Cabinet approves expansion of Uxendon Manor and Elsley Primary Schools

I was unable to attend the Brent Cabinet Meeting this afternoon as I was travellig back from a long weekend in Bristol. This is the Brent Council website statement on the decisions taken (unfortunately they got the spelling of Elsley wrong!):

Plans to expand two schools in Brent were given the green light at a meeting of Brent Council's cabinet this afternoon (24 August 2015).

Uxendon Manor and Elsey primary schools will be expanded to accept an additional two forms. Uxendon Manor will expand from September 2015 whilst Elsey will begin accepting additional places from September 2016.

The Cabinet also agreed to buy 35 new homes using around £2million of income generated from the Government's Right to Buy scheme. It was decided that the council should seek a partner to build 200 new, affordable homes with the remaining money generated from the scheme.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: "We have today taken some key decisions in-line with our borough plan priorities which are based on what local people told us matter most to them.

"We have approved the expansion of two local schools to meet the increased demand for primary school places.

"We have approved the purchase of 35 new homes and we will build around 200 new homes to ensure local people have somewhere affordable to live."

Exclusive preview: Lycée International de Londres - Winston Churchill, in Wembley

500 students will be starting at the Lycée International de Londres - Winston Churchill on Thursday September 3rd. The private fee paying Lycée will operate in the old Brent (formerly Wembley) Town Hall.

I was given a preview of the refurbished building as well as the newly built block last week,.

As the Town Hall is a Grade 2 listed building refurbishment had to take place under strict conditions and I was interested in how the unique features designed by architect Clifford Strange had been preserved.

Acoustic ceilings have been installed in many of the rooms with lighting in sympathy with the original period of the building. The Paul Daisley Hall is now an assembly/sports hall with multi-use games area markings painted on the floor.

The original wood panelling is protected from damage  by a series of boards and the stage can be separated  from the hall by a partition to create a drama area.

The former Council Chamber has a state of the art video wall installed that will enable it to be used for international conferencing. The public gallery will enable parents and visitors to watch proceedings in the hall without disturbing the students.

The glass engraving at the entrance to the Council Chamber has been retained.

The parquet flooring in the old Committee Rooms has been restored and the rooms will retain a variety of uses, including formal examinations.

The Mayor's Parlour is now the Headteacher's Office and restoration has extended to the wooden desk and fire place. The electric fire remains in position in the fire place.

For me the most impressive room was the old Town Hall Library. Cleaned up and repainted, but empty of furniture, the room was full of light and the proportions beautiful.

The staircases and banisters remain as they were with some changes in the corridors to enable access for disabled pupils.

Some of the roof areas are accessible from the rooms and one roof garden has been carefully landscaped, albeit with astroturf.

A huge kitchen has been installed with a dining hall for pupils that overlooks landscaped gardens. There are expected to be three sittings for lunch eventually, each lasting 25 minutes, and children will have the choice of a French, international or vegetarian dish. Lunches are included in the school fees.

There are comfortable common rooms for middle and senior pupils which will be equipped with games as well as social seating areas. There will be student coucnls for both lower and upper secondary pupils.

The new block houses technology based subjects with Art, Science, Design Technology and IT rooms furnished and equipped to a high standard.

Outside there is a primary playground with a landscaped area shaded by the huge willow that can be seen from The Paddocks and three different MUGAs.

A unique feature is the running track due to be marked out along the frontage of the building between King's Drive and the Paddocks.

The school aims to be paperless with staff and pupils all having ipads. Secondary pupils will have an ipad each and there will be one between two at the primary level.

Photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof and the school travel plan will encourage secondary pupils to travel to school by public transport. Pupils have been instructed to walk to school from Wembley Park station along the west side of Bridge Road, crossing at the junction with Forty Lane, and then proceeding right to the school across Barn Hill and King's Drive.

I was told the Lycée wants to cooperate with local schools in Wembley and does not see itself in competition with them. When the Autumn term is underway they will explore potential links with the community including evening classes.

My overwhelming feeling was one of regret that the same degree of care and investment in quality in this private school is not available for our new state schools. The Lycée will inherit a sense of history, permanence and continuity too often missing from our  'warehouse' schools.

And perhaps also missing from our new Civic Centre.

School website (English version)

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".