A while ago we trailed the discussions we were having with the Council, residents
and traders in The Hyde area to clear up the dire state of things generally - the
deplorable alleyway on Springfield Mount due to fly tipping and neglect; the litter
and other refuse street scene and the anti-social behaviour which has been so
visible in recent years. Over the years, we have tried various measures - the alley
gates, clearing the alleyway on a number of occasions - only to find it back to the
way it was in short order. We realised that it would require major funds to make any
lasting impression on the cluster of problems all feeding off each other.
Very pleased to say that we may be making serious progress at last in a holistic
approach by redeveloping this part of the Edgware Road from The Hyde to
Colindale/Burnt Oak. This will involve a range of initiatives on both sides of the A5 by
Brent and Barnet Councils and both councils are now up for it. Brent
consulted on their plans on The Hyde some months ago and very useful feedback
was received with universal welcome for many of the detailed plans. Delighted
to say that around £300,000 has now been earmarked for major road redesigns
and improvements with decluttering and re-paving, tree planting and so on, to
rejuvenate the appearance of the street scene. These will be happening into
2015.
More immediately, included in this package will be another major assault on the
Springfield Mount alleyway with an upgrade/tarmacadamising of its entire length
to Council highway standard. New specially-designed entrance/exit gates will be
installed with a strict system of controlled access and CCTV cameras in
consultation with and active responsibility by traders (freeholders and leaseholders)
who own/use it. How that responsibility process will now be worked out will soon
be the subject of a series of communications with them (and residents) and meetings
to ensure their cooperation. We are confident that with this significant extra funding
we can really crack this eye-sore once and for all.
As regards an improved litter and refuse collection generally around this area, the
council's contractors, Veolia, have now committed to a new 'Public Realm Contract'
by which they are contractually responsible for maintaining a Grade A standard (ie.,
no litter or refuse left for more than brief periods). They will also provide a one off fly-tip removal service and the flats above shops problem with bins will be addressed.))
The pavement will be jet-washed periodically and cluttering street furniture regulated
in consultation with the traders.
It is hoped that local residents and traders will take an active part with the Councils
in bringing this major physical refurbishment to fruition in the interests of all, so that
the other anti-social issues can also be addressed involving the Safer Neighbourhood
Team of police also.
As you may know, I am now stepping down from being a local Fryent councillor after
twelve years working with many of you. It's been a challenging, but rewarding period
of public service and I wish to thank my fellow-councillors, George and Ruth as well
as the numerous residents with whom I have worked with over the years. I'm sure
that my replacement, Shama Tatler, will carry on the good work we have been able
to do. Best of luck for the future. Cllr Jim Moher
