‘Plot’ to extend the temporary Olympic Parking Zone restrictions

Temporary Olympic CPZ sign

When the Council and the ODA decided to implement the temporary Olympic Controlled Parking Zone, it was clearly stated that it would be withdrawn on the 9thSeptember following the closure of the Paralympic Games.

The Council also stated that they would be undertaking a consultation with the residents to find out if, in the light of their experience during the Games, they wished to make the Controlled Parking Zone permanent.

The Lib Dems have now discovered that the Council has already published a Traffic Order allowing them to extend the temporary provision for 18 months. It also states that the Council will be considering ‘in due course’ whether the provisions of the experimental orders should be continued in force indefinitely by means of permanent Orders.

Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that there is no need for permanent parking restrictions in most of the roads in areas GO1 – GO10, as they do not have a history of parking problems.

All residents are urged to send in written objections to both the temporary 18 month extension and the permanent CPZ to the Council at:

Traffic Orders,

Environment and Regeneration,

London Borough of Waltham Forest,

Low Hall,

Argall Avenue, London, E10 7AS

quoting reference: Traffic Orders T20.

Closing date for objections: 8th February 2013

Primrose Road/Vicarage Road junction

St. Joseph's Hall

Residents are concerned about what is going to happen to the old St. Joseph’s Hall on the corner of Primrose Road and Vicarage Road.

It has been boarded up for years and has become an unsightly blot on the corner.

FOCUS understands that previous plans to build a nursery and plans for flats and community hall have been turned down by the Council.

I am investigating what the problem is with this building, and will report back with any developments.

PRESS RELEASE – Waltham Forest Labour are letting our schools down

Councillor Liz Phillips has raised concerns about Waltham Forest council’s contractor Babcock after it was revealed that almost 15% of the Borough’s schools are now in special measures following their two years as the council’s contractor.

In a written answer to Cllr Phillips, the Labour Cabinet member, Cllr Clare Coghill described the council’s risk analysis programme for schools as ‘a work in progress’ and said that the council’s priority had been ‘savings of £2m from the contract at an early opportunity’.

Councillor Liz Phillips, Waltham Forest Lib Dem spokesperson for Children and Member of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Board, said:

“Almost 15% of our schools are now in special measures and yet the council won’t be seeking any compensation from the contractor who presided over this mess.”

“Surely there should be something in our contract with this company that means at the very least they must pay for failing local kids and their parents?”

“In Waltham Forest we are now on our 4thLabour cabinet member for Children’s Services in just over two years. Perhaps if someone with a bit of experience would take responsibility for more than a few months then we wouldn’t be in this situation?”

Residents’ anger at Council’s Olympic Parking follow up

The Olympic Parking Zone came into force on 16th July and is due to finish on 9th September.

Some residents are angry that some roads, which have just gone through a Council consultation on a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) are to have a further consultation after the Olympic Zone parking has finished.

Residents who said NO say they meant it and are suspicious of the Council’s plans.

Focus says:

“This is a contentious issue, brought up at our last Councillors and Residents meeting. As explained at the meeting the decision will, as always, be made by the majority of residents in the roads.

We urge all residents, whatever their views, to reply to all Council consultations to ensure that their voices are heard.

Temporary Olympic Parking Zone starts 16 July

The Olympic parking zone covers all roads south of Lea Bridge Road. This includes all roads in Leyton.

The ward has been split into three zones GO5, GO7, and GO8 – residents living in GO5 will not be able to park in GO7 and vice versa.

You need to register your vehicle either by phone 0300 111 2012 or on-line at: www.2012gamesparkingpermits.com

If you don’t have a vehicle but have visitors, you need to register your address and set up an ‘account’ to access parking vouchers for them.

Additional information can be found on the Leyton and Wanstead Lib Dem website.

New Councillor Surgery – M&S/BP Service Station – Leyton High Road

The M&S/BP Service Station near Leyton Midland Road Overground Station

 

The Liberal Democrat councillors are planning a new Councillor Surgery/Advice Centre based at the:  

M&S Shop at the BP Service Station in Leyton High Road,  at the junction with Fletcher Lane.

The first session will be on:

Friday 13th July

from 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Further sessions will be notified on the websites and in FOCUS Newsletters.

    

RESIDENTS DELIVER IVE FARM PETITION TO THE MAYOR

Bob Sullivan with local residents at Ive Farm talking to a Guardian reporter

Last week Leyton ward Councillor Bob Sullivan arranged for residents to present their petition to the Mayor.

 The Council is still negotiating turning Ive Farm Playing Field, which they have left derelict, into a campsite for the Olympics.

Oliver Close, Villiers Close and Ive Farm Close residents whose homes back onto the site have objections and organised a protest on the field.

Leyton Ward Councillor Bob Sullivan said:

“It’s now less than two months until the Olympics and the council still can’t give us a decision. This will cause untold disruption if it is allowed to happen and the council need to think again.

 “I’m pleased that residents were able to deliver this petition to the Mayor. The council must now take this issue seriously and listen to residents’ concerns about posting a campsite at Ive Farm in a heavily residential area.”

Cllr Bob Sullivan joins residents’ protests over Ive Farm Playing Field

Councillor Bob Sullivan (foreground left) with concerned residents

The Council is negotiating turning Ive Farm Playing Field, which they have left derelict, into a campsite for the Olympics.

Oliver Close, Villiers Close and Ive Farm Close residents whose homes back onto the site have objections and organised a protest on the field.Leyton Ward Councillor Bob Sullivan said: “The council is becoming like a secret society. Council officers can’t even tell me what the plans are – the Guardian is the only way of finding out what’s happening.”

Leyton Ward Councillor Bob Sullivan said:

“The Council is becoming like a secret society. Council officers can’t even tell me what the plans are – the local Guardian is the only way of finding out what’s happening.”

Ward Resident’s Forum Projects – update

Last year at our Residents Forum Meetings we agreed using our Ward budget on many local projects.  London & Quadrant, the estates owners, generously matched funded some of the projects so that we could increase participation of our residents. Below is the current update of these projects:

If you would like to book a place on any LCA (Leyton Community Action) project then ring Kelly Salmon 07852 425393.

Party for Young Children

The Children’s party is managed and run by LCA and assisted by L&Q took place on Sunday 29thApril, from 2.00pm till 5.00pm at the Seddon Centre corner of Clyde Place and Beaumont Road.  It was a great success.  Up to 50 local children attended.  Due to the success this is likely to be repeated next year if funds are available.

Days out for Elderley People

Two trips are arranged.  Friday June 8th – For 50 people – Trip to Suffolk Coast plus fish and chips by the sea.

Thursday 6th September – For 50 people – Trip Runnymede, Windsor and lunch on the River Thames.  Managed and run by LCA and L&Q.  Contact LCA or L&Q to book a place.

Children and Families Esol project

Two hour sessions for 11 weeks.  Family learning sessions with children 0 to 8 to have fun whilst learning English.  Started on 18thFebruary at the Cricket Ground Pavilion 2.15 to 4.15.  Contact Lorna Parkinson of the Riverley Children’s Centre.

Queen’s Jubilee Street Party

This will be on Saturday 2nd June in Beaumont Road.  Managed and run by L&Q assisted by LCA.

Creative Kids Club

To give children and young people a fun opportunity to express their creativity whilst building self esteem and confidence.  Managed and run by LCA in conjunction with L&Q.  Will start weekly in July for three months. Contact LCA for details.

Football programme for youths

Weekly football training for youths in the area.  Will start from Friday20 April.  Managed by LeytonOrient Football in the Community with assistance of L&Q.

Cricket Ground Committee flyer

Awaiting details from the newly formed committee.

Leyton Art Gallery

Arranging and hanging local art work in the IT room of Leyton Library.  Awaiting details form Leyton Gallery group.

1 day Mini Olympics for children and families

A full day programme at the Cricket Ground on multi sports delivered by the Councils Sports Development Team in the summer.  Awaiting details date and times from the Council.

Ad Hoc assistance to local groups

Admin assistance on an hourly basis, given to local groups.  Currently accounting assistance given to LCA by WF Voluntary Action.

Coopers Lane asphalting

Meeting to be arranged with the Council’s Highways team and residents of Coopers Lane for agreed action.

Parents Support group

Running monthly every 1st Wednesday.  Managed and run by LCA in conjunction with L&Q.

Tackling Youth Unemployment in Waltham Forest

On Monday 2 April 2012, the £1bn Youth Contract will start. The Youth Contract was announced last year by Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg to tackle youth unemployment.

The Youth Contract aims to ensure that all jobless young people are earning or learning again before long-term damage is done.

In Waltham Forest, 2,570 18 to 24-year olds are currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance and would stand to benefit from the Youth Contract.

The Youth Contract will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24-year olds over the next three years. This includes 160,000 wage subsidies and 250,000 new work experience placements.

A new programme will help 16 and 17-year olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

This will help the most disengaged of the 8,000 in London get back to school or college, onto an apprenticeship or into a job with training.

In addition, there will be at least 20,000 more incentive payments to encourage employers to take on young apprentices in England.

Commenting, Cllr Winnie Smith, Lib Dem Deputy Leader said:

“In these tough times Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing and fighting to ensure we help those who need it most.

“Waltham Forest has had a problem with youth unemployment for a long time and it only got worse under the last Labour government. We have to make sure that the today’s young people don’t have a false start to their careers.

“In Waltham Forest we tried to get Labour to take the issue of jobs and youth unemployment seriously in our amendment to the council’s budget in March but they ignored it.”

“The Youth Contract will help those who need it most through advice, support, training and by giving people in Waltham Forest the experience they need to be successful in the work place.

“As a Liberal Democrat, I am proud that the Coalition Government is doing the right thing and working to prevent another lost generation.”

Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said:

“Youth unemployment is a slow-burn social disaster and an economic waste.

“We can’t lose the skills and talent of our young people – right when we need them most. We need the next generation to help us build a new economy.

“The aim of the Youth Contract is to get every unemployed young person earning or learning again before long-term damage is done, giving them the skills for a lifetime of work.

“This is a £1bn package and it will get young people into proper, lasting jobs.”