Brownswood Councillors

Council Tax and finances

In the last report I revealed that it was our intention to again freeze the council tax.

I can now confirm that the Cabinet meeting last Monday agreed a budget strategy which would achieve this. This would be the fifth year in a row that we have done this, and we are the only council in the country with such a record.

Despite that, the draft budget contains new provision for –
 reopening Stoke Newington Town Hall and Assembly Halls
 completing the refurbishment of Clapton Library, and outfitting the new Dalston Central library
 substantial additional expenditure on both children and adults social care
 running costs for the extra £5m capital investment in the Youth Service
 increased estate and general waste recycling and reduction
 allowance for reduced fee income during the economic downturn

Council performance

The Audit Commission continues to recognise the improved performance across the council. Its draft organisational assessment for this year rates us 2nd best in London and 4th nationally at achieving efficiencies.

They said “Hackney Council continues to build on its good track record and delivers good outcomes for local people. Satisfaction with the way the council runs things continues to improve and is similar to the London average. 7 out of 10 people are satisfied with Hackney as a place to live. More than 62% say that they get fair treatment from local services. 4 in 10 say that they can influence local decisions, which is better than average.

Good improvements have been made in services that local people say matter most including adult social care, the environment, housing, improving leisure services and in reducing crime. This builds on improvements in previous years.

The Council is working well with other public services, voluntary organisations and businesses to improve the quality of life for local people. In partnership, the Council has helped local people to find jobs and has improved the area through regeneration.”

Secondary school results

One of our major manifesto commitments in 2006 was that Hackney’s GCSE results would exceed the national average by the end of this term – from being up to 20 points behind 8 years ago.

The results for this year have now been confirmed. The national average for pupils getting five or more A*-C grades is 49.7%, and the Hackney one is 52%.

Kings Crescent

Refurbishments are now largely complete in Kelshall and Therfield, and ongoing in Bramfield with other blocks as below. Tenants are getting new kitchens and bathrooms, together with rewiring and associated improvements. On some of the southern side, new balconies are to be constructed and flats extended. We are pushing to find funding to extend this, and to bring the CCTV system back into use.

1-24 Theobalds 4/11/9
25-47 Theobalds 25/11/9
20-42 Datchworth 7/1/10
1-19 Datchworth 1/2/10
1-31 Lemsford 15/2/10
Weston Date tbc, Spring 2010


Highways scheme – junction of Brownswood Road and Queens Drive

Streets in the ward are to form parts of a new cycle route linking Finsbury Park Gate to the Olympic site. Part of this is a proposal for a raised table junction at Brownswood Road and Queens Drive. The crossing at this point could also be moved a little westwards to align with the edge of the junction.

Please respond to the consultation either via the booklet shortly to be distributed or on the web.

Manor ETRA

We were asked to again take up the issue of the location of the polling station for CD district, i.e. Myddleton Grange and Amwell Court. My preferred solution would be to see a portakabin placed at the entrance to Myddleton, as voters from surrounding streets are sometimes put off by the current journey. The Chief Executive has promised to look at this.

Woodberry Down Estate

We are still seeking to complete the regeneration on an incremental basis. In the meantime an interim repairs package has been agreed. And we have been negotiating to ensure that residents from Spring Park Drive and from Peak and Petherton, are among the first to be moved into the new flats.

Building work on the Old School Site is progressing well with the cores of both Block F (33 homes) and Block G (84) almost complete. Construction of the new secondary school is on schedule.


Councillor Brian Bell

Council Tax and finances

We intend to again freeze the council tax for the coming year – the fifth year we have done so, and the only council in the country to be able to do that.

The council’s medium term financial plan, i.e. for the next 5 years, assumes no increase in resources during that period. But that unavoidable expenditure will continue to grow by approx £15m a year. Keeping a balanced budget will require costs to continue to be reduced by that much.

A new government of any colour may of course wish to make more major changes to the local government finance system. Most start out intending to but give up because of it’s complexity.

Council performance

At the Audit Committee last Wednesday, the Audit Commission announced that we would again be 3 star council this year, including 3 for Use of Resources and Value for Money. This is especially encouraging as the tests were made significantly harder this year. Just a reminder that council’s are scored 0-4, not 1-5.

They said “The administration of the borough has had a difficult history and in 2000 the Council was a failing authority. Much of the Council's capacity over recent years has been devoted to improving the quality of its basic services and developing its partnership arrangements. This focus has proved very successful with most services demonstrating significant improvement in levels of satisfaction. Local people, businesses, partners and staff recognise significant improvement in the look and feel of Hackney. Resident satisfaction is also rising. Service improvement has been supported by physical developments, such as the refurbishment of schools and the construction of new Academies and children's centres.”

Secondary school results

And the investment in schools has paid off. One of our major manifesto commitments in 2006 was that Hackney’s GCSE results would exceed the national average.

In 2002 and 2005, we were about 20 and 10 points respectively behind. The 2009 provisional results show 70% of pupils getting at least 5 A to Cs (with 93% at Mossbourne) which has almost certainly exceeded the average for England.

Kings Crescent

I chaired the estate steering group again on the 7th of September. The strategy which was approved by Cabinet in July, envisages the demolition of two further blocks and the retention and refurbishment of the rest of the estate. This maximises the amount of land available for redevelopment providing 316 new homes, for a reasonable further cost. The remaining residents will primarily be rehoused in the refurbished frontage of Weston with views over the park.

Refurbishments have started in Kelshall and Therfield, with other blocks as below. Tenants are getting new kitchens and bathrooms, together with rewiring and associated improvements. On some of the southern side, new balconies are to be constructed and flats extended. We need to push to find funding to extend this. So far reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

23-43 Bramfield 5/10/9
1-22 Bramfield 21/10/9
1-24 Theobalds 4/11/9
25-47 Theobalds 25/11/9
20-42 Datchworth 7/1/10
1-19 Datchworth 1/2/10
1-31 Lemsford 15/2/10
Weston Date tbc, Spring 2010.

Campaigning

We had a very successful canvass on 6th September. One whole ward leaflet is at the printers and two estate specific ones are in preparation. We need to revive the road steward system to assist with deliveries.

Woodberry Down Children’s Centre

We have been campaigning against the proposal to move nursery provision from the Woodberry Down to the Hillside Children’s Centre.

We have ensured that this has been stopped for the moment, and that there will be a proper and full appraisal of real demand before any further measures are considered. In the meantime, the waiting list will be reopened. Feryal has been instrumental in making sure this happened.

Woodberry Down Estate

Hackney has been successful in bidding to government for two schemes to build over 100 brand new council houses in two parts of the borough.

Consequently on Woodberry Down, we are proceeding on an incremental basis. This does at least mean that the stock transfer ballot is no longer an issue. We have been negotiating to ensure that residents from Peak and Petherton are among the first to be moved into the new flats.

Building work on the Old School Site is progressing with the core of Block F (33 homes) completed and Block G (84) almost done. 12 Town Court Path has been demolished to allow the community centre to be provided there.

Construction of the new secondary school is on schedule.

Councillor Brian Bell

There appears to be a new application to build an additional storey on top of Alcock, Fox and Barcham Houses - which are at the very south end of Queens Drive, next to Clissold Park.

Telephone enquiries: Please contact the Planning Register Officers on 020 8356 3000
Ward Application Address Application Details Applicant/ Agent & Officer Details
Brownswood (D)

Applicant: Mr Chaskel Rand
Applicant Tel: 0208 800 1572

App No: 2009/1708
App Status: Registered
App Received Date: 31/07/2009

Agent: Jay Ashall Associates
Agent Tel: 01477 534897

Alcock House, Barcham House &
Richard Fox House Queens Drive
London N4 2TB
Address:
Case Officer: Graham Callam
Total Applications 1

Development Description:Full Planning Permission FOR Erection of an additional floor at roof level to provide 6 self contained flats ( 1x2 bed and 5 x 1 bed);
erection of 2 x cycle stores and 2 x bin stores.

More detail should be available thru the planning section of the council's website. Please note the application no above.

Alexandra National

The council continues to negotiate with Countryside Properties and Southern Housing Association on the future of the site as part of the Six Estates package. A bid for “gap funding” has been submitted to the government’s HCA (Homes & Communities Agency).

The latest proposal consists of 3 six storey “villas” along the Seven Sisters Road, with four storey maisonettes on the Queens Drive and Adolphus frontages. After accommodating those with a right to return to a view over the park, most of the villa units would be for sale, with the family units on the other frontages being social housing. A community centre is provided at the corner of Seven Sisters and Queens Drive.

There was an accelerated consultation process with representatives of decanted residents over the summer. If the bid to the HCA is successful, a planning application and public consultation thereon will follow in the autumn.

Safer Brownswood newsletter

The third edition of the newsletter went round with the August edition of Hackney Today. It can also be found here http://www.hackney.gov.uk/text/brownswood-news-august09.pdf

Portland Rise

I bid for funding as part of the Play Pathfinder scheme, and Portland Rise was allocated £41k.

It should be emphasised that this is for installing small play features for younger kids on 4-6 locations throughout the estate. It’s not putting in a large new or prefabricated playground. We were conscious of the concerns of older residents with regard to disruption and noise.

There was consultation with the Estate Committee on 16th July, and I had a site visit with the designer and a community safety officer on 24th July. An event to involve parents and kids was scheduled for 20th and 21st August.

Kings Crescent

I chaired the estate steering group again on the 23rd of July. The main business was to allow residents to comment on the report due to go to Cabinet on the following Monday.

The strategy which was eventually approved by Cabinet, envisages the demolition of two further blocks and the retention and refurbishment of the rest of the estate.

Although those residents most directly affected were inevitably concerned, the Steering Group as a whole, and the majority of the TRA, accepted the strategy as the best way forward.

It was agreed that the front part of Lemsford and the east-west leg of Weston will be cleared. This maximises the amount of land available for redevelopment providing 316 new homes, for a reasonable further cost. The remaining residents will primarily be rehoused in the refurbished frontage of Weston with views over the park.

The next stage is to devise a new masterplan for the estate, and funding applications and strategies to achieve it. Officers had proposed putting in an immediate application for the part of Kelshall above the shops, but I felt it better to confirm the overall approach first.

In the meantime, the refurbishments have finally started in Kelshall, Therfield and Bramfield, with other blocks to follow. Tenants are getting new kitchens and bathrooms, together with rewiring and associated improvements. So far reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

There will remain issues as to how leaseholders meet their share of the costs.

Local Government Finance Conference

As the newly elected Chair of Audit, I’m the Hackney delegate to this conference on Friday 11th September.

Woodberry Down Children’s Centre

We were approached by parents concerned at the proposal to move nursery provision from the Woodberry Down to the Hillside Children’s Centre.

We had a very useful meeting on 27th August with the Cabinet Member and the Director and Assistant Director for Children and Young People. They appeared to accept that the earlier consultation had been significantly flawed and needed to be redone. They also promised that any relocation would be phased, and would not happen this year.

Woodberry Down Estate

We all attended the fun day back in July, meeting with residents, officers and other agencies.

Building work on the Old School Site is on schedule with the core of Block F (33 homes) completed and Block G (84) underway. 12 Town Court Path has been demolished to allow the community facility to be provided there.

The major new issue is the transfer ballot which is currently scheduled to take place later this year.

Councillor Brian Bell

Application No: 2009/1531
App Status: Registered
App Received Date: 08/07/2009

Agent: Mr Charles Mills
Agent Tel: 0207 861 5127

Wolfson House
313-315 Green Lanes
London N4 2ES

Case Officer: Graham Callam
Total Applications 2

Development Description:
Full Planning Permission FOR Erection of a single storey ground
floor extension to the southern elevation; erection of a single storey,
first floor extension to the northern elevation; erection of a 4m high
fence, construction of a new storage facility, replacement of canopy
at the front entrance, replacement windows and minor external
works.

Audit Committee

Brian has recently taken over as the permanent Chair of Audit – which really is more interesting than it sounds. It’s responsibilities include
o Managing our relationship with the Audit Commission, who inspect us and give us our star rating
o Approving the accounts, at our late June meeting
o Directing audit and anti-fraud activity
o Promoting risk management throughout the council

This year for the first time, we are a billion pound organisation, spending a total of £1,090,395,000 on providing services. The end of year position showed an underspend of 0.69% against gross budgeted expenditure.

The council’s assets are valued at over £1,560 million, while the pension fund is worth over £542 million. Both have been adjusted downwards significantly this year to reflect economic circumstances. This should correct itself in future years.

Safer Brownswood newsletter

The second edition of the newsletter went round with the last edition of Hackney Today.

Amwell Court

The estate hall refurbishment is almost complete. The stepped access is improved with a disabled lift to be installed.

One of Hackney Homes’ maintenance contractors, Crispin & Borst, will now have it local headquarters in the basement of the hall.

Kings Crescent

We all attended the estate steering group again last Wednesday with the Deputy Mayor Karen Alcock.

Our aim is to conclude the strategy for the regeneration in a report to cabinet end July or early September.

We considered a number of options in relation to the future of the largely decanted blocks – Lemsford and Weston. The preferred one maximises the amount of land available for redevelopment providing 316 new homes, for a reasonable further cost. It seems almost certain that the front part of Lemsford and the east-west leg of Weston will be cleared. The remaining residents will primarily be rehoused in the refurbished frontage of Weston with views over the park.

The start of building new homes will be dependant on the outcome of our bids to the government’s Homes & Communities Agency. The announcement this week of additional resources to kickstart the construction industry can only be good news. They are actively looking for cleared sites with existing plans and permissions which can begin as soon as possible.

Clissold Leisure Centre

The reopened leisure centre was recently inspected for it QUEST accreditation. It achieved an excellent rating; the only one in London and among the top 30 in the country. Long-term residents will remember when this was black mark on Hackney’s record.

Parkwood School

Parkwood recently celebrated it 40th anniversary with a concert and parade through the local streets.

Each class picked a year from that period, and made a papier mache figure to represent it. Year 6 made a giant Barack Obama.

The school has benefited throughout all that period from the extraordinary dedication of Pat Cardis first as a teacher, then Deputy and now Head. She has made an outstanding contribution to this ward and area over that period.

Look out for the photos of the parade in the next edition of Hackney Today.

Council performance

The Audit Commission have found that “Hackney Council has continued to 'improve strongly' and remains a 'three star' council.

Hackney is delivering significant improvement in priority areas such as community safety, children and young people and adult social care. The pace of improvement is higher than the national average with three quarters of performance indicators improving in 2007/08. Overall resident satisfaction has improved with 60 per cent of residents feeling their views are taken into account. This is supported by the Service First programme. Challenges remain in the planning service and tackling childhood obesity.

2 The Council works well with partners to deliver wider community outcomes such as health inequalities, addressing worklessness and tackling crime. Infant mortality and teenage pregnancy rates have decreased. Apprenticeships are used to deliver more local job opportunities. Crime overall has decreased.

3 The annual performance assessment of the Council's children's services by the Office for Standards in Education found that the Council makes a good contribution to improving outcomes for children and young people.

4 The Adult Social Care performance judgements delivered by the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate showed that the service is delivering good outcomes with promising capacity to improve. Managerial and political leadership and the LAA were noted as strengths.

5 The services provided by Hackney Homes were recently rated as good with promising prospects for improvement.

6 The Council provides improved value for money and financial standing is good. Leadership, planning and prioritisation are strong. Consultation is used well to shape services to meet the needs of diverse communities. The Council continues to improve performance management and is making good use of joint appointments to increase capacity. The Council is well placed to sustain and deliver future improvements.

7 The appointed auditor has reported separately to the Audit Sub-Committee on the issues arising from our 2007/08 audit of the financial statements. He has issued his audit report, providing an unqualified opinion on your accounts and a conclusion on your value for money arrangements to say that these arrangements are adequate. The Council has continued to improve it final accounts processes including the quality of working papers provided and responding to audit requests.

8 The Council's performance on Use of Resources demonstrates continued and significant improvement in a range of key lines of enquiry. Whilst the overall score for the Council has remained as a three (performing well), this is a much stronger performance than our previous assessment. In overall terms four individual scores have improved compared with last year and none have reduced.”

There is a major change in the way assessment operates next year as we move from CPA to CAA. This is much more outcome based and examines the joint contribution of all the partners in an area rather than just the local authority.

Kings Crescent Estate

The interim works are now well advanced with much of the painting complete, and lighting repairs and upgrades beginning. The start of resurfacing has been delayed by the disruption to adjacent roads by Thames Water.

The refurbishments are now finally scheduled as follows –

21-37 Kelshall Court 27th July 2009
Therfield Court 10th August
Bramfield Court 31st August
Theobalds Court 21st September
Datchworth Court 20th October

Decisions are urgently required as to the futures of Weston, Lemsford and the part of Kelshall above the shops.

The recent discovery of asbestos in some of the elements of the old heating system has understandably alarmed residents. The Deputy Mayor, Karen Alcock is due to attend the next Steering Group meeting at the end of June.

Community Safety

A second joint police and council community safety newsletter is in preparation. The first appears to have been well received.

Overall crime in the borough is down 16% December 07 to 08. Crime calls in Brownswood are the 2nd lowest of all wards in Hackney. We will be represented at the CAP meeting in July.

Woodberry Down

The Old School site continues to be prepared for construction – unfortunately a section of the reservoir path will be closed for at least 6 months while drainage and foundation work are undertaken. On a positive note, the new planning application for the site will be decided by the planning committee this week – it is a big improvement on the outline planning permission as the new community centre and shops are much better situated.

Genesis Housing, the new social landlord for the estate, are promising to support new estate wardens, a community chest programme to help local people set up projects, and a series of small environmental Improvements. We are very pleased to be working with them as partners in delivering the regeneration that is needed.

The building of the new Skinners Academy is ongoing. Unfortunately the discovery of an unexpected electric main under the site may mean that it has to continue on its existing site for an extra term.

Six Estates

The residents of the ‘Six estates’ regeneration programme – which includes the site of Alexandra National House, are unhappy with the latest bid made by the relevant consortium – a partnership between a housing developer and a housing association. We are encouraging the council to negotiate hard to improve the bid but are aware that unless the consortium can meet residents’ demands, the council will have to look at other options to deliver new affordable housing for our empty site.

Finfuture

Finfuture continues to face financial difficulties with the collapse of it’s biggest tenant.

Manor TRA - Portland Rise, Amwell Court and Lakeside Court

The community hall on Amwell Court is having disability access put in; hence the access to the hall is blocked. The location of the recent ETRA was changed and Feryal was not able to attend.

Transition Towns

We continue to liaise with the Transition Towns Finsbury Park group, who have recently set up in Brownswood. http://www.transitiontowns.org/

Myddleton Grange

Although the fun day on the 6th April was well supported and there seemed to be a lot of interest in the TRA, the AGM itself was not well attended. The handful of members who turned up decided to select the TRA officers provisionally to kick start the whole process, hence a chair, secretary and treasurer were elected with 3 other residents as committee members. The next meeting is on the 23rd of June, when they will start discussing issues on the estate.

Street trees

One of the most specific commitments in our manifesto was to plant 1000 new street trees by the end of the term. This was achieved in March, over a year ahead of schedule. We are seeking extra funding to continue this initiative.

Labour Group and Council AGMs

We were pleased to welcome branch members and ward guests to the Council AGM. Councillor Muttalip Unluer of Stoke Newington Central was elected Speaker for the coming year, with Clayeon McKenzie from Hoxton as his deputy.

At the Labour Group AGM, Feryal was elected Chair of the Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Commission. Brian was elected Chair of Audit, and remains Vice-chair of Licensing and Assistant Chief Whip.

Stoke Newington to Sadlers Wells tunnel

The Thames Water tunnelling project which links the Stoke Newington Reservoirs (and thereby the East London Ring Main) to the Inner London Ring Main at New River Head (next to the Sadlers Wells Theatre) had an important breakthrough last month - see photo below.

We have continued to receive complaints of disturbance being caused by the tunnelling, and have taken them up as necessary.

The tunnel linking the pipes under the Stoke Newington Reservoirs, to the inner London ring water main, had a breakthru this week.

More here - http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/05/12/67718/morgan-est-breaks-through-on-thames-tunnelling-job-photos.html

These buildings form the south east corner of the ward, at the bottom of Queens Drive, adjacent to Clissold Park and near the White House PH.

App No: 2009/0260
App Status: Registered
App Received Date: 30/01/2009
Agent: Jay Ashall Associates
Agent Tel: 01477 534897

Alcock House Barcham House &
Richard Fox House
Queens Drive London N4 2TB
Case Officer: Caroline Ozor
Total Applications 1

Development Description:
Full Planning Permission for erection of part fourth storey
extension to existing building to provide 7 x 1 bed flats with
additional refuse bin storage.

UPDATE
The application for the former Brownswood Library site was approved at the Planning Committee last week, with detailed approval of the materials to be used, reserved.

The primary school league tables were published last week. Parkwood Primary in Queens Drive was listed as the 2nd best in the whole country for the value it adds to it's pupils' education.

Congratulations to the Head and staff, and the pupils and parents!

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7974656.stm

Most improved council

Last Wednesday Hackney was recognised as the most improved council at the Local Government Chronicle awards.

The work of our local strategic partnership Team Hackney was also highly commended.

Beacon Awards

A fortnight previously, we had been awarded beacon status in two categories. This is the first time Hackney has been acknowledged in this way.

The two areas in which we were recognised as beacons of good practice were –
 Strategic commissioning of services from partners and the commercial and voluntary sectors
 promoting more active communities in the lead up to the 2012 Games

Transport

Hackney has also been crowned the best borough in London for transport.
The council won the top prize at the London Transport Awards in recognition of its work to boost green travel through investment in cycling, walking, public transport and road safety.

A judging panel of industry experts felt Hackney was now leading the rest of London in sustainable transport. The award comes after six years of investment by the council to improve transport links and traffic flow, upgrade road surfaces, and promote safe and eco-friendly travel.

As a result, the borough is ranked number one in the UK for growth in cycling. Hackney also now has over 70 schools with a travel plan to help reduce school run congestion, and has seen a 75 per cent increase in the number of council staff walking, cycling or using public transport to get to work.

On the important issue of road safety, the authority met all its 2010 accident reduction targets, three years ahead of schedule in 2007, and has a policy of adopting a 20mph limit on all its roads.

It has also secured better transport links – the culmination of a four year campaign – with improvements to the East and North London lines underway, including building four new stations in Dalston, Haggerston, Hoxton and Shoreditch and more frequent trains by 2012.

The council was also commended in the Cycling Improvements category at the awards ceremony on 17 March.

Kings Crescent Estate

Officers are in the process of concluding matters with the previous potential developers. In the meantime we are working on the assumption that the council will refurbish and retain the remaining blocks.

The contractors for the interim works are now on site and beginning preparatory works. One major issue which will arise is displaced parking when the highways repairs are being undertaken. With the major water pipe maintenance already underway, this may contribute to temporary congestion in lower Queens Drive if not managed properly.

The rest of the interim works and associated repairs are programmed between now and the autumn. They will include -
 Creation of a gardening space for residents
 Lighting replacement and upgrading
 Roof repairs where necessary, especially to staircases
 Safety and access improvements, including some repainting

The first set of refurbishments could then begin as soon as July. It has been confirmed that we are able to use existing framework contractors including those for Decent Homes. We have asked officers to properly consult residents on the materials and design to be used.

The new Deputy Mayor, Karen Alcock is due to attend the next Steering Group meeting.

Community Safety

A new sergeant Keith McMaster, has been appointed to head up the Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team, in place of David Bounds who moves on within the Met.

The March CAP meeting again confirmed the local policing priorities as –
 Blackstock Road
 Anti social behaviour on estates
 prostitution

Overall crime in the borough is down 16% December 07 to 08. Crime calls in Brownswood are the 2nd lowest of all wards in Hackney.

A joint police and council community safety newsletter went out to all parts of the ward in the last week.

The Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be moving in to a shared office with the Highbury team in the former plant hire/carpet warehouse on Blackstock Road later this year. This may also be the base for a new dedicated Blackstock Road/Nags Head SNT.

Woodberry Down

Construction on the first new social housing has now begun. The Labour Government, through the Homes and Communities Agency, has made £16 million available to ensure the social housing on the Old School Site is built as planned. A ground breaking ceremony was held on 12th March. These homes will be 10% bigger than the nationally recognised Parker Morris standard, which itself is regarded as unusually generous these days.

Bids for the rest of the “Kickstart” sites totalling £50m have been submitted. Again if agreed these would allow the building of the social housing to start before any private units.

We have a briefing on the implications of the revised PDA for these sites this Thursday.

Genesis Housing Association (which previously operated in Hackney as the Pathmeads and Paddington Churches HAs) has been appointed as the RSL to take forward the regeneration of the rest of the estate – ie non Kickstart sites. The accompanying private developer for the rest will be appointed in June if it goes according to schedule.

Interim works are being put on hold pending greater clarity of the phasing of future development.

The building of the new Skinners Academy started on programme.

Finfuture

With the end of its funding from the LDA this month, Finfuture faces a major shortfall. Brian is taking it’s CE to meet with the council’s Director of Partnership on 9th April to see if this is a potential source.

Manor TRA - Portland Rise, Amwell Court and Lakeside Court

We are continuing to support the TRA in raising complaints about the noise nuisance from the adjoining Thames Water site.

Transition Towns

Feryat met with the Transition Towns Finsbury Park group, who have recently set up in Brownswood. They are well established in other parts of the borough and their aim is to make Finsbury Park/Brownswood “more sustainable and resilient in response to the challenges, and opportunities, of Peak Oil and Climate Change”. Feryat has been asked for help in reaching out to the Turkish/Kurdish communities in Hackney. http://www.transitiontowns.org/

Alexandra National

We are still seeking new development partners to help regenerate the site. One of the original four tenderers has been shortlisted. Their bid is currently being evaluated. We expect an update next Wednesday.

Myddleton Grange

Darren attended the meeting on 18th March and helped to review the community action plan to deliver a regular youth club and holiday activities. A community open evening is being held on April 6th to bring residents together and promote the new TRA.

Street trees

One of the most specific commitments in our last manifesto was to plant 1000 new street trees by the end of the term. This was achieved last month, over a year ahead of schedule.

Councillors Report for March 09



Budget and council tax 2009/10

The council meeting to set the budget took place last night. As intended, we were able to freeze the Hackney element of the council tax again, for the fourth year in a row. Hackney is the only major council in the country to be able to do this. Residents are on average £256 better off. In addition the GLA/Mayor of London are intending to freeze their element this year.

Despite this, through better use of resources we plan to
* Increase schools spending 3.9% per pupil
* Reopen Stoke Newington Assembly Hall and offices
* Invest a further £0.576m in recycling
* Open 1 new and 1 completely refurbished library
* Put an additional £0.5m into cleansing
* Further expand statutory youth services by £0.38m
* Recruit more environmental health officers, including ones specialising in noise pollution and food standards
* Allocate over £1m more towards adult social services
* Offer free swimming to children and seniors all year round

The Audit Commission will announce tomorrow that Hackney is again a 3 Star (out of 0-4) council, and continues to improve strongly. We also commission annual research from MORI into levels of satisfaction with public services in the borough. In 2000, overall satisfaction with the council was under 20%. It is now over 70%. In addition, 48% agree their council is getting better – 12% higher than any other.

Kings Crescent Estate

We previously reported residents’ disenchantment with the prolonged tendering process for regeneration partners, and the delays to the start of interim works. They have had to endure 11 years of lengthy negotiations and false starts, while the fabric of the estate has sometimes been allowed to decline. At the previous Steering Group, the TRA notified us that they no longer sought a comprehensive regeneration, but wanted the estate refurbished and retained by the council.

Whilst we have been advised that legally we cannot arbitrarily terminate the current process, we have made clear to officers our view that the current developers should either sign up to Heads of Terms, or be regarded as no longer credible. The crucial meeting with them is due this week.

The interim works which we have been campaigning for during the last year have finally begun. The entrance to Kelshall Court on Brownswood Road (opposite the Poundstretcher) which attracted prostitution has been converted to a door entry system. The residents there are delighted.

The rest of the interim works and associated repairs are programmed between now and the autumn. They will include -
 Highway repair and replacement
 Lighting replacement and upgrading
 Roof repairs where necessary, especially to staircases
 Safety and access improvements, including some repainting

The first set of refurbishments which the council has funding set aside for, could then begin as soon as June if we are able to use existing framework contractors including those for Decent Homes. We have asked officers to properly consult residents on the materials and design to be used.

Assuming negotiations with the current potential development partnership are unsuccessful, the future programme of refurbishments will be subject to adequate provision being made in the capital programme. We have met with the new Deputy Mayor several times to try to ensure she makes Kings Crescent a top priority.

Community Safety

The Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be moving in to a shared office with the Highbury team in the former plant hire/carpet warehouse on Blackstock Road later this year. This may also be the base for a new dedicated Blackstock Road/Nags Head SNT.

Woodberry Down

The Labour Government, through the Homes and Communities Agency, has made £16 million available to ensure the social housing on the Old School Site is built as planned. A ground breaking ceremony is now planned for 12th March.

Bids for the rest of the “Kickstart” sites totalling £50m have been submitted. Again if agreed these would allow the building of the social housing to start before any private units.

A revised PDA for these sites is being put to cabinet members on 2nd March.

It remains the intention to select a housing association to take forward the regeneration of the rest of the estate – ie non Kickstart sites - by 3rd March. The accompanying private developer for the rest will be appointed in June if it goes according to schedule.

Interim works are being put on hold pending greater clarity of the phasing of future development.

WDCO (the Woodberry Down Community Organisation) is the body meant to represent all tenants and residents, but sadly is frequently poorly attended and unrepresentative. It feels that priority for the first new homes should be given to residents already moved elsewhere within the estate. If this was agreed rather than priority for those in the Spingpark Drive part of Phase 2, it would seriously compromise the overall programme and mean a “double decant” for future waves.

The building of the new Skinners Academy has started on programme. A ground breaking ceremony there had to be abandoned because of the bad weather last month.

Hackney Homes

Feryat is one of the council representatives on the Hackney Homes board. HH has recently undergone it’s second Audit Commission inspection of the year. It’s success in obtaining at a two star rating means that £225m additional decent homes funding has been released.

Manor TRA - Portland Rise, Amwell Court and Lakeside Court

The TRA have raised issues including noise nuisance from the adjoining Thames Water site which we are following up.

Alexandra National

We are still seeking new development partners to help regenerate the site and provide rented, intermediate, private, and possibly retail, accommodation. One of the original four tenderers has been shortlisted. Their bid is currently being evaluated.

Myddleton Grange

Brian and Feryat attended the residents meeting on 25th February to support them in establishing a permanent TRA. Further meetings are planned for 18th March and 22nd April.

May 2010

Brian and Feryat were delighted to have been chosen to represent Labour again in 2010.

There was a very successful voter ID session on Sunday 25th February when 25 members from the ward and beyond turned out. In a single day we spoke to 3% of residents in the ward, and got 100 new Labour promises.

Councillors Report for January 09



Council performance and budget 2009/10

We intend to freeze the Hackney element of the council tax again, for the fourth year in a row. As far as we know, we are the only council in the country to be able to do this. Residents are on average £256 better off.

Despite this, through better use of resources we plan to
* Invest a further £0.5m in recycling
* Put an additional £0.5m into cleansing
* Recruit more environmental health officers, including ones specialising in noise pollution and food standards
* Offer free swimming to children and seniors all year round

The council commissions annual research from MORI into levels of satisfaction with public services in the borough. In 2000, overall satisfaction with the council was under 20%. It is now over 70%.

Brian currently chairs the council’s Audit Committee. At it’s last meeting, our District Auditor confirmed that we would be a three star (on a 0-4 scale) authority again this year. More impressively yet, they stated -

“The council’s performance demonstrates continued and significant improvement in a range of key lines of enquiry. This is particularly commendable on the back of an `improving strongly’ assessment in the previous Direction of Travel Assessment in March 2008.

Whilst the overall score for the council has remained as a 3(performing well), this is a much stronger performance than our previous assessment. In overall terms four individual elements have improved compared with last year and none have reduced.”

Olympic success

On the 23rd of January, the government and other members of the Funders Committee agreed to release an additional £135 million to build both the Main Press Centre and the International Broadcast Centre. These are the biggest elements of the Olympic Park which fall in Hackney, with £355 million to be invested in total.

The intention was that these should be built to the highest specifications for adaptable office and work space, accommodating the most up-to-date technology and to the highest fit out standards. After the games are over, they should attract media, creative and allied industries as the permanent tenants, hopefully bringing high paid jobs to the borough.

The council fought a long campaign to ensure these were built as originally planned, and not just as shells which might eventually end up as warehousing.

Hackney Children’s Services

Children’s services in Hackney have been given a three star (out of four) rating by OFSTED. They were impressed by improvements in all the included service areas over the last year.

Kings Crescent Estate

We previously reported that residents’ disenchantment with the prolonged tendering process for regeneration partners, and the delays to the start of interim works, has been building. They have had to endure 11 years of lengthy negotiations and false starts, while the fabric of the estate has sometimes been allowed to decline.

On our first day back on the 5th of January, all three councillors met with Hackney Homes and council officers to urge them to make rapid progress.

At the latest Steering Group, the TRA notified us that they no longer sought a comprehensive regeneration, but wanted the estate refurbished and retained by the council.

On a happier note, two KC residents Jill and Vince Walker-Murrain won Hackneys active resident of the year award for their work running the youth club and in the TRA. Brian and Feryat were amongst those pleased to nominate them.

Community Safety

Darren and Feryat attended the Community Advisory Panel meeting on the 14th of January. The meeting agreed to keep Blackstock Road, anti-social behaviour on estates and prostitution as the priorities for the Brownswood SNT for the next two months. A further anti-kerb crawling operation is planned for 1st week of February.

The top three crime allegations in the ward are; burglary 19 cases in last two months; ABH 15 cases; and theft from motor vehicles 14 cases. Overall crime allegation figures have further reduced by 3 % from previous two months.

The Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be moving in to a shared office with the Highbury team on the Islington side of Blackstock Road later this year.

Brian attended a meeting called by the police on 12th January to discuss prostitution in the area. Unfortunately few other residents did, which was generally felt to be a reflection of the reduction of the scale and impact of the problem. However clearly this can change as the weather improves, and a follow-up meeting has been called for 16th February.

Woodberry Down

Darren will update verbally.

Hackney Homes

Feryat is one of the council representatives on the Hackney Homes board. HH has recently undergone it’s second Audit Commission inspection of the year. Obtaining at least a two star rating is a requirement of £225m additional decent homes funding being released.

The executive team met with the commission in early January to discuss the report and thoroughly check it ahead of its release. HH are obliged to follow the commission’s protocol and wait until the report is officially released to let everyone know the result. This is likely to be towards the end of February or early March.

The current year decent homes programme is well on track to meet its targets. The target % of homes without decent homes works at 1st April 2009 is 31.7%. Some 7,842 homes remain to be made decent between 1st April 2009 and 2012.

Manor TRA - Portland Rise, Amwell Court and Lakeside Court

At the latest meeting on 15th January, the residents complained that the fast turn over of estate managers on Portland Rise (PR) and Lakeside Court (LC) was causing major delays in all reported repairs. In the past 2 years, PR and LC have had 4 different managers. Most requests made at previous ETRA’s are still outstanding. (Feryal to follow them up)

Alexandra National

We are still seeking new development partners to help regenerate the site and provide rented, intermediate, private, and possibly retail, accommodation.

Stoke Newington Central Bye-election

There was a bye-election in Stoke Newington Central ward on Thursday 29th January, following the retirement of former Deputy Mayor Jamie Carswell. The candidate was former Brownswood Secretary Louisa Thompson. Thanks to all the branch members who helped out.

And congratulation to Louisa who won with 48% of the vote – up 2.5% from the last borough elections. The Greens came second with 32% despite bringing in activists from across London. The Lib Dems only got 12% while the Tories were on a humiliating 7%.

App No: 2008/3185
Applicant: Genesis Housing Group
App Received Date: 29/12/2008
Agent: Savills Tel: 0203 320 8276

Former Brownswood Library
Brownswood Road
London N4 2ST
Address:
Case Officer: Rokos Frangos
Total Applications 3

Description:
Full Planning Permission FOR Demolition of existing building and
erection of a five-storey building containing seventeen residential
units and one disabled parking space, together with associated
outdoor amenity space and landscaping.

Check it out on the Planning section of www.hackney.gov.uk

Happy New year to our small but dedicated group of readers!

The council has received a new application for a hostel which local residents may want to comment on.

Application no - 2008/2018

Address - 420 Seven Sisters Road, London N4 2LX

Description - demolition of existing building on the site and the erection of a six storey building for use as a hostel with associated parking and refuse storage (Class C1)

Please see the planning section of the website Hackney.gov.uk
for further details.

Financial crisis

We are happy to confirm that Hackney did not have any monies in Icleandic or other banks, which have recently collapsed.

The council’s reserves and balances of £344m are spread over 23 institutions, mostly domestic, all of which at the moment seem secure.

Tackling climate change in Hackney

Hackney currently has the lowest per capita CO2 omissions of any London borough, although it should be acknowledged that some of this is due to fuel poverty and deprivation. The challenge will be to stop this growing with increased prosperity.

Measures and achievements so far include –
 Introduction of one of the greenest council vehicle fleets
 Free parking for electric and other green vehicles
 Significantly increased rates of recycling with compulsory recycling from street properties
 Voted best council for cycling
 Free energy advice service for all residents
 Working particularly with council tenants and leaseholders to reduce energy consumption and promote renewable sources
 The council buys it’s own electricity from a hydro-electric provider
 2007 winner of the Mayor of London’s green procurement awards

Councillor Sophie Linden, our cabinet member for environmental sustainability, will be the guest speaker at our November local Labour meeting.

Kings Crescent estate

Residents are growing increasingly concerned at the perceived lack of progress, and are fearful of the implications of the “credit crunch”.

We are pressing for
 An immediate start to the interim repairs
 A firm date for the refurbishment of the southern blocks to begin
 The Heads of Terms of an agreement with the developer and housing association to be signed

Community Safety

Feryat will be attending the next CAP meeting on the 12th of November.

Finfuture are hosting a workshop on making Blackstock road safer for women from 6-7.30pm on Tuesday 11th November at 225-229 Seven Sisters Road. This is open to all women in the area.

Woodberry Down

The planning sub-committee approved the new master plan for the regeneration of Woodberry Down this month. This should allow all those bidding more certainty about what we as an authority are seeking to achieve in the neighbourhood.

Unfortunately, Berkley Homes have not started work yet on the development of the old school site on Woodberry Grove due to issues in the housing market. The council and Hackney Homes are exploring sources of funding to make the project more commercially viable. Our priority is to make sure the amount of affordable homes are maintained and that the new community centre is not delayed.

On a more positive note, the planning application for the new Skinners’ Academy has been received and is open for public consultation. It promises to be an exceptional new facility for the area, and the Head is adamant that it will become a centre for community activity and not just a school.

Darren is continuing to support the Manor House Development Trust as it goes from strength to strength. They have just submitted a bid for additional money to provide new and expanded youth activities. We are also exploring how we can bring the old boys club on Green Lanes back into use.

Living in Hackney

The Living in Hackney scrutiny commission has started a new investigation into the issue of overcrowding in Hackney. We have begun to look at the levels of overcrowding in the borough, and the planning and regeneration directorate’s plans for the provision of new larger affordable homes. Darren would welcome any thoughts or experiences from ward members that he can feed into the commission’s report.

Hackney Homes

Hackney Homes is preparing for a second inspection by the Audit Commission during November. If the inspectors rate the organisation as two stars or above, we will be able to access an additional £225m in credits to complete the Decent Homes programme.

The inspection will cover cross cutting themes, i.e. value for money, access, customer care and equality and diversity, with particular emphasis on value for money. The inspection should last for about 2 weeks with the inspectors returning a verdict at the beginning of February 2009.
Feryat is one of the council representatives on the Hackney Homes board.

Manor TRA - Portland Rise, Amwell Court and Lakeside Court

There was a very good turn out compared to previous meetings. General management and maintenance issues dominated discussion, with a number raised by Lakeside residents.

The young people who took part in the summer youth activities funded through the Tenants Levy, will have a certificate ceremony on the 6th of November.

Alexandra National

We are still seeking new development partners to help regenerate the site and provide rented, intermediate, private, and possibly retail, accommodation.

Myddleton Grange estate

We continue to support resident representatives, police and housing associations in establishing a proper T&RA, and providing regular activities for young people. Brian is attending their next meeting on 12th November.

Metric “martyrs”

Members may have seen some recently publicity about this. Surprisingly, the coverage was almost entirely misleading!

The issue in all these cases was short selling, i.e. defrauding people by giving them less than they were paying for. Thirteen traders were cautioned, and all but one either changed their practices or pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court. Most were using old measures in an attempt to make it more difficult for trading standards to enforce against them, rather than for ideological reasons.

There are more serious charges pending against the sole remaining trader, and the council has been abiding by the sub judice rule, unlike this particular individual. It is our belief that she has been using the gullible eurosceptic media to distract attention from these.

Council 29.10.8

One of the major items was to give the freedom of the borough to the Territorial Army in recognition of the individual sacrifices of soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Brian was Chief Whip for the evening, and used his own question to emphasise that our support for the Olympics should be based on demanding a lasting legacy for the borough.

Wilberforce Road

We had the derelict phone box at the top of the road removed.

School Results

Our local primary Parkwood, has again had outstanding results –

Year 6 (age 11) Hackney National Parkwood
English 75% 81% 84%
Maths 72% 78% 84%
Science 80% 88% 92%

All this has again been achieved with an intake which is significantly more deprived than the Hackney average, e.g. 60% eligible for free school meals compared to the Hackney average of 41%.

What have we achieved?

Since taking back control in 2002, this administration has achieved -
* Stability and continuous improvement in the council finances and management
* Achieved a three star rating (out of 0-4) for overall performance
* Nearly two thirds of council homes meet the Decent Homes standard compared to a quarter back then
* Introduced compulsory recycling for street properties, and rolling it out further on estates
* The biggest reduction in crime of any London borough
* Extension of the Underground under construction
* Reductions in infant mortality and teenage pregnancies
* Helped more residents into employment
* Gone from the worst to the best at processing benefit claims
* Our streets are the cleanest they’ve ever been, with graffiti removed in under two hours and 1000 new street trees each year
* Seven of our parks have achieved Green Flag status
* Opened London Fields Lido and reopened Clissold Leisure Centre
* Educational standards have increased significantly
* All our secondary schools are being rebuilt, and five new academies opened
* Surestart and the Childrens Centre network being delivered

Major challenges remaining include
 Making sure the Olympics and Paralympics leave the legacy we want
 Delivering major projects such as Woodberry Down, in the changing economic circumstances
 Improving educational standards, outcomes and opportunities further
 Hackney Homes achieving at least two stars
 Reducing the fear of crime to match the real reduction

Kings Crescent estate

The refurbishment of the southern blocks is proceeding, funded directly by the council and government grant. Planning permission was granted on 3rd September. A programme of environmental “catch-up” and improvements works are scheduled and clarification as to whether leaseholders should be recharged is being sought.

The steering group, which Brian chairs and which now includes the potential developer and housing association partners, continues to meet on an approximately monthly business. We hope to be able to report on the signing of the Heads of Agreement within the week.

Community Policing

At the CAP meeting held on the 3rd of September the police reported a dramatic decrease in all crime in Brownswood ward over the summer (July/Aug). In particular, decreases in all three of the main previous concerns - burglary, prostitution and anti social behaviour (ASB). Whilst Brownswood was a burglary hotspot in June, it is now no longer considered so.

Over the summer the police conducted plain clothes patrols of all the estates, as well as deploying a police bus which not only patrolled the estates but also stopped to give young people summer scheme information.

The dispersal zone around Blackstock Road is coming to an end soon. It was reported that whilst there are people still congregating outside cafes on BSR, there has been no trouble. Several residents voiced their disappointment with the summer festival on BSR. They were concerned about the vision /lack of vision for BSR by FinFuture.

Concerns were raised regarding high number of accidents on the junction of Queens Drive and Seven Sisters Road involving motorbikes. Feryat undertook to look in to getting a safety assessment done.

The panel decided that the priorities set at the previous meeting should remain the same ie i) ASB by gangs of youths on WD, KC and Myddleton Grange ii) prostitution iii) Blackstock Road. The next meeting is on Wednesday November 12th.

Woodberry Down

The masterplan for Woodberry Down is due to go to the planning committee during October. This has been resubmitted due to changes that were made as a result of the listing of the primary school and the John Scott health centre.

The council continues the selection process for a developer and RSL to carry out the regeneration for stages 2-5 of the masterplan. This is expected to be concluded early in the new year and will go to cabinet for final approval.

Negotiations with the developer of the old school site (adjacent to the Jewish girls’ school) continue as they have not signed an agreement on planning obligations that would allow them to start building. There are concerns about how this is related to problems in the property market at the moment and the council is considering whether other sources of funding that can be accessed to bring the scheme forward.

Boris Johnson is being lobbied by a conservative councillor from New River and a conservative London Assembly member to drop the plans to narrow the section of Seven Sisters Road as it travels through Woodberry Down. Mayor Johnson has committed to re-consult on the issue and we hope that he does not go back on his word to support this. At the moment, this section of the road severs the community in two and when the regeneration is completed, the new educational campus will be on the north side of the road. We hope that the principals set out in the masterplan to create a ‘whole living environment’, where children can walk around safely, will be maintained.

We ran a stall at the funday back in July.

Blackstock Road

At the same time as increasing enforcement activity, we have always emphasised the need to work with the residents and traders to promote the area positively. Therefore we were please to attend the inaugral Blackstock Road Festival on Sunday 10th August. The street was sealed off for the afternoon, and entertainment and information stalls provided. We had useful discussions with several residents and Jeremy Corbyn MP, and took some good photos.

(photo was meant to go here!)

Although organised at short notice, and acknowledging that it could have been better attended, we felt it was symbolically important that something positive was done. There is an in principle commitment to repeat it next year, with more time to plan and advertise.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

Resurfacing works at Portland Rise which we have been pressing for, are about to start.

Alexandra National

We are currently seeking for new development partners to help regenerate the site and provide rented, intermediate, private, and possibly retail, accommodation.

Myddleton Grange estate

We continue to support resident representatives, police and housing associations in establishing a proper T&RA, and planning more activities for young people.

Wilberforce Road

We have had the derelict phone box at the top of the road removed.

Campaigning for May 2010

The next local elections are in May 2010, and although that may seem a long way away, we need to start campaigning now. A borough-wide campaign plan has been adopted, and there should be both local and council-wide leaflets to deliver in the autumn. Canvassing started in September with a push in Brownswood in early November.

It has been a great privilege to be your councillors for the last two years. We are pleased to confirm that we will be seeking renomination in accordance with the Labour Party’s procedures, in the coming months.



Brian Bell, Feryat Demirci and Darren Parker
Labour Councillors for Brownswood
http://brownswoodcouncillors.blogspot.com/

Kings Crescent estate

We expect to finally introduce the new development partnership – Lovells builders and Family Mosaic Housing Association - to residents at a meeting this Wednesday.

The refurbishment of the southern blocks is proceeding, funded directly by the council and government grant. There was a second open day for residents on Wednesday 14th May, and planning permission is now being sought. A programme of environmental “catch-up” and improvements works are underway.

The subsequent meeting of the steering group, which Brian chairs, is on 30th July.

Match-day parking scheme

The much-delayed scheme is now scheduled for introduction in August, ahead of the new season. It will cover the whole of our ward.

The response to the consultation showed 67% support overall, rising to 77% within a mile of the stadium.

The introduction of similar controls during special events, such as the recent Springsteen concerts, will not be implemented at this time. The situation will be reviewed after the scheme has been in operation for a year.

Council 25th June

We raised two issues. One was the recent situation when building works to a house at the corner of Princess Crescent and Gloucester Drive left it dangerous and eventually requiring demolition. The second was to clarify how we would continue to promote Fairtrade principles.

The Labour Group proposed a motion criticizing Boris Johnson’s intention to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes. We also introduced a deputation from the Hackney branch of the London Cycling Campaign, who were strongly against the proposal.

The debate exposed the usual pro-car, anti-pedestrian, anti-cyclist and anti-public transport views of the local Tories. Most notable were the constant outbursts of Tory councillor Maureen Middleton who shouted “I hate bikes” several times.

The Lib Dems supported us. The “Greens” didn’t turn up!

Woodberry Down

We reported in error last month that the Cabinet meeting at the end of April approved a package of measures to support those shopkeepers on the estate wishing to transfer into new units on the “old school site”. In fact the report was deferred as a few matters still need to be resolved.

The Estate Development Committee which has been main method of resident involvement in the regeneration plans, reconstituted itself as the Woodberry Down Community Organisation, with a wider remit at its most recent meeting.

The revised masterplan will be considered at a future planning committee.

The competitive process to select a RSL and a developer for the remaining sites is continuing.

We are hoping to have a stall at the funday this Saturday.

Blackstock Road

We had been hinting for some time at the major police operation planned against organised crime on Blackstock. It may be worth restating why this was necessary - figures from the police and phone companies show that well over half of all mobile phones stolen in London were later resold there. Increasingly laptops, PDAs and SatNavs also featured. Indeed it was the biggest single hotspot for such crime in the whole country.

With regard to the dispersal zone, the latest info is that the police do now intend to apply for it to continue for another three months. The imposition of the zone was something we strongly supported because as well as the actual crime, one of the main issues raised with us by residents was the intimidating feeling that just having so many people hanging about on the street caused. There were also many reports of actual harassment, particularly of women and girls.

There are also plans to set up a separate Safer Neighbourhoods Team for Blackstock. As far as we know this is the first such cross-boundary team in the Met. We have written to the Mayor pledging our support and requesting his.

At the same time as increasing enforcement activity, we have always emphasised the need to work with the residents and traders to promote the area positively. A new charter attempting to summarise the community’s aspirations for the area was launched on the 29th May.

A Blackstock Road Festival, which will include closing the northernmost part of the road, is scheduled for Sunday 10th August.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

Feryat will be attending their next meeting on 17th July.

Alexandra National

We are currently looking for new development partners to help regenerate the site and provide rented, intermediate, private, and possibly retail, accommodation.

Myddleton Grange estate

We recently met with resident representatives, police and housing associations on the estate to discuss establishing a proper T&RA, and getting activities for young people during the summer. We will be following this up with further efforts.

Council Finances

We have been stressing how sound the council’s finances are under the current administration. The accounts for last year were successfully closed on 30th June, the earliest ever deadline. Amongst other things, they show –

§ Last year the council spent £929,508,000 providing services to residents, businesses and visitors
§ We had a surplus of £26,294,000, which has been rolled forward into this year’s budget (most of this was deliberate contingency funding)
§ The authority’s assets have a notional net value of £1,956,660,000
§ Our pension fund is worth £675,910,000

Greater London Authority and Mayoral elections

Labour actually had a good result in London on 1st May, which has largely gone unreported due to the Mayoral contest.

We gained Harrow and Brent from the Tories, and held all of our constituency seats.

We took a London wide seat from the Lib Dems.

Although any presence is worrying, the far-right places on the assembly are down from 2 to 1.

“Respect”, whether the Galloway version or the SWP list, failed to get a seat.

In the North East London constituency – Hackney, Islington & Waltham Forest – Ken Livingstone got over 49% of the vote compared to 29% for Boris Johnson. In the assembly election, Jeanette Arnold got 38% compared to 23% for the Tory.

Congratulations to Jeanette on subsequently being elected the new Chair of the assembly.

Turnout was up significantly throughout North East, and particularly in Hackney. The campaign was largely run by Hackney people.

In Brownswood, 839 people voted for the Labour list as opposed to 443 for the Greens, 291 for the Lib Dems and 280 Conservative. Both Ken and Jeanette did better individually.

It was also pleasing to see the local Lib Dem candidate Meral Ece so badly beaten. She was one of those who caused the split in the Labour Group back in 1996, which subsequently led to 6 years of no overall control and the council almost being closed down. She subsequently stood as a Liberal Democrat councillor in Islington. Expect her to turn up as a Tory next!

In policy terms, the most significant change will be the Tory pledge to reduce the amount of social housing required by the London Plan. We will also need to monitor how Transport for London shifts towards the motorist and if public transport is given less priority.

It’s clear the Tories still see Boris Johnson as a potential liability and are carefully surrounding him with a team of experienced people picked by Central Office. Indeed many of their assembly members are seriously annoyed at the way they been sidelined.

Finally, Brownswood had the highest proportion in Hackney of people using their second preference vote (90%) – proof that we were chosen by a discerning electorate!

Kings Crescent estate

Negotiations with the potential new development partners are proceeding well and it is hoped to conclude Heads of Terms within the month.

The refurbishment of the southern blocks will proceed, funded directly by the council and government grant. There was a second open day on Wednesday 14th May, to consult residents on the design. Planning permission is now being sought.

An extensive programme of environmental works and improvements is also underway.

The next meeting is of the Steering Group, which Brian chairs, is on 2nd July.

Labour Group AGM

Feryat was elected Group Treasurer as well as an assistant whip. Brian remains the deputy chief whip as well as Vice-Chair of Audit, and was elected Vice-Chair of Licensing. Darren was re-elected as a member of Group Executive, and remains Design Champion.

Building Control

One of the councils less celebrated functions – preventing dangerous structures - swung into action recently in the ward. Building works to a house at the corner of Princess Crescent and Gloucester Drive left it dangerous and liable to collapse. It has been temporarily secured whilst permanent remedial measures are instituted. All costs are recoverable from the owners.

Woodberry Down

The Cabinet meeting at the end of April approved a package of measures to support those shopkeepers on the estate wishing to transfer into new units on the “old school site”.

The planning application for this site was approved with conditions and reserved matters, at the March planning committee, and preliminary works have started.

The Estate Development Committee’s plans to transform into the Woodberry Down Community Organisation, were also supported by the Cabinet in April, and are due to be implemented at their forthcoming meeting.

The revised masterplan will be considered at a future planning committee, and we are not expecting the change of leadership at the GLA to have any immediate impact.

The competitive process to select a RSL and a developer for the remaining sites is continuing.

Blackstock Road

We have been hinting for some time at the major police operation planned against organised crime on Blackstock. Figures from the police and phone companies show that well over half of all mobile phones stolen in London were later resold there. Increasingly laptops, PDAs and SatNavs also featured. Indeed it was the biggest single hotspot for such crime in the whole country.

“Operation Mista” involved over a thousand officers in total, with raids in the morning at other locations and searches in Blackstock itself in the afternoon. Nineteen identified premises were searched, with more than 80 individuals arrested altogether. Significant amounts of stolen property, cash, drugs and forged passports were recovered.

As well as the actual crime, one of the main issues raised with us by residents was the intimidating feeling that just having so many people hanging about on the street caused. There were also many reports of actual harassment, particularly of women and girls.

The imposition of the dispersal zone by the two councils and police forces was intended to counter this. It appears to have been so successful that the police feel they may be able to let it lapse at the end of June.

At the same time as increasing enforcement activity, we have always emphasised the need to work with the residents and traders to promote the area positively. A new charter attempting to summarise the community’s aspirations for the area was launched on the 29th May. We continue to explore the possibility of a Blackstock Road Festival, which may include closing the road, in the summer.

Police Community Advisory Panel

All three councillors attended the last CAP meeting on the 21st May. The major discussion was about the Blackstock Road operations, which the group strongly endorsed.

Other issues included continuing ASB on the estates and street properties, burglary and robbery rates, and snatch theft prevention advice.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

The TRA had applied for a grant to the “10 pence tenants levy” fund to run summer activities for the youth on both of the estates. This was successful and a 12 week water works activities program for 20 young people has started at the reservoir.

Annual Council 14th May

Councillor Ian Rathbone from Leabridge was elected Speaker (the ceremonial mayor) for the coming year, with Stoke Newington Central councillor Muttalip Unluer as his deputy.

We were pleased to have former local residents Ellen O’Donoghue and Robin Hewings as our guests.

Fairtrade status

Hackney has been officially recognised as a fairtrade borough. Feryat is vice-chair of the organising committee.

Parkwood School

We reported last time that the latest OFSTED report on the school was about to be published. It was rated outstanding. The full report is available on the OFSTED website or from the school.

The school is also due to be featured on BBC4 this Wednesday at 9pm (with repeats throughout the week), as part of a series called "My new best friend" on the transition between primary and secondary school.




Brian Bell, Feryat Demirci and Darren Parker
Labour Councillors for Brownswood
http://brownswoodcouncillors.blogspot.com/

We've just received notification that they have applied to renew their sex encounter (pole dancing) license.

The deadline for comments and objections is 21st April. These should be sent to the Licensing Service, via mike.smith@hackney.gov.uk

Background to the Operation

Officers had been preparing for Operation Mista for more than a year prior to last Thursday's raids. The aim of the operation was to identify those involved in substantial criminal activity - specifically drug dealing, money laundering, handling stolen goods and the production of forged documents. The focus was therefore on serious, organised crime.

Over the course of many months, extensive evidence was gathered regarding the activities of particular criminals - and a number of premises in Blackstock Road were identified as being used regularly by those criminals (for example, to store or sell stolen goods). This significant preparatory work meant that, last week, we were able to target specific criminals who were wanted for specific crimes - with the intention of minimising the inconvenience and disruption to every law abiding member of the local community.

Results of the Operation

Last Thursday afternoon, officers raided 19 specific addresses in Blackstock Road . It should be emphasised that these were not random targets - they had been specifically identified by reliable police intelligence as being concerned in crime;
So far, more than 80 people have been arrested as a consequence of the operation - and there will be further arrests to follow;
36 of those were specific targets - identified in advance of the raids as being involved in significant criminal activity. 30 of them have already been remanded in custody by the court - with the remaining 6 being released on bail in advance of further court proceedings;
Large quantities of cash have been seized, together with drugs and various stolen items;
26 Belgian passports have also been recovered - together with a BB Gun.

Following on from the Operation

The majority of the feedback that we have received since last Thursday has been extremely positive. People are grateful that a set of problems that have existed for such a long time have now been challenged. That said, we do recognise that an operation as large as Mista inevitably has a significant impact on a local community - and that some people will have mixed views about what has taken place. We are committed to listening to every point of view - and to working alongside the local community to ensure that Blackstock Road becomes a safer place for all who live and work in the area.

The ongoing criminal investigation is inevitably complex and the various court proceedings are likely to take some time. As already suggested, further arrests are inevitable. We will be maintaining a consistent visible policing presence in the neighbourhood for some time to come - and are committed to ensuring that criminals no longer have the influence in the area that they once enjoyed.

There is a Dispersal Zone in place for three months - and that will give us additional powers to challenge criminal and anti-social behaviour in the local area. Law-abiding residents and businesses have nothing to fear and everything to gain from this.

Residents arriving home this evening will find Blackstock Road sealed off with over 400 police carrying out raids.

This operation has been carefully planned in response, amongst other things, to issues raised with us by the local community. We have been meeting with the police since last autumn in the build up to it.

In addition to the raids against criminal activity, a dispersal zone is being instituted, which if properly enforced, will mean that residents feel a lot safer on the streets.

We will post more information when we can.

Councillors Report – March 08

Kings Crescent estate

Negotiations with the potential new development partners are going well. They have inevitably raised a significant number of issues concerning the draft PDA, so will take some time - at least a couple of months - before we know for certain whether we can proceed with them.

The refurbishment of the southern blocks will proceed, funded directly by the council and government grant. There was an open day on Wednesday 27th February, to consult residents on the design. The whole estate was invited as it's intended that these will be used as the template for any other refurbishments. Plans are available.

The next meeting is of the Steering Group, which Brian chairs, is on 26th March.

Labour Group 15th January

The main items were about campaigning against post office closures, the continuing poor performance of Hackney Homes, rent rises, estate recycling and reports back from our Scrutiny chairs.

One of those post offices affected is on Blackstock Road, and the residents may wish to consider how to support the Labour Group’s campaign.

Finfuture

Work to replace the existing shopfront with a more modern one, which should help give it more presence in the area, is scheduled to begin on 3rd March.

Sadly Sgt Paul Gale’s secondment as Safer Town Centre Manager, from the British Transport Police is ending shortly. Paul has put a lot of work in over the last four years and will be missed. An expanded “safer, cleaner, greener” team will take over his role.

Woodberry Down

The detailed planning applications for the Kickstart/Phase1 should be decided at March’s planning committee. EDC representatives have decided to support the applications although they have concerns over the designs, especially with regards to some affordable flats which do not have separate toilet/bathroom facilities nor separate kitchen/diners.

The new CCTV system for Woodberry Down is now operational – with 5 cameras in crime hot spots. The system is linked to the corporate CCTV centre in Stoke Newington.

The first batch of students who are undertaking the Woodberry Works construction-training course will graduate this month. Over 90 applications have been received for the next round of courses, which will also include health/safety and catering.

The new older peoples day centre is due to open in April.

Blackstock Road

“Operation Rockrose”, the police activity on Blackstock, continues. Most of the arrests so far have been in connection with drugs and immigration, and not with handling stolen goods. They are still gathering intelligence on this. The checks on businesses by Environmental Health and LFB had generally gone well.

There is to be a new “North Area Problem Solving Team” (8 officers) and from Mar–Jun 08 this team will focus on the area. CI Jane Johnson said they would bear in mind that a French or Arabic speaking officer would be useful when they recruiting to this team.

The police are considering whether to seek a dispersal zone on BSR – there were some concerns raised that risked merely moving the problem away temporarily and it would come back again. It was also felt it would be better to directly target the individuals who are intimidating women. It was agreed that as a first step, a new a leaflet would be developed between the AAB and the police, to advise young men on the street what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

CI Johnson was working with the councils to draw up formal recommendations detailing environmental improvements which could assist with crime prevention. These recommendations could be used to support requests for funding eg for improved lighting.

At the same time as increasing enforcement activity, we have always emphasised the need to work with the traders and residents to promote the area positively. We are meeting on 17th March to take forward proposals for a BSR festival which may include closing the road.

Police Community Advisory Panel

The next CAP meeting is on the 12th March.

We have had further discussions with the police re tackling anti-social behaviour on the Filterbeds estate. They are supporting the establishment of a neighbourhood watch group, the re-opening of the community centre, and funding for youth activities.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

Feryat was at the latest TRA meeting on 21st February. Details of the proposed grant application made for the summer youth project have been clarified and accepted. Elevate who carry out youth projects for Pathmeads, will be running water sports activity with young people from the Amwell Court and Portland Rise estates. This will be over 6 week period for two groups of ten young people and will take place at the east reservoir. Funding of £1400 has been secured from the 10p Tenants Levy.

The residents have requested help from the council to run some activities for adults and the elderly on both Amwell Court and Portland Rise, which Feryal will look in to.

Council 5th March

The main business was to adopt the budget for the coming year.

Hackney’s Council performance

The Audit Commission have now published their full Comprehensive Performance Assessment of the council. They said “Hackney Council is improving strongly. Hackney has a record of improvement in its priority areas and in contributing effectively to wider community outcomes.

Performance indicators for the last year show one of the highest rates of service improvement in London and a top quartile improvement rate nationally. The council still has some indicators within the lower quartiles, for example, satisfaction with sports and leisure facilities. The council has improved its housing services, recycling rates and the time to process benefit claims.

Hackney has also scored well in recent assessments of children’s services and adult social care and has improved its overall resident satisfaction ratings. The way the council uses its resources has improved in the last year. Hackney has strong and effective management and provides good community leadership which is continuing to improve civic pride.

Hackney has the capacity to deliver its robust plans for further improvement. It has a good understanding of where it needs to improve further and the appropriate actions required. There are no weaknesses or failures in corporate governance that would prevent improvement being sustained.”

Tree planting

As part of the 2007/8 programme, eleven new or replacement trees have already been planted in Somerfield Road.

Future plans include 5 additional ones in Wilberforce Road and 10 in Alexandra Grove. The Alexandra Grove planting arises directly out of proposals put to us by local residents.

In addition trees reported to us as damaged or dying, are to be replaced in Gloucester Drive and Portland Rise.

OFSTED Inspection – Parkwood School

The school was subject to a new style short notice inspection during the week of 4th March. The report is due to be published this week.




Brian Bell, Feryat Demirci and Darren Parker
Labour Councillors for Brownswood
http://brownswoodcouncillors.blogspot.com/

Labour Group 15th January

The main business was setting the budget for the coming year. We expect to be able to freeze the Hackney element of the council tax for the third year running, whilst continuing to implement our manifesto commitments, for example doubling the number of teams removing graffiti.

Finfuture

Work should begin shortly to replace the existing shopfront with a more modern one, which should help give it more presence in the area.

Woodberry Down

The detailed planning applications for the Kickstart/Phase1 schemes are due to be determined in the next few months. It has also been established that a revised masterplan will need to be submitted, consequent to the phasing changes and land swap arising from the listing of the primary school and health centre.

Residents and officers continue to assess the two shortlisted consortia to develop the other phases. As previously explained, the appointed RSL will be required to establish a community based housing association for the estate as a dedicated subsidiary.

Thankfully English Heritage declined to list Needwood, Nicholl and two other blocks.

Brownswood Road vice meeting

A meeting was held between the residents of the Brownswood Road and Queen Elizabeth’s Walk areas, Stoke Newington police, representatives from the Open Doors project and the DAT to discuss the problems relating to prostitution in the area.

Action to taken included

1. Crime prevention officer to look at ways to “design out” the problem.
2. Ask for the removal of the phone box at Hexton Court.
3. Increased patrols on Sundays.

Police Community Advisory Panel

The latest CAP meeting held on 9/1/08 discussed the neighbourhood policing priorities over the following 2 months – it was agreed to keep Brownswood Road, Blackstock Road and Woodberry Down as the top three.

Progress has been made in tackling anti-social behaviour on the Filterbeds estate – the police are supporting the establishment of a neighbourhood watch group and the re-opening of the community centre to be used as a base for youth activities. The Hackney youth service ‘purple bus’ has also visited the estate in the winter period to offer diversionary activities in the meantime.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

Feryat was at the latest TRA meeting on 17th January where they made a decision on what to use their estate improvement budget for. The TRA have decided to use their EIB to continue to improve the stairwells in Portland Rise. Last year the stairs of Buckingham House were relined with a special material and this year Holyrood House will get their stairs done.

The tenant participation officer for Manor EC had made an application for a grant to run summer activities for the youth on the estate. The application was successful and Manor EC had been granted £1,400. However the TRA members were not aware of this application prior to the meeting, and have asked for everything to be halted until they get more information on how and who will make use of this money.

Council 30th January

At last Wednesday’s meeting, Brian criticised the new Tory Leader for trying to “jump the queue” in respect of an estate in one of their wards which is one of the 8 affected by the developments outlined at the top. He also attacked New River Tory Maureen Middleton for constantly advocating paying more than market value for homes which need to be repurchased on Woodberry Down.

On a happier note, we also confirmed the appointment of Tim Shields as the new Chief Executive. Tim has been the Director of Finance & Resources for the past several years and acting CE since last May, leading on the drive to “get better, faster”.

On an even happier note, we were pleased to welcome Joseph Stauber as the new Labour Councillor for Cazenove. Joe defected from the Liberal Democrats, who are now reduced to two members. It’s incredible to think that eight years ago they were effectively running the council.

Hackney’s Council performance

For the second year running, the council has been rated a 3 star authority – on a scale of 0 to 4 – by the District Auditor for its financial management and use of resources.

Our overall Comprehensive Performance Assessment by the Audit Commission is due at the end of the month. We have been told that it will give us a 3 star rating (also out of 0 to 4) for the first time.

This is an incredible turnaround from the position we inherited when we took back control six years ago, and a tribute to the work of Jules and the previous Labour Group. Give that guy a gong!

Olympic City

On the 29th January, the three of us toured the Olympic park. While it’s still hard to get an idea of what it will look like once finished, the scale of the work is extremely impressive and it seems a good start has been made.

London officially becomes the Olympic city on the 24th August this year.



Brian Bell, Feryat Demirci and Darren Parker
Labour Councillors for Brownswood

We are writing with some disappointing news regarding the regeneration plans for these estates. Regular readers of our reports may recall that back last March we appointed new partners to take these forward. In both cases the preferred partners were developers Durkan Ltd with the Metropolitan and Community housing associations potentially providing the social housing.


We began to consult residents on the future shape of their estates, while "behind the scenes" our financial and legal teams attempted to negotiate what's termed the Principal Development Agreement. Unfortunately while the consultation with residents went well, it was not possible to agree a PDA.


In our view there two main problems. One was that the consortium wanted to be allowed to make an 18% profit on the social housing alone, while national guidance recommends 10%. The other was that they wanted a significant number of interim review tests. These are points at which they can review the financial viability of the schemes and walk away if they do not forsee sufficient profit. Given the past history of KC in particular, we were not prepared to agree to the number of review points they wished.


The result was that negotiations were formally concluded last week, and that that consortium - MetComm Futures - will no longer be involved.


The reserve consortiums appointed for each estate have now been contacted, and both have confirmed that they remain keen to be involved. New plans will now be worked up for both.


Residents are being informed via the attached letter.


Obviously it is deeply disappointing for us and them that this has occurred. It will result in at least a nine month delay in the planned reconstruction. On the positive side however -
* the centre of Kings Crescent has been cleared with the derelict buildings demolished and the area temporarily available for some extra parking and a football pitch
* everyone on KC now has individual central heating, compared to the previous unreliable communal system
* Alexandra National has been emptied and secured
* a draft PDA is complete which should make negotiations with new consortia quicker and easier


We will do our best to keep you informed as things develop.

Tfl has announced a £4m of funding package for transport in Hackney.

Here is a breakdown of the funding for Hackney:


Principal road renewals - £198,000
Local safety schemes - £425,000
20mph zones - £300,000
Education, training and publicity - £44,000
Walking - £160,000
Cycling - £250,000
London Cycle Network+ - £867,000
Bus stop accessibility - £147,000
Bus priority - £510,000
School Travel Plans - £806,000
Work travel plans - £17,000
Travel awareness - £32,000
Regeneration area schemes - £80,000
Environment improvements - £50,000
Controlled parking zones - £50,000
Local area accessibility schemes- £60,000

Total £3,996,000

Tory Leader resigns / Springfield Ward bye-election

We have commented several times recently about how useless the local Tories are. It seems that their own (former) Leader shares that assessment. Eric Ollerenshaw has now resigned but in a particularly cynical act, ensured it was timed to trigger a bye-election on the Thursday before Xmas.

Despite this Labour are fighting hard to win the vacancy in Springfield Ward. It’s one that we never seriously worked in the past, so with some effort, a surprise victory is very possible.

Budget setting 2008/9

Next years budget looks like being the tightest since the early days of the last administration, without as many opportunities for growth as in recent years. The reasons are

* a tight overall Comprehensive Spending Review
* increased spending in certain areas, especially both children’s and adult social services
* changes to the way subsidy works which generally don’t favour London
* the Conservatives using their control of London Councils to make Labour ones pay more

Departments have been told to work up between 5 and 7% efficiency savings so that we have the necessary resources to fund unavoidable growth and some more of our manifesto priorities.

One issue which will be part of the discussion is what to do about the Hackney element of the Council Tax. Although increasing it is an option, it represents a fair amount of pain for relatively little financial gain. We would appreciate resident’s views.

Labour Group 20th November

The main discussions were about next years budget and the residential extensions planning guidance.

Council 28th November

The main business was the adoption of Hackney’s Licensing Policy for the next 3 years. The revised policy contains most of the successful elements of the previous one including

- a presumption that planning, fire and all other necessary consents must be gained first
- a Special Policy Area protecting residents of Shoreditch
- positive initiatives such as Pubwatch and the All Bar One awards to encourage responsible operators
- close co-operation with the police and other agencies

Brian and Feryat are members of the licensing committees. Brian used his question to highlight the number of review requests being dealt with, and that the council were being pro-active in seeking licence reviews and revocations where necessary.

Hackney Homes

Feryat was recently appointed to the board, and will be part of the team ensuring that it’s ready for the re-inspection.

Kings Crescent

Demolition is proceeding well with virtually all of Codicote Terrace and Weston Court now gone. The contractors are still on schedule to hand over a clear site before the end of December.

The Regeneration Steering Group met again on the 14th November to consider revised proposals. The mews/courtyard style developments are gone from the current plans. The residential “green street” forming the reinstated Kings Crescent will now be wider, particularly where it meets the park. The revised plan showed the main shop on the Green Lanes side of this which is unacceptable.

This was intended to be followed by another Open Day to consult residents on18th December, but this may now be postponed until the early New Year.

Woodberry Down

The masterplan application was approved in September. The first of the detailed “Kickstart” (Phase 1) planning applications are due in the next couple of months. The height of the tower block on the corner of Woodberry Down and Woodberry Grove will be one of the most contentious points – it is currently proposed to be up to 26 stories high.

Two housing associations have reached the final stage and are still being considered for providing the social housing in the other phases. As previously explained, the appointed one will be required to establish a community based housing association for the estate as a dedicated subsidiary.

One change that has been agreed is that the main community center (in the base of the tower) will now be run by that CBHA rather than the Manor House Development Trust. In order to ensure it has an ongoing income stream, it will now own the retail units which will run south down that part of Woodberry Grove.

Hackney Homes are proposing to lead a local strategic partnership for Woodberry Down to help pull the work of various voluntary agencies together to provide a more comprehensive socio-economic regeneration programme.

Blackstock

We had a further briefing from the police on the 6th November with another planned for 6th December. They have confirmed their operation will now continue well into next year.

Police Community Advisory Panel

The latest CAP meeting held on 14/11/07 discussed future priorities for the community safety team, and came to the conclusion that Blackstock Road, vice on Brownswood Road and ASB on Woodberry Down estate should remain as the key priorities.

In October three vice enforcement operations were carried out resulting in 34 cautions and one arrest. A further 4 operations in November resulted in 1 PCN for ‘outraging public decency’ and 4 cautions.

A crack house on Lordship Road has been closed down, which might lead to decrease in vice as it was also used by the Brownwood prostitutes. A crack house in Kilpeck House is in the process of being closed down.

ASB problems on Myddleton grange have lead to parents of misbehaving young people being given acceptable behaviour plans, which if not adhered to could risk their tenancy.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

A new estate manager for Portland Rise recently started, and a walkabout is planned for the 12th of December.

Councillors have been invited by Doug Mitchell of Amwell Court TRA to their meeting on the 13th of December, but we are still having problems with the dates for the new enhanced TRA meetings as they clash with other meetings

Youth provision in the ward

We have had discussions with Father Clive Lee from St Thomas Moore Church with regards to his work to bring together local faith groups to offer youth activities in the Manor House area. There will be a meeting between faith groups and TELCO at St Thomas Moore on December 16th.

Seasons Greetings

We would like to wish you all a happy Hanukkah, Eid, Christmas, Winterval and New Year!

Our colleagues in DeBeauvoir have recently set up a blog. Please visit them using the link on the right.

Councillors Report – November 07


London Overground

In the coming month, Transport for London will take over control of the East and North London Lines, which will be rebranded as London Overground. This is potentially the biggest single improvement in public transport in our part of London for decades.

Among the benefits promised on the North London Line are –
· Tube like train frequencies
· Staff on the platforms whenever they’re open
· New greener train fleet on order
· Oyster card accepted throughout
· Longer trains and more accessible platforms programmed

In the medium term, this will join up with the extended East London Line to form the full London Overground network. There will be local exchanges at Dalston, Canonbury and Highbury & Islington stations. The new East London Line will run south as far as Croydon, and in the longer term have a branch to Clapham Junction.

The investment needed has only been delivered by a Labour Mayor and strong Assembly Labour Group, working with our government.

Labour Group 16th October

The main discussions were about the benefits of Estates Plus scheme, and a senior officer restructuring.

Council 31st October.

Brian highlighted the improvements in our financial standing and systems, while Darren asked that the council is updated on Kings Crescent.

The opposition appeared in advance to have finally got their act together this time. But on the night, we crushed them as usual.

Parkwood School

Our local primary school continues to provide our kids with a great start. The SATs results for last year’s 11 year olds were again outstanding. It’s also important to understand that the intake to the school is significantly more deprived than the even the Hackney average.


Achieving Level 4 English Maths Science
Hackney average 73% 66% 77%
National average 80% 77% 87%
Parkwood School 87% 77% 84%

We are currently seeking a new LEA governor for the school.

Kings Crescent

Demolition is proceeding well with all of Codicote Terrace and most of Weston Court now gone. The contractors should hand over a clear site before the end of December.

The Regeneration Steering Group meets again on the 14th November. The main business will be updates on the proposed phasing, preparing the masterplan application, and future heating systems.

Woodberry Down

The masterplan application was approved on 10th September. The first of the detailed “Kickstart” (Phase 1) planning applications are due in the next couple of months.

The council is promoting objections to the listing of Needwood and Nichol houses. We will report the English Heritage decision once known.

Brain and Darren attended the latest Estate Development Committee on the 18th of October. Two housing associations have reached the final stage and are being considered for providing the social housing in the other phases. EDC representatives have been involved in both the shortlisting and final interviews and assessment. As previously explained, the appointed one will be required to establish a community based housing association for the estate as a dedicated subsidiary.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

We are concerned that the first of the new style enhanced TRA meetings with officers and councillors either appears not to have happened or we weren't invited. Feryat will investigate.

Finfuture

Brian updated the board on our regeneration schemes at it’s meeting on the 17th October. Among the ideas they’re exploring to promote the area, is an ice rink in Finsbury Park over Xmas and New Year!

Children and Young Persons Scrutiny

The C&YP scrutiny commission, which Brian and Feryat are members of, has launched an important enquiry into the causes of youth crime. A fascinating range of academics and psychologists gave evidence to the first hearing in September, with local practitioners to follow next Monday.

Labour Group 18th September

The main discussion was how we could achieve our commitments on housing modernisation, in the new circumstances.

Council 19th September.

Feryat highlighted the fact that GCSE results in Hackney have improved by a further 3% this year, and congratulated the teachers, families and young people responsible. Brian was acting Chief Whip for the meeting, which appeared to go well.

Audit and accounts

For the first time in living memory, the District Auditor expects to issue an unqualified opinion on the council’s accounts.

We have moved from a 2 star to a 3 star authority (out of 4) for the quality of our data.

The Audit Commission judges value for money against 12 criteria. This year, we met all 12.

Kings Crescent

The Regeneration Steering Group meets again on Wednesday 3rd October. The preliminary results of the door-to-door survey commissioned at the last meeting show almost 2/3rds in residents in those blocks due for demolition supporting that option, with only 9% in favour of refurbishment instead. The surprise result of the survey is that almost half of residents overall wish to remain council tenants or leaseholders.

Woodberry Down

The outline planning application was approved on 10th September. The detailed Phase 1 one is due in November.

The council is promoting objections to the listing of Needwood and Nichol houses. We will report the English Heritage decision once known.

Portland Rise and Amwell Court

Feryat will report.

Polling station review

Our comments and those of the branch, on the suitability of the Myddleton Grange Village Hall were noted. Improved signage and better quality poll card maps are promised. Accurate ones would be nice!

Campaigning

We continue to have at least one canvassing session per month. We need to continue this, and to begin to focus on GLA and Mayor of London issues as we move towards those elections next spring.

As well as the borough wide leaflets, we have also done three ward ones – one each focussed on Woodberry Down and Kings Crescent issues, and one general one. The three of us are indebted to Louisa and Robin for all their work on these.

We would also like to thank all the branch members who help with deliveries and canvassing.

Woodberry Down

As detailed in previous reports, earlier this year English Heritage agreed to list the existing Woodberry Down primary school, meaning that at least it’s shell had to be preserved. The original plan had envisaged the current primary school site being used to build a new secondary, whilst a new primary was constructed to the west of that. Instead the secondary will now be built there but will also need some additional adjoining land.

This resulted in negotiations with Berkley Homes who are the Phase 1 developer, to swap land already granted for sites elsewhere on the estate. The good news is that the new sites to be transferred to Berkley’s include more prominent ones along Seven Sisters Road, including those immediately east of the tube station. This will give a gateway effect to the scheme, and mean these homes will be replaced 8 years earlier than originally scheduled.

We also took the opportunity of these negotiations to make that developer responsible for building the health centre, and business and training centre. In total we estimate this brings an additional £2m contribution from them.

The Cabinet meeting in July approved the land swap and other changes. It also approved the final secure tenant and leaseholder “offer documents”, which had been agreed with resident representatives.

We continue to negotiate with the existing shopkeepers about transferring to new units on the Old School Site.

Planning permission for the overall scheme is due to be considered on the 10th of September. Consultation has already started on the detailed planning application for the original Phase 1 sites.

A further issue has arisen with someone proposing the listing of Needwood and Nichol Houses, together with their twins on the other side of Woodberry Grove. If EH agree this, it would further complicate the scheme, and have particularly unfortunate consequences for the leaseholders in those blocks.

Kings Crescent

Deconstruction and clearance of the centre of the estate began in July. It’s important to understand that this is gradual deconstruction rather than a blowdown, with the aim that as much as possible can be recycled.

Negotiations continue between residents, the council and the development partners – Community Housing Association, Metropolitan Housing Trust, Durkan builders – through a Steering Group chaired by Brian. The meeting in August commissioned a door-to-door survey of the whole estate to establish housing needs in detail. A surprising number of tenants appear to want to stay with the council!

Hackney Homes audit inspection

Hackney Homes are the “arms length management organisation” set up last year to manage council housing. The recent inspection only classed them as a one star organisation, which was unacceptable. Its Chief Executive has departed, and the organisation has been told it must achieve a better result in the reinspection in 18 months.

Being rated a better performer would have given us access to additional credits which could have meant the Decent Homes programme being completed faster. However the council is committed to finding additional funding from within its capital programme.

Blackstock Road – Operation Rockrose

The six-month police operation against crime and ASB on Blackstock continues. The outline for the first two months was as follows –

week commencing 16th July - deploy mobile police station
w/c 23rd July - high visibility policing with at least 14 extra police officers
w/c 30th July - deploy automatic numberplate reader and traffic team
2nd August - London Fire Brigade visits and checks to begin
6th-19th August - anti-robbery initiative, deploying TSG
13th August - deploy mobile police station
28th August - LFB enforcement begins
w/c 1st September - deploy automatic numberplate reader and traffic team
w/c 10th September - deploy mobile police station, and high visibility policing with at least 14 extra police officers
w/c 10th September - environmental health, trading standards and licensing from both boroughs to begins visits, concentrating at first on education and later enforcement

Head of the operation is CI Jane Johnson, Islington Borough. In addition, there will be covert activities which obviously we can't publicise. Obviously also a major incident could lead to resources being temporarily diverted.

The three ward councillors and the Chair of our CAP, together with our equivalents in Islington, have been invited to sit on a community advisory group which will meet monthly throughout.

A meeting to alert traders on the road to the aims of the operation was held on the 16th of August. The traders present were keen to reassure us that those involved in crime were a small minority of themselves and their customers. They felt the Algerian community in particular was getting all the blame for what was a much wider problem. Reporting of criminal activity in the cafes tended to be low because of a lack of faith that the police would back them up effectively. They also wanted a lighter touch on immigration enforcement.

Arsenal matchday parking

A consultation on the possibility of introducing extra parking controls on matchdays has just concluded. We will report on the outcome once we know.

Finfest

Finfest, an event aimed at promoting the area and encouraging our communities to mix, is in Finsbury Park from 1pm on Sunday 16th September. Please come along.

Street Trees

While some other boroughs are cutting back, Hackney is making a substantial to refill vacant pits and plant new ones. Trees make our borough a better place to live and help decrease our carbon footprint. This year alone more than 120 new street trees were planted in Hackney, some of which were in Brownswood. This was made possible with the funding provided in Labour’s 2006/7 budget and we plan to plant more

Kings Crescent

The regeneration of the estate took a major step forward with the steering group holding two open days to consult residents on the initial proposals. All three councillors attended the opening with Deputy Mayor Jamie Carswell, and stayed for most of Saturday 30th June talking to tenants and leaseholders about their hopes and expectations. We intend to be represented again on Wednesday 4th July.

As previously reported, new development partners for the estate were finally appointed at the Cabinet meeting on 26th of March. The builders are to be Durkan and the RSL are Canalside Housing Association. Canalside is itself a partnership of two established housing associations - Metropolitan and Community – which was formed in the 1990s to take over some Hackney estates along the Regents Canal.

A significant and representative cross-section of both tenants and leaseholders attended. Among the key issues they wanted answers on or expressed opinions on, were-
o which blocks were staying and which going
o what terms would tenants transfer on, and would they retain a right-to-buy
o what about those tenants who wished to remain with the council
o how would leaseholders be treated, and how does “equity share” work
o how would estate management be improved throughout the regenerated estate

Hoardings have already been erected around Westmill, Codicote and the boiler room. Deconstruction is scheduled to begin next month. This was delayed for a further month due to planning permission for the demolition being deemed necessary. The area will be grassed and gravelled over until long-term plans are agreed. Some may be used to provide extra parking.

The regeneration steering group, which Brian chairs, and now involving the three sides – council, residents and development partners - met on the 13th, 18th and 26th of June in preparation for the open days.

The longer-term timetable foresees approximately six months spent in detailed discussions with residents, before a masterplan is completed and the planning application submitted. The planning process will probably take another six months, with major works commencing next summer.

Woodberry Down

Consultation on the Woodberry Down masterplan planning application continued through the first half of June. Darren attended several drop in sessions and wrote on behalf of all three councillors to support the application.

Brian attended the EDC meeting on May 21st, which was also their AGM. Most of the current officers, with whom we have good working relationships, were re-elected. They continued to be concerned about
· possible changes to the phasing, including as a consequence of the listings
· “lack of a people focus” in the planning process
· stability of the Manor House Development Trust, which is to operate the community centre
· crime and disorder, especially drug dealing and abuse

Darren attended a meeting between the council and the Manor House Development Trust on June 5th. The trust raised concerns about leasing arrangements for the new community centre and Darren communicated the local unease about the apparent lack of an economic or social regeneration strategy to complement the physical development. Deputy Mayor Jamie Carswell confirmed that from the council’s point of view, the trust was the best vehicle for locally-controlled regeneration in the area and the council would seek ways of supporting the development of the trust. Darren was elected to the board of the trust on June 19th, and will work with the chair and chief executive over the summer to build the board’s capacity.

Children and Young People

The council’s Children and Young People’s Commission, which Brian and Feryat are members of, intends to concentrate on youth crime reduction for some of the current year, including at its meeting on 2nd July.

Brownswood Road

There has been a further police operation resulting in the arrests of prostitutes and kerb crawlers, although the extent of the problem is less than before.

Policing on Woodberry Down

Feryat attended the meeting on Wednesday 16th May. Key issues were …………………….

Blackstock Road

The police are giving new priority to Blackstock.

Finfuture

Brian made a presentation to the Board on 20th June outlining the range of initiatives being undertaken by the council. They were particularly interested in the plans for Alexandra National House.

He also stressed that attempts to have Finsbury Park acknowledged as a town centre in planning policies, must include Hackney and not just focus on Islington.

Standards Sub-committee hearing

On 20th June, the Standards Sub-committee of the Council met to decide if Darren had a conflict of interest when chairing the Dalston Lane South planning application in July 2006. This was the culmination of a year long process following a complaint made by a member of the public to the Standards Board of England. The sub-committee is independent, and Darren’s case was heard by two local co-optees and one Conservative councillor.

Darren had admitted all along that he failed to declare a personal interest - in that he works for CABE, who were consulted on the design merits of the scheme. This in itself would not have meant that he had to withdraw from voting on the application. The committee rejected the more serious charge of failing to declare a prejudicial interest, which would have meant that Darren should not have voted on the application. As a result, Darren was partially-suspended (i.e. he can’t attend his scrutiny commission) until he undertakes training again on interests.

He is very relieved that this has finally come to an end. He has had to endure 11 months of misleading articles in the Hackney Gazette and a nasty, personal internet campaign against him instigated by those who were against the planning application he chaired. Despite what is contained on these websites, and contrary to what has been in the Hackney Gazette, the planning application did not decide on the fate of the Dalston Theatre. This was a separate application granted before Darren was elected and was subject to a judicial review.

Full Council – 27th June

We raised the thoroughness of the consultation process on the master planning application on Woodberry Down.

The Council also received a deputation of residents from Stamford Hill expressing their views on the proposals for planning “areas of exception”. They had tried to get local Tory councillors to arrange the deputation, but as usual found them disinterested in representing their constituents, and instead were introduced by Labour Clissold (and former Brownswood) councillor Linda Smith.

Woodberry Down

Darren attended the EDC meeting on May 17th where the planning department of LB Hackney presented the masterplan application for the redevelopment of the estate. Although broadly supportive, there is mixed reaction from residents regarding the narrowing of seven sisters road through the estate, and the amount and arrangement of green space. All local residents are able to view the application and submit comments by several means including via the Hackney website.

Darren also attended an open community meeting on May 30th where residents were able to question planning officers, the masterplanning team and representatives from Hackney Homes.

Brian has attended two further meetings with the retailers. Berkley Homes, who are the developers for the Kickstart Phase, appears to be taking on board their concerns. They are now intending to provide ten retail units of appropriate sizes on the Woodberry Grove side of the “old school site”. We meet with them again on the 5th of June.

There was a double shooting a Woodberry Down over the bank holiday weekend – one victim, who was injured in the leg, was a local resident and innocent bystander. Darren visited his family to offer our ‘get-well wishes’ and discuss issues of community safety on May 30th.

As the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programme has come to an end, the programme team has vacated its offices in the Robin Redmond centre. Darren has been in discussion with stakeholders to see if the new library facility in the centre can now be expanded to provide a greater number of books, computer facilities and homework space.

Drugs Action Team

Brian and Darren met with officers from the DAT on 25th May. We got some useful information about the range of services they currently offer and those intended for development. We also raised particular concerns about dealing on certain parts of Woodberry Down.

Police Community Advisory Panel

Feryat and Darren attended the CAP meeting on Wednesday 16th May.

Blackstock Road

We have a meeting with Islington police and councillors on 19th June.

Kings Crescent

As previously reported, new development partners for the estate were finally appointed at the Cabinet meeting on 26th of March. The builders are to be Durkan and the RSL are Canalside Housing Association. Canalside is itself a partnership of two established HAs - Metropolitan and Community – which was formed in the 1990s to take over some Hackney estates along the Regents Canal.

Temporary hoardings have already been erected around Westmill, Codicote and the boiler room. Deconstruction is scheduled to begin next month. This area will be grassed and gravelled over until long-term plans are agreed. Some may be used to provide extra parking.

The regeneration steering group, which Brian chairs, now involves the three sides – council, residents and development partners. This met on the 16th May and 30th May, and will again on 13th and 18th June. This is intended to lead up to an open day for all residents on Saturday 30th June.

The long-term timetable foresees approximately six months spent in detailed discussions with residents, before a masterplan is completed and the planning application submitted. The planning process will probably take another six months, with major works commencing next summer or autumn.

Labour Group AGM

At the AGM, Brian was reappointed as Assistant Chief Whip, and Darren and Feryat were re-elected to the Labour Group Executive.

The Cabinet and their responsibilities remain as before, with the exception of the creation of a new post for environmental sustainability. Mayor Pipe appointed Dalston councillor Sophie Linden to this position.

Annual Council – 9th May

At the annual meeting, Councillors Faizullah Khan and Ian Rathbone were elected Speaker (the ceremonial Mayor) and Deputy Speaker for the coming year.

We were pleased to be able to invite a number of residents to join us for the meeting and the reception afterwards. Most behaved well.

Renewal in power

The contract for the council’s electricity supply has just been relet. For the first time, Scottish Hydro-Electric secured the tender meaning that (within the confines of the national grid system) it will all come from renewable sources. It’s important to recognise that this applies not just to office buildings but to all the other infrastructure for which we are responsible including housing estates and street lighting.

Review of polling stations

The council conducts a review of polling stations between each municipal election, and the current one invites comments by the 31st of July. We would suggest replying pointing out the unsatisfactory nature of the Myddleton Grange station for residents living on Queens Drive, etc, given the objections received on polling day. The other stations seemed to operate okay.

Apologies but we've not been able to access the blog for a while. The first few postings will be catch-ups of the past few months!