Save our Community Police PCSO`s

We have been informed that on the 29th of September, the Metropolitan Police will be deciding the future of our PCSOs throughout London.  There is a strong possibility that Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be removed completely, with no alternative to replace them in any shape or form.

PCSOs play a key role not only in reassuring communities through a strong visible presence, but also in greatly increasing community intelligence through being “eyes and ears” on the ground.

Losing them will negatively impact on our ability to engage with communities and also to understand the risks and threats facing them.


If you feel strongly about this there are two things you can do:

1) Sign the online petition against the drastic police cuts here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-neighbourhood-policing-in-london

2) Email the Police Commissioner (bernard.hogan-howe@met.pnn.police.uk) and Mayor Boris Johnson (boris.johnson.mp@parliament.uk) with the text below:

Dear Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and Mayor Boris Johnson

I am a Brent resident living in Fryent Ward, Kingsbury and object to the removal of any PCSOs or police resources for the borough of Brent. Brent has high crime levels and serious social problems that are well documented in police crime statistics and publicised by the counter terrorism team.

We seek reassurance that existing resources will not be removed from Brent including any reduction in the number of PCSOs and police officers. In addition I now formerly request that additional resources be allocated to this multi-cultural borough that has diverse and complex crime patters that require skilled community engagement and policing on the streets to protect what is a vulnerable community.

Yours sincerely,

Name & Address


This is your opportunity to make sure that the PCSOs are saved, and that our community does not lose this valuable resource that works so hard towards securing a safer and crime free area for us all.

Please take a couple of minutes to do this.  Imagine life without PCSO on the streets of Fryent, answering our calls, and making our area a safer place to live.

Fryent Councillors

Smash and Grab Jewellery Raid in Kingsbury

I am sure all residents will join with us in thanking and congratulating shop keepers and resident passers by who bravely tackled the armed raiders in Kingsbury High Road yesterday. They showed magnificent courage and community spirit.

The raid took place yesterday afternoon and was filmed on mobile phones and widely seen on local London news programmes.

Police were quickly on the scene and arrested one man who had been apprehended following a chase by local residents and shop keepers. The Police are also appealing for anyone who saw the actual raid to contact them and assist with their continued enquires.    

Fryent Councillors,
Ruth Moher, Shama Tatler and George Crane

ROAD CLOSURES IN KINGSBURY - SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

A 10K road race around the Wembley and Kingsbury area means there will be road closures on Sunday 13th September between 8.30 am and 2pm.

The event called Run to the Beat will start in Engineers Way and end near Wembley Stadium. Fryent residents will be affected by the closure of Fryent Way, The Paddocks and The Mall in the immediate area. For full details of the route and other roads involved you can visit the website:

www.runtothebeat.co.uk/FAQ/RESIDENTS or there will be a race control phone number on the day 02082335113.

Fryent Councillors

Diabetes Awareness at Kingsbury Library.

Come along to Kingsbury Library for a coffee morning on 29th July run by  Brent Council Active Lifestyles Team

Diabetes Awareness at Kingsbury Library.

 Kingsbury Library Coffee Morning

Date: Wednesday 29th July 2015

Time: 10:30am to 12.30pm

 

  

Brent Council Active Lifestyles Team is providing 2 hours of Diabetes Awareness including the following:

 Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

 Know Your Risk Assessment

 Healthy Eating advice

 Physical Activity and basic exercise tips with an instructor (please ensure you wear suitable clothing)

 

The main purpose of the coffee morning is to promote better health and well-being within the community of Brent. Come along to find out how you can benefit

 

 For more information please contact:

020 8937 6252

Email: healthyliving@brent.gov.uk

Fryent Councillors

Highways Maintenance Programme 2016/17

HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE

Every year your local Councillors nominate Roads and pavements that need to be included in a maintenance programme. We rely on residents telling us which Roads and Pavements are the worst in Fryent.

It is not possible to include all nominated streets in a future programme but it will mean they are examined and the condition assessed. The next programme is 2016/17 and will be decided by Brent Council in December this year.

There are 2 separate list`s one for the condition of the road, i.e. potholes, frost damage, uneven surface, poor quality repairs. The other list is for Pavements, loose or broken, tree root damage are just some of the factors considered.

Is your Road or Street a problem? Let us know and we will come and have a look. We can only nominate 3 Roads and 3 Pavements  so we will only include the worst that we are told about.

You have to hurry as we only have 1 week before our suggestions have to be submitted.

Fryent Councillors,
George Crane, Shama Tatler and Ruth Moher.

Engaging with Busines in Kingsbury

Engaging with Business in Kingsbury

Fryent Councillors, Ruth, Shama and George spent an interesting morning talking to Business Owners and Managers along Kingsbury Road from the Station to Valley Drive.

We would like to thank those individuals for sparing the time on what was a busy time for them.

Almost all the businesses we spoke to were in favour of establishing a Kingsbury Business Network and we were keen to listen to their current concerns. We plan to visit again and hopefully call on those shops which we missed  today.

The  http://imaginekingsbury.com/Events the current consultation on the future of Kingsbury is progressing well - you can visit web site from the link above.      

Fryent Councillors, 

Shama Tatler, Ruth Moher and George Crane

Cameron cuts mean bigger dose of medicine.

In a few weeks time, 8th July, the Chancellor George Osborne will announce swingeing cuts in a post election budget. Preparing the ground  Cameron, Osborne and Duncan Smith are briefing the press about big cuts in welfare benefits, whilst saving pensions, child benefits and disabled benefits - allegedly?

What`s left you might ask, it`s clear from press speculation that the "working poor" or families on low incomes will clearly shoulder a large burden. This makes a mockery of "all in it together" - tax breaks and give aways for the very rich, cuts in tax credit for the very poor. Press reports indicate a cut as much as £1400 a year for low income working families.  I must have missed this Tory pledge during the last election campaign?

David Cameron was reported to say in a speech a few days ago "we have to deal with the symptoms of the problem" I think he was referring to those working families on low income. The message this appears to send to the nation is - It`s not the medicine that`s the problem - he just hasn`t given low income working families a big enough dose!

Taking about medicine reminds me that part of the 12 billion cuts will include the Health budget but not the NHS itself. No prizes for thinking the Public Health budgets, now part of local Government, will be clobbered. Local Government is also braced for another round of cuts. 90 million since 2010 and a further 54 million over the next 2 years - and thats just Brent! More and more reductions in services to the frail and elderly are inevitable over the next few years as the bulk of Council expenditure is on Adult Social Care.


Fryent Councillor George Crane

Getting Fit in Fryent

Today one in four adults are obese, according to the Health Survey for England, compared to less than 15 per cent in 1993. By 2050 these figures are predicted to have more than doubled.

Brent has one of the lowest levels of participation in physical activity in London and England, according to Sport England’s Active people survey. The Active People 2 survey (2008) showed that 53.3% of Brent’s population do no physical activity and only 19.5% of the adult population undertake 3 occasions per week of moderate intensity physical activity or sport. The Active People 3 (2009) survey showed that 53.1% of Brent’s population do no physical activity but only 15.8% of the adult population were undertaking 3 occasions per week of moderate intensity physical activity or sport.



So how about getting active this summer and become healthier?
There are lots to offer in Brent, there are opportunities around every corner - especially in Fryent.

You could get moving with exercise -  free classes in Roe Green Park - Tuesday 9.30am.

How about Free Swimming for over 60`s @ Vale Farm, Sudbury or Willesden Sports Centre.

Then there`s the Outdoor Gym - Free to use seven days a week and are suitable for anyone aged 12 and over. It`s on your doorstep.
Free training sessions Roe Green park Weds, 9 - 10 am. No need to book - just turn up.

Want something a little less energetic "Walk this Way" - Free guided walks, led by experienced walk leaders. Walking is really good for you.
Roe Green Park - Sundays 10.30 - 11.30 am
Meet by playground. for more info www.brent.gov.uk/guidedwalks.

Anyone for Tennis? Just in time for Wimbledon.
www.openplay.co.uk to book and pay for tennis courts in Roe Green Park
It couldn`t be easier.

Why is this so important?

Studies have shown that obesity reduces life expectancy by an average of three years, while morbid obesity reduces it by eight years – the same effect as a lifetime of smoking. This is because being obese can increase the risk of developing a range of diseases and health problems.

The physical changes caused by increased fat cause musculoskeletal problems, from wear and tear on the joints to back pain, while changes in the body are also linked to mental health and social difficulties.

So you know it makes sense - and it will also reduce the dependency on the NHS in future.

Lets get to it - summer is the best time to get out and get fit.

Fryent Councillors, Shama, Ruth and George

Brent Cycle Strategy

Last year we posted an item on our blog regarding Brent`s Cycle strategy consultation. The draft strategy has been published and residents can view it by following the link below.

The strategy outlines the Council`s vision and objectives and an action plan to improve conditions for cyclist`s in Brent

VISION: To make Brent a borough where everyone can cycle safely, in comfort and with confidence.

There is an online questionnaire and a paper version. If you have questions or comments the Council contact is Annekatrin.Dennemann@brent.gov.uk

http://brent-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/ens/htdel/cycle_strategy2015

Officers from Brent will also attending the following event where you can ask questions and these can be answered by officers:

Kingsbury Station - Monday 15th July 4pm -7pm


Fryent Councillors, George, Ruth and Shama

History - It`s a walk in the park.

Do you think that history is something you just studied at school, with lots of dates you could never remember? Join Philip Grant from Wembley History Society on a walk round our local park, and discover some of the fascinating things that have happened here in the past. You may find that features you have passed many times, without really noticing, are clues to stories that make Kingsbury a more interesting place than you ever thought!

Part of Adult Learners Week, meet at Kingsbury Library on Tuesday 16th June at 1.30 pm.

Philip is not only an excellent historian but also a Kingsbury resident and is sure to bring the walk alive.

Fryent Councillors, George, Ruth and Shama

IMAGINE KINGSBURY

IMAGINE KINGSBURY




A Brent Council initiative inviting local people to develop a vision for Kingsbury Town Centre for the next 5 to 15 years.

It`s not about new buildings but how the area can be changed for the better by developing new design ideas for the public realm. How the streets and surrounding area can look in future, reducing traffic congestion, improving and encouraging the cycling experience, removing street clutter, parking pressure and lots more.

The Council has engaged 2 companies "Urban Movement" and "make:good" to help with the consultation, both companies have experience of this type of work. It will organise events between now and November to agree a vision, develop a scheme and help identify funding.

One of the early projects will be to form a Town Team which will bring together interest groups, residents, business, school and faith groups to champion and co create the vision.

You can find out more at:

imaginekingsbury.com and e mail them at kingsbury@make-good.com

Keep watching the blog or sign up for regular updates. Watch out for Pop Up event outside Kingsbury Library next week.

Fryent Councillors,

George, Shama  and Ruth.  

Kingsbury Tube Station – improvement works March to April 2015

Transport for London (TFL) have announced plans to carry out improvement works to Kingsbury Tube station from 29th March, the works will last for up to 1 month.

The works will take place in the ticket hall and will include changes to the way customers will be able to buy tickets. The station will remain open while the improvements are being made and it will be possible for customers to purchase tickets from ticket machines. Staff from TFL will be on hand to help. The ticket office will not reopen after the work is complete. This was one of the cuts in service announced by Mayor of London Boris Johnson last year and opposed by Rail Unions.

TFL have advised they will try to minimise noise or disruption during the work. The works will be carried during the day, but for customer safety reasons, some elements of the work may be undertaken overnight.

If you have any queries about TFL plans you can contact them on there 24-hour helpline on 0343 222 2424. You can also write to London Underground Community Relations, 5th floor, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ; or email them at communityrelations@tfl.gov.uk


Fryent Councillors.

CAPITAL CLEAN UP

Capital Clean-up, a McDonalds sponsored scheme, is offering grants of up to £1500 to local community groups to support events to spruce up their neighbourhoods.

Groups can apply for clean up kits, hi-vis vests, rubbish pickers, gloves and a £50 DIY voucher by submitting their idea for a clean-up event on the Capital Clean-up website:
www.london.gov.uk/capitalclean-up.

The deadline for applications is 16th March 2015 at 5pm


Who is eligible? Community groups, Charities, Schools and Small businesses.

If you have a question you can e mail CapitalClean-up@London.gov.uk

Please let us know if you plan to apply and tell us about your scheme.

Cllr George Crane
Fryent Councillor
Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhood Services

North West London Half Marathon - Sunday March 15th.

Organisers of the above event have delivered 22 thousand leaflets to residents in Barnet and Brent  
with information about the plans for the event.

The Vitality NWLHM will be taking place on the morning of Sunday March 15th. This event starting in Barnet and includes large parts of Fryent, Queensbury and Barnhill  is likely to attract up to 10,000 runners on the day. Many of the participants will be fundraising for local and national charities.

The organisers,Vitality, are working closely with Barnet and Brent Councils and TFL to minimise the disruption due to the closure of roads.

Road closures include The Edgware Road and Hay Lane, Roe Green, Kingsbury Road,   Valley Drive, Fryent Way, Slough Lane and Salmon street in Fryent.

The route and more information can be viewed at the organisers event website: www.northlondonhalf.com

If residents have any questions you can e mail northlondon@go2events.org.uk

The organisers advise avoiding the area on that date, and where possible, avoid driving during the road closure period and allow extra time for your journey.

Please pass this on to as many residents as possible to make information widely available.

Fryent Councillors

Kingsbury and Kenton Forum - Brent Connects

The next meeting of Kingsbury Brent Connects will take place on Tuesday 3rd February 2015

The venue will be Kingsbury High School, Princess Ave, NW9
The meeting starts at 7.00pm

This meeting is really important as it gives Fryent residents the opportunity to quiz Council Leader Muhammad  Butt on the planned 54 million pound savings on the Council Budget over the next two years.  

You can read the background to the proposals in the report that the Executive Councillors considered in December 2014. http://democracy.brent.gov.uk/documents/b8067/Budget%20report%20and%20appendices%20Monday%2015-Dec-2014%2019.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=9

Brent Council Leader Cllr Mo Butt said "I want to be as open and transparent as possible, no Labour Councillor wants to make these cuts. However Labour did not win the General election and the Government is reducing the amount of money Councils can spend, we are were we are."  

In real terms, funding for local government has fallen by 43 per cent from 2010/11 to 2015/16 (Source: House of Commons research paper 14/43, September 2014). In Brent this means that the Council has cut 89 million pounds since 2010 and is now facing a further reduction target of 54 million over the next 2 years.

This is also made worse by the freeze on Council Tax for the last 5 years. Whilst this has been good news for Council Tax payers it has meant that the income to the council has been lost. This is probably close to 8 million pounds since 2010. Is it time to pay more Council Tax that can be spent on maintaining some services.? It would be really good to hear residents views.

The meeting will also hear about A&E services at Northwick Park Hospital.

Please try and come along next Tuesday.

George Crane

Fryent Councillors

The Instiutue is Opening in Kingsbury on Saturday 24th January

TheThe Institute is Opening on Saturday 24th January
Masons House, 1-3 Valley Drive, Kingsbury NW9 9NG

10.00am Building opens to the Public

10.30am Music - Shree Mukajeeven  Swamibapa Pipe Band
               (Outdoors in garden- weather permitting)

11.00am Official Openning by Brent Deputy Mayor
                Councillor Lesley Jones

Check out the website  http://www.hgsi.ac.uk

So what`s on offer?   Comprehensive, contemporary and exciting range of art, design and creative courses. They will include: Pottery and Sculpture, Stained Glass and Warm Glass, Flower Arranging,Antique and Modern Furniture Restoration, Resin Jewellery and many more."

The Chief Executive said last year when talking to Fryent Councillors "Everyone is welcome to come and study at The Institute. Whatever your age or educational background, our qualified and experienced teachers will offer you the guidance you need to embark on your journey of discovery – however long it is since you were last in a classroom."

"Whether you want to study for personal satisfaction or career progression, you will find an amazingly wide choice of courses right across the subject spectrum as well as a warm welcome and a stimulating and friendly atmosphere."

This is really good news for local residents n Kingsbury and we hope you take the opportunity to look around on Saturday and meet the team at The Institute.

George Crane
Fryent Councillors