Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Welcome Council investment in 2007 in North Chingford
NEW FEATURES FOR NORTH CHINGFORD ASSEMBLY HALL AND LIBRARY WILL INCLUDE:
- automatic doors to the hall foyer and library entrance
- a new IT suite and children's library
- lobby area opened up to become a common space accessible from both facilities
- new floor coverings
- re-decoration of walls and ceilings
- disabled toilet in foyer and refurbishment of first-flooor toilets
- replacement of lighting and sound equipment
- new book-shelves
- an exhibition and reading area in the lounge with tables and soft seating
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Recycling progress in Waltham Forest
GETTING GREENER
The results coming from the recycling pilot area which includes parts of South Chingford, Highams Park and Woodford Green, continue to be very encouraging. The participation rate has increased from 38% to over 97% since the pilot started. The amounts recycled have gone up dramatically - a rise of over 40% since August. '06 - and there has been a large decrease of about 20 tonnes in domestic refuse. In a Council survey, 99% said they recycled because it is good for the environment [only 1% because they did not want to be fined]. 97% thought the recycling drive is a good idea.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Recent photo at sunset taken from Whipps Cross Road - but perhaps a reminder that we must not let the sun set on our local hospital !
Dispersal Zone extended
The Highams Park Dispersal Zone has reduced the number of anti-social activities locally. Lib Dem Councillors in Hale End & Highams Park ward have welcomed the extension of the zone - as requested - to include areas of concern, such as River Walk and the area by the Ching beyond Brookfield Path. The new boundaries are shown above.Friday, February 09, 2007
LABOUR AND TORY MPs REJECT LIB DEM PLAN TO CUT CRIME
A Liberal Democrat plan to cut crime was voted down by 293 votes to 57 in the House of Commons recently. Labour MPs voted against, and Conservative MPs abstained on a Lib Dem motion proposing a new direction in government policy to deal with the crisis in the criminal justice system. The motion proposed reforming prisons to make education and training compulsory, and triple the number of prisoners doing paid work, with contributions from earnings going towards a victim compensation fund. More use of restorative justice, an expansion of secure mental health facilities and providing more police officers (paid for with the money saved by scrapping ID card) were also proposed.
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Clegg MP said: "Our proposals to cut crime are principled and practical: making prison work to cut repeat crime; giving victims fair compensation; using money for more police, not ID cards; honesty and transparency in sentencing. It is extraordinary that after ten years of tough talk and institutional incompetence the Labour government cannot even bring itself to vote for these sensible measures. The Conservatives are in a complete spin on crime and don't know what they think - no wonder all they could do is abstain is when asked to make a decision." [Opposition Day Debate]
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Clegg MP said: "Our proposals to cut crime are principled and practical: making prison work to cut repeat crime; giving victims fair compensation; using money for more police, not ID cards; honesty and transparency in sentencing. It is extraordinary that after ten years of tough talk and institutional incompetence the Labour government cannot even bring itself to vote for these sensible measures. The Conservatives are in a complete spin on crime and don't know what they think - no wonder all they could do is abstain is when asked to make a decision." [Opposition Day Debate]
Sunday, February 04, 2007
March & Rally
SAVE WHIPPS CROSS - "as our district general hospital fully functioning, fully funded"
On Saturday 3rd February masses of local people lined up soon after 12 noon at Whipps Cross, intent on saving our local hospital and to protest against any possible downsizing. After some speeches at the head of the march, including one from Lib Dem Cllr. Sheila Smith-Pryor, the long procession, complete with drums and colourful banners from many local groups, moved slowly off down Lea Bridge Road, then along Hoe Street to pack Walthamstow Town Square for a special rally, organised by the "SAVE WHIPPS CROSS campaign". Waltham Forest Lib Dem Cllr.John Beanse was one of the speakers here and there were speeches also from union reps., local MPs, the Council Leader, a GLA Councillor and Waltham Forest Mayor, Lib Dem Cllr.Farooq Qureshi. There were also contributions from representatives of faith groups. This was a very clear demonstration of the strength of local feeling on this important issue and people were keen to show their positive support.
On Saturday 3rd February masses of local people lined up soon after 12 noon at Whipps Cross, intent on saving our local hospital and to protest against any possible downsizing. After some speeches at the head of the march, including one from Lib Dem Cllr. Sheila Smith-Pryor, the long procession, complete with drums and colourful banners from many local groups, moved slowly off down Lea Bridge Road, then along Hoe Street to pack Walthamstow Town Square for a special rally, organised by the "SAVE WHIPPS CROSS campaign". Waltham Forest Lib Dem Cllr.John Beanse was one of the speakers here and there were speeches also from union reps., local MPs, the Council Leader, a GLA Councillor and Waltham Forest Mayor, Lib Dem Cllr.Farooq Qureshi. There were also contributions from representatives of faith groups. This was a very clear demonstration of the strength of local feeling on this important issue and people were keen to show their positive support.
See also website: www.savewhippscross.org.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Ming Campbell's crackdown on crime
Lib Dem Leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP has launched a special campaign, stressing the need for us all to work to beat crime together (see special link button in left column).
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