Wednesday, November 30, 2005
RAT-RUNS?
BELLE VUE ROAD, E17 in the south of the Chingford & Woodford Green constituency. Residents complain about "rat-runs" (see item below)
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RAT-RUNS?
A good number of residents in the Belle Vue Road area (E17) - in the south of the constituency - are concerned about what are seen as “rat runs” - trying to avoid the Forest Rd./Hale End Rd. junction traffic lights. This affects roads linking Belle Vue Rd. to Forest Rd. (Woodstock, Ulverston, Castleton & Hillcrest Roads & Beacontree Avenue). [See photo taken in BELLE VUE ROAD above]. There are similar problems in other areas too.
When cars speed down residential roads with vehicles parked on either side, there are naturally worries about dangers to life and limb. The Lib.Dems. have contacted the Council to ask if traffic calming or other measures should be looked at and consulted on. Meanwhile, please show consideration for local residents!
When cars speed down residential roads with vehicles parked on either side, there are naturally worries about dangers to life and limb. The Lib.Dems. have contacted the Council to ask if traffic calming or other measures should be looked at and consulted on. Meanwhile, please show consideration for local residents!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
SOME LIGHT RELIEF?!
A Profound thought for the day
During a radio interview yesterday with a Conservative spokesman (George Osborne MP) on the prospect of an independent Office of National Statistics (World at One, 28.11.05.), the following inspiring exchange took place:
"Is the glass half full or half empty?"
"Well, it's both."
You really can't argue with that.
Monday, November 28, 2005
NHS Watch
Problems with the NHS ?
The Liberal Democrats have launched a special national website dedicated to the NHS. The website is designed to hear feedback and concerns - and praise when due - from patients and medical professionals.
After the Government's shameful abolition of Community Health Councils, there has been a lack of an effective Health watchdog. It is hoped that this website will help fill the gap.
Can't find a GP? Can't find an NHS dentist? Problems with an Optician? Been on a waiting-list for a long time? Having problems getting treatment?
Been treated badly or particularly well by the NHS?
Put your story on the website: click on www.libdemnhswatch.com
You can also put your story on this blogspot, particularly if it is of local interest, by clicking on -- Comments below.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
NHS Watch
Keeping a watchful eye on the NHS? [John Beanse pictured at Whipps Cross Hospital] See item above on NHS Watch.
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Saturday, November 26, 2005
Chingford & Woodford Green Lib.Dems.' AGM
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The AGM of Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats was held on Friday, 25th. November in North Chingford Methodist Church, Station Road, E4 at 8pm.
2002/5 Chairman Henry Boyle, who had come to the end of his 3 year term of office, thanked the outgoing Executive for their work over the past year. He reflected on the important work of the 3 active and very effective Lib.Dem. councillors in Church End ward (Redbridge), and also highlighted the FOCUS campaigns in several areas of the constituency and the energetic General Election campaign earlier in the year, which had seen increased levels of support.
He said there had been solid progress in 2005 and now the party had high hopes for the 2006 local elections, both in Redbridge and Waltham Forest.
Elections were then held. The new officers elected to serve for the coming year are as follows:
President: Cllr.Maureen Hoskins; Chair: John Beanse;
Secretary: Joan Carder; Treasurer: Cllr.Hugh Cleaver;
Vice-Chairs: G.Seeff & M.A.Malik; Membership Sec.: S.Mann
Ward reps. & other committee members & Conference reps. were also chosen.
The meeting then enjoyed a very interesting and entertaining talk from Lib.Dem. Councillor for Chapel End ward (Waltham Forest) BOB BELAM, who spoke about his busy year when he served as the second Liberal Democrat Mayor of Waltham Forest . [see also Flashback to 2003 below]
FLASHBACK to 2003
How Bob Belam's work as the second Lib.Dem.Mayor of Waltham Forest was reported in the Hale End & Highams Park FOCUS newsletter back in 2003. [see AGM report above]
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Wednesday, November 23, 2005
REGAL SOCIAL CLUB
DECISION DAY There was much local concern about the application for extended opening hours at the Regal Social Club, Highams Park - including through the night on some days. Local residents and Lib.Dems. sent in their views prior to the meeting.
The issue was decided at a hearing of the Licensing Panel on MONDAY, 21st NOVEMBER, 2005.
The all-night drinking licence was not agreed but an extension to 3.30am on Friday, Saturday & key bank holidays was accepted (1am other nights).
So the Regal Social Club did not get what it wanted, but the late night opening hours will still leave local residents with worries about possible disturbances. However, the owner is required to meet regularly with local residents. We must hope that local residents' views and concerns will be fully respected.
Monday, November 21, 2005
LONDON CONFERENCE
BUSES & TRAINS
THE IRONY IN LOCAL LIB.DEM’S CONTRIBUTION!Local Lib. Dems. were represented by Geoff Seeff and John Beanse at the London Region Liberal Democrat Conference on Saturday, 19th November.
Speaking in the session on Transport, John Beanse (who was the Liberal Democrat candidate in Chingford & Woodford Green in 2005) drew attention to the way London Buses repeatedly ignored representations for better bus services locally. He said: “Their “Customer Services” department is a total misnomer and the dismissive replies are sometimes curt to the point of being rude.”
He also stressed the need for an improved rail network. For years local campaigners have argued for the re-opening of the Hall Farm Curve (beyond St James’ Street) to enable a direct service from Chingford to Stratford. He said: “This would be a relatively straightforward project - and not inordinately expensive – which would bring considerable benefit and better transport links to the borough.”
Speaking after the Conference, John Beanse said: “It was IRONIC that I should be making these points at a conference held in Bermondsey (Southwark College). To get there, I was able to travel from Stratford to Bermondsey on the Jubilee Line, but of course getting to Stratford is not so straightforward. In the end I took two buses, but it was a bit like a slow boat to China. If only this rail link had been in place, the journey would have been quicker and more convenient!
Stratford would of course also offer links not just with the Jubilee Line, but also with the Central Line and the Docklands Light Railway – and also an alternative way of picking up other rail services from Liverpool Street.”
THE NEED FOR A BETTER RAIL NETWORK - see report on LONDON CONFERENCE above [John Beanse pictured at Highams Park station]
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Saturday, November 12, 2005
CAMPAIGN AGAINST GRAFFITI: disgraceful sight of the footbridge over the railway from Beresford Rd., Chingford. Local Liberal Democrats have urged the Council to contact the rail authorities again.
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Sunday, November 06, 2005
SEWARDSTONE ROAD PARADE, CHINGFORD
ANOTHER (small!) SUCCESS!
After the double yellow lines along Sewardstone Road parade of shops and businesses were converted to single, to allow some limited time parking for passing trade, one small section of double yellow line was left WITHIN a parking bay (see report & photo [in Archive files]).
Local Liberal Democrats alerted the Council to this and can report that the "rogue" section of double yellow line is now single, as required!
