigns I have organised to get a resolution here.
Mike Woodward from the Highways team, in a recent email stated:
"I am planning to take a general item report to the next AC5 meeting to cover a number action sheet items outstanding approval. This will include the results of the Essex Gardens and Shepherd Close ball game signs consultation and estimates for further repairs at Thackeray and South Road. I think this answers your earlier email on this subject." It is small solace and could be said to be "Something better than nothing" however I am continuing my campaign to have all unadopted road adopted, which was previously agreed in a Highways and Environmental Scrutiny Panel back in 2006.
After a recent Highways and Environmental Scrutiny Panel it was agreed that a review of all unadopted Roads would take place and a report produced for the priority road at a January 2010 meeting. So the news is not that bad after all!
I have some good news however, which is that the Highways Team are preparing a costing for patching works on South Road and Thackery Drive - which they will produce at the next Area 5 Committee on the 23rd of March 2009. This is in response to the numerous complaints and campaigns I have organised to get a resolution here.
Mike Woodward from the Highways team, in a recent email stated:
"I am planning to take a general item report to the next AC5 meeting to cover a number action sheet items outstanding approval. This will include the results of the Essex Gardens and Shepherd Close ball game signs consultation and estimates for further repairs at Thackeray and South Road. I think this answers your earlier email on this subject." It is small solace and could be said to be "Something better than nothing" however I am continuing my campaign to have all unadopted road adopted, which was previously agreed in a Highways and Environmental Scrutiny Panel back in 2006.
After a recent Highways and Environmental Scrutiny Panel it was agreed that a review of all unadopted Roads would take place and a report produced for the priority road at a January 2010 meeting. So the news is not that bad after all!
ASBO Ball Games
Juliet and I have received numerous reports regarding the occurrence of antisocial ball games on Chadwell streets and other streets in Redbridge. This growing social malaise is also rife within other London Boroughs and stems from a general mistrust of parks and parents who wish to monitor their children from close to the home (unfortunately of these, there are some parents that say they just dont have the time to take children to the park), at the cost of subjecting their children to the severe health and safety risks posed by moving traffic _ on my travels to a Neighbourhood Watch meeting after collecting an elderly resident we were frightened by one child who ran in front of my car just before the meeting at which we were to talk on the subject. Parents and Children alike are afraid of the perceived threat of“Drug Dealers” and gangs within local parks, much of this concern is derived from the increase in media covered violent attacks and robberies in parks and town centres. Sports played in the street are causing community friction, parents squabbling with those opposed to such sport has resulted in threats and assaults on local residents. Stresses associated with such behaviour have led to people relocating or becoming reclusive. Youths terrorise residents opposed to their games by pelting homes with eggs or kicking balls at certain residents. Ball s have been slashed, abuses thrown at conflicting groups and untold damage to property and premises has been reported.
Redbridge has recently initiated a Parks Police Team and recruited our previous Borough Commander to lead this service. This team have heightened Police jurisdiction within the parks and in tandem with patrols from Safer Neighbourhood Teams have reduced crime within our local parks. Our major parks now have a team of park keepers, however the resource is failing to increase the perception of safety within parks and every day the number of visitors to parks and open spaces dwindles. People need to be encouraged to use our local parks which will further reduce criminal activity - as we all know visibility and potential witnesses to crime, deters felonious activity.
My Proposed Action Plan:
Redbridge has a limited £50,000 per annum budget for the maintenance of its parks and its dilapidated state attracts attention from criminal types as they are often vacant. More investment into parks is required to get them into a state fit for our society which deserves a better quality of life. Attractions such as Carnivals and fairs will increase the diversity of users our council should either support community organisations - encouraging a wider range and frequency of events or arrange events internally. Our Parks Police service should be expanded to increase the level of coverage especially with respect to high incident locations. If such measures are not implemented, I fear park usage will reach an all time nadir.
More enforcement should be taken with respect to reducing street sports activity to restore community confidence. Communities should be empowered by being able to state where or where not they are willing to accept game playing on streets.
Existing legislation does not permit any real action that could effectively reduce such activity- "No Ball Games" signage is advisory and has no legal basis I am taking a deputation to petition for a by-law against ASBO Ball games - to a Full Council Meeting on the 19th March 2009. This will be held at Ilford Town Hall at 19:15 and I need other residents to indicate support for such a scheme - so please provide comments.
The intention of any such local act would not be the criminalisation of young people , rather an empowerment of local Police, Statutory Agencies such as the ASBO team and would give choice back to residents about what they accept in their area. I would expect like with any law that such enforcers would undertake a commonsense approach to its application and that engagement would be a priority with a possible 3 strikes and your out delivery - that would be for them to decide. If you would like to join the deputation please contact me as you would be most welcome - or just feel free to turn up and join our campaign.
Comments from Alan Drake our Redbridge Community Safety Manager are as follows:
"The Anti Social Behaviour Service has seen an increase in this type of problem. At the moment officers have no powers to deal with the matter and can do no more than request that the children find somewhere else to play. Often this will not be effective.
I have no idea if it's possible to have a bye law preventing such activity and I'm sure there would be legal difficulties in enforcing such a law against young people. However I would support a proposal for such a bye law if it were done in conjunction with the promotion of our parks as a safe place for our children to go. It's important not to criminalise unnecessarily or demonise children for doing nothing more than what children do. If we are to take away areas that they consider to be "safe" places to go we need to replace these with others - namely our parks.
This is precisely why we have parks so that our children can play safely. I am sure Mr Boylin, Head of parks police, will testify to how improved the safety in our parks is since the introduction of the parks police service. We need to convince children and their parents of this."
Redbridge has recently initiated a Parks Police Team and recruited our previous Borough Commander to lead this service. This team have heightened Police jurisdiction within the parks and in tandem with patrols from Safer Neighbourhood Teams have reduced crime within our local parks. Our major parks now have a team of park keepers, however the resource is failing to increase the perception of safety within parks and every day the number of visitors to parks and open spaces dwindles. People need to be encouraged to use our local parks which will further reduce criminal activity - as we all know visibility and potential witnesses to crime, deters felonious activity.
My Proposed Action Plan:
Redbridge has a limited £50,000 per annum budget for the maintenance of its parks and its dilapidated state attracts attention from criminal types as they are often vacant. More investment into parks is required to get them into a state fit for our society which deserves a better quality of life. Attractions such as Carnivals and fairs will increase the diversity of users our council should either support community organisations - encouraging a wider range and frequency of events or arrange events internally. Our Parks Police service should be expanded to increase the level of coverage especially with respect to high incident locations. If such measures are not implemented, I fear park usage will reach an all time nadir.
More enforcement should be taken with respect to reducing street sports activity to restore community confidence. Communities should be empowered by being able to state where or where not they are willing to accept game playing on streets.
Existing legislation does not permit any real action that could effectively reduce such activity- "No Ball Games" signage is advisory and has no legal basis I am taking a deputation to petition for a by-law against ASBO Ball games - to a Full Council Meeting on the 19th March 2009. This will be held at Ilford Town Hall at 19:15 and I need other residents to indicate support for such a scheme - so please provide comments.
The intention of any such local act would not be the criminalisation of young people , rather an empowerment of local Police, Statutory Agencies such as the ASBO team and would give choice back to residents about what they accept in their area. I would expect like with any law that such enforcers would undertake a commonsense approach to its application and that engagement would be a priority with a possible 3 strikes and your out delivery - that would be for them to decide. If you would like to join the deputation please contact me as you would be most welcome - or just feel free to turn up and join our campaign.
Comments from Alan Drake our Redbridge Community Safety Manager are as follows:
"The Anti Social Behaviour Service has seen an increase in this type of problem. At the moment officers have no powers to deal with the matter and can do no more than request that the children find somewhere else to play. Often this will not be effective.
I have no idea if it's possible to have a bye law preventing such activity and I'm sure there would be legal difficulties in enforcing such a law against young people. However I would support a proposal for such a bye law if it were done in conjunction with the promotion of our parks as a safe place for our children to go. It's important not to criminalise unnecessarily or demonise children for doing nothing more than what children do. If we are to take away areas that they consider to be "safe" places to go we need to replace these with others - namely our parks.
This is precisely why we have parks so that our children can play safely. I am sure Mr Boylin, Head of parks police, will testify to how improved the safety in our parks is since the introduction of the parks police service. We need to convince children and their parents of this."
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