NHS Health Reforms - Brent Public Meeting - Sunday 12th June

The Listening exercise on NHS reforms is due to end in a few days time, if you want to comment you will need to respond before 31^st May. Somewhat belatedly there is a Public Meeting being organised at Brent Town Hall on Sunday June 12^th starting at 3.00pm.

Speakers include Diane Abbott – Shadow Minister for Health.

Representatives from British Medical Association & The Royal College of Nursing

Local Health Care Officials.

I always thought, maybe a bit cynically, that the listening exercise was just a device to get the NHS Reforms away from Public or Media attention during the local elections held nationally in May. I welcome the opportunity for the Public to make their views known, but I am not sure the public is that well informed regarding proposed changes.

If you want to know more about the proposed changes and what they mean, you could check out the following link http://38degrees.org.uk/campaigns  

Cllr George Crane

UEFA Champions League - Closure of Fryent Way Saturday 28th May

The biggest sporting event to come to Wembley for some time is undoubtedly the UEFA European Champions League on May 28th, with its global media coverage. With Man United and Barcelona in the final, a super clash is guaranteed but also an exceptional influx of supporters.

On one hand, we welcome the trade they undoubtedly bring to many businesses and the reputation it gives Wembley Stadium as an international sporting arena. On the other, those closest to the Stadium sometimes have to put up with noisy and sometimes inebriated fans letting off steam (or worse!). The Council is now very experienced in handling such events in close partnership with FA /Wembley Stadium authorities and special police and the transport arrangements have been made to get thousands of fans into and out of the area as smoothly and quickly as possible, with minimum disturbance.

This event kicks off at 7.45pm on Saturday night, 28th May. Allowing for a draw after full and extra-time and so penalty shoot outs, and the Cup award ceremony, it could be 11pm before fans leave the Stadium. This and other contingencies have persuaded the Council at the level of Chief Executive, Mr Gareth Daniel and Council Leader, Ann John, to agree, exceptionally to the parking of Barcelona fan coaches along Fryent Way. From there they will walk under close stewarding to and from the Stadium and leave for home, whatever time it finishes. So, for almost all Saturday and the small hours of Sunday, Fryent Way will be closed to other traffic and alternative travel arrangements in the area are being prepared.

The Council have agreed these arrangements after much consideration. Those responsible for the safe and orderly marshalling of thousands of visitors to the area, can now have the confidence that their plans will ensure these objectives on all our behalfs.

Bogus Gas Man in Fryent

We have received a report from Fryent Safer Neighbourhood Team of a scam currently operating in the Fryent, Kingsbury and Kenton area. I have copied details of the scam below for information. Please pass this on and ask people to be vigilante. People who have been victims of this scam have not lost a lot of money but it could have been much worse.

Cllr George Crane


BRITISH GAS SCAM
Please be aware that we have had several reports of a male cold calling in Kenton purporting to be from British Gas.
He produces what appears to be a genuine British Gas photo ID card with a name and registration number and carries a clip board.
He asks to read your meter and then informs you that he needs to fit a filter to the meter. He asks to make an appointment to fit the filter and then asks for a £5 payment for which he issues a receipt.
We have spoken to British Gas and have been told that they do not fit filters onto meters and the representative would not ask for any payment. This is a scam.
Utility companies will contact you in advance of any planned work that needs carrying out in your home. They will not ask for payment on the day. If someone calls from a utility company please carefully check their identification BEFORE letting them in your home. If you are in any doubt call the company concerned using the customer service number on your bill. British Gas use a company called G4S AccuRead for their meter readings. To verify the validity of a meter reader they can be contacted on 0845 300 3177.
The description of the suspect involved in these incidents is a white male, chubby build with a round face, in his 30s, black hair and an Eastern European accent.
If a person matching this description knocks on your door asking to fit a filter to your meter, as above please contact police immediately using 999. 
If you think you have been a victim of this scam please contact Harrow Police on 0300 123 1212 or your Safer Neighbourhood Team.





  

Commuter parking in Valley Drive, Kingsbury.

From time to time we receive complaints regarding commuter parking in Crundale Ave, Kingsbury. This is a popular parking place (free) for user of Kingsbury Tube station.

A few  years ago the Council held a consultation with residents of Valley Drive to decide if a CPZ (controlled parking zone) should be introduced. This would have restricted parking, except for certain times of the day, which deters commuters but encourages local residents to shop locally for the benefit of local traders. Residents would need a parking permit to park in the road, unless they have off street parking. Following an extensive ballot resident’s narrowly rejected the proposed CPZ plan.

At the time of the previous consultation many residents voted No. It was clear that many people voted from roads largely unaffected by the parking problem. Is it time to consult, once again, to introduce a CPZ, but maybe restrict the consultation to only roads that suffer the parking problems? We would welcome comments?

George Crane