Graham isn't a doctor but he is right about health cuts

Brent Labour Party members and local activists got a shock today when it appeared that Graham Durham had become a GP (GP throws his weight behind battle to save hospital's A&E - Doctor calls on colleagues to speak out over closure plans -Brent and Kilburn Timesp2  August 16th).  The article was illustrated with a picture of 'Dr Graham Durham'.

In fact Durham had sent a letter out on behalf of Brent NHS Patients' Campaign about health cuts and the closure of Central Middlesex Accident and Emergency.  It was interpreted by the BKT as having been written by a doctor. You can see how it happened and it may end up in one of those little guides about the pitfalls of English grammar.

As a local doctor dedicated to serving Brent patients we are asking you to join us in helping us to prevent serious damage to local patients

The dedicated 'local doctor' refers to the recipient of the letter and not the sender. Graham does not often refer to himself with a 'Royal we' and you will be relieved to know is not in the habit of impersonating doctors!

Health campaigners will be out again in Harlesden on Saturday afternoon between 2 and 5pm collecting signatures for a petition asking  local MPs to make a stand agains the threat to Central Middlesex and other North West London hospitals and the privatisation of the NHS.

Bids open for Eurostar tickets sale to support community library

In honour of the rather fabulous Preston Community Library nestled in the doorway of our old one, Preston Library Campaign  have 4 single Eurostar tickets up for auction (That's either 2 x returns or 4 x one way if you fancy staying where you are!)

Bids start at £200  – e-mail bids to:

bunce.linsell@virgin.net or  text to 07905 846483

Let your friends know and let the bidding begin!

NB: 1 week will be needed to transfer the tickets to the winner's name. The campaign will  contact the winner for further details.

In addition to Paris, Brussels, Lille Eurostar now have a special service in the summer. It is a direct train to Avignon on Saturdays, leaving St Pancras at 7.17am the return leaving Avignon at 16.27.  The last direct train from Avignon is on the 8th September.

Council leader agrees to meet with Keep Willesden Green

In an e-mail received today, Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, has agreed to meet with Keep Willesden Green to discuss the 'on-going process'.

He stated: 

As you will be aware, following concerns raised by residents, Galliford Try are going through another consultation process before resubmitting their proposals. This consultation process will be lengthy and thorough, and comes on top of the statutory consultation process they will undertake at a later stage. The fact that they are consulting again and will be resubmitting their plans, because of residents’ concerns, demonstrates that we are thoroughly committed to open and transparent decision making, and in particular are focused on ensuring that communities get a full say on what happens in their local communities

James Powney: Sainsbury's is obliged to provide Town Centre parking

Councillor James Powney, commented on the Sainsbury's Willesden Town Centre parking issue, on his blog

Martin Francis has been told by Sainsburys that they have no obligation to provide parking to any but their own customers. My understanding is that the Willesden Sainsburys has a planning obligation to provide car parking to Willesden Town Centre under a deal originally laid down by planning in the 1980s.Martin

In fact the Sainsbury's e-mail, from their head office, which stated that they were under no obligation to provide parking, was passed on to me by a third party.