Neighbourhood Watch - Does it work...?

Reynolds Avenue, Mayesford Avenue and Hickman Road have been blighted with Burglaries and other crimes in recent months. With this in mind, Isla Martin and I have arranged an inaugural NHW meeting to galvanise the local community against the pervading crime that is intent on consuming our ward. The meeting is to be held at Somerville Hall, Somerville Road (off Chadwell Heath Lane) on the 15th October from 19:00. We are looking for a volunteer to become a Chairman and request that you get in touch with us as soon a possible.

In the meanwhile, to stimulate debate I would like to ask readers to advise us of their opinions on why a Neighbourhod Watch is of benefit to local people. If NHW has any shortcomings what are they? Moreover some real life reports on what NHW did for them would be of great value.

Looking forward to potential comments....?

Burglaries increasing at a rapid rate!

Here are images of graffiti hit areas surrounding Roxy Avenue, Conway Crescent, Flora Gardens and Fauna Close. I noticed them whilst delivering a letter inviting residents in the area, to come and form a NHW for the roads due to an increase in acquisitive crime in the area. It woudl seem the recession is causing peopel evne more less than originally anticipated and I hope residenst will support a scheme that shoud reduce crime and the overall cost of home insurance for most of you.

Should you see any crime in your are the numbers to call are:

Ilford Police Station: 020 8478 1123

National Non-police Emergency no: 0300 123 1212

Chadwell SNT: 020 8721 2562

Emergency Police: 999

In the meanwhile I have reported the graffiti to the Streetscene team.

Burglary Warning

Disturbing news I am afraid. Gold has been reportedly stolen within two properties in Redbridge last week Click on image from this weeks Ilford Recorder to enlarge. One burglary took place on Staines Road in Loxford Ward and one at Inverclyde in Chadwell Ward. It would seem that such opportunist acquisitive crime is still on the increase and we should all be a little bit more way. I am still the Chairman of the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association and would like to hear from any residents who would like to start up a NHW in their respective areas or to learn about existing ones. NHW's are proliferating of late and it is having an impact on setting more appropriate Policing priorities and reducing crime. Local home insurance can be reduced as a result of such groups due to the acknowledged impact. Please do make contact if you would like assistance with starting or joining a group.

Stop this from happening in your home!

Events in Redbridge

Fungi Foray
Saturday 24 October

Venue
Hainault Forest Country Park
meeting point Visitor Centre

Time
10.30 am to 1 pm

Event
Come and join this informative guided walk to search for Fungi and identify species found. You can also find out which species are safe to eat. Come prepared to walk approx 3 miles at a leisurely pace.

Price
Free

Enquiries
For more information call Hainault Forest Country Park

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something out of nothing - live carving session
Saturday 24 OctoberVenue
Central Library foyer

Time
TBC

Event
International Artist Elvis Davis presents ‘Something Out of Nothing ‘ An exhibition of African Wood Carvings. Born in the Caribbean Island of Barbados Elvis Davis will also be on site doing Live Carvings. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this extraordinary artist in his element as he makes something out of nothing before you.

Price
Free

Enquiries
For more information email arts&events@redbridge.gov.uk

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mela at the Mall Ilford
Saturday 24 October

Venue
The Mall Ilford (formally the Exchange), High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1RS

Time
From 9.30am to 6.00pm

Event details
Come and join us at The Mall Ilford for a day full of pure fun and entertainment to celebrate Asian music, dance and culture at The Mela at The Mall Ilford 2009


British Asian and Bollywood stars, all performing live
H-Dhami
Mumzy
Sham & Tasha Tah
Adil and Navin Khundra.
The Mela at The Mall features
live music performances
dance and magic
fashion and crafts in a fusion of Bollywood razzamatazz and a traditional Asian-inspired market day.
dhol Drummers dressed in authentic costume will start the day, leading a procession from the steps of Redbridge Town Hall into The Mall for the first live performance of the day by Navin Kundra.
Timetable of events
live music, dance and magic shows will take place from 1pm to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 4.45pm.
fans will be able to meet the stars of the shows for autograph signings and photographs after each show.
What else is happening at the Mall?

And while you are at The Mall why not treat yourself to the latest fashion for autumn/winter?

There’s more than 70 great stores – and with 1200 car parking spaces and Ilford railway station right on the doorstep - getting here couldn’t be easier.

Contact

Check out the latest information, artist links and videos on Facebook under ‘Mela Ilford’

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Farmers' Market October
Sunday 25 October

Venue
Valentines Mansion

Time
11am to 3pm

Details
A chance to buy top quality seasonal and local food and visit the mansion and gardens.

Price
Free

Enquiries
For further information call Valentines Mansion or visit the official web site for Valentines Mansion & Gardens.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KAC Open Day
Saturday 26 October

Venue
Keith Axon Centre
160 - 170 Grove Road
Chadwell Heath
Romford
RM6 4XB

Time
From 9.30 am to 2.30 pm

Event Details
Join us for a Day of Fun for Everyone!

children’s craft activities from 11 am to 12 pm
silver surfer internet taster sessions from 11 am to 12 pm
face painting from 12 pm to 2.30 pm
join our knitting group and meet local historians
claim a free one week DVD loan.

Price
Free

Enquiries
For further information telephone 020 8708 0790 020 8708 0790

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Half Term Foxburrows Farm Zoo Guided Tour
Tuesday 27 October

Venue
Hainault Forest Country Park

Time
10.30 am approx 1 hour

Event
Join the Wardens to meet the animals and assist with their morning feed.

Age
All ages

Price
Free

Enquiries
For more information call Hainault Forest Country Park

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Autumnal arts and crafts
Tuesday 27 October

Venue
Ray Park
Visitor Centre

Time
1 pm to 3 pm

Event
Come and have a go at creating some beautiful pieces of artwork with natural materials found in the park. The most creative pieces will be displayed in the visitor centre for everyone to admire. Please be aware that some of our sites may not be suitable for those with wheelchairs, buggies, etc. Also, most of our sites do not have toilets. Therefore it is very important that those with special requirements contact us before an event to find out about the accessibility of each site. Please wear sturdy footwear.

Age
Suitable for families

Price
Free

Bookings
For further information or to book a place call the Nature Conservation Team

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valentines Studio Artists Exhibition
Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 14 February

Venue
Valentines Mansion

Time
During normal opening hours

Details
Always wondered what the studio artists are up to in their studios? On display in our Gallery and Bird Room will be a selection of work representing the eclectic mix of materials and media our nine studio artists use. Som come along and enjoy!

Price
FREE

Age
Open to all

Enquiries
For further information call Valentines Mansion or visit the official web site for Valentines Mansion & Gardens.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meadow planting day
Wednesday 28 October

Venue
Ray Park
Visitor Centre

Time
11 am to 1 pm

Event
Back to the meadow for more wildflower planting. This time we are using plants to put in place for next spring as well as sowing seeds. Tools, bulbs and seeds provided. An event for all the family and refreshments will be available back in the visitor centre. Please bring your own packed lunch and wear old clothes and sturdy footwear. Remember no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

Age
For the whole family

Price
Free

Enquiries
For further information call the Nature Conservation Team

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hainault Open Meeting
Wednesday 28 October

Venue
Hainault Forest Community Association, 100b Manford Way, IG7 4DF

Time
6.30pm to 8pm

Everyone welcome!

Free food and refreshments

Event
Come to the Hainault Community Project (HCP) Open Meeting - meet the community group and share your views on Hainault. The meeting will be

launching the HCP Small Grants Programme - the HCP is awarding groups or organisations up to £500 to run a project or activity in Hainault
reviewing the HCP Action Plan
For more information, visit the Hainault Community Project website or phone 020 8708 2200 020 8708 2200.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crazy Conkers
Thursday 29 October

Venue
Ray Park
James Leal visitor centre

Time
10.30 am to 12.30 pm

Event
Join the Rangers at this seasonal time of year for a few hours of fun arts, crafts and games using the seed from horse chestnut trees - conkers. Please be aware that some of our sites may not be suitable for those with wheelchairs, buggies, etc. Also, most of our sites do not have toilets. Therefore it is very important that those with special requirements contact us before an event to find out about the accessibility of each site. Please wear sturdy footwear. Booking essential as places are limited.

Price
Free

Bookings
For further information and to book a place call the Nature Conservation Team

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fit to Supply Surgery
Thursday 29 October

Venue
Gloucester Room
Ilford Central Library
Clements Road
Ilford
IG1 1EA

Time
7.15 pm to 8.15 pm

Event Details
East London Business Place: speaking about small businesses becoming "Fit to Supply" and offering information about potential contract opportunities. This service is available for small to medium sized enterprises.

Price
FREE but booking is essential.

Enquiries
For further information and to book a place, please contact Joe Daggers 020 8708 2420 020 8708 2420, email joe.daggers@redbridge.gov.uk or Rose Meredith 020 8708 2414 020 8708 2414, email rose.meredith@redbridge.gov.uk

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Young Spacemakers
from Thursday 29 October to Friday 30 October

Venue
Grassroots Community Centre, Newham, London, E15 3DB

Time
from 10 am to 6 pm

Event details
Free design training for young people. Allowing teenagers who are passionate about their neighbourhood to see how they can make it a better place to live.

Young people will learn how to:

look more closely at their local area from an urban design perspective
engage with inspirational ideas
develop creative skills through model making and drawing
work up an action plan for their project to take back to their neighbourhood
Age
from 14 to 17 years

Price
Free

Contact
by telephone: 020 7490 4583 020 7490 4583; or e-mail: jaina@theglasshouse.org.uk

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iroko Theatre Workshop
Thursday 29 October

Venue
Keith Axon Centre
Community Centre
160-170 Grove Road
RM6 4XB

Time
2 pm to 4 pm

Event Details
Another event to celebrate Black History Month this time with the spectacular IROKO Theatre. This is the first in a series of workshops in Redbridge with IROKO over the next 12 months. Look forward to storytelling, breath-taking performance, drumming, workshops and much more in this special event for all the family!

Price
FREE Limited to 35 places - children must be accompanied by an adult.

Enquiries
For further information telephone 020 8708 0790 020 8708 0790

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caribbean Fridays
Friday 30 October

Venue
Ilford Social Club (next to athletics Track)
486 High Road
Ilford IG1 1UE

Time
7 pm to 11 pm

Event
A great way for families, friends to meet new people and socialise and learn some of the old time games dominoes and cards. Music to stimulate your memory and dance to. A great evening for the family and friends. An event brought to you by Weininger and Janice Irwin

Age
All ages

Price
Free

Enquiries
For more information call 020 8252 3864 020 8252 3864 or email info@weiningers.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Police protection required!

I have finally submitted an application for secure fencing around the Chadwell Allotments. This is to be discussed at the next Area 5 Committee Meeting from 19:15 on the 21st September 2009 at Barley Lane Primary School, Huxley Drive. Please come and support the application as 7 arson attacks in 3 months is phenomenal antisocial behaviour and could lead to a more catastrophic tragedy, should, the miscreants attack resident fences instead of sheds in their drug fuelled revelry.

Barking and Dagenham Council and Police are now aware that the alley between the allotments and St Chads Park is within their jurisdiction since I investigated with our Highways Department. However, we are still seeing new intrusions into the allotments and damage to a local elderly couples property has left them terrified and disillusioned.

This area is a soft spot for crime and I am sure with better fencing and Police patrols in the area we will be able to move the undesirable element from our area.

Planning Enforcement Complaint - Chadwell Heath Hospital

Here are images of the Planning Enforcement Complaint I have submitted to the Planning Enforcement Team. It has been sent by fax and email and has already been acknowledged. I have scanned a copy onto my blog as I don't want the Liberal lot claiming they are responsible for the investigation when it is something I have raised. Maybe Jesse Boucher could clarify if he has already submitted an enquiry - he lives in the ward and believes he has been tackling the graffiti issue in our ward....? The one thing I hate is when people try to take the credit for other peoples work. The Liberals to date, claim they are responsible for the Zebra crossing at Grove Road (opposite Keith Axon Centre), every newspaper and the Area 5 Committee notes purport that I was responsible. I wonder what our arduous "Jesse" has to say about that...? Let me apologise for the briefness of the Application created in a rush and the messy handwriting. It was not initially meant for public viewing. Just click on the images to enlarge:

Tripe!

Here is an article that featured in our Ilford Recorder recently. Cllr Scott is neither aware of the issues on the Richmond Estate nor event concerned. More to the point are any of the incumbent councillors. I have been writing to residents and communicating with both RMG and Wimpey Homes over you local issues including the reinstatement of the underground car park. I have elucidated that planning consent for the Richmond estate was granted on the basis that a fully operational subterranean car park be incorporated into the design and final build. Your Car park was only operational for a few months and since then even though there has been much clamour from locals, neither RMG nor Wimpey Homes have brought them back in use. It is now 3 years since they have been shut...?! I have submitted a planning enforcement enquiry that will now result in a full investigation. It was a bit naive of our councillors however, to assume residents stopped using the car park because of safety reasons - without reflection of the long struggle to have them reinstated....? Oh well, we will as always continue the fight without them! Although I am sure the elusive Jesse Boucher who is believed to be working diligently in our ward will no doubt claim he has been working hard on these concerns before me....? He stated this in a recent comment on my report on all the graffiti I have been clearing form the ward, yet has not provide an iota of evidence...?!

I am also rather surprised that the plethora of other issues on your estate have been overlooked? I have visited the site with Michael Simms of RMG who promised repairs. To date nothing has improved even though I obtained the crime report for the broken railings at the front of Heathfield Gardens. I will apply more pressure and am hoping next Friday 11th September around 12:00 all residents could call, email and write to RMG asking for the repairs listed to be completed and any others you may know of. This will be a form of protest and a long campaign for rectification.