Brent addresses air quality in Transportation Strategy but needs to be key issue in GLA campaign

Target Summary - note walking target should be 10% increase in schools with Gold Standard Travel Plans

Brent, faced with a growing population, new schools and several major regeneration areas along with infrastructural projects such as Cross Rail and HS2, as well as ongoing problems of road congestion and poor air quality,  is clearly in need of a long Term Transportation Strategy.

Following feedback from organisations, individuals and Scrutiny Commitee the Plan going before Cabinet  on Monday has undergone substantial changes.

The full document can be found HERE

This is a summary of the Objectives from the plan:

Objective 1: Increase the uptake of sustainable modes, in particular active modes.

2.13.    Increasing the uptake of cycling and walking will actively contribute to a reduction in congestion and air pollution and improve the health of Brent residents. Use of public transport or car clubs instead of the private car also contributes to reduced congestion and is important in enabling access to services. Uptake of all these modes can be influenced by effective travel planning measures and infrastructure.

Objective 2: Reduce conventional vehicular trips on the network, particularly at peak time


2.14. This is not about reducing the total number of trips on the network as mobility is highly important for local economic growth and for those residents who struggle to travel by other means, and require motorised travel to facilitate independent travel. However, trips can be re-timed to avoid peak hours or take place in less polluting vehicles.

Objective 3: Support growth areas and town centres to enable acceptable development

2.15.    Brent is expected to see high levels of growth over the next 20 to 30 years, focussing on the growth areas.Adequate transport investment will be required to ensure this development takes place on a sustainable basis, is accessible for all users and does not place undue pressure on the transport networks.

Objective 4: Reduce KSI incidents and slight accidents on Brent’s roads

2.16.    Over the last 10 years roads in Brent have become safer, however there is still considerable amounts of work to do in further reducing accidents to create safe and accessible streets for all users.

Objective 5: Reduce the exposure of Brent residents to particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) generated by the transport network

2.17. It has become apparent that particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide generated by a variety of sources has a significant adverse impact on the health of those who are regularly exposed. A proportion of these pollutants are generated by transport. Reduction in exposure of Brent residents could result in significant health benefits. 

This blog has had several articles expressing concern about air quality in Brent, particularly on the North Circular Road, in Neasden and as a consequence of the Brent Cross development. A further consideration has been the number of Brent schools sited close to major roads.

Air quality monitoring statins in Kingsbury, Harlesden and IKEA on the North circular have been closed.

Clean Air in London  estimates that there are 7,500 premature deaths in London annually due to nitrogen dioxide and particulate pollution as wellas the 3,400 caused by toxic air. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) told the Evening Standard Standard in June LINK:

So far this year 1,337 people have already died as result of air pollution yet the mayor’s proposals will not bring this down to safe levels until 2030.

We need a new national framework of low and ultra-low emissions zones within which London must roll out the electrification of buses and the highest vehicle standards for all new fleet vehicles within four years. We need decisive action now to protect our children not vague promises for 15 years down the line.

Air quality should be a major issue in the upcoming London Mayoral and  London Assembly elections as the Green Party attempted in the 2012 campaign (see video below):
 
 

This is the detail of the proposed Brent  Long Term Transportation Strategy  (LTTS) Objectives on air quality:

7. Reduce the exposure of Brent residents to Particulate Matter (PM) and NO2 generated by the transport network 

.        5.36.  Air quality improvement measures have previously been focussed on the reduction of carbon and CO2 production. However, in recent years it has become apparent that particulate matter and NO2 pose the most significant risks to the health of those exposed to them on a regular basis. 


.        5.37.  Evidence shows that fine and ultra fine particulate matter present in air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Conventional vehicles are responsible for 41% to 60% of air pollutants in the UK, which have an impact on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. 


.        5.38.  It has been shown that NO2 acts as an irritant, exacerbating respiratory conditions and contributing to premature deaths, particularly in vulnerable members of the population such as those with asthma. NO2 is generated as part of the combustion process that takes place in conventional cars. 


.        5.39.  Particulate matter can enter the body through the lining of the lungs and creates inflammation. In particular, particulate matter has been shown to contribute to conditions that have an inflammatory element, such as heart attack and stroke. It is uncertain precisely how many deaths are brought forward by the presence of particulate matter, however, it is estimated to be a significant number. 


.        5.40.  Though not all particulate matter is generated by transport, diesel engines do produce significant amounts as does friction on the road surface and other moving parts. 

.        5.41.  Reducing the exposure of Brent residents to both of these substances will directly contribute to improved health and longer life. Though it is not achievable through this strategy to reduce exposure from the transport network to 0 due to the nature of transport and the built environment, there are some measures that are achievable that will both reduce overall levels of air pollution and lessen the exposure of individuals. 


Reducing exposure

5.42.    There are two main ways in which the exposure of Brent residents to this type of pollution can be controlled and reduced. These are reduction in the overall production of the pollutants and avoidance of the pollutants that are still produced.

Reduction

5.43.    All the objectives of this LTTS will contribute to improved air quality through reduced vehicle trips on the network. In particular increased use of sustainable modes and reduced peak-time freight movements combined with greater use of LEVs and ULEVs will contribute to improved air quality. However, there are some specific measures that relate more closely to air quality.

.        5.44.  The Transport Emissions Road Map (TERM) produced by Transport for London in 2014 identifies a number of measures that may be implemented in the boroughs to reduce the production of pollutants. Among these is the introduction of Low Emission Neighbourhoods which identify particular areas as zones in which heavily polluting vehicles are limited or controlled. 


.        5.45.  Though the introduction of these would be supported by the LTTS it should be noted that the terms on which they are implemented should be considered carefully to avoid inequitable impacts on residents. 


.        5.46.  It must also be considered that the current Transport for London bus fleet runs on diesel, which produces high levels of particulates. There are no current plans for this fleet to be changed for one running on alternative fuels, so this restriction must be considered when introducing restrictions. 


.        5.47.  However, due to the large number of bus routes running through Brent and in particular certain strategic corridors Brent will continue to lobby TfL for changes to the local bus fleet to reduce dependency on diesel. 


.        5.48.  The TERM also identifies the possible introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone covering greater London which would operate on similar terms to the current Low Emission Zone but would enforce tighter emission standards on vehicles entering greater London. 


.        5.49.  Though it is uncertain as yet how this will come forward on a London wide basis, the LTTS would support the introduction of a borough-wide low emission zone. This would give Brent Borough Council control over implementation and therefore the ability to mitigate any potential negative impacts on local residents. Further research would be required to take this forward should the opportunity to gain funding arise. 


Avoidance

.        5.50.  It has been shown that for particulate matter distance from the source of pollution makes a significant difference to the level of exposure suffered. Therefore, increasing the distance and introducing barriers could help to reduce the exposure of residents to this type of pollution. 


.        5.51.  In some areas this may not be achievable due to the constrained nature of the network. However in new schemes and in particular schemes that incorporate a strong element of place making, enabling a greater distance between the road surface and shop fronts and footways would be of benefit to the health of local workers and visitors. 


.        5.52.  In some areas is may also be possible to introduce barriers such as plating, that constrains the particulate matter and reduces the amount that reaches the footway and frontages. 


Kilburn Park Post Office to go as South Kilburn Redevelopment moves forward

Existing site

Brent Council has announced tht it has appointed PRP Architects Ltd to lead the design team to take a major redevelopment forward to the planning stage.

The scheme covers 5-9 Chippenham Gardens and 4-26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) as well as the Kilburn Park Post Office.

Brent Council said that following discussions with the Post Office and the current tenant the Kilburn Park Post office will not re-open.

The proposal

 The Council say that the 'high quality' development of 50 homes will include some that are 'affordable' but does not state how many.

There will be further consultation events on the plans in November 2015 and January 2016.  Exhibition boards describing the plans with many more images can be found here: LINK

Crash Call for the NHS - Saturday Shepherd's Bush Green at noon

Victory for Look Ahead support workers

News from Brent Fightback. Similar proposals have been made for the care workers at Tudor Gardens LINK
 
The support workers who were transferred from Riverside to Look Ahead Care and Support as a result of Brent Council's tendering process for adult social care, have won their dispute with their new employers. Look Ahead originally threatened to cut support workers' pay by £5,000 a year for working longer hours and to change their working conditions. 

Through the Unite union, the workers balloted for strike action, with 100% voting YES. Faced with the workers' determination to defend their pay and conditions and to continue to provide a proper service for vulnerable clients, Look Ahead granted almost all their demands. Support workers' current pay and conditions will be defended indefinitely and Look Ahead will recognise Unite. Yesterday, the workers voted to accept the management's offer.

Congratulations - this shows that if you are prepared to fight, you can win.

Update on future of Welsh Harp Education Centre

Harry Mackie with a class at the Centre

I was a little worried when passing the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre at the Welsh Harp recently as it appeared to be somewhat neglected with one of the ponds dried up. More so when I discovered that the Centre's office had closed and the computers taken away.

Harry Mackie (pictured with a class above) who has been running the Centre for years retired at the end of term. Known to generations of Brent children he retired without fanfare or fuss.

His contribution to environmental education in Brent deserves wider recognition.

That aside, I have since heard that following the advertisements for the sale of the lease, that Carey's (operating in Brent under the name Seneca) charity arm  The Careys Foundation LINK and the Thames21 charity LINK have expressed an interest in running the Centre. Thames21 is already known in Brent through its work with schools and organising community cleanups of our many waterways. Achieving a base in Brent would make sense to their operation.

The Welsh Harp reservoir on Sunday afternoon

Debbie Leach, Chief Executive of  Thames21, told me that the WHEEC was a 'fantastic facility', that they would want to continue, develop  and enhance.  This could mean more activities connected with the Welsh Harp reservoir itself. They would work with local schools, and any other partners in this process.  Discussions with Brent Council are ongoing.

She said it was 'too early to say' if this could mean a joint partnership with Careys Foundation.

Siobhan of Careys Foundation said, 'I can confirm Careys Foundation did tender for the WHEEC but at this time I am unable to comment as the tender process is still live until the final decision by the Cabinet in September. It has been a privilege for Careys Foundation to have had the opportunity to support sucj a wonderful initiative as the WHEEC since 2011.

I understand that Oakington Manor Primary School  and Roe Green Junior School did not put in a bid but they were keen to work with Careys.

This means that another Brent Council facility will go over to the charity sector.

Provisional bookings had been made for Autumn Term which starts next month but it is not clear how keeping the schools informed of whether these will go ahead will be managed with no office in existence.

A report on the future of the Centre is due to go to Cabinet on September 21st.

Cllr Butt challenged on 'untruths' and 'misrepresentation' in Davani case

Philip Grant has written to Cllr Muhammed Butt drawing his attention to the letter published in last week's Kilburn Times (see below) .

Philip said, 'You are welcome to reply to it, either to the newspaper or personally to me, if you feel that I have misrepresented anything. I look forward to hearing from you.'
 

Butt’s statement on the Rosemarie Clarke case, which Philip’s letter in the newspaper was responding to, was originally issued privately, just to Brent's councillors in their weekly "Members' Information Bulletin", claiming to set out the facts of the case, allegedly in the light of  'untruths' and 'misrepresentation of the judgement' by unnamed persons. Those people only had the chance of a "right of reply" after his statement was leaked to "Wembley Matters". 

Monster emerges through the trees at Welsh Harp Reservoir

Readers will remember that there was a broad-based campaign opposing the Barratt Home development on the banks of the Welsh Harp Reservoir at West Hendon. Mainly low-rise social housing was to be replaced by luxury private tower blocks close to a nature reserve and SSSI. LINK

Unfortunately the campaign did not succeed and Barnet Council went ahead with the scheme. West Hendon Estate residents through their Our West Hendon campaign are fighting what they see as social cleansing of a community and working with Sweets Way residents to challenge Barnet Council Their passion can be seen in this video taken at a Barnet Council Meeting on July 28th when they presented their petitions:



Walking the Kingsbury side of the Welsh Harp on Sunday it became clear what an intrusive eyesore these blocks will be.  Sold on the basis of the wonderful green view of the Kingsbury bank that the new residents will see, on our side we will see tower blocks the tallest of which is 24 storeys.

The Minutes of the last Joint Welsh Harp Consultative Committee highlight some of the issues that are emerging during the building works for  resdients and for the Nature Reserve.

Looking across from the Kingsbury side to West Hendon, the nature reserve is on the stretch of water in between

Extract from Minutes:

It It was noted that the outcome of the public enquiry regarding the Compulsory Purchase of the West Hendon Estate was due shortly and further information would be circulated to all members with the minutes of the current meeting.

·         A short written update was provided by Terry Garner (Principle Planner, LB Barnet) regarding the position of SSSI Warden. It was commented that this information had been shared at the last meeting of the committee. The London Wildlife Trust (LWT) would be hosting the position and the queries regarding whether any charge would be made by Barratt London for the provision of office space remained outstanding. Dianne Murphy (Chair, LWT Barnet) advised that the job description for the position was due to be signed off imminently; the post would be advertised in the coming weeks with interviews being held in September 2015. It was anticipated that the Warden would be in position in time for the next committee meeting in November.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the level of noise from the development and the impact on the birdlife of the Welsh Harp. The committee agreed with the view that the planned measures to inhibit noise were ineffective. It was further noted that the contractors were not complying with the restrictions on working hours as stipulated in the conditions of the planning permission. Roy Beddard (Welsh Harp Conservation Group (WHCG)) noted that there had been no discernible impact on bird populations as recorded by the monthly monitoring surveys conducted by the WHCG. It was agreed that the results of these surveys could be circulated to the committee and the Chair agreed to explore this issue and provide an update to the committee prior to the next meeting.

·         Clive Cohen (LWT) raised concerns regarding the impact of the development on water quality and suggested that officers explore funding opportunities to enable regular monitoring to be conducted. A member highlighted that the Environment Agency (EA) did undertake monitoring of water quality. The Chair agreed to seek comment on this matter from the relevant officers.

·         The committee reviewed the written update from Nathan Smith (Barratt London) regarding the use of prohibited roads by contractors. Members of the committee reported that the issue was ongoing. The Chair encouraged members of the committee to report any incidents. It was noted that it was not always practical to take down the necessary details to enable accurate reports to be made. Possible solutions were discussed by the committee including the installation of cameras by Barratt London and the continued use of banksmen as it was possible that this acted as a deterrent. It was agreed that the continuation of this problem would be raised by the Chair with the planning officers in Barnet and Barratt Homes. Representatives from Barratt Homes would be asked to attend committee meetings in the future.

·         Councillor Langleben raised the issue of the impact of the Brent Cross Regeneration works on the Brent River Stream. The Chair undertook to write to Barnet Planning for an update to be provided at the next meeting.

Crest Academy principal looks forward to mixed classes in September and puts forward the school's '3 pillars' for success

 "I am the principal of a secular, non-denominational school that has a large majority of Muslim students. This does not make the school a Muslim school where segregation of gender should be pursued."

With Crest Academy due to switch to mixed aged classes in September the principal, Mohsen Ojja, has taken to the pages of the Times Education Supplement LINK to justify the change.

Some parents had protested at this decision and organised an on-line petition against it when it was annonunced in July.  LINK . However they do not appear to have gathered much support over the school summer holiday. 219 people had signed the petition bu July 10th and the total stands at 227 today. LINK

This is part ofwhat Mohsen Ojja wrote in TES last week:

Interestingly, whereas students and staff have been overwhelmingly supportive of the change to a co-educational model, parents have needed more reassurance and support. Many recognise that the move will help to ensure that our teaching and learning is of better quality and will provide a better education as a result. Others fully accept the importance of boys and girls learning and socialising together, so that they are properly prepared and have confidence when they leave us – be that for university, for work, or further training.

But there are some who feel the change is not what they signed up to: single-sex education. The onus is, of course, on us to work with the parents who have reservations about a co-educational model, and to be open and transparent about what the changes mean in practice, and how we transition to this new system.

I am proud to say that after a successful induction process, where we planned every aspect of the transition, the feedback from students and staff has been outstanding. And in a couple of weeks’ time, induction days in September will see us revisit our vision and values and start to work together.

With these measures in place, I am confident that we will be able to win over the vast majority of parents, and all the more so as the impact starts to flow through our results and enhances our students’ life chances.

For me, the status quo was simply not sustainable. Running two schools in parallel, split by gender, was tantamount to unhealthy segregation. The move to a single, multi-faith, proudly diverse school is the first important step to integration. Moreover, I am the principal of a secular, non-denominational school that has a large majority of Muslim students. This does not make the school a Muslim school where segregation of gender should be pursued. I have had to remind many parents that, in Islam, segregation of gender in education is not essential. Indeed, the large majority of schools in the Muslim world operate a co-educational model.

The most challenging part of this integration process is communicating to some parents that although parental choice plays an important part in children’s education, in isolation it does not always result in genuine educational value. In future, everything we do will be defined by three pillars: the improvement of student outcomes; the improvement of teaching and learning; and preparing our students to be successful in their lives beyond school and university.

Critics of the concept of British values complain that it is too amorphous and lacking in precision. It defies a tick-box approach, and is undoubtedly not something that the consultants can rack up billing-hours for (though I am sure they will try). Ultimately, the concept of British values is about a set of positive behaviours that celebrate the cultural richness of this country. With our structural changes in place we can now start living and breathing those behaviours at the Crest Academy. We will then, hand on heart, be able to say that we are educating our young people to the very best of our ability, in the broadest sense.