PRESS RELEASE – Waltham Forest Lib Dems slam Labour’s ‘APPRENTICE-STYLE BOARDROOM’

The total cost of the new refurbishments at Waltham Forest Town Hall has been uncovered by Lib Dem councillor for Cann Hall ward Liz Phillips. According to a written answer to Councillor Phillips, the cost of the new Town Hall reception area and what has been dubbed ‘The Boardroom’ by the council now totals £610,000.

Councillor Liz Phillips said:

“Whilst there was clearly some need for private meeting spaces for residents, these costs seem exorbitant to me.”

“This new boardroom looks like no more than a vanity project so Labour Cabinet members can sit there and pretend to be Alan Sugar.

“Labour claim that some of the costs will be paid for through renting it out but no doubt it will be Waltham Forest residents who pick up the lion’s share of the bill.

“Labour Cabinet members should reflect on whether that money could have been better spent on our young people, for example on ensuring that the council finally meet their apprenticeship targets for this Borough or keeping open Harrow Green library.”

 

WESTFIELD – access restricted Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August

Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August

On these days all Olympic Park venues will be operational and a large increase in the number of Olympic Games visitors is expected.

To assist with the smooth running of the Games access to the Westfield Shopping Centre will be restricted from 10.30am until 5.00pm. Only the following will be allowed access:

  • Accredited personnel

  • Hospitality visitors

  • Games ticket holders

Outside these hours the shops will be open to all visitors until 11.00pm and restaurants and leisure until 12.30am.

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.

New Surgery – now weekly!

The Service Station near Leyton Midland Road Overground Station

 

Following the successful launch of the new councillor surgery/advice centre at the M&S/BP Service Station the Liberal Democrats are pleased to announce that it will be held on Friday every week.

M&S/BP Service Station, Leyton High Road

junction of Fletcher Lane

Open every Friday for 1 hour from 7pm until 8pm.

As usual no appointments are necessary and all consultations are confidential.

 

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.

Leytonstone Police Station

The former Police Station

Planning application number: 2011/1229

The council has just received a planning application to convert the former Police Station, in the High Road, into a school and nursery, including extensions to the rear and a new detached hall building. Parking provision is included.

Any comments should be sent to:

The Development Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Sycamore House, Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF

 

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.

Temporary Olympic Parking Zone starts 16 July

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

The ward has been split into two zones GO1 and GO2 – residents living in GO1 will not be able to park in GO2and 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.

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?