Lord Walter Citrine of Wembley 1887-1983

Some readers may have heard of him, though most will not. So, I gave a talk about this remarkable famous long-time resident of Wembley Park (from 1935 to 1973 at 63 Kingsway) to  the Wembley History Society at St Andrew's Church on Church Lane (marvellous but bitter cold).

Famous for what? He was the leader of the Trades Union Congress from 1926 to 1946, but he was much more than a run-of-mill union leader. He built up the authority and influence of the TUC with the unions, the government and the business community following the debacle of the General Strike of 1926, and together with another great union leader, Ernest Bevin, used it to great effect.  He became the one Prime Ministers turned to when they wished to know what ordinary people thought of the big issues - the Abdication crisis 1936-7; the Nazi threat and rearmament; the war effort and especially the bombing of London. Four PMs - especially Winston Churchill, sought his advice. He was knighted in 1935, became a Privy Councillor in 1940 and chose the title Lord Citrine of Wembley in the County of Middlesex in 1946.

He retired from the TUC then, aged 59, but changed careers to become a leading figure in the new nationalised industries and he became Chair of the National Electricity Council (he had been an electrician - left school at 12).  He travelled the world in various capacities with his wife, Doris (who died in 1973, after which he went to live in Devon). A truly remarkable man, he lived to be 95.  He should be better known locally, but longevity sometimes dims the memory of  remarkable people.

Cllr Jim Moher

The leaves are almost down, but...the tennis courts are up

As trailed for a bit, delighted to report that the tennis courts on Roe Green Park are practically now in  operation and some youngsters are already using them. They go well with the Multi-User Games Area nearby, which we had installed some years back. This sports complex seems a far more appropriate use of the park than to allow some developer to sprawl all over with a swimming pool etc, especially with all the traffic it would have entailed.

We trust that as many residents as possible will dig out their tennis raquets and brush up their game, if only for the excellent exercise tennis involves. The front of the courts near the road will be fully landscaped in the Spring. We are assured that not even the strongest hit balls will reach the road, but we will keep that under review. Let us know if there are any teething problems. Enjoy.

Commercial Coaches parking on Kingsbury High Road

On a less cheerful but important topic, residents will be glad to know that we are now getting the Council highway officers and police to take firm action to move the weekend mainly coaches on, who have been using Kingsbury Road as a station. Signs will go up shortly banning 5 Tonne or more vehicles from parking there Mon-Fri, midnight-7am, 8pm-midnight or at any time Sat & Sun.
This ban will be enforced vigorously by the police. It will be for the coaching companies to find alternative commercial arrangements elsewhere. Enough is enough.

Starbucks, Amazon and Google - avoid corporation tax.

Every now and then I have a rant about large multinational companies avoiding tax, it's perfectly legal but socially immoral. Starbucks, Amazon and Google are now in the frame and join the ranks of Vodafone, (see blog June 2012). 

I read with interest calls for boycotts of the 3 companies and have some sympathy with this approach. I have already stopped using Starbucks. Somehow I don`t think it will have much impact on coffee drinkers, internet searchers and book buyers.

The real question must be what are the Government doing to make sure companies pay more corporation tax on profits earned in the UK? Why can`t they stop multinationals just shifting profits around the world to avoid tax?  John Lewis recently called for action to put everyone on a level playing field. At the very least the Government should publish who pays and who avoids, or who are the most creative. I think we have the right to know.

I was going to Café Nero but just heard on the radio that they are tainted to, so I am off to Costa for a coffee..

Cllr George Crane

Mason`s Field - Fryent Country Park

Brent Council Executive has agreed to declare Masons Field a local nature reserve. Situated at the bottom of Larkspur Close, the old London Transport Sports ground was partly developed for Housing in the 1990`s. The remaining land was to be used as open space. and leased to Brent Council.

Mason’s Field has been assessed as being an important site for nature conservation by the London Wildlife Trust and it will now form part of the Fryent Country Park.

With Heritage Lottery funding and some Sect 106 money it is proposed to improve access, plant hedgerows and restore field habitat. Sign boards will be situated around the area to inform visitors about the site. It will also contribute towards the objectives of Brent’s Green Charter. Nature England has welcomed the proposals and improvements.

Cllr Ruth Moher, Deputy Leader of Brent Council and Fryent Councillor said:

 “We are delighted with this decision and the opportunity this gives for continued enjoyment and recreation and education in Fryent. I would also like to thank the Barn Hill conservation group volunteers for their help in undertaking a lot of the site survey work.”

Fryent Councillors.

Energy costs

Following our tongue in cheek blog praising David Cameron for his apparent commitments on energy costs, we now know that he has hastily backtracked. Apparently what he was promising he can't deliver. The good news is that your councillors are working with the rest of the administration to negotiate a special deal for Brent residents, which if successful will deliver cheaper energy to all the households who sign up for the scheme. We will keep you informed of the progress.

Fryent Councillors

Cheap Energy Tariffs -Government Promise

Good news for consumers as David Cameron announced yesterday at PMQ’s (prime ministers questions) that the Energy Bill will compel companies by law to guarantee customers the best deal.

Good news indeed, I have never really understood why wholesale prices of Gas and Electricity are lower but consumers are being charged even higher prices. The same applies to petrol, crude oil is lower but pump prices remain high, Why?

What we really need is to know exactly what the price of a unit of electricity or gas is or how it is calculated, so we can compare each company’s price – in other words transparency. The other thing we need is to make it easier to switch suppliers – have you tried to compare tariffs lately? Why can’t we shop for energy like we shop at Tesco and Sainsbury and see the price on the shelf.

I am really looking forward to this Government Energy Bill, are you?

George Crane

Fryent Councillor.

Brent's population growth grossly underestimated

With the publication of the Census 2011 data in July, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have at last accepted that they have been grossly undercounting the growth in our population since 2001. Instead of their original 257,000 estimate, they now accept that the real figures are more like 312,000. That's about 55,000 less than we actually have! For ten years now, they have grossly underestimated the inward migration to the borough, basing their calculations on birth and death rates only.

While the government bases its formula for grants to the Borough on these statistics, we are advised that the actual impact on grants received since 2001 has not been as great as might be feared. This is said to be because Brent was protected by the operation of the government funding mechanism known as 'floors and ceilings', which were designed to moderate significant variations in allocations between local authorities based on population changes. Don't ask us to explain this jargon, but our best financial and policy brains assure us that it is so.

But if nothing else, it highlights the lack of transparency in the distribution of our national taxes to local councils by government. As a result, nobody quite knows whether the system is fair or not. If the ONS experts can get it wrong by so much for so long, god only knows what is happening in government departments. The West Coast Railway debacle in the Ministry of Transport strengthens this fear.

In the meantime, wealthy boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and the City of London, are claiming that the latest (2011) statistics underestimate their numbers. This is contested strongly by the Office of National Statistics, but as these boroughs 'have the ear' of this government, are we likely to see these three boroughs get their way  at our expense as they did a few years ago? That is why  Brent and the twenty (out of 33) other London boroughs who have seen a steady increase in their populations and demand for services, will be lobbying the government to increase their funding, rather than cutting it by 28% as they are doing.

Shabana Abbassi - a role model for our community

We don't normally highlight the role of individuals, only news, events and issues.

However,I would like to make an exception to mark the passing of a remarkable human being, who
touched the lives of the children, parents, teachers and governors of  Oliver Goldsmith primary school as well as those of her own family and community.

Shabana died recently of pancreatic cancer at the oh so young age of 37, after a long illness. A memorial service was held at the school on Friday 5th October which I attended along with
many parents, teachers and governors. As is the custom at such events, there were prayers and many heart-felt tributes but one by her friend Rehana captured her spirit and contribution to the school.

She recalled that Shabana had stormed into Olly Golly with her three children a few years ago and quickly stamped her bubbly personality on all she came in contact with. She brought together mums from all religions and countries and gave them confidence and a voice. Naturally, she was soon expected to stand as a parent governor and Rehana recalled her wonderful way of chivvying her and other parents to vote to improve the school.

I can confirm that as a governor Shabana was a revelation - active in everything, social (her cooking was legendary) as well as educational. But it was her sharp and persistent contributions to governors' debates which I recall best. Once roused, she would not let go but pressed her (usually valid) case in a polite but forceful way. She got support and changed the way we do things.

Had she been spared, I have no doubt that in time she would have made a great councillor or perhaps more. But what a wonderful role model for young (not just Muslim) girls and women in our society.
Our deepest sympathy must go to her husband and three young children, but they should know that they and this community have been enriched by Shabana's wonderful personality and work.

Cllr Jim Moher

Kingsbury Bowls Club

Kingsbury Bowls Club is looking for new members, are you interested?
Coaching and loan of bowls is available. Why not give it a try?

Where to meet - Eton Grove Open Space.

Fryent Councillors
Working for you in Fryent.

BENEFIT CUTS – DOES THIS AFFECT YOU?

If you are receiving some form of benefit you are likely to see reductions in the amount you receive next year in April 2013.

The government ismaking radical reforms to change the welfare system, many people are already losing out.

Council Tax benefit is being replaced by Council tax support – a Government inspired scheme. 

Brent Council estimates over 21 thousand families will have their benefit reduced.

Will you be one of them – check this out now!

www.brent.gov.uk/welfarereform

Fryent Councillors

KINGSBURY AND KENTON AREA FORUM - BRENT CONNECTS

Come and discuss the local issues that concern you at your next meeting.

Kingsbury High School, Princess Ave   10^th October Starting at 7.00pm

Your Area Forum is changing and in future it will be known as Brent Connects Kingsbury and Kenton.

Why is it changing? The aim is to get more residents engaged with what’s happening 

in their local community. They will be more interactive, feature “Question Time” style sessions.

Fryent Councillors said ”It is vital that we listen to local people and get more people involved and in what’s going on in their local area.”

MEET OLYMPIC HOCKEY STAR IN KINGSBURY

Harrow Hockey Club is promising a fun packed afternoon at their Open Day on Saturday 1^st Sept.

It’s being held at JFS School in the Mall, Kingsbury between 1 pm and 4 pm

Whether you are getting back into hockey or starting for the first time, there will be something for everyone.

Also come along and meet Team GB Olympic Hockey star Dan Fox.

• For more information visit www.harrowhockey.co.uk

 INSPIRE A GENERATION

St Robert Southwell School Expansion Approved

Brent Council Executive have agreed to the expansion of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School when the results of a statutory consultation exercise were reported on Monday night (20^th August) . The school plan to start work on the building project soon which will provide much needed reception places for Catholic children in the Kingsbury area from Sept 2013.

Some residents expressed concern during the consultation exercise that parking problems will increase. The Schools Headteacher and Chair of Governors have promised local ward Councillors that they take vigorous steps to stop inconsiderate parking by parents.

Plans have already been approved and the building work estimated to cost 1.4 million will be paid for by the Council with a contribution from the school. 

Cllr George Crane

Kingsbury Homework Club

Spelling, Maths, Science – help with study or homework. Join the club – the Homework Club at Brent’s Kingsbury Library.

It’s free and takes place at Kingsbury Library in the High Road, on every Wednesday from 3.30 to 5.30 pm. You can get help with reading and lots more and Mum and Dad are welcome.

For more information check out: www.brent.gov.uk/libraries

PARA OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY COMES TO FRYENT

The Para Olympic Torch relay is coming to Fryent on Weds 29^th August – That’s next week!

Starting in Brent at the Kingsbury roundabout at 5.00 am in the morning, running the length of the High Road along Kingsbury Road to the Hyde at the Edgware Road.

You will have to be an early bird to catch the flame in Fryent.

Details of the route within the rest of Brent can be found on the Council website- see link

Cllr George Crane.

OLYMPIC LEGACY

As the 2012 Olympics come to a close let’s say a big thank you to all the competitors that have made the London games so special. Congratulations to Team GB and all our medal winners who have made us all so proud.

Thanks also to the volunteers, Games Makers, London Ambassadors from Fryent  and  Brent who have worked tirelessly towards making the games such an amazing success.  Not forgetting the public service workers who kept the Capital moving, safe and cleaned up after the events.

Thanks also to the last government for paving the way – backing the vision – delivering the facilities and the regeneration of South London. Now we need to work hard on delivering the Olympic legacy for the future.

INSPIRE A GENERATION

If you feel like wanting to join in visit https://www.joininuk.org/ and see what’s happening in your area or phone Brent Council and ask for Sports Development.

We look forward to a really exciting Para-Olympics in a few weeks time.

Fryent Councillors, George Crane, Jim Moher and Ruth Moher.

Green Flag award for Roe Green Walled Garden

Roe Green Walled Garden in Kingsbury has been awarded the coveted Green Flag Community Award. This is the first of this type of award in Brent for a local community Group. The award recognises high quality Green spaces that are run and managed by voluntary community groups.

Members of the group Kim Williams and John East are seen with the National Green Flag Award showing Cllr Ruth Moher Deputy Leader of Brent Council and Fryent Councillors George Crane and Jim Moher.

Cllr Moher said “Roe Green walled garden is a green oasis in our busy world in Kingsbury”

Kim Williams said “This is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted with the award which recognises all the hard work and efforts of the community involved here. We are always happy to welcome any body wanting to pay a visit.”

The Roe Green Walled garden has an Open Day on Saturday 15^th September.

For more information visit www.bhcg.ik.com 

KINGSBURY LIBRARY

One Thousand (1000) new books have been added to the stock at Kingsbury library as part of Brent Council’s library transformation project. A further Ten Thousand (£10000) pounds worth of books are on order and will be delivered over the next few months.

Extra study spaces are planned by the end of September – the new layout will provide for an extra 13 places up to 25. Extra computers will be added to the increased study spaces.

It is also good to see that visits to the library are up 8% between April and June 2012 making Kingsbury one of the most popular libraries in Brent.

Cllr George Crane

TENNIS COURTS for Roe Green Park

Delighted to report good progress in getting 3 adult courts for this local park. Brent Sports and Park Services have just appointed ETC Sport Surfaces Ltd to do the work,starting on 3rd September and it should be done in about 6 weeks (if the rain ever stops!).
. They will be located near the Roe Green end of the park, near the Kingsbury Road and bus stop. Cycle stands will also be installed.(see aerial view). Adults will be charged c£6 an hour to use a court, but there will be concessions for the over 60s (under 16s will be free). Also, coming soon to this park will be outdoor gym equipment near the existing trim trail.

Readers will recall that we highlighted the proposal in the blog a few months ago as something we've campaigned for. So we're delighted to be able to bring it about. Watch this space for further news.

Jim Moher

KINGSBURY AND KENTON AREA FORUM

The next meeting of the area forum will take place on Tuesday 17th July at Kingsbury High School, Princess Ave, NW9.
Some of the agenda items that will be discussed are:

· Localisation of Council Tax Benefit

· Draft Cemeteries Strategy (consultation takes place from 2 July to 28 September)

· An update on local Policing

· Shaping a Healthier Future – consultation by NHS

In addition, there will be a written feedback on the Ward Working sessions that took place at the last forum meeting.

The item on the future of the NHS locally is very important as radical changes are being proposed that affects the way the Hospitals are managed.

Fryent Councillors 

NEW FOOTBALL FACILITIES IN WEMBLEY

A new sports ground is to open near Preston Road Station in North Wembley giving local footballers first-class pitches to play on.

Local young people in particular will benefit from the opening of the Pellatt Road Sports Ground, which will host an extensive football programme for players from Fryent run by AFC Wembley.

Residents are being invited to take a first-look at the fantastic new facility at an event on June 16, where young people will also be able to put their names down for the football programme.

Brent Council worked with AFC Wembley and Middlesex FA to develop the £135,500 project and win a Football Foundation grant to help pay for it.

The former GEC sports ground at Pellatt Road was drained and re-levelled so it can now be used all year round for football and Gaelic football, and a full-sized pitch, a youth football size pitch and two mini-pitches were added to the pavilion already there. It will open to the public from August.

The football programme is aimed at giving local young people somewhere to go and play and to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

See the location here - http://goo.gl/maps/Vi55

George Crane

VADAFONE PAY NO UK TAXES

It was reported by the Sunday Times over the weekend that Vodafone have avoided paying any corporation tax in the UK for 2011. Despite having a massive presence in the UK with a large customer base, they avoided paying tax by using off shore companies mainly in Luxemburg. Vodafone only made profits of 402M up 16% on the previous year and in 2010 its tax bill was 140 M

In 2011 Vodafone Tax bill -  Nil, zero, nothing.

Those profits came from individuals and companies, most if not all, will pay UK taxes. I think it’s time Vodafone customers in the UK send this company a message by signing off and joining a network that does contribute in the UK and pays UK Tax.

George Crane

COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT SUPPORT

There is bad news on the way for local residents who currently get Council Tax Benefit.

Localising support for council tax

The government is proposing to localise support for council tax from 2013–14. CTB will be abolished, and local authorities in England – and the Scottish and Welsh governments – must design their own systems for rebating council tax to low-income families. Entitlement rates for pensioners in England will still be set nationally and maintained at their existing level.

Cutting support for council tax

As well as localising support for council tax, the government is also planning to cut funding for it by 10 per cent, giving each local authority a grant based on 90 per cent of what would have been spent on CTB in that area – meaning a larger cash funding cut in areas where CTB spending is higher.

Central government is forcing each local authority to come up with its own scheme for Council Tax benefit, and abolishing the national scheme. Brent will be publishing its proposals for consultation in early June. These are being rushed through for implementation in April 2013, which effectively means that Councils will have had little time to respond and consult on the government plans by the end of this year.

The April 2013 deadline means that the necessary scheme  design and implementation is kept to an almost impossibly short time table.

This is just another example of Government making decisions that Local Councils have to implement and probably will get the blame for. 

Please pass this on so as many people as possible know what’s happening.

Fryent Councillors.

OLYMPIC TORCH COMES TO FRYENT

Olympic Torch Relay – 25^th July

The Torch Relay arrives at the Brent border with Harrow at 10am and will travel along Harrow Road, Wembley High Road, the Stadium, and up to Kingsbury via Brent Town Hall to leave the borough into Barnet at 12:15. Live coverage of the Torch Relay as it travels around the country can be found on the BBC website.

There will be parking suspensions along the route and a rolling road closure. Buses will be re-directed. Businesses and residents affected by the parking restrictions will be contacted via letter. Brent Magazine will have details of the route and recommended places to stand. After the relay spectators will be encouraged to visit the event the in the park:

Brent Celebrates the Flame; 25 July; 12noon- 7.00pm King Edward VII Park

A free event, open to everyone that aims to celebrate the Olympic torch relay passing through the borough. This park event is expected to attract a family audience of about 4,000 people.

Residents are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets to enjoy a laid back afternoon event in the park, watching performances, taking part in workshops, or trying some of the diverse food that will be available to buy. This event falls within Brent Dance Month so it is expected that dance will feature strongly on the day.

Fryent Councillors.

Brent Council elects new Leader

The annual meeting of the Council on 16th May, saw the investiture of a new Labour Leader of the Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, 45year old, father-of-three, who was born and educated in the borough. A BT engineering manager, he has represented the Tokyngton ward near Wembley (where he lives) since 2006.

Cllr Butt paid tribute to his predecessor, veteran Cllr Ann John, who is stepping down after 12 years as Labour Leader. He said, 'Ann has been a superb leader, who has led the Labour Group with considerable success since 2001.'  He said, 'it is time for a change. I want to make sure messages are communicated better so that residents understand more fully why we are having to make the tough decisions required by central government  which are facing this Council today. I am determined that we rise to those challenges through hard work, innovation and clearly defined priorities.'

The Council also elected Fryent councillor, Ruth Moher, as Deputy Leader. Ruth a former manager in local government social services, will take over responsibility for the Council's finances and budgets. She said, that a new approach was needed and she felt Cllr Butt would bring his considerable experience and skills to bear on the challenges we face. Chief Executive, Gareth Daniel, has also assured the entire leadership team of officers' committment to providing them with the highest calibre of officer advice.

Most of the existing Executive team were re-elected including the two other Fryent councillors, George Crane, (Regeneration and Development) and Jim Moher, (Highways and Transportation), making up a very experienced team. Jim said, 'this renewal of the Council leadership is just what Brent needs in these difficult times. They will have our fullest support.'

Brent Council agrees expansion of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School.

The Brent Council Executive gave approval at a meeting last night (23^rd April) to St Robert Southwell RC Primary school being included in the next round of school expansion plans.

The Executive agreed to expand the school by .5 FE (Form of Entry) by September 2013. The school was previously shortlisted back in August 2011 and has been moved up the list due to increasing demand for places at the school in the Kingsbury area.

The Council will now discuss the plans with the Westminster Diocese.

The Council and School will need to undertake a Statutory consultation exercise and if this is completed by September 2012 a start can be made with a planned completion by August 2013.

Fryent Councillors Jim, Ruth and George were delighted with the news. Cllr Ruth Moher said “We have been aware of the pressing need for school places at St Robert Southwell for some time. I am sure parents will be pleased that the Council have acted to secure additional places in the school for local parents.”

Council agrees to expansion of Fryent Primary School.

Following a Stautory consultation process Brent Council in agreement with the Governing Body are planning to expand Fryent primary school in Church Road, Kingsbury. The expansion will be by 2 forms of entry (2 FE) from January 2013.

The plans include demolition of the existing dining hall and some huts to be replaced with new classrooms a new hall and kitchen. The expansion plans will need approval by the planning committee anticipated in August 2012. The building programme will start shortly after with completion due April 2013.

More on Kingsbury Lodge

We reported on plans to demolish this derelict building recently. Our response was to ask for a meeting of the Officers concerned on site to explore what alternatives there were. Pleased to say that along with our Queensbury colleague, Cllr Sandra Kabir, Ruth and Jim met them (George was away) for a very productive tour of the three old buildings in that part of Roe Green park.

The Lodge will go, as it is a dangerous building and a target for vermin and other nefarious activites. In its place we are hoping for a new toilet facility with a nice landscaping/planting of the surrounding area. The officers are now going away to consider proposals.

The nearby larger building, currently occupied by Kingsbury Veterans but little used - this is the actual building from which John Logie Baird transmitted TV pictures to Germany in the 1920s and there is an old plaque commemorating it - has real potential to develop as a park cafe/community building along with the tennis courts which are on the way. This could also be a place to have exhibitions about the history of the area. Wouldn't that be good! But we mustn't run ahead of ourselves until we have something more definite to report.

The third building is, of course, Kingsbury Manor itself. The Council's property department are currently considering how this can be developed towards a suitable housing development, but that is at an early stage of consideration.

If you are interested in the history of these buildings, there is a ring binder at Kingsbury Library Plus 'Local History Articles', containing fascinating details and photos. Just ask at the enquiry desk.

Watch this space for further information as things develop.

The Kingsbury Four - recovery of police officers attacked in line of duty

We were delighted to see that our local MP Barry Gardiner, recently honoured the four officers
stabbed and injured whilst attempting to arrest a man with a huge knife on Kingsbury Road. Barry
hosted a tea for them recently in the House of Commons and showed them round Parliament.

They are now all recovering well, though the trauma of this fierce attack will no doubt stay with
them. We join with Barry in extending the thanks of all Fryent and Brent residents for the bravery and sacrifice they have shown in protecting our community. A picture of the four officers with Barry
outside Parliament can be seen on his Newsletter.

Springfield Mount arcade

Pleased to say that following residents' objections and representations we made at the Planning Committee in February, the decision to allow permission to site 'Star Wines' to convert to a
gaming arcade has been reversed. Thanks to a further report from PC Richard Stout from our local Safer Neighbourhood Team, Brent's Planning Officers were persuaded that such an outlet would attract back the wrong sort of groups and the anti-social behaviour which was a feature of the area previously.

A good turnout of local residents were pleasantly surprised to see the Planning Committee at the Town Hall unanimously refuse planning permission. They were encouraged to think that by coming together as with this issue, residents, the SNT and councillors can make a difference.

Safer Neighbourhood Team suffers from GLA police cuts

Without a doubt one of the best things that happened in the Fryent area in recent years was the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhood Team of police and PCSOs. The regular SNT panel meetings of residents, councillors and police  receives a regular update on their patrols and what is being done to tackle crime and other anti-social incidents in every part of the ward. As a result of the visibility and activities of the Sergeant-led Team, crime and people's perception of crime has dropped considerably.

Sadly, with the 20% cuts in police budgets and numbers (1,700) across London, this marvellous service is under severe strain. Brent, which according to the Met's own formula, should have 658 officers, now only has 641, (a shortfall of 17 PC's) It is even worse with PCSOs, of which Brent should have 75 but is  and 40 understrength. Unsurprisingly, crime of all kinds - burglary, theft, violence and anti-social behaviour - is rising again. There is a dramatic fall in the number of police available to handle 999 calls.

In Fryent, this run-down is now evident as PCs and PCSOs leaving/getting promoted are not being replaced. Along with the chair of the SNT, Suresh Mamora, we are taking the matter up with our
police inspectors and if necessary, the Borough Commander. We hope that residents will add their voice to our representations. We simply cannot afford to lose this vital frontline service.

We raised this matter also with Shadow Home Secretary Evette Cooper MP when she visited Brent.

KINGSBURY AND KENTON AREA FORUM

The next meeting of the Kingsbury and Kenton Area Forum will take place on Weds 11th April at Kingsbury High School, Princess Ave NW9.

The following items will be on the agenda for consideration.

·         Establishing Ward Working Priorities – these will be ward-based break-out sessions

·         Allotments and Food Growing Strategy - update

·         Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June – how residents can organise street parties

There will be a written update on the Olympic Route Network.

Please let us know if you have any additional suggestions. We hope you will continue to lend us your support in bringing forward local issues to your local forum.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Fyent Councillors

(You can contact us by clicking on the comment button)

Kingsbury Partnership Day

On Friday 2^nd March 2012, partners gathered together for a Brent Health Partnership Day in Kingsbury High Road. The day gave Fryent and Kingsbury residents an opportunity to gain specialist advice and support from Brent NHS and Fryent Safer Neighbourhood Ploice Team on health issues and crime prevention.

The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Aslam Choudry and your Fryent Councillor George Crane is seen with Susan Hearn from Brent NHS

Many residents received free health check ups covering weight, blood pressure, heart and  lungs. They also had the opportunity to gain advice on how to lead a healthy life style, stop smoking and problems with drugs and alcohol.   Brent NHS have subsequently told us how successful the event was, a total of Thirty eight (38) referrals were made from the event with 13 same day start, 25 follow up referrals plus 208 health checks were done on.

Brent Council Budget Agreed

A BUDGET FOR SOCIAL MOBILITY AND LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Labour’s budget for 2012/13 has two main themes, social mobility and local democracy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has cited the UK as one of the worst countries for levels of social mobility and this is in the number one priority in Brent.

Most Brent residents have incomes lower than the £26,000 benefit cap, 12,000 (9.3%) of them are unemployed and youth unemployment is a particular problem. One third of Brent children are living in poverty (that is living in households where the household income is below £15,000 a year) and the changes in the welfare reform bill and localisation of housing benefit will make the situation even worse. Children born into poverty are most likely to become poor adults.

In Labour’s budget proposals is a pledge to establish a Commission on Social Mobility to be chaired by an academic to ensure that council policy is geared towards enabling local people to achieve their full potential. Meanwhile, the Council is providing £350,000 as starter funding to develop a new employment service to work in partnership with other agencies to help local residents back into work.

Meanwhile, in order to address the democratic deficit caused by the Coalition government’s removal of powers from local government, Labour Brent is to double the budget for ward working whereby local people working with their local councillors determine activities and projects within their own communities. From now on every ward will receive £40,000 to spend on local initiatives that matter to them.

Brent Council’s Labour Leader, Cllr Ann M John, OBE, said:

“The gap between rich and poor is growing all the time with the top ten per cent of earners now earning twelve times as much as the bottom ten per cent. In Brent average earnings are only just at the national average whilst house prices are twice the national average. Social mobility and getting people back to work has to be our number one priority. But we are also giving local people a say in projects in their area by doubling the ward working budget. The government may talk about localism but we practice it”. 

NEW WATER MAINS IN KINGSBURY

The information below has been received from Veolia Water, if your Road is affected it will be listed below.  These works will probably create traffic problems from time to time.

Please pass this message on to as many local people as possible either through our blog link or from your e mail contacts.

Replacing the water mains – NW9/Kingsbury area

Veolia Water is upgrading 4.4km of the underground network of pipes that supply water each day to residents, businesses and schools in­ the Kingsbury area of Brent. This work represents an investment of just over £0.75 million. 

Some of the existing water mains were laid more than 70 years ago and have given many years of good service, but have now reached the end of their useful lives. The majority of these pipes are cast iron, which have begun to weaken and this has made them vulnerable to leaks and bursts. By replacing targeted sections of the water mains network, Veolia Water will be able to continue supplying water to the local community for many years to come.

This work is expected to start on Monday, 13 February and is being carried out by our contractor Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd. Work is due for completion by early September.  The following roads will be affected by the work:

Ash Tree Dell	Kingsbury Road
Buck Lane	Oak Tree Dell
Charlotte Place	Roe Green
Fairfield Crescent	Summit Avenue
Hay Lane	The Grove
Highfield Avenue	Townsend Lane
High Meadow Crescent	Uphill Drive
Hillside	Wakemans Hill Avenue

All customers affected by the work will receive a letter and customer leaflet (copy attached) before works start in their street to advise them of the project.  We are working closely with Brent Highways Department to ensure that this scheme runs as smoothly as possible and residents, businesses and schools are kept informed.   

Vulnerable and elderly customers are being encouraged to notify Veolia Water of their special needs by registering on our Safeguard scheme. This can be done online at www.veoliawater.co.uk/central or through our call centre on 0845 782 3333.

Additional information while work is taking place in specific streets can be found online at www.veoliawater.co.uk/customerzone

Proposed new gaming centre for Edgware Road

Many of you will know that there is a planning application to turn the off licence at 165 Edgware Road into a gaming centre with slot machines etc. There is also another application being considered which proposes an extension of the premises, presumably to make way for more equipment. The first application has been deferred by the planning committee following my intervention and that of the SERA secretary, Keith Martin and will not now be heard again until March. We have asked Safer Neighbourhood Team  to report on the possibility of such an establishment increasing anti-social behaviour in the area. Any interested residents should also make their voices heard by writing to the Panning Department, and, if possible, attending the meeting of the Planning Committee. At the last meeting only I and  two residents were present to put the point of view of people in the area.

Cllr Ruth Moher

Kingsbury Lodge

Sadly, the council are now proposing to pull down this old building at the entrance to Roe Green Park on Kingsbury Road. They say, with some justification, that it has become a blight on the local area.

Originally built as the lodge of Kingsbury Manor for Lady Mary Caroline, Duchess of Sutherland in 1899. John Logie Baird received the first TV signals from Berlin here in 1929, when Kingsbury (now Brent) Council acquired the manor and lodge. In recent years it was used as a service tenancy for Parks staff, until it was condemned due to its poor structural condition in the 1990s. Since then it had been used as a squat, drug den and general 'hot spot' of anti-social behaviour. It is now completely dilapidated and in a dangerous condition. It is overrun with rats and other vermin, which are spreading into the park and the Council regularly get complaints from local residents and parks users. We are advised that it would cost too much to repair as significant structural defects exist and it requires underpinning.

So, another piece of our history must go, but at least the area will be returned to the park. We will also press for a suitable recording of the site history and soon we will have the new tennis courts further along.

Parking in Town Centres

Parking and the fees now charged by local councils is a hot topic these days. With the growth in vehicles on the road, parking space is at a premium. Everybody naturally expects to be able to park and shop where they wish, but there is increasingly a price to be paid - one of the costs of motoring and maintaining our roads and pavements as government grants are withdrawn.

But many complain about the level of charges the council makes to cover its roads and pavements maintenance program. Traders particularly point to this one factor as the main cause of their loss of business, though Mary Portas' recent report for the government on other factors such as on-line shopping and supermarket discount competition, seem more compelling.

Brent Council's Highways Committee will be debating this and other transportation issues next Tuesday (7th February) in relation to it's proposal of up to one hour free parking at Preston Road Car Park. This could be a pilot project for other town centres. Come along and let us have your ideas.

cllr jim moher

Bankers Pay

Not for the first time the announcement of another huge Bankers bonus payment has sparked furious response and condemnation from a wide range of organisations. The latest award is for the Head of state owned Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Stephen Hester.

The Bank is 83% owned by the taxpayer; yes that’s you and me. Mr Hester is already receiving a salary in excess of 1 million pounds so can hardly be described as “on the bread line”.

David Cameron is believed to have demanded” that any bonus should be below the symbolic 1 million pound level.”  I think this just shows how out of touch he is with real life and how ordinary people see these types of wage rewards. They see them as unnecessary, extravagant and obscene. What’s wrong with him just getting a salary like the rest of us?

I think Mr Cameron should tell the board of RBS to think again and tell Mr Hester that his salary should be enough in this difficult economic climate.  The problem with this is that the board of RBS are all in the same boat, many are members of other companies Board of Directors, all scratching each others backs.  

If Mr Hester is not happy with just a salary he can always leave. I am sure there are plenty of good bankers out there who could do an equally good job. How difficult must it be to sell off some businesses, make thousands redundant, and watch the share price fall to all time low? Maybe I should apply? 

KINGSBURY AND KENTON AREA FORUM

DATE CHANGED

The next meeting of the Kingsbury and Kenton Area Consultative Forum has had the date changed.

The meeting will now take place on TUESDAY 7^TH FEB not on the 8^th Feb as previously stated in our blog in December. The venue remains Kingsbury High School, Princess Ave, Kingsbury and the meeting will start at 7.00pm.

The topic for the meeting will still be “Have your Say” it will be an opportunity to listen to the Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Ann John who will outline the issues for next year’s Council Budget and Council Tax. The Council is facing difficult financial decisions due to reductions in the level of Government grant for the last few years. Many Council services will either have to be reduced or priorities changed due to less money being available.

You will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Please pass on this message to anyone you think attends the meeting who may not know of the date change.

Cllr George Crane

A new look for services?

In a couple of months time the Health and Social Care Bill will get its final reading in the House of Commons. If this become law your health service will change radically. Whilst I oppose the Bill in principle since I think it undermines the founding principles of the Health Service I have some optimism about the way our Adult Social Care Department is working with Health to improve the way in which people are cared for. The Council, Brent NHS and the GPs are hoping to create a system where all the services (social care, public health, community health, GPs) will work together to support the individual whether their needs are primarily health or social care. If this comes off it should provide a service which is easily understood and much more responsive to what a person needs at any one time.

Ruth Moher

Changes to your health service

The local hospital trust is bidding to merge with Ealing Hospital and a business case has been prepared. If this is accepted there will be a public consultation about service design. This will be important in terms of whether all three hospitals will stay open and what services will be provided at each one. It is important to have your say since whatever the outcome, there will be changes at your local hospital.

Ruth Moher

'We're all in this together' - how the cuts affect us locally

One of the areas hardest hit by the government-induced cuts in Council services has been our Environment and Neighbourhood Services (ENS). Last year it lost nearly £11m (over 19%) and again this year it looks
to be in the front line for cuts/savings.

One area within the ENS Department hardest hit has been our parks staffing with the number of wardens being reduced from 12 to 5 and the loss of two vehicles. This severe contraction is now beginning to impact on the work in the parks. Not the (politically inspired) 'privatisation' scares, but the far less dramatic inability to do many of the things the Department would like to do.

A recent example in this neck of the woods is the withdrawal of a facility much appreciated by our conservation volunteers in Fryent Country Park. The work they have been doing almost every week for 28 years no matter what the weather - enhancing and preserving this historic (16th century boundaries) and richly biodiverse nature of what is designated as Metropolitan Open Land - is simply amazing. For some time, the ENS Department have assisted them with a vehicle and driver. This is to drop off and pick up the heavy equipment (barrows, slashers etc) which the volunteers take out from the Walled Garden in Kingsbury to the park each Sunday. With the reduction in wardens and vehicles, however, the Department budget can no longer afford this.

Naturally, we as local councillors, couldn't just shrug our shoulders and walk away. So, we brought the ENS senior officers out to meet many of the volunteers at the Walled Garden and discussed various possibilities (including the use of Ward Working funds - though that proved not feasible for this ongoing expenditure). However, the officers agreed to continue providing vehicles and a driver for all the Sundays in January while alternatives were being explored.

Happy to say, a volunteer driver and vehicle has now agreed to come to the rescue on a regular basis and so the crisis is averted. The Ward Working officers are also considering how to assist the volunteers who perform such an important service, in the future, perhaps with one-off grants. The Walled Garden lease has also been renewed by the Council on a free basis, in recognition of the work the Barn Hill Conservation Group do.

This is just one small  example of the difficult decisions that Councillors and officers face each day now on behalf of their residents, (most of which do not find such a ready solution). People used to take this kind of service for granted in Brent (unlike in many other neighbouring councils), but now as the government 'turn off the funding tap', it simply cannot be afforded. We haven't had a Council Tax increase for 2 years either and this year is likely to be  the same. Is this what we want?