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.'