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