Latest threat to the Gondar Gardens Reservoir

Hot on the heels of the Government Inspector's decision to grant planning permission to the developers for their "underground" scheme (which some of us have christened the "Teletubbies scheme") which was a blow to the objectors and to GARA - the local residents association, has come a second blow. The developers (Linden Wates) have lodged an appeal on their "Plan B" scheme which was for a huge infill between the Gondar Gardens small mansion blocks directly opposite houses in Sarre Road. This was also turned down by the Council only a few months ago.

Everyone is surprised and disconcerted by this new move - should they win again - which scheme would they want to build ? Or would they, as some residents fear, go away and come back with a third and even bigger scheme destroying a majority of the reservoir site?

We are trying to find out and to ensure there is still a future for the slow-worms and other wildlife on this valuable open space.

A school in the Sager Building?

This flier
dropped through the door of residents who live close to Fortune
Green but we thought it might be of wider interest.
In case you can't read this they are holding an exhibition in the building on 17/18th December
from 3pm to7.30pm
Go and take a look and give us your views!

Where the bombs fell

The local area on www.bombsight.org

The National Archives, University of Portsmouth and Jisc (look it up!) have released an amazing insight into London in the Blitz.

The new website - bombsight.org - maps out where in London was hit. (On the first day of publication the interest in the site was causing it to crash quite frequently. Try visiting another time as it is quite spectacular).

Looking at it locally you can see that Agamemnon Road was particularly badly hit. I am not an expert - and its difficult to tell why such a cluster fell there - except that maybe a Heinkel dropped all its remaining bombs in one go. Unfortunately, the detail available when you zoom in and click on one of the red bombs doesn't give an exact date.

The Civilian War Memorial in Hampstead Cemetery

Anyway - I think this is fascinating and helps answer why some houses on the same street look very different.

Its also a reminder of what Londoners had to live through. I will be thinking of Agamemnon Road when I next visit the Civilian War Memorial in Hampstead Cemetery as we do every year on Remembrance Sunday.

Cricklewood History Project

We have just received a letter from Danny Maher of the wonderful CIP (Cricklewood Improvement Programme. They are applying for funding for a Cricklewood History Project and in order to apply they have to show there is a need, or that people would support it/be interested.
They have asked people to circulate this as widely as possible - so if you have a few moments, and are interested, please fill in their survey.
Their letter reads:

We would be grateful if you would complete the survey in the link below and circulate to your network on our behalf. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CIPHistory

Many thanks.

Renee 

CIP Cricklewood Improvement Programme
tel 0208 2088591

Working together for each other  

http://cricklewoodcip.org  Twitter @cipcricklewood Facebook page Cricklewood Improvement Programme Facebook group Cricklewoodcan     

60 Ashford Road
Cricklewood
NW2 6TU

   

December updates

Farmers Market
First the really good news - the Farmers Market has received planning permission so it is no longer "temporary"! It received huge support from local residents - nearly 300 letters hugely in favour with only 3 dissenting voices complaining it took up too much of the space outside Thameslink and created a hazardous situation or that it wasn't good for local shops. These were drowned out in the wave of goodwill which has built up since the Market opened in September. Many congratulations to all those involved and a special thanks to local Cllr Gillian Risso-Gill who pursued the idea over several months! Happy shopping everyone!

And - don't forget the West Hampstead Christmas Market on West End Green this coming Saturday from 10-4.00 . And thanks to all those involved with that as well!

While I'm at it - thanks to Camden for our West End Christmas tree which is lit very prettily this year and also thanks as well to BAM ( Buckingham/Avenue/ Marborough Mansions) for their beautiful bright tree on the corner of Cannon Hill and West End Lane.

New School??
For a long time now there have been empty units in what locally most of us still call "the Sager Building" on Fortune Green Road. They were always going to be difficult to fill with ordinary retail uses as they were too big for a local shop. Tescos solved the problem (and caused a lot of local controversy) by putting two units together while two others have gone over to educational use.
Presumably inspired by this we now have a new "wannabee" lessee who wants to take over the remaining units for a school (this includes the large  one on the corner which was intended as an "A3" use (cafe/bar/resaurant) to replace the old pub).

Abercorn, who are a private school based in Westminster for 7-13 year olds, wish to expand and think they have found the right spot. So far they are beginning tentative discussion with Council planners, local groups and Councillors and plan an exhibition open to the public on the site on 17/18th December (we understand from 3-7pm).

There will be loads of questions eg

• Is this the right use of the units? Or should they stay empty waiting for a different use?
• Is this the right site for the school/ for the local community?
• How much traffic will it bring (we hear that they will bus pupils up from Westminster and only 30 % of their pupils arrive by car!)? And what will the the morning congestion be like?
• So what does this mean for our already overstretched parking? (Teachers for example)
• Will all the children be expected to take exercise/sport on the Green all day?
• What effect will the school have on the Green/ on the Cemetery (noise etc)?

There are no doubt lots more questions people will want to ask - so our advice is go to the exhibition and don't forget to tell your local councillors what you think (you can email us on fortunegreen@hampsteadandkilburn.org.uk)
So far no planning application has gone in and Camden's consultation on the proposals will not start until way into the New Year so you will have plenty of time to make comments.

A great lady

We were very saddened to hear of the recent death of Bernice Thomas known to the localcommunity as "Bernie". She was an amazing person and great friend who worked tirelessly for the community for many years. On the committee of the old Community Centre in Mill Lane, she was eventually honoured to be appointed a "Life Vice-President" and she was also chosen as a "Camden Good Citizen" .

Bernie helped lots of people and there will be many who remember her multitude of kind acts as well as her cheerful nature and her spontaneous hugs - truly she was a member of the "Big Society" before it became a political slogan. She gave her life to others without asking anything back and she was much loved and will be sorely missed. 

We have just received details of her funeral :

The service will take place at St Michaels Apostolic Church, St Michaels Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6XG at 10am she will then be laid to rest at Hendon Cemetery, Holders Hill Road, NW7 1NB.

We will then Commemorate her life at Heritage Inn, 301 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, NW2 6PG

We thought it would be great to have a local memorial for Bernie and would welcome ideas of how this may be most appropriate.

School stories

We know lots of local people complained about the grey bricks used for the new Emmanuel School Building, but the inside is magnificent. They have their school fair there this coming Saturday - so go along and take a peek! It is light and airy and a wonderful place for local children to get their education. The playground is pretty spectacular too! Now all that remains is to tidy up and regenerate the rest of the site including the wildlife area. The side road is to be relaid over the next 2 or 3 weeks so it will be difficult (or impossible) to access the garden centre. If you want to get your Christmas tree you will have talk to them at the Christmas Market on West End Green where they will have a stall.

We know there are shortages of school places in the area (and indeed all over Camden) but rather doubt if the latest wannabee local school is the one to supply them. There is likely to be an application shortly from an independent school which already exists in Westminster and requires an extension, to move into the empty units in the "Sager Building" on Fortune Green - likely to cause some apprehension about traffic and parking if for no other reason in residents around the Green. There is already huge pressure on parking spaces from people using the gym at all hours of day and night, not to speak of more usual traffic from local restaurantas and Tesco.
We understand the school plans an exhibition some time soon - presumably in the vacant unit so interested and concerned local residents will be able to assess this plan for themselves.

A two tree story

First - on Monday 19th November, I helped plant a new tree on West End Green to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (actually the second tree in our area planted for the Jubilee - the other is in Hampstead Cemetery in Fortune Green Road). The tree on the Green was sponsored by local estate agents Chelsea Square (with grateful thanks) and this picture (courtesy of Jonathan from West Hampstead Life) shows Ray Jacobs of Chelsea Square and me at the very informal ceremony. It is a tree of a moderate size whose leaves will turn a spectacular red in the autumn contrasting with the existing trees.

Secondly - as I was posting the story above a sad story came in via twitter that another young tree was missing! See this picture retweeted.  Just the tree support is left!

When did it go missing? And who is the phantom tree thief of West Hampstead? Hopefully the tree above is a bit too big to vanish but our young street trees are always vulnerable to attack and theft - at least at present they won't die of thirst!

Christmas Market in West Hampstead

SUPPORT LOCAL TRADERS THIS CHRISTMAS!   
When:   Saturday 8th December 2012

Where:  West End Green, West End Lane and Emmanuel Church NW6 1LU.

Time: From 10-4pm

A seasonal mix of offerings from local people for local people – mulled wine, food, chocolate, jewellery, arts and crafts.

An excellent chance to buy your Christmas presents and find out what’s available in your local area.

·    Entertaining and exciting range of activities for young and old! In the Church there will be holly wreath making, zumba demonstrations, yoga, magician, face painting, balloon artist and fairies. 

    Thanks to all those involved with the third local Christmas Market, especially local estate agents Alexanders and the West Hampstead Community Centre. Stalls are sold out but offers of help on the day are welcome. Email: westhampsteadxmasmarket@gmail.com

Under threat?

One of my neighbours at the top end of Fortune Green always talks about “going to the village” when she is going down the hill to West End Lane. This always strikes me as charming, if a little odd, coming as I do from a proper village in the country, but I know when people talk about West Hampstead they often refer to the “villagey feel” as one of the things that make it special. And, in fact, there are those who say London is actually just a collection of villages!

So West Hampstead is different from Hampstead or St John’s Wood or Highgate and does have its own identity – but what gives it that identity? Like our posher neighbour up in NW3 we have a tube station, a bus terminus and a “village green” with public lavatories; a police station and a library , a post office and a “parish church”. Additionally here we have a synagogue and a fire station which are both listed buildings while we probably both have an equal number of estate agents, charity shops, cafes and hairdressers and a handful of independent shops.

Hampstead’s police station has been under notice for many years and its library has now become a “community library” and not part of Camden’s public library service, while its independent shops are struggling to survive. The community there feels threatened.

What of West Hampstead – how much of our “village” is likely to leach away in coming months and years? Our police station too is under threat (and this time it’s genuine) from the Conservative Mayor’s cuts and our fire station is trembling on the reserve list of his cuts. The Council offices have closed and our West End Lane Post Office is likely to move, we only have one bank left, and there are rumours of changes to the library while many of our shops are having a hard time. What will be left of our local services?

Our police station on Fortune Green Road is closed to the public much of the time – and not the most beautiful building in the area – so would people really miss it? Who drops in there these days? For many years now, if you report, say, a burglary, the response is most likely to come from Kentish Town!  If you have a problem with people causing a regular disturbance, most of us would contact our Safer Neighbourhood Teams who do have a visible presence in the area.

So what would the effect be if the front counter at the police station is closed all the time? Well, many of our residents are telling us that it matters to them and the local community, and that the police station is a reassuring presence in our midst. Closing the front counter feels like the thin edge of the wedge, leading to total closure before long.

However, it is the drastic cuts in the overall police budget by the Tory Mayor which present the biggest threat to Londoners, with a big reduction in police numbers as well as the closing of front counters and replacing them with “access points” which would only be available a few days a week.

Locally, it looks as if we will keep our two Safer Neighbourhood Teams, but possibly with reduced numbers. Compared to the rest of Camden our crime figures are low but losing highly visible officers could affect us all.

This is why we have created an online petition to object to Boris’s cuts.  If you agree with us, please sign!   http://tinyurl.com/camdenpolice  (going live as of Thursday 29 Nov)

Notice anything new?

The new community noticeboard that's been installed outside West Hampstead library is the final touch in the popular improvements to the outside of the library first planned a couple of years ago when the Liberal Democrats were running Camden Council.

Regular "area forum" attenders will remember that in those days area forums had a small budget to spend on local projects. One of the ideas the West Hampstead and Fortune Green area forum came up with was to improve the outside of the library, including the new entrance, the benches and a new community notice board.

The steps and benches were done earlier this year, and after we reminded Camden about the noticeboard, it's finally turned up. We're sure that that local groups including West Hampstead Community Centre will welcome the board to advertise their activities, and we will certainly be advertising our councillors' advice surgeries there.

Autumn update - Only 54 Shopping days till Christmas

Its only now, when it's getting dark so early, that it's clear that this exciting and busy year is drawing to a close with only about 60 days till Christmas. But the year hasn't wound down yet - there's been a lot going on and lots more to come.

Some good things:
We welcomed our new Farmers Market (largely as a result of the efforts of West Hampstead Lib Dem Councillor Gillian Risso-Gill) which goes from strength to strength - blessed for its first weeks by glorious weather, and we also especially welcomed the Boundary Commission's final recommendation to leave Fortune Green where it was (largely thanks to all the wonderful letters written by local residents!). We look forward to the improvements promised for Fortune Green itself (due to the sterling efforts of the Friends of Fortune Green) and to the third Christmas Market to be held on West End Green on Sat 8th Dec sponsored by local estate agents Alexanders. Email : westhampsteadxmasmarket@gmail.com for more info -  not sure if there are any stalls left but volunteers to help on the day would be very welcome!!) And, finally, we very much look forward to the planting of a "Jubilee Tree" on West End Green which is being donated by local estate agents Chelsea Square.

But not everything is good news:
the proposed changes to recycling are due to be in by next summer. All recycled materials except food and garden waste are to be collected together (co-mingling) and we shall only have one collection per week for recycling and the rest of the rubbish. The Council wants as many people as possible to start using wheelie bins and has written to a number of people in properties they consider suitable for wheelie bins to ask them whether they'd like a "small" or large bin and what colour. ("Small" is the same height as large but a bit slimmer and your colour choice is limited to green or grey) It isn't compulsory - yet! This experiment, which is likely to arouse some opposition, is only due to come in in "the north of the Borough"!

Another long delayed scheme is about to be agreed by Camden's "Cabinet". The long promised parking review has resulted in a report which proves there is some appetite for changes in hours (although not for changes in zones) Unsurprisingly the responses from across the whole of our zone (CAP) all massively in favour of increased hours. However.... Camden will not consider our area until late in 2013 (they're looking at the south of the Borough first!) and then they will go for full residential consultation like when they first introduced the zone. So - we're afraid it looks like no early solutions.

Other looming events are the "Ballymore" development (the railway lands off West End Lane opposite the post office) which we heard was likely to start in the Spring. Some of the little shops have already closed and it's all looking rather sad. The best thing likely to come out of the development is the possibility of a new lift being created in the north east corner to allow access to the Overground - something people have been wanting for ages!

Also it now looks as if the extraordinary building proposed for the old garden centre on Iverson Road is actually going to be built so the giant cranes will soon return to this part of West Hampstead just as they've nearly vanished elsewhere.

The Mill Lane development by the rail bridge is now finished and a group of residents is working with the developers and Camden to ensure that the promised wildlife area will go ahead.

Meanwhile another new development is set to rise on Maygrove Road backing onto the Peace Park while local residents are waiting with baited breath for the Inspector's decision on the future of the Gondar Gardens Reservoir.

 Camden closed its District Housing Office at 156 West End Lane without remembering to tell tenants! They have apologised and promise to hold "drop-ins" for tenants at Swiss Cottage and Kilburn Libraries for tenants. The building itself is scheduled to be sold off for redevelopment in the future. Camden is busy maximising all its land holdings both large and small ( I recently dissuaded them from planning to build on Templar House's small but popular Pear Tree Garden - at least I hope so!) and other developers are greedily eyeing up every other space.

All this development in our area is why we support the Neighbourhood Development Forum in its efforts to produce a "Neighbourhood Plan" which will allow local residents some say in what is likely to happen in the future. (For more information - visit www.ndpwesthampstead.org.uk)

A final footnote - A new convenience store (BuyBest) is due to move in to the previous scooter shop on Fortune Green Road (corner of Burrard Road) and has applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 6am- 12 midnight. We have objected and hope that at the very least the Council will restrict the hours.

Another long running story is that of the change to the traffic lights at the Fortune Green Road / Finchley Road junction - done by Transport for London without any consultation - even with Camden's traffic engineers. It just happened - seemingly overnight - apparently done in the name of safety but in fact making this junction even more dangerous - especially for pedestrians!  Finchley Road has become a sort of Berlin Wall - impossible to cross from one side to another without risk to life and limb and TfL just don't seem to care. We have taken this up with Camden and the GLA but still get bland answers.

All in all we are living in "interesting times"!

PS A short walk recently round NW6 showed different views of what you can do with a tree site!

Victory for Fortune Green!

The Boundary Commission have just announced their latest thinking on the proposals to re-draw boundaries.  They have decided that Fortune Green belongs with its Camden colleagues in the constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn. This is excellent news!
Flick, Nancy and myself - along with a lot of local people from all parties and none went to considerable lengths to explain why putting Fortune Green at the bottom of a Barnet constituency was such a bad idea.
Fortune Green would have sat in the Finchley and Golders Green constituency. This was what their first proposal looked like...

Fortune Green was tucked right at the bottom of a constituency that stretched far to the north - its difficult to see how any MP representing that seat would ever think of Fortune Green as anything other than an after-thought.

We campaigned and lobbied - and now the Boundary Commission have scrapped that idea and their proposals now look like this...

This is much more sensible - as its mainly Camden wards - with some near neighbours from Brent.

I'm not sure its a perfect solution - but its much better than their first stab.

Full details are on the Boundary Commission's website (though their server seems to be struggling with the demand at the time of writing)

NB

In the short and medium term this is fairly academic - as the agreement at a national level to establish an elected House of Lords and even up constituency sizes has fallen apart. So no changes are likely before the next General Election anyway.

However, I suspect boundaries are always under review and at some point the idea of evening out all constituencies will be raised again. When time comes to look at this matter again a much more sensible plan will be ready and waiting to be put into effect.

Towards a better Cricklewood

We have just had the latest newsletter from the Cricklewood Improvment Programme and thought it worth posting as it's full of activity. Congratulations Cricklewood!

NEWS from CRICKLEWOOD – May - June 2012

Welcome to ‘News from Cricklewood’ newsletter geared to keeping you in touch with CIP activities and inviting your suggestions and support. We hope the sun will shine for all London 2012 events.

OLF Public Realm Following CIP’s successful bid for funds to the Outer London fund Round 2. We are working with Barnet, Brent and Camden councils. Our project manager is Osita Udendon of Udenson Caldbeck Associates . We were hoping to be operational by now but contracts have yet to be signed so a bit of a delay there. Still, we aim to deliver the whole project even if we are late starting. The funding will cover work relating to public realm which for us means tidying up the streets, decluttering, make them more pedestrian friendly, minor street work, shop front improvements, supporting local  businesses, employment support for young people, cultural events and much more.

Phone boxes BT have agreed to remove 4 phone boxes from the Broadway which will reduce the number of BT boxes to eight.  We are still trying to get an agreement from Spectrum who have a number boxes on the Broadway to reduce their number of boxes.  BT have also agreed to stop incoming calls to their boxes. We are monitoring the cleanliness, advertisement content and busyness of the boxes with a view to being able to provide evidence to BT & Spectrum when we are in discussions with them.  Please provide us with any comments you have in order to flesh out our findings.

Street cleaning  On 18^th April we CIP’s Greener cleaner Cricklewood undertook a street clean up of the Broadway.  The clean up was assisted by local police, council cleaning teams, the probation service, students and teachers from Hampstead School and local residents and businesses.  The day was a big success with lots of litter evidence collected.  (for more see http://www.cricklewoodcip.org/publicrealm.php and http://www.brentbasis.org.uk/information-services/news/brent-vcs-news/1417-community-clean-up-day-brightens-cricklewood-broadway)

Policing - JAG – Cricklewood Joint Action Group   In April 2012 a dedicated Joint Action Group was formed to resolve key concerns on the Broadway. CIP has now succeeded in getting agreement from police, residents and businesses to create a forum to resolve antisocial behaviour and other criminal activities and agreed to create a coherent message about what is and what is not acceptable in terms of drinking on the streets. At the moment residents and businesses report confusion regarding the legal position in relation to street drinking.

CIP reported on successes to date including a voluntary agreement by off-licenses to stop selling super strength alcohol to street drinkers. This is helping to reduce the problem. Given the reduction in resources amongst many statutory agencies such as local councils and police, CIP feels that it is imperative that all groups, work together to ensure a safer neighbourhood.

 (For more…. http://www.cricklewoodcip.org/Communitysafety.html)

Mapesbury Community First Panel has agreed and submitted projects for the year to March 2012 to the Community Development Foundation.  The projects relate to dealing with anti social behaviour which affects the community, the environment and improving community cohesion and an interesting project that links to the culture of the population of Mapesbury. Requests for grants (between £250 to £2500) from voluntary organisations in Mapesbury Ward are expected. Grants need to be match funded by the group receiving the grant. 

The priorities of our programme are to 1)improve community cohesion linking to the strategies in schools, local businesses, residents and creative groups supporting youth and the elderly 2) understand the history and culture of the population in Mapesbury and 3)deal with antisocial behaviour affecting the community and the environment. How to apply –http://www.cricklewoodcip.org/community_first.html

Schools Angela and Shirley are continuing to work on a partnership with local primary and secondary schools with a focus on encouraging/motivating the children to take a proactive part in the development of a safe, clean and proud Cricklewood. We are delighted to have developed a very good relationship with Hampstead School

Website content has been updated. Please submit any content to be considered for website by e-mail to cipcricklewood@yahoo.co.uk                   

Feedback is important to us so please feel free to comment on the web page www.cricklewoodcip.org

CIP steering group 3^rd July 2012.

Please let us know if you feel you can help CIP in any way. We would be delighted to have you on board. There is much to be done but it will be worth it when we have a Cricklewood that is safe, fun, welcoming and prosperous.

Public drop-in Session – West Hampstead Area Scheme, Thursday 12th July

We've just heard from Camden's officers about a drop-in session about transport related issues (NB cars, bikes, lorries etc, not buses and trains) in the West Hampstead area. Here are the full details from Camden:

Public drop-in Session – West Hampstead Area Scheme, Thursday 12^th July

 

Following the approval of the West Hampstead Place Plan as the strategic guidance for the area, Camden Council want to ask local stakeholders about their views on specific transport related issues in the West Hampstead area. As a local resident or business, we want to know what things you think would improve the streets and traffic in the area. This will help us to deliver the objective to improve the quality of experience for people in the streets and public spaces.

The Council is holding a drop-in session to give you the opportunity to highlight what you believe are the key street and traffic problems in this area, as well as what solutions you would like to see.  Council officers will be present to discuss your traffic questions. 

We are interested in discussing a wide range of traffic issues such as: -

• Road safety and accident reduction.
• Vehicles speeds and congestion.
• Ease of pedestrian access.
• Provisions for cyclists.
• Waiting and loading provisions.

Please note that the scope of this scheme will not include buses or trains.

Details of this drop-in session are as follows: -

Venue: West Hampstead Synagogue

Date: Thursday 12^th July 2012

Time: 2pm to 7pm

Officers from Camden’s Transport Strategy Service will be present for discussion throughout this session. We will then use the information gathered to assist in the development of a scheme, on which we expect to undertake a public consultation later in the year.

If you would like any further information, please contact Costa Kakouratos in the Design Team on either 020 79745132 or costa.kakouratos@camden.gov.uk. If you would like any further information about the West Hampstead Place Plan, this is published on the council website: 

http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/environment/planning-and-built-environment/place-plans/-west-hampstead/

West Hampstead's heritage

Camden has lots of interesting buildings, some important like the British Museum, and some quite small. Many of these are “listed”, which means taking special care over changes to them. Here in West Hampstead we have a Conservation Area around West End Green but we have traditional only had two “listed buildings” – the Fire Station and the Synagogue in Dennington Park Road.  More recently, Emmanuel Church and the Victorian public conveniences by West End Green have also been listed. Also, Hampstead Cemetery has specially designated status. But we do have lots of buildings and features which give our area its special character. So it’s good that there is new legislation which lets Councils produce a “local list” of buildings which have a value to local residents.

To be included in the local list the building should be a good example of a style particular to a local area/ designed or built by some notable local or national builder or architect, and or be an especially good example of some particular craft or technique. Alternatively, or it should be of local or national historical significance in the area’s history, or associated with an important local or national person or event. Or it could have have “social value” which means having local community, cultural, religious, political, educational or economic significance.

Camden will soon be asking for suggestions for buildings to go on the list – watch this space!

West Hampstead Parties!

Jubilee Celebrations in West Hampstead

Rather belatedly (and with grateful thanks to our sister blog West Hampstead Spotlight) a report back on some of our local festvities:

 

Residents in West Hampstead and Fortune Green entered into the spirit of  the Jubilee weekend with street party celebrations.

On SaturdayWHeart held a Big Lunch on West End Green organised by Sally Bowman and her team of helpers and sponsored by Chelsea Square.  There was a bouncy castle and face painting for children, a cake competition, raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and Spanish dancing.  One of the highlights was a large black chicken handing out chicken wings from Nandos.

Cllr Nancy Jirira with a visiting celebrity!

Also on Saturday, the Fordwych Road Residents' Association held their event in St Cuthbert's Church Hall,

while on on Sunday Friends of Fortune Green held a Big Lunch event, despite the rain.  They decamped into the Play Centre where at least 100 residents shared food and some entered the Bake Off competition.

On the Monday, MARA were lucky with their weather for their street party with masses of food and drinks and a "table competition of which this was the worthy winner!

 

Well done all the organisers for helping us celebrate the Jubilee weekend with friends and neigh-bours. These were just some of the parties in Fortune Green, but there were also events across West Hampstead. Now we're looking forward to the Festivals - The Jester on Fortune Green on 30 June and 1 July and the Kilburn Festival in Grange Park a week later. Just keep fingers crossed for a bit of sunshine!

Area Action Group (Area Forum)

The next West Hampstead/Fortune Green Area Forum (Area Action Group) is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 June, at the Synagogue Community Hall on Dennington Park Road. Regular attenders have been notified by e-mail or letter.

Here’s the agenda for the meeting, which Cllr Keith Moffitt will be chairing:

7 - 7.30 pm: an opportunity to meet ward councillors informally over tea/coffee

7.30 meeting starts:

Parking Policy review
For more details of the review, see below. The consultation formally ends on 18 June, but Camden will take into account comments made at the area forum.

Community Safety
Representatives from the Fortune Green and West Hampstead Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Neighbourhood Development Plan                        
James Earl, chair of the West Hampstead Neighbourhood Development Forum.

We'll aim to finish by 9.30 at the latest.

We look forward to seeing lots of West Hampstead residents on Tuesday 19 June.

Torch Relay in Camden - but not NW6/ 2!

Today's Press release from Camden Council

Camden’s exciting Olympic Torch Relay celebrations revealed

With one of London’s most happening high streets, spectacular performances from the best of Camden’s home-grown talent and iconic backdrops like Camden Lock  and St Pancras International there is nowhere but Camden to see the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Olympic Flame’s route through Camden on 26 July takes in the best of the borough. It all kicks off with a mass choir corridor singing out the torch at our launch event at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm Road at 6.45am.

The flame will then be carried by  torch bearers through buzzy Camden Town via Camden High Street – one of the world’s most visited tourists attractions with its world famous Camden Markets and renowned music venues from the Electric Ballroom to Koko – through St Pancras Gardens onto Regent’s Canal and into Granary Square and St Pancras International.

There is nothing like cheering on Torch Relay runners to whet the appetite for an Olympic sized breakfast and there will be lots of cafes and restaurants open along the route to refuel before heading into work or into the rest of your day.

Camden Council is also hosting celebrations along the route where residents and visitors can catch the Torch Relay and stay for entertainment from some of our top local artists.

Cllr Tulip Siddiq, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture said: “Nowhere is more exciting than Camden and that’s why it’s got to be the top spot to see the torch relay. We want all Camden people to join in on the day. We already know what a unique and exciting place Camden is and we also want to welcome  visitors from across London and beyond to join us to see for themselves what Camden has to offer.”

Camden’s Torch Relay Launch – 6.45am

We will be celebrating the start of the torch relay in Camden with a launch event at the Roundhouse. A mass choir will join the Roundhouse choir to sing out the torch as it starts its journey through Camden at 6.45am.

Community Breakfast 7am – 10 am

See the torchbearer and enjoy a community breakfast in St Pancras Gardens. The torch is set to arrive at this fun-filled celebration at 7.10am. Stay for craft workshops and entertainment from dance and music performances to a tai chi demonstration

Hear from Camden’s stars of the future 7am – 9.45am

Discover some of Camden’s young emerging artists at a musical celebration in Granary Square. Enjoy Camden Youth Choir, performances from David Craise and band and a water based performance spectacular from Akademi. The torch is expected to arrive at about 7.30am.

Catch some of Camden’s best loved acts 7am – 9:45am

Rounding off the morning's celebrations is a musical extravaganza in St Pancras International. Stop by to see professional performers including The Damon Brown Jazz Band, The Exhibitionists and Dance United, plus a presentation from Greenwood Dance Troupe There will also be an extra special performance from a surprise guest band. Catch the torch here at about 7.35am.

All events are accessible. There will also be a dedicated accessible Torch Relay viewing area on the island opposite Morning Crescent Underground station at the junction of Camden High Street with Crowndale Road.

The next day, on 27 July, the torch relay will make its way to the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Celebrate with Fordwych Road on Saturday

There's a lot going on this weekend - see this posting on our sister site - WestHampsteadSpotlight.

But in addition to all those events - the Fordwych Road Diamond Jubilee Party is also set to be a fun afternoon.

Based around St Cuthbert's Church towards the Maygrove end of Fordwych Road from 2:00-5:00pm there will be fun for all the family. More details on the Fordwych Road Residents Association website.

I'll be there - so hope lots of others will also be along to celebrate the jubilee and support the social side of a hard-working residents association.

Parking Review - apologies

We were all sent the wrong details to link to the Councils parking review - please see below for corre

As part of the Parking Policy Review (PPR), and as agreed at Cabinet on 7^th December 2011, a public engagement exercise will take place for a period of four weeks starting from today, to gauge opinion on issues relating to the size, days and hours of control of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), as well as on the maximum stay in pay and display bays.  I would welcome your views on this issue and ask that you send your comments to parking.review@camden.gov.uk

The results of the consultation will inform where changes may be required to CPZ days and hours of control to respond to changing parking demands and lead to the development of a work programme of CPZ reviews.  A report outlining the consultation responses will be considered later in the year, outlining any options for change.  It is also proposed that this will be considered by the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee. 
This questionnaire is being undertaken as part of the wider Parking Policy Review (PPR).  Some changes have already been implemented and details about these can be found on the PPR web page at Parking Policy Review.

The questionnaire will be available for anyone to respond to, but direct notification will be sent to the groups below:

- Residents’ and Tenant’s Associations;

- Businesses (through business forums and monthly e-newsletter)

- minority groups such as those representing the disabled and elderly;

- individuals who have previously requested changes to CPZ hours.

The questionnaire is available on the Council’s web site for public consultation on the following link: https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/test-fl/consult_view

                                  

Hard copies of all documents can also be obtained by emailing parking.review@camden.gov.uk (although please consider whether you really need a hard copy as we wish to keep printed material to a minimum).  The public consultation ends midnight on Monday 18 June 2012.

If you have any questions about the consultation or would like further information, please contact:

Email: parking.review@camden.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7974 4639

Parking Review

We have been "trailing" this parking review for ages - ever since it was promised before Xmas! At last we have received this message from the Cabinet member for Sustainability:

Dear colleagues

As part of the Parking Policy Review (PPR), and as agreed at Cabinet on 7^th December 2011, a public engagement exercise will take place for a period of four weeks starting from today, to gauge opinion on issues relating to the size, days and hours of control of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), as well as on the maximum stay in pay and display bays.  I would welcome your views on this issue and ask that you send your comments to parking.review@camden.gov.uk

The results of the consultation will inform where changes may be required to CPZ days and hours of control to respond to changing parking demands and lead to the development of a work programme of CPZ reviews.  A report outlining the consultation responses will be considered later in the year, outlining any options for change.  It is also proposed that this will be considered by the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee. 

This questionnaire is being undertaken as part of the wider Parking Policy Review (PPR).  Some changes have already been implemented and details about these can be found on the PPR web page at www.camden.gov.uk/parkingreview.  

The questionnaire will be available for anyone to respond to, but direct notification will be sent to the groups below:

- Residents’ and Tenant’s Associations;

- Businesses (through business forums and monthly e-newsletter)

- minority groups such as those representing the disabled and elderly;

- individuals who have previously requested changes to CPZ hours.

The questionnaire is available on the Council’s web site for public consultation on the following link: http://www.wearecamden.org/

                                  

Hard copies of all documents can also be obtained by emailing parking.review@camden.gov.uk (although please consider whether you really need a hard copy as we wish to keep printed material to a minimum).  The public consultation ends midnight on Monday 18 June 2012.

If you have any questions about the consultation or would like further information, please contact:

Email: parking.review@camden.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7974 4639

Local Victory

Local residents around Gondar Gardens with local councillors Nancy, Flick and Russell are here celebrating after the latest scheme for
development on the reservoir was emphatically turned down by Camden's Planning Committee last week.

But although we've won this particular fight - the war's not over yet! The developers may well appeal against this decision and are already in the process of the appeal against the refusal of the previous scheme. 

(This appeal against refusal of the first scheme (destroying all of the reservoir space, replacing it with luxury houses in the ‘pit’ accessed via a car lift) will be heard on 22/23/24th May from 10.00am at Hughes Parry Hall, 19-26 Cartwright Street, London WC1H 9EF. 

This was the "newsflash" from GARA - the residents association last week:

Great news.  Last night, 10^th May, Camden councillors refused planning permission for this scheme.

Many thanks to everyone who came along to support; to our local councillors for a spirited defence of the open space; and to everyone who worked so hard to achieve this result.  And, of course, to the councillors on the committee who voted to refuse planning permission.

This won’t be the end of the matter.  We are certain that the developer will appeal against this decision, as well as proceeding with the appeal against refusal of the first scheme (see below).

Help needed urgently

The appeal against refusal of the first scheme (destroying all of the reservoir space, replacing it with luxury houses in the ‘pit’ accessed via a car lift) will be heard on 22/23/24th May at Camden Town Hall in Judd Street. 

Urgent request – are you a solicitor or similar?

Can you instruct a barrister on behalf of GARA for the appeal hearing? 

We have getting advice from an ‘open access’ barrister but he is a very expensive QC.  A junior in the same chambers is available for the appeal at a much lower cost.  But we need a solicitor (or possibly an architect or planning consultant or similar) to instruct her.  GARA will cover all the costs; we just need help making this happen.  If you can help, please respond urgently to infogara@googlemail.com or txt David Yass on 07730814061.

We have very little time to instruct and brief a barrister – please respond urgently.

We need your money!

The appeal is costly.  We have already spent money on a barrister, ecologist, transport and planning consultants.  We need a barrister and ecologist at the appeal hearing.  Your donations are most welcome, please.  The funds will go towards the upcoming appeal and also, of course, the next one following on from refusal of the second scheme. 

Every little helps, however large or small – it is your donations that will make all the difference. Your generosity in our last hour of need raised a similar amount to that needed now, with many of you giving around £100.  That money was well spent protecting the reservoir at the previous planning appeal, and we need to do the same again now. 

Please make cheques payable to ‘Gondar and Agamemnon Residents' Association’ and send to the GARA Treasurer, 12 Agamemnon Road NW6 1DY, or make your payments direct to GARA: sort code 20-74-63, a/c 80451223, with your details in the payment reference (e.g. “28GG Yass”). 

--
Yours,
David Yass
Chair, Gondar and Agamemnon Residents Association

www.gara-westhampstead.co.uk