Overgrown Problems - Shepherds Close Nightmare!

I have repeatedly advised the street weeding section of the need for a full review of roads in Chadwell. in particular I have highlighted the terrible state of the streets in Shepherds Close that have now become overgrown into a jungle-like state. In the image on this post ,you will see an enormous bush under the tree in the flower bed. The bush is actually a common weed that has reached such immense proportions, it now confuses our weeding section it would seem. I do hope they remove the weed rather than pruning the item in error...?!!

Just look at all the weeds probing through the cracks in the pavement surrounding the flower beds too!

Gresham drivers dismay.

Residents from Gresham Drive have queried the use of asphalt (within the recent road renovation works) in areas where once there was paving stones. Sic:

"your news letter yes we are pleased that at last something is being done to our street however a lot of people are commenting on the fact all the paving slabs are being replaced with tarmac yet other roads around ours were replaced with new paving slabs or block paving"

I have enquired into this and it is much due to the durability of the asphalt material that does not wear away or crack under the weight of vehicles. This surfacing is being adopted in areas of high parking that has no residential fronting and is part of a best value initiative. A fuller response from the Highways department said:

"In designing the new footway we have taken into account the fact that vehicles are the main cause of the deterioration. The footway has therefore been strengthened with a more durable asphalt construction where heavy parking occurs, such as the sections adjacent to the flank walls between Joydon Drive & Barley Lane. The remainder of the paved footway in Gresham Drive will be refurbished. With regards to the asphalt surfacing, this is a durable material that has been used extensively in this Borough and nationally for many years. This is because in terms of cost, performance and future maintenance requirements, no other material has been found to be more suitable or economical. Unfortunately, the highways budget is very limited and by implementing works that are cost effective and appropriate for the circumstances, we can ensure that scarce resources are spent wisely and provide value for money in the long term."

I know residents fo Reynolds Drive are having similar issues but the scheme does make sense.

Finally a video of my trip to meet 10 Downing Street to Prime Minister Gordon Brown

If you follow the link you can see some unedited videos of my visit to 10 Downing Street. It turned out to be a real disappointment as Prime Minister Gordon Brown whizzed away after his 15 minute welcome. I did get to meet Lord Mandellson, however, and posed to him the same question as is featured in the article in the Daily Telegraph in the image - just click on the image to enlarge it.

Protest at 10 Downing Street - please join us!

A Pakistani Christian Community in the city of Gojra (near Lahore) has been burnt to the ground by a rampant Muslim community, fuelled by unsubstantiated claims that torn pieces of the Quran were used as confetti at a wedding reception. 75 Homes and 2 Churches were razed to the ground as Christians were locked inside and roasted to death. When emergency vehicles arrived the rioters lay before the vehicle preventing them approaching the city and rendering them incapable of assisting the terrorised Christian community. The Police failed to respond to the incident and no arrests have been made for this despicable act, that may yet be sanctioned under the Blasphemy Act made law under Section 298A (1980) and 295 B (1982) & C (1986) of the Pakistani Penal Code. Using this appalling Pakistani law, Muslims perpetrators can have Christians imprisoned or killed, on a whim, for blasphemy against Muhammad or the Quran (there is no similar protection for other faiths??) - culminating in its common use to settle vendettas. More details can be sourced by following this link.

We are inviting People of any Faith to join us at a protest for the abrogation of this act in Pakistan and for peace and justice to be restored in countries across the globe. We believe that religious persecution and religious intolerance decimates society and should be eradicated by the impetus set by western countries, using their influence, to promote human rights globally. Details of the protest are as follows:

Wednesday 19th August from 12:00 – 14:00 to be held to the fore of 10 Downing Street. (nearest Tube Westminster).

We will have a petition that will be completed on the day, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister. A copy can be signed at my offices. The image at the top and the video below are from the recent protest at the Pakistani Embassy, Knightsbridge:

Disdainful Activities!

Here is a picture of the vandalised flower bed at Shepherds Close that caused a real stir at last nights Shepherds Close NHW meeting. Having plants reinserted into the beds after over 15 years was a year long project initiated by Isla Martin and championed by myself. It is so disappointing to see that youths decided to destroy the beauty that these beds have introduced to the area in a moment of disdainful anarchy. Residents have agreed to keep better vigil over the beds and to report to Isla or myself any future damage. It is a small community and youth are well known. Once I have the details I will ask the ASBO Team to speak to warn families of the consequence of such action. The Borough Gardeners will be reinstating the beds today and clearing up the unsightly mess.

Events in Redbridge

League of British Muslims
Sunday 1 November
Venue Ilford Community Centre, Eton Road, Ilford, IG1 2UE
Time: from 12.30pm to 7:00pm
Event:
Programme
12.30 - 17.00 food stalls, photographic exhibition (London Citizens), faith forum & police community safety officer’s stands, drugs line volunteers, job centre plus, community recycling.

15.00 - 17.00 workshops (Volunteering ,Community Cohesion, Community Safety and Young Peoples Forum) – facilitated by Redbridge Council for Voluntary Services, London Citizens, Patiko Baker’s Fort Project, Redbridge Police and Redbridge Faith Forum.

17.00 - 19.00 Music from DJ Palli, Entertainment from Malaysian and Albanian Dancing Groups, Speeches and Testimonies from dignitaries and young people.
Price free event

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Wanstead Farmers Market
1 November 2009
Venue: High Street, Wanstead, Essex
Time 10:00 - 15:00
Event Details
Take a trip to Wanstead High Street on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy all the delights that are on offer by Essex Farmers Markets. Foodies across the country are taking in the aromas and pleasures than are synonymous with organic produce, ethically reared meats, free range eggs, handmade desserts and much, much more. Avoid the queues and frustrations that come with the weekly shop by filling the fridge and store cupboard with mouth watering freshly baked breads and seasonal vegetables. Shopping in the open air is a unique experience and one not to be missed. Save time, petrol and money by visiting this Market, you won’t be disappointed!
Contact: Ian Chisholm, info@essexfarmersmarkets.co.uk, Tel: 01277 362414

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Ghosts of the Past
Sunday 1 November
Venue: Valentines Mansion
Time: 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm (sessions last 45mins to 1 hour)
Event: Spooky stories and chilling tales - dare you come along?
Age: Children aged 5-11 years and their families
Price: Free, no need to book, just drop in
Enquiries: For more information call Valentines Mansion or visit the official web site for Valentines Mansion & Gardens.

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Dead Hedging at Claybury Woods
Tuesday 3 November
Venue: Claybury Woodsmeet at Ravensbourne Gardens gate, near to junction with Wedmore Avenue
Time: 12 noon to 3 pm
Event: Come and get some gentle exercise by helping the Rangers to create a dead hedge from fallen trees. Please note that we provide all the necessary tools and training on how to use them. Please bring your own packed lunch and wear old clothes and sturdy footwear. Remember no experience needed, just enthusiasm!
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call the Nature Conservation Team


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Building skills and capacity to access opportunities linked to London 2012 Games
Tuesday 3 November
Venue: Hainault RoomFullwell Cross Library140 High StreetBarkingsideIG6 2EA
Time: 5.45 pm to 6.45 pm
Event Details: Kevin Ma from The London Business Network and Compete for Brokerage Service is speaking on building skills and capacity for businesses to access opportunities linked to London 2012 Games.
Price: FREE but booking is essential.
Enquiries: For further information and to book a place, please contact Joe Daggers 020 8708 2420, email joe.daggers@redbridge.gov.uk or Rose Meredith 020 8708 2414, email rose.meredith@redbridge.gov.uk

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November Ilford farmers market
Saturday 7 November
Venue: High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1EA
Time from 9am to 4.30pm
Event details
With the nip of autumn in the air and memories of lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ’s a distant memory why not take cheer from the gorgeous treats and seasonal fare on offer at Ilford popular Farmers Market?
Found on Ilford High Road on the first Saturday of the month, a great selection of:
winter vegetables
warm crusty breads
and free range eggs can be found.
organic cheeses
freshly baked crusty breads
homemade pies and
yummy cakes are something to behold.
Avoid the hubbub of supermarket shopping and enjoy the experience of Farmers Markets in all its glory.
Contact: Ian Chisholm
email: info@essexfarmersmarkets.co.uk
telephone: 01277 362414

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Indoor Boot Sale
7 November 2009
Venue: Woodford County High School,High Road, Woodford Green. Essex IG8 9LA
Event details
Refreshmets available. To book a plot £10 (table and chairs provided)
Price: Free entry
Enquiries: 020 491 0054 pfwchs@yahoo.co.uk

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Autumn Nature Walk
Saturday 7 November
Venue: Claybury Woodsmeet at Tomswood Hill gate opposite Wannock Gardens
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Event: Join us for a leisurely stroll around the beautiful grounds of Claybury for a chance to see the wonderful colours of autumn. Not suitable for pushchairs. 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.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call the Nature Conservation Team

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Walk to Remember
Sunday 8 November
Venue: Hainault Forest Country Parkmeeting point visitor centre
Time: 10.55 am to 1 pm
Event: To mark Remembrance Day we shall be observing a silence, then taking a gentle stroll around Hainault Forest looking and learning all the Natural History of the Country Park.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For more information call Hainault Forest Country Park

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Track and Road Running - Tuesdays
Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 30 March 2010
Venue: Cricklefields Athletics Track
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Event: Every Tuesday, why not come and join us for some track and road running.
Price: Free
Enquiries: For further information call Sport and Physical Activity Team

Summer graffiti spree!!

Graffiti has returned to the alleyway to the Side of the Redbridge Homes flats around 915-1015 High Road Chadwell Heath. I have had the concern added to the Streetscene list for a clean up.





Unfortunately, rubbish has returned in a significant manner. I have asked for bins to be added to the alleyway. I am awaiting a response.