Promised yesterday to do a "catch-up" on matters which affect us - before that just to say they are still working to cut down the poplars in the cemetery and I woke up again to the noise of heavy machinery - this time the machine that grinds up the chunks of tree which annoyed several of my neighbours!
Where to start?
- first perhaps the "West Hampstead jigsaw" : planning permission was granted thee weeks ago for the rebuild of Emmanuel School at 160 Mill Lane - not without protest from the artist next door! Not sure yet when work will begin but hopefully in the autumn. The school newsletter says:"
Over the coming weeks and months we shall be continuing our dialogue with neighbours and other stakeholders regarding our demolition and construction plans, the enrichment of the open space at 160 Mill Lane and other issues that may arise. We are fully committed to our on-going engagement with all stakeholders. The project is a very exciting opportunity for the children and young people of West Hampstead and Fortune Green who will be able to attend a fully equipped, 21st century local school. "Meanwhile the work on the Community Hall in Broomsleigh Street was finished - temporary home to Sington Nursery on the ground floor while the new Community Assocation has moved in upstairs. It all looks very bright and clean and airy and will be a very useful resource. Finally we have to wait and see whether plans for Sington to move to a rebuilt Fortune Green will proceed and ensure these tie in with projected work to Fortune Green itself. If you visit the Festival (July3/4) you can look at these revised plans at the Friends of Fortune Green stall. Also visit the Gondar and Agamemnon Residents association stall fo nws of a potential nw fight against development of the reservoir land.
Speaking of the Festival - this year it will be bigger and brighter than ever with lots more activities for young people - including our splendid new local Dodgeball players (a new Safer neighbourhood Police initiative). 12- 6.0pm Sat and Sunday for all the fun of the Fair!
Last night the 2 local Safer Neighbourhood police teams joined together for a public meeting to talk about their activities and priorities. Sadly, not that many members of the public not already engaged with the police turned up, but it was the hottest day of the year so far! Questions were asked about crime at the 02 Centre on Finchley Road, street drinking on West End Green, the problems with urban foxes and stolen handbags on West End Lane. It wasn't such a large audience as used to come to the Area Forums, and one person asked if these would continue as they had been so successful. Unfortunately it seems the new Labour Council isn't in favour of them - maybe we shall have to try and set up our own!
Roadworks in West End Lane are driving everyone mad and the pace of work sems incredibly slow - should think the stop/go lights will be there till Xmas! Meanwhile work has been delayed to the new Thameslink station and assorted works although scaffolding has gone up around the Iverson Road corner, reducing the width of the pavement still further and making things even worse for pedestrians!
New West Hampstead Councillor, Gillian Risso-Gill has been talking to all the shopkepers on West End Lane - she's got about two-thirds of the way up - and talking about ways they can get together to keep West End Lane Special. One idea which could be revived is to have a Christmas market on West End Green. Sadly, several of the shops seem to be having a difficult time and Dizar - one of my favourites - is having a closing-down sale. The cafe Walnut suggested some time ago we should start a WestHampstead "loyalty card" like they have in Hampstead - sounds like a very good idea. Meanwhile, we are grateful to those local businesses who are supporting the Jester Festival in various ways.
Good news for Lyncroft Gardens residents who persuaded Camden NOT to introduce a "Car club bay" on their already overcrowded road!
Lots more bits of news - will keep till next time!
Whatever weather was thrown at us earlier this year, it has resulted in this being the most marvellous summer for roses. Spotted these on Saturday while doing councillors advice surgeries and visits on Templar House Estate (the "Pear Tree Garden" looked lovely too) and on Westcroft Close on Westbere Road (that's the red ones below)
This is the monster munch machine which has been chewing up (very noisily) all our cut-down poplars and turning them into woodchip - very sad!
I woke up yesterday to the sound of chain saws in the cemetery behind my house and later on went out and took this picture - if you look carefully you can see a man harnessed to the trunk of what had been a 70ft poplar in full stately maturity. (I say 70ft but I'm not good at measuring by eye but it was VERY tall!) There has been a group of poplars - almost an avenue- in the cemetery probably ever since it was built - I reckon they were at last 150 years old - maybe more if they predated the cemetery. I loved the one I could see best although I did sometimes wonder if there were a really high wind, if it fell - would it fall across my house?
