Dodgy dealings!

My previous post spoke of the advertising hoarding placed on the East Homes purchased Land at Grove Farm. Bizarrely enough (it would seem) they have started their promotional campaign before submitting a planning application. I communicated with a planning officer who could not trace any amended application and have been informed that if that is correct, then the matter is one for enforcement as it would be in contradiction to planning law. I have asked him to cascade my concern to the relevant officer for whom the site forms part of a direct remit and will advise you accordingly of any action to be taken. In a recession people and organisations stoop to new lows but this act is beyond belief, considering the extent of local apprehension and the amount of lobbying that has taken place...?

I will be rather flabbergasted if a large organisation such as East Thames Housing Association -claim ignorance of planning regulations.

The Battle begins in earnest!

Many of you will already have noticed that East Thames have placed billboards advertising their potential development of the Grove Farm Estate. It is quite surprising they have done this, considering I have not been informed of any new planning application? I was one of the earliest and leading protagonists asking for a descaling of the residential and commercial use site and successfully campaigned against the scheme at a Planning regulatory committee meeting that resulted in the deferment of the application. The onus is on East Thames to produce a new plan before it can be approved - the council are also committed to informing all original detractors that wrote in against the planning application. Something seems to be amiss and I will ask the planning department for an update. You will be kept informed via my blog.

Friendly Foliage

In the picture you will see the wonderful shrubs and rose trees that I worked tirelessly to have introduced at the empty flower beds along Shepherds Close. I was initially informed that the roses would not flower for 2 - 3 years, however the hardy variant that was planted here has proved to be a gloriously beautiful and strong variety of rose. It is just a shame that the beds are surrounded by weedy pavement.

Unfriendly Foliage

Here are images of the excessive weed growth along the side of Shepherds Close. this recurring theme is a result of the neglect our ward has on the principal service that should be provided throughout our ward...? I have asked the Weeding team to undertake a review all of our roads which are the worst in the borough again, even after the hullabaloo I created about this issue last year?

The problem is a "growing" concern (heh heh) as here are images along Jarrow Road. I believe a councillor still lives on this road and yet he has not reported the ridiculous and rather sad demise of our streets? I have also notice weeds on Brian Road, Somerville Road, Norbury Gardens, Blacksmith Close, Canon Avenue, Percival Gardens, to name but a few! Sometimes I think our incumbent Councillors allow this growth to occur to compensate for our lack of parks - I sincerely hope , however, that this is just a silly assumption....who knows ay!

Spring Clean please!

This garage area at no.2 Park Lane is rather unaesthetic. I have asked the Police if they could initiate an operation payback scheme at the location - this would entail the use of miscreants on community service in a programme of rectification i.e painting over the existing corrugated iron panels. I have also asked for the General cleansing team to enforce a cutting back of the bushes or to cut it themselves and charge the residents. The bushes are causing an obstruction to the pavement and are also creating a health and safety risk.

Traffic congestion- please avoid!

Residents of Chadwell please be aware that there are currently excessive delays along the high road due to heavy road works that require temporary lights and the closure of part of the left hand lane lane (when facing towards Ilford) to the fore of

Chadwell Heath primary School. To avoid delay please seek alternative routes. I will advise you of waht works are happening and for how long on Monday.

Mayfield School Multicultural Day

I was asked to speak about community cohesion and the impact Redbridge Carnival has on bringing communities together, at the wonderful Mayfield School Multicultural Day.

For your information Redbridge Carnival returns to Valentines Park on the 5th and 6th September from 12:00 - 20:00 both days and will be a free entry event.

Whilst there I met our Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Chan, who was full of good humour and spoke about the Council's view of Community Cohesion.

The army and the Fire service provided demonstrations and fun events. I think I got a little carried away...!

I impressed the Army recruiting division on site as I am 34 and beat a 16 year old on an assault course for which he had previously undergone extensive training on. I was also told by a TA responsible for the workshop that my grenade lob was the lengthiest of any civilian he had encountered. I was best pleased!