HS2 propose moving ventilation shaft next to school on South Kilburn estate

A press release today reveals that HS2 plan to move the proposed ventilation shaft from the site next to Queens Park station to Canterbury Works on the South Kilburn Estate next to St Mary's Primary School. Local residents and parents opposed this proposal by Brent Council. LINK

The Press Release

HS2 is the new high speed railway for Britain. This event is an opportunity for you to find out more about the project and what it means for your local area.

This is a joint event between HS2 and Brent Borough Council about a change in the proposals for the HS2 railway, which would be in a tunnel under Kilburn.

We are proposing to move the site of one of the tunnel’s ventilation shafts from Salusbury Road to a site at Canterbury Works.

Date:

Thursday 8 October

Time:

3pm to 8pm

Location:

South Kilburn Studios,
2A Canterbury Rd,
London, NW6 5SW

View this location on a map
For further information on this event, please contact the HS2 helpdesk:

Public enquiries

Emailhs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

HS2 Ltd helpdesk020 7944 4908

Disbelief as Brent Council choose Cara Davani to head up its Equalities Team!

There was disbelief today when the Kilburn Times LINK reported that Cara Davani, Head of Brent's Human resources and found by Watford Employment Tribunal to have racially discriminated against, victimised and constructively dismissed a black council worker will - wait for it - head up Brent Council's Equalities Team!

This is an insult to  Cara Davani's victim, Brent Council workers and Brent residents.

How on earth can anyone have any faith in our Council in the face of such an incredible decision?

Last chance to ensure it's not 'Last Orders' for the Queensbury Pub

 
Message from Save the Queensbury campaign

Planning officers are recommending that The Queensbury is demolished. A decision will be made on Weds 12th March.

If you submitted an objection to the planning application to demolish the Queensbury you will receive a letter (or may have already received one) from Brent Council. Unfortunately the recommendation of planning officers is to approve the plans – but this is just a recommendation, the final decision will be made by the elected councillors who sit on the Planning Committee. The planners’ report with its recommendation can be found here. Its a long report, we’re still reading and digesting it but there is plenty in it to challenge.

There are 2 important dates:

Saturday 8 March: At approx 11.15am the Planning Committee will visit The Queensbury for a site visit. Your presence is also requested so that they see the strength of feeling in the community. This is not a demonstration (only one of us will be allowed to address the committee at the end of the visit) but home made signs and banners will be welcome. Be as creative as you like!

Weds 12 March: The decision will be made at the Planning Committee meeting which takes place at 7pm at Brent Civic Centre (directions here). Again your presence is needed.
Anyone wanting to travel together to the Planning Committee meeting on 12th March should meet at Willesden Green station at 6.15pm

Please support this last effort to Save the Queensbury. Too much has already been lost to developers in Willesden Green and this building and what goes on inside is a vital community asset.

'HANDS OFF COPLAND!' strikers tell Ark Academy

The demonstration outside Ark Academy, Wembley

Copland Community High School in Wembley was closed today as teachers went on strike against a proposed take over by Ark Academy. Following an inspection visit by Ofsted the school governing body was sacked by Brent Council and an Interim Excutive Board imposed in its place. The IEB is negotiating a take over by Ark Academy and the despite consultation not being completed, a letter has been sent to parents, via pupils, informing them that Delia Smith, Principal of Wembley Ark Academy would head up both schools.

Exciting race to get Wembley Central ready for Olympics

Will it be ready for Wednesday?

The refurbishment of Wembley Central station has been dragging on for years and this blog has frequently called attention to its state of dilapidation and suggested it makes a poor Olympic gateway.

Last week suddenly scaffolding was erected on the exposed and rotting shed like structure above the station and it looked like something was happening.  Alas, yesterday afternoon  at 3pm when this photograph was taken, no work was going on.

It is possible that one of those pinkish-purplish Olympic banners that are going up all over Wembley will be strung across the façade to hide the sins beneath, or will a glossy new station sign be erected in time?

The torch procession will be coming along the High Road outside the station at 10.45am on Wednesday morning. It looks like an exciting finish - will Wembley Central station be ready in all its refurbished glory?