‘Plot’ to extend the temporary Olympic Parking retrictions

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and the ODA decided to implement the temporary Olympic Controlled Parking Zone, it was clearly stated that it would be withdrawn on the 9th September following the closure of the Paralympic Games.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

 

Wanstead Flats

Since completing our recent survey in Dames Road, the number of complaints about litter and the general state of Wanstead Flats were very noticeable.

Focus Team member Adrian Trett reminds residents that The Lakehouse Lake Project has for some time been carrying out regular litter picks, and is sure they would welcome any offers of assistance.

Please contact Robert Howell by email on bob.howell@btinternet.com or write to him at 25 Knight6on Road, Forest Gate, E7 0EE for further details.

Leytonstone Fire Station

Artist's impression of the new fire station

Following the public consultation, as reported in an earlier issue of the Focus Newsletter, a brand new fire station is planned to replace the current building in the High Road, but we will have to wait a while.

The Focus Team understands that planning approval is to be sought in August 2012. If successful, demolition and reconstruction work will start in August 2014, with completion scheduled for August 2015.

Street Watchers – can you help?

The council is looking to expand the number of street watchers that already  exist in the borough.

These tend to be environmentally concerned residents who report report to the council so that our streets can be kept clean and tidy.

They also use their local knowledge to provide solutions to these problems.

If you are interested in helping visit: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/street-watchers for more details or phone 8496 3000.

Let’s Clean Up Cann Hall

 

Rupert gets sweeping

 

The Focus Team as started a rolling programme of street surveys to find out what issues are of most concern to the residents. 

So far they have covered Huddlestone, Pevensey, Vansittart and Hesketh Roads. The survey has revealed that many local residents, including Lib Dem Focus Team member, Rupert Alexander, are sick and tired of walking down dirty streets in Cann Hall. As Ruper says: 

“We rarely see a street sweeper. Our roads go for weeks without being swept.” 

Rupert made enquiries and was very surprised to discover that these roads are scheduled to be swept every Tuesday and Friday. In fact Hesketh and Vansittart should be swept additionally on Thursday, and Odessa Road every day. Rupert says: 

“This doesn’t happen!” 

If your road sweeping does not happen contact the Council on 8496 3000 or on-line at: www.walthamforest.gov.uk where you can also check when your road is scheduled to be swept.

Matcham Road – call for action!

Councillor Liz Phillips with the vanishing sign

Some time ago Councillor Liz Phillips alerted the council to the dangerous footpaths in Matcham Road. The damage being caused by the roots of street trees.

A sign was put up advising that the work would be starting on 2nd July. Then the sign disappeared and work did not start.

Come on Council – what is happening?

Ramsay/Odessa Post Box

The Victorian post box at the junction of Ramsay and Odessa Roads has had longstanding graffiti daubed on it. Focus Team member Rupert Alexander reported it to the Council’s website, and is pleased to confirm that it has been removed.

Rupert urges residents to use either the Council’s website – www.walthamforest.gov.uk – or telephone 8496 3000 to report graffiti in our community. We need to work together to stop people spoiling our environment.

Brian Paddick expresses support for the Gospel Oak – Barking Line

Brian Paddick, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London gave his whole hearted support to efforts to secure much needed investment by members of the Barking – Gospel Oak Line User Group (BGOLUG) when he travelled on the line recently.

Along with Lib Dem Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon AM, he joined morning commuters from Barking on Friday 23rd March to see how a recently added relief train had eased the overcrowding for part of the morning rush.

At Woodgrange Park, while waiting for the relief train Brian spoke with a member of the station staff and saw that the line through the station was already electrified, BGOLUG members explaining that the line was already electrified at both ends and in the middle, at South Tottenham, but needed around £30m to “fill in the gaps” and electrify it throughout.

Freedom of Information requests and answers to questions by Caroline Pidgeon show that following a break down in negotiations with the then Secretary of State, Labour’s Lord Adonis, soon after taking office, Mayor Boris Johnson has personally done nothing further to advance the case for electrification and has twice declined to travel on the line see the problems for himself.

Transport for London (TfL) have included the line’s electrification with 4-coach trains in recommendations to the Government for the next 5-year rail investment period which is to be announced by Secretary of State Justine Greening in around three months time.

The new London Gateway Port at Thameshaven will soon start to come on stream and is expected to generate 30 trains a day, most of which will use the Barking – Gospel Oak Line.

On Board the 07:59 Woodgrange Park to Hampstead Heath relief train, Brian and Caroline noted how the train, running 9 minutes behind the one they had left Barking on was soon standing room only.

Richard Pout, Secretary of the User Group explained

“Because London Overground has only 8 of these 2-coach diesel units, there are no more trains available to further boost peak services. Evening peak trains are now every bit as overcrowded as in the morning.”

At Blackhorse Road, BGOLUG’s Assistant Secretary, Glenn Wallis explained how the busy interchange with the Underground’s Victoria Line was about to get a ’make over’ from TfL. However, original proposals which included new shelters had now been scaled back to consist of new seating, new signs and a repaint. The existing, open shelters will remain and bicycle ramps, paid for by Waltham Forest Council are being removed from the station footbridge.

“This is the busiest intermediate station on the line,” said Glenn Wallis. “The many passengers waiting here deserve better, larger waiting shelters.”

At Harringay Green Lanes Caroline Pidgeon commented, “While there have been clear improvements in the service since I last travelled the line with User Group members in 2009 further improvements are still needed. Above all we must keep up the pressure to ensure that the line is finally electrified. This would deliver better services for passengers as well as making a useful contribution to reducing air pollution.”

Brian Paddick said,

“The Barking to Gospel Oak Line User Group has done a great job in campaigning for improvements in train services. This is an increasingly popular line and that must mean improvements to it have to continue.”

Harrow Green Library – latest news

Can you help this community project?

Harrow Green Library - now axedLocal campaigners fought hard to save Harrow Green Library as it is, with paid staff and current opening hours. Regrettably the council refused to change their plans.

The residents therefore intend to run it themselves. A lot of volunteers will be needed.

Would you like to help? Even a couple of hours a week would be invaluable. You don’t need experience. Training will be arranged.

If you would like to volunteer, please write to: 15 Matcham Road, E11 3LE. You can also contact the group at helpharrowgreen@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07930 634210. Please give the following details:

  • Your name

  • Postal address, including postcode

  • Email (if any)

  • Land-line phone (if any)

  • Mobile phone (if any)

Street Trees

Councillor Liz Phillips has received numerous complaints about large trees in their streets causing problems to residents homes.

The council’s Environment department has informed Liz that Cann Hall’s trees are pruned every 3 years on a running programme.

Malvern, Newcomen and Hesketh roads have problems with over hanging but the council has only agreed to do Malvern Road as soon as the leaves have fallen.