Fundraising continues as Watford Council digs heels in over allotment sell-off

Watford Borough Council has refused a request from the Farm Terrace Allotment campaign to put a hold on their development plans following the Secretary of State's withdrawal of his consent to build on the land.

Instead they have stated thir intention to relocate the plot holders and seek planning permission to build on the allotments.

The campaign remains determined to fight on and are redoubling their fundraising efforts. Donations can be made at: LINK

Brent library closures could swing local elections

The pop-up library continues

A report today from the Save Kensal Rise Library Campaign gives the result of a survey of a  representative sample of local residents:

• 72% of local residents say that shutting the library will definitely or probably affect their voting intention at the next General and Local elections
• Brent Council are overwhelmingly viewed as “very responsible” for the library closure by 94% of residents in 2013 (and a further 6% “slightly responsible”). All Souls College (54% very responsible and 30% “slightly”) and the Coalition Government (52% and 38%) come next on the list 
• 96% of respondents in 2013 feel that “Brent Council doesn’t listen to residents” and 98% think the actions of Brent Council have been “against the interests of the local community”. 
• Nine in ten (94%) locals “object to the library being turned into flats”. 95% agree that they “would worry about the lack of community space in the area”. Eight in ten agree “turning the library into private rental flats would harm the community” (82%). Only 3% think that “private rental flats would benefit the local community. 94% of survey respondents think urge that “the developer should listen to the pleas of the residents” 
• Since the library has shut,  72% of residents have decided against a trip to a different library which is particularly worrying in the context of our local literacy challenges and 51% have been forced to buy books they would have wanted to loan 
• 79% of residents say the pop-up library that has emerged is a cheerful presence that symbolises community spirit and 72% believe it epitomises local residents’ determination to fight Brent Council’s decision

In a survey released today of public attitudes to Kensal Rise library, the Save Kensal Rise Library campaign highlights the critical impact library closures will have on the next local and general elections. 

Almost 3 in 4 residents (72%) say closure of libraries “will definitely” or “probably” affect their voting intention. When asked who is responsible for libraries closing in Brent, 9 in 10 residents firmly cite Brent Council as most responsible (94%) with over half blaming the All Souls College (54%) and the Coalition Government (52%).

Highlighting the impact the decision is having on local lives, since the library has shut, 72% of residents have decided against a trip to a different library and 51% have been forced to buy books they would have wanted to loan  – placing ever greater pressure on tight family finances particularly on those with children. Over 1 in 5 (22%) residents say they have nowhere local to go to spend time with others. 17% have experienced overcrowding at an alternative local library session. The numbers have increased in all the areas over the two-year time period between surveys – which are worrying trends. 

Efforts to create a temporary pop-up library had gone down well with residents. 82% of respondents in 2013 said “it is a cheerful presence and a symbol of community spirit” and 84% agreed that it is a “good indication of residents’ determination to keep the library going”. All measures have improved over two years between surveys – indicating growing appreciation of the pop-up library despite recognition is it no long term alternative to a properly-resourced library. 

Margaret Bailey, co-chair of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library campaign said:

“The stark reality of the impact on lives comes through strongly. Closing Kensal Rise library is not just an issue for Brent’s balance sheets – it is hurting local families, children and elderly residents. People are putting off trips to the library and being forced to spend precious money they don’t always have to meet a shortfall in local provision. The social value of the library is going completely unnoticed”

David Butcher, co-chair of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library campaign said:

“The survey confirms what we knew, that passion is running high on this issue and that people will take this issue to the polls. Politicians and developers ignore this at their peril.”

“It’s time for all concerned to recognise the implications of closing services. We want them to come and speak to us about our plans to open a community-run library space that the public so overwhelmingly are demanding”

Voices from the survey – a selection of quotes from the survey

The library was a life saver for me when my children were small. It's the hub of community, somewhere to go when you are isolated.

As a child, I made my first fairy cakes from a book I borrowed at the library. Being Indian this was a big step as we don't bake traditionally. This one of many steps that made me feel part of the British community

When my first baby was two months old we were locked out in the cold and left keys inside. Desperate, I eventually sought help at my library, the woman advised me and offered me warmth and reassurance till the fire brigade came. Where else offers this kind of safe haven to isolated people?  

My children went there from birth & joined in all the events - Christmas, Divali, Chinese New Year etc.  We kept contact there with people who'd gone on to different schools etc.  I have always belonged to a local library and have never used one less than I currently do (in 51 years!).  I feel very sad every time I walk past it (almost daily).

I feel more isolated and I no longer have the help and service it's staff provided

I have nowhere to take my children to find books to help with their homework.

I have lost the chance to study in a venue with other people. Deprived of access to resources, I often work alone in my room

I regularly have outstanding loans as I have irregular internet access and have to travel specially to Queens Park.

I loved walking into the library space…and seeing the building, its beautiful fired tiles, the architraves and the feeling of welcome and well being it gave me. This reflects Brent Council’s lack of understanding about what makes people contented.

The day before the library closed, I got a book on Superman. This was when I was 7. I’m 10 now. I also remember a big party that took place before the closure, made to try and stop the council closing it. Everyone thought this was enough. 

I came with my four year old to the library on the afternoon the library had been raided by the police. My daughter was frightened and sad to hear her library had been closed and all the books stolen (as she saw it) by the police. 

Knowing that I am in a community where people can work together on something like this gives me hope for the future and inspires me to try to contribute more to the community 

The campaign has helped make us a stronger community.  Even those of us who haven't actually done much have been supporting in spirit and it has given us a common cause.  

I'm amazed and in awe of all who continue to fight and want to pass my appreciation on

People have been brought together, new friendships formed and a sense of common purpose shared.  This could continue INSIDE the building rather than relegated to the cold outside.

This building should not be destroyed by using it for flats. It should  definitely be listed and remain as a library and maybe for other community uses to make it more viable.

There are so few public places that we can go without being expected to spend money or pass through as quickly as possible. So few places where parents with young children or elderly citizens can feel genuinely welcome and unhurried. So few places that seek to expand our minds rather than entice us to empty our pockets. This is a thing worth fighting for.

We should never stop fighting to save a cause so vital in an age where so many people think the internet is a sufficient resource for finding knowledge. It will never replace books or libraries where people can meet in a haven of knowledge, discovery, and community.

I do not know anyone who would consider travelling as far as Wembley to use the library. The point about libraries is that they should be a local resource.  I am deeply indebted to campaigners for their sustained efforts on our behalf.

Note: 
The survey is based on a poll of 272 residents conducted between May and July 2013. With 272 responses, the survey is representative of the 10,668 population of the Kensal Green ward and the 268,000 population of Brent. The respondents reflected the area’s diversity in terms of age, ethnicity, and gender of respondents.

Racist van? Tweet for Liberty

Liberty have launched their own anti-racist van as a riposte to the Home Office 'Go Home' campaign. It will be driving around Westminster today. Liberty asks anyone who spots the van to Tweet a picture to them at @libertyhq

Their article on the Go Home campaign can be read HERE

UPDATE Tuesday PM Earlier today the anti-racist van was in Brent  parked outside Kensal Green Station which UK Border officers raided last week leaflets were given out to passengers and passersby.

KILBURN TIMES REPORT

Copland victimisations: glimmer of hope?

Guest post by Mistleflower:

Michael Pavey, head of  Children and Families for Brent, yesterday posted this reply to a comment on my earlier post  ‘Deafening silence on Copland victimisation allegations’. LINK

‘ I met with the Unions last week and discussed these matters in detail. It's not appropriate to disclose our discussions with anonymous people on blogs but I'll continue to meet them and to take their concerns very seriously’

I may be being optimistic but, reading between the lines, it may be that Mr Pavey was as dismayed as Copland staff were by the tactics attempted  by Mr Marshall and Mr John  since they were drafted in to the school a few weeks ago:  victimisation, misuse of capability procedures  and threats of redundancy to those heads of department  unwilling to set up their own colleagues for redundancy.  

 Let’s hope that Mr Pavey  has,  now he’s been made aware of what’s been going on,‘had a word’. The test of this will be the future behaviour of the new management  but at least some  context has now been established. For now, the petty and vindictive treatment of the Humanities department ( or those few who remain) needs to be abandoned.

As far as the use of anonymity is concerned, this  is unfortunately  inevitable when a climate of fear has been intentionally introduced by managers  as a way of closing down open comment and discussion. There is a simple solution to this: regular and acknowledged communication based on mutual respect between management and genuine representatives of staff at  scheduled  meetings which are not unilaterally cancelled (or ‘postponed)’  and through  which management and genuine staff representatives attempt to come to agreement  in a civilised, professional  and collegiate fashion.  If someone hasn’t already stolen the name it could perhaps be called the ‘JCC’.

Why services are better in public hands - the need for a Public Service Users Bill

The We Own It campaign LINK  will launch their report on the need for a Public Service Users Bill on Monday. The Bill would promote and protect high quality and accountable public services.

They list the benefits of public ownership:

1. You use it

Meeting your needs – whether that's at the doctors' surgery or at the post office – should mean giving you time, attention and care. Public ownership makes it easier for staff to take the time that’s needed rather than squeezing services to boost profits. This means that when public services are in public hands, they tend to be better run. Local authorities across the UK are bringing services in-house to improve their quality and value for money.

2. You pay for it

Public services are something we all pay for, and we all use. Public ownership means your money is better spent, both locally and nationally. Money can be reinvested into services to improve them, instead of subsidising the profits of private companies. Savings are also made because services are integrated and there is no need to manage contracts. Publicly run East Coast rail has saved the taxpayer £600 million and if water was in public hands, household water bills would be around £80 a year cheaper.

3. You have a say in it 

When public services are run by local or national government, it's easier for you to know who to turn to when you want to complain, and to have your say in how you want services to be improved. The public sector must make data available to you and respond to Freedom Of Information requests (unlike the private sector). Public ownership also means it's possible for the whole of society to decide on a goal (for example, a long term energy policy) and achieve it efficiently. Most people want public services to be provided publicly and almost all of us want a say in how they are run.

4. You share it 

Public services are something we all share. When services are owned by all of us, it's easier for staff to work with service users and community groups to improve them. This can and should involve imaginative ways to keep making them better. In the 21st century, public services should be about people, not profit. Public ownership can sometimes involve the voluntary sector, social enterprises and cooperatives where that's the right solution, and where there are safeguards in place to protect public assets.

5. Examples all over the world show that it works better

In the UK, despite the current drive to privatise, many local authorities are bringing services in-house to boost satisfaction and save money. Across Europe, public ownership is making a comeback. For example, the water in Paris is now owned and controlled by the city, and in Germany energy is being generated locally by publicly owned utilities. In the US, a fifth of all previously outsourced services have been brought back in-house.

The Bill would ensure:

Public ownership would be the default for public services

1. Public ownership would be prioritised as the default option that is looked at first, before contracting out (supported by 60% of the public). Local and national government would always explore best practice public ownership, before turning to private companies.

2. There would always be a realistic, thorough in-house bid from the public sector whenever a public service – local or national - is put out to tender (supported by 80% of the public).

3. The public would be consulted before any service is privatised or outsourced (supported by 79% of the public).

4. Organisations with a social purpose – the public sector and genuine cooperatives, mutuals, charities and social enterprises – would be prioritised in the tendering process (supported by 57% of the public).

Private companies running public services would be held to account

1. The public would have a ‘right to recall’ private companies who are doing a bad job (supported by 88% of the public).

2. Private companies running public services would be transparent about their performance and financial data - as in the public sector (supported by 88% of the public).

3. Private companies running public services would be subject to Freedom Of Information legislation - as in the public sector (48% of the public mistakenly believe this is already the case).

4. The public would be properly consulted about the services they receive through public service contracts.

Competition for Brent young people to take part in Civic Centre opening performance

As regular  readers will know I have been a critic of the Brent Civic Centre since it was first planned, particularly on the grounds that it was too expensive and too grandiose at a time when the Council was closing half our libraries and other amenities and cutting jobs.

It is there now and I want to see it working for the people of Brent in the way County Hall and the Festival Hall worked at the time of Ken Livingstone's GLC adminstration: open to the public and groups and at the heart of the community.

I probably won't be able to stand the hype at the opening ceremony but here is what the Council is planning. It is a pity that this competition is advertised in the school holiday and closes before children return so the message is unlikely to get out as widely as it deserves:

The opening ceremony

We are celebrating the opening of the civic centre on 6 October 2013 with a grand spectacle of music, dance, arts and performance. Find out more

21 ambassadors for 21 wards

We are looking for young ambassadors to represent each of Brent's 21 wards at the opening ceremony.
The ambassadors will officially open the building with the Mayor and the Leader of the Council as well as feature in the spectacular finale.

How to enter

For a chance to win and play a central role in this historic event simply send your drawing/collage/ photograph or write a poem which illustrates:

"What you love about where you live!"

Please send your entry with your name, age, address and a contact number to competition@brent.gov.uk or post to: Competitions, Floor 4, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ.

You must be a Brent resident aged 7 to 16 years to enter the competition. Winners have to be available to attend the ceremony on 6 October 2013, as well as some dates during September for film/sound recordings related to the finale performance.

The closing date for entries is Friday 30 August.

For more information about Brent Civic Centre visit www.brent.gov.uk/civiccentre

Brent Council uses Brent Cyclists' ideas for Wembley 'mini-Holland' bid

 Brent Council made the following announcement today:

Brent Council is aiming to revolutionise cycling for residents by bidding for a share of £100 million funding from Transport for London (TfL) to create a 'mini-Holland' in Brent.

The first-stage bid titled Ways to Wembley sets out how the centre of the borough could be transformed into a 'mini-Holland' by overcoming physical barriers to cycling such as major roads and rail hubs as well as encouraging more communities to cycle and creating better cycling infrastructure.

TfL recently invited outer London boroughs to submit applications for their share of funding worth £100 million to create a 'mini-Holland' - so-called because it will create an area which is as bike friendly as any town in Holland. Ways to Wembley sets out ideas for a 'mini-Holland' linking the Wembley regeneration area and popular Wembley Stadium and Arena destinations to other parts of borough including areas of major regeneration such as Willesden and South Kilburn.

It also includes ideas for a cycle hub in Wembley, providing cyclists with cycle parking, facilities, cycling retailers and a travel information centre in together one location. The scheme would also help to link Brent to other areas across the rest of London via existing cycle routes.

Brent Council has worked in partnership with Brent Cyclists on the Ways to Wembley bid and incorporated many of the group's ideas.

Brent Council Leader and Cycling Champion Muhammed Butt said:

"I'm a huge supporter of cycling so I'm 100% committed to Brent winning this major funding opportunity. As Brent's Cycling Champion I've led initiatives to encourage and promote cycling, and to raise awareness of our fantastic bid I've attended meetings with the Mayor's Cycling Champion, Andrew Gilligan and TfL, and listened closely to the ideas of the local Brent Cyclists group.

"I recognise that at the moment there are too many physical barriers which make cycling in our borough difficult. That's why we've put forward some imaginative ideas about how we can ensure that road, rail and Tube links don't sever cycle routes. They also address how we can encourage people from every community to take up cycling so it genuinely becomes an activity for all.

"This is an excellent time to invest in cycling infrastructure in Brent with the ongoing regeneration of many parts of the borough and I hope we can realise the full potential of our bid."

Ways to Wembley, which is the first stage of Brent Council's bid for a mini-Holland, sets a target to increase cycling to 4.3 per cent of all journeys in Brent by 2026.

The first-stage shortlisting by TfL is expected to be announced in August and the chosen projects in September.

To see the full Ways to Wembley document, visit www.brent.gov.uk/cycling.

Organise for upcoming decision on Harlesden Incinerator

It's funny isn't it, how crucial decisions affecting the lives of local people are often made in the dead days of the summer school holidays? Following Barnet Council's go ahead for the controversial tower block city on the edges of the Welsh Harp, Ealing Council will decide on the equally controversial 'Harlesden Incinerator' on August 14th. DETAILS

The plans for yet another waste facility in an area which borders Brent but where the decision is made by a different local council (as with the Welsh Harp), has met widespread opposition, not just for the impact on air quality in an area devoid of any 'green breathing spaces' but also in terms of the numbers of heavy trucks that will come trundling through the local streets.

It appears likely that the intention is to rubber stamp plans which did not even figure in the options outlined in the grand West London Waste Authority plan.

There is a Harlesden Town meeting on Monday August 12th and perhaps that will be an organising opportunity for a vociferous Brent presence at the meeting on the 14th.