Why I am standing for the Greens in the Kenton by-election

Michaela Lichten

Brent Green Party has selected Michaela Lichten to contest the Kenton by-election

Michaela said:

I have been a Kenton resident for 19 years (and a Brent resident for 38).

Having raised my children in local schools and taught basic literacy skills to adults, I am particularly interested in education within the borough and advocating equal educational opportunities for all.

I am at present time a carer for my husband who has Alzheimer’s and so have an interest in elderly care delivery which at present is, worryingly, earmarked for cuts. Many of the people who will be affected by these cuts are in the difficult position of increasingly needing help whilst being decreasingly able to access that help.

Being lucky enough to live in  Brent with the wonderful resource of our many parks and Fryent Country Park, I’d like to focus on the issue of fly tipping and litter which affects everyone's enjoyment of these open spaces and blights the streets where we live. This can only get worse with the introduction of selective payment for rubbish removal and proposed cuts in residential street sweeping.  The cost of removing illegally dumped rubbish will far exceed the revenue raised and makes no sense.

As a Brent parent I’m anxious to see opportunities for young people to get into employment. New approaches have to be made to help them, we have to see that it is an asset to us all for our children to make the transition from education to the workplace as productively as possible. Apprenticeships, continuing education and help to set up their own businesses are ways in which this can be achieved.

I support the building of affordable homes which are truly affordable. I would like to see the estimated 3000 empty houses in Brent brought back into use and and an end of the Right to Buy scheme which further depletes the housing stock.

As we all become more budget conscious under austerity most of us are becoming greener through necessity, but being green has a relevance to our lives in the wider world and it’s my understanding that it is only The Green Party that has put the individual at the centre of their policies and is committed to a fairer society.  That is why I’m standing as The Green Party candidate in this by-election.

Brent Council puts the clock back

The return of the refurbished Jubilee Clock to a new position in Harlesden High Street was celebrated today.

I couldn't resist a cry of 'Save Stonebridge Adventure Playground' during a lull in the public relations to cheers from some of the onlokkers and pursed lips and 'inappropriate' from some of the Labour councillors.

There was a good reception from local people to Brent Fightback leaflets advertising the 'Brent Fight Backs Against the Cuts' meeting that will take place at the Tavistock Hall, Tavistock Road, of the High Street on Tuesday evening. The cutting of school crossing patrols and the ending of funding to Stonebridge Adventure Playground  were particularly unpopular.

The Clock was decorated with a large bow tie:

Brent Fights Back Against the Cuts - Join us on Tuesday

Audley Harrison condemns Brent Council's decision to stop funding Stonebridge Adventure Playground

Boxer Audley Harrrison has just left this message on Instagram about the decision to cease finding Stonebridge Adventure Playground:

My comments on Stonebridge Adventure Playground. Worth a read 🔥 The people in power fail to understand that people in the rougher, tougher neighborhoods in England, lose their way as it's difficult to stay motivated when surrounded by crime, unemployment, & lack of opportunities to better oneself. 

Without hope, without options, many choose the easy Road & start following the crowd and start the bad boy business. A shining light In my community for over thirty years, Stonebridge Adventure Playground (SAP) lost its funding today.

 I'm scratching my head as this senseless decision, when SAP was the one place in the community that was a safe haven for the troubled youths. Makes no sense... Seriously, this will affect the community in such a negative way, these elected official don't even know. #FBF me as a youngster in SAP ... Wishing for brighter days in #NW10 🇬🇧😩👊