UPDATE: Bookshare facility removed from Willesden Green and other stations due to alleged fire risk

 

Users of the bookshare at Willesden Green tube station are reported to have gathered to try and reinstate it following removal due to alleged fire risk.

As spokeswoman for the voluntary Cricklewood  Library told Wembley Matters:

Cricklewood Library set up the Willesden Green book share around 2017. It was maintained by campaigners and was immediately well received. When books are on the shelves Based on a conservative estimate of five people visiting the shelves over eight hours a day, approximately 15,000 visits to the shelves are made. This is a significant number. 

 

Since the library opened in 2021 Cricklewood Library hasn't had the capacity to formally support the bookshare and it's taken on its own momentum. Donated books do get sent there if they aren't suitable for the library. The reason Friends of Cricklewood Library don't formally support the bookshare is that we are stretched to keep the library open for four days a week.

The issue of fire and safety in relation to the bookshare has been mentioned before and the books and shelves removed. However this was due to an individual with mental health problems and the shelves were reinstated.

You may have seen the article in the Standard LINK which talks about fire hazards. Willesden Green Station is not sub-surface and there are two exits. The bookshare shelves have suffered from damp and the books too, so they don't appear to be an obvious fire risk.

We are sad to see the well-established and well-loved bookshare dismantled with no notice to the community. 

The official reasons for the removal have been published on Facebook:

The London Fire Brigade said legal regulations required TfL to remove book libraries from any subsurface Tube stations. It added non-subsurface stations had been asked to remove their libraries from public display until “correct fire safety plans” were in place.

TfL said it was working to see if the libraries could make a return to non-subsurface Tube stations in future, which would be allowed if measures to mitigate fire risks are taken.

All book libraries must be withdrawn from the premises and the contents removed from the station- they do not have any approvals from our Fire Safety Unit and our regulator the LFB, this means that currently they breach the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Precautions (Sub-surface Railways stations)(England) Regulations 2009, for example Article 7 (1) states

All parts of the station premises must be kept clear of combustible refuse or other combustible material

by failing to do this is likely to result in enforcement action from the LFB.

In addition to the above, I would add some safety justification behind the RRO and PRSSR statutory requirements.

• Combustible materials present a fire risk in a public space that is used as the means of escape in the stations.
• The fire risk mitigations that are in place to reduce fire and smoke spread in other rooms of the station are installed to provide safe evacuation for the occupants and are not present for the book libraries.
• The reason that detection, suppression and compartmentation isn’t mandated is that the public areas are to remain sterile and materials controlled to a strict standard.
• The books and the wooden cabinets are combustible and result in fire developing at a quick rate.

  There does seem to be some hope that the bookshare could be restored to Willesden Green Station after review as it is a non-subsurface station, as the Cricklewood Library spokeswoman pointed out, and has two entrances.

After all, environmentally and educationally, it is much better to share and reuse books, rather than have them dumped in landfill, burned or left on the streets as flytipping.  

UPDATE: Cllr Tariq Dar is contacting the station to make sure the remover property is safe, the London Mayor is taking up with TfL and there is a petition you can sign in support of the bookswap at Newcare Pharmacy across Station Parade from the station.

 

 

Promising test of low-carbon concrete technology in Wembley Park development

 

From Ecocem

 

Sisk has successfully completed testing of a new low-carbon technology to decarbonize concrete at its Wembley Park project site in London. Initial test results demonstrate over 70 percent of carbon savings compared to standard concrete.

The low-carbon demonstrator project received £500,000 from Innovate UK funding as part of its Contracts for Innovation to pioneer the use of ACT, Ecocem’s low-carbon concrete technology in a structure, which is the first of its kind. 

The demonstrator project was based at NE02/NE03, Wembley Park, where Sisk has been working on the redevelopment of Wembley Park for its long-term client, Quintain for the past 20 years. Sisk gathered with each of its consortium partners for an event hosted at Wembley Park to discuss its findings.

The two-storey project used a range of different construction methodologies and concrete mixes all based on ACT. From floors to precast concrete stairs, columns and walls, the initial feedback on the performance of each element is very promising. In each case the concrete made with ACT met the design specification for each application assessed and delivered a significant carbon saving of over 70 percent.

Ecocem recently announced that it has begun construction on its first production facility dedicated to ACT at its Dunkirk facility in Northern France, where it will invest over £42M (€50M). The new facility will have an initial capacity to deliver 300,000 tons of ACT annually.

This innovation will revolutionize low-carbon cement commercial viability within the construction sector. ACT, is a breakthrough cement technology which combines a range of technical innovations with the use of widely available low-carbon materials to decarbonize the production of cement by as much as 70 percent, while enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete it is used to manufacture. 

 

Ross Cullen, Chief Engineer, Sisk said:

At Sisk, we have been committed to sustainability for many years. Our low-carbon concrete journey began with the establishment of various strategies aimed at reducing our environmental impact. One of the key initiatives was the creation of an internal low-carbon concrete working group. This was formed to deepen our understanding of carbon in concrete and to explore opportunities and technologies that can help us reduce the embodied carbon in our projects.

The construction industry has a profound responsibility to reduce our climate impact. As one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, it is imperative that we take significant steps towards sustainability. The development of low-carbon concrete is a tremendous leap forward in this endeavour. This innovation not only reduces our carbon footprint but also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible construction practices.

 

 

Musical Theatre CODA perform at East Lane Theatre, Sudbury, on Saturday March 22nd and pledge support for the theatre faced with Brent Council's huge rent increase

 

Readers will know that the East Lane Theatre group are fighting for survival following proposals by Brent Council for a huge increase in rent. CODA, who are putting on a show at  the theatre on March 22nd, told Wembley Matters:

If the theatre is forced to close its doors it would be a devastating loss not only for our production but for the entire local community that relies on the space for creative expression and connection.

At CODA, we remain deeply committed to supporting local community theatres, and we believe that spaces like East Lane Theatre are essential for nurturing local talent and enriching the cultural landscape. We are hopeful that with the support of the community, we can ensure this vital venue remains open.

 

DETAILS

Award-winning musical theatre duo CODA are set to bring their critically acclaimed UK touring production, Songs From Stage and Screen, to East Lane Theatre on 22.03.25. This spectacular show promises to be a night of unforgettable performances, featuring iconic songs from some of the greatest musicals of all time, including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, My Fair Lady, Little Shop of Horrors, and many more.

CODA, comprised of soprano Gemma Ashley and baritone Mark ‘#ManInTheHat’ James, have captivated audiences nationwide with their dynamic vocals and charismatic stage presence. The pair met on the set of the BBC’s prime-time show All Together Now, where their shared passion for musical theatre sparked a powerful creative partnership.

“Songs From Stage and Screen is a celebration of the music that has defined the world of musical theatre and film,” said Mark James. “We’re thrilled to bring this show to Sudbury and share our love for these timeless classics with new audiences.”

Gemma added, “There’s something truly magical about performing these songs live on stage. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life and connect with audiences through the power of music.” She continued, “Our performance allows audience members to sing along, dance, and get involved if they wish—creating an interactive and joyful experience for everyone.”

As part of their UK tour, CODA is committed to supporting local independent theatres, many of which are often run by dedicated volunteers. “These theatres are the unsung heroes of the theatre world,” Gemma said. “They are places where many dreams begin, new careers are encouraged, and communities come together. Supporting these venues is our way of giving back to the very foundation of live performance.”

Songs From Stage and Screen is not just a show; it’s a journey through the history of musical theatre and cinema, brought to life by two of the most engaging voices in the business. With a setlist that spans decades and genres, the show is a must-see for fans of all ages.

Tickets for the East Lane Theatre performance on 22.03.25 are available now and can be purchased at www.muscialcoda.com or using this link
https://rb.gy/kdq9s5

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of CODA live in concert.

 

Cllr Nerva was wrong in his claim at Full Council that Gladstone Park and Roundwood Park have Green Flag Awards - but there is hope.

 

Brent Council has confirmed in a response to Cllr Lorber that Brent Council currently has no Green Flag awards. This confirms my statement on Twitter (above) refuting claims by Cllr Nerva (Queen's Park) during the Council meeting on February 27th, apparently after some frantic googling, that Brent had won Green Flag awards for Gladstone Park and Roundwood Park. 

His intervention came following the budget speech made by Cllr Hannah Matin, Lib Dem councillor for Alperton, who had said that she had to take her guide dog, Wendy, to parks outside of Brent for her necessary free run, because they were cleaner and safer than Brent parks.  He said:

I'd just like to pick up on a point made about parks in Brent. I've just looked up, Gladstone Park: Green Flag, Roundwood Park: Green Flag.   There are lots pf other places in Brent that provide really great recreation and wellbeing. I think it is really sad to hear someone denigrate the really hard working Brent Parks Service.

It's 'really sad' that a member of Brent Cabinet does not know that Brent Council opted out of the Green Flags Award scheme back in 2014 when parks maintenance was outsourced to Veolia. LINK

 The Award was always a great incentive across London and is international in its scope. The map below shows the Brent desert with just Roe Green Walled Garden and Queens Park marked.  The Walled Carden is looked after  by the Barn Hill Conservation Group rather than Brent Council/Continental Landscapes (the new contractor) and Queens Park by the City of London Corporation. 

 Indeed there is some hope as Continental Landscapes features in the 2024 Green Flag Awards list for work in some other London boroughs and applications have been made for King Edward VII Park and Bramshill Open Space.

It is to be hoped that Brent Council will listen to residents who truly value their parks, including supporters of Barham Park who were recently refused a hearing, and renew their commitment through participation in the Green Glag Award scheme.

Back in 2011 I celebrated Fryent Country Park's Green Flag Award with congratulations to Brent Council and a video showing the park throuh the seasons.

A rather tattered green flag remained in the Fryent Way car park for some time after the Council withdrew from the Award.

Early road closures and bus diversions in Wembley on Sunday despite 4.30pm Kick-Off

 

Brent Council launches new consultation on licensing all HMOs in Brent as private rentals constitute almost half of Brent's homes

 

With concern over HMOs (Homes of Multiple Occupation) mounting in the borough (not least in the Randall Avenue Planning Application coming up at Planning Committee this week) it is appropriate that Brent Council is consulting on the private rented sector. The expansion of the sector and unavailability of council homes means that that almost half of homes in Brent are now privately rented.

In today's announcement Brent Council says:

Brent residents are being asked to have their say on plans to improve living conditions in private rented homes.

 

An online survey, starting today, invites tenants, landlords, and anyone affected to give their views on Brent Council’s proposals to improve living standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

 

These new plans are an extension of a previous programme that ran for five years and ended in January, which helped improve the quality of private rented homes in the borough. During that time, more than 2,500 HMOs were licensed.

 

HMO licensing makes sure that houses are safe, well-managed, and provide basic facilities for tenants. Council officers inspect licensed properties to ensure they meet the required standards.

 

A mandatory licence is needed for HMOs with five or more people from two or more households. Additional licensing covers other types of HMOs, typically the smaller with three or more people from two or more different households, like those living in bedsits.

 

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents' Services, said:

 

Over the past 20 years, the number of privately rented homes in Brent has grown, and now makes up almost half of all homes in the borough. We want to make sure these homes are safe and good quality for tenants.

 

While we have seen significant improvements, we believe that another additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in Brent. We want to encourage residents to give their opinions on these new proposals for HMOs.

 

The HMO additional licensing consultation, launched today (10 March 2025) will run for eleven weeks, ending on 26 May 2025. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.

 

Call to action:

 

• You can take part in the consultation by completing the online questionnairehttps://haveyoursay.brent.gov.uk/en-GB/

 

• Paper copies can be requested calling 020 8937 2384/5 or emailing prslicensing@brent.gov.uk

There is detailed documentation available on line but this sums up the background issues:

 

We believe that a further additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in the borough. HMOs pose a higher risk to occupants, especially when poorly managed. 

 

The previous additional HMO licensing scheme has helped us improve standards and management practices of many HMOs across the borough. However, the evidence shows that there is a significant number of properties that are still substandard and potentially dangerous. Even landlords with good intentions may not always be aware of the latest legal and safety requirements. These HMOs pose a risk to the health, safety, and wellbeing of tenants, cause problems for neighbours, and demand substantial intervention from council enforcement services. It is important that the council uses all available tools to improve conditions for tenants in this sector. Licensing is one of the tools and plays a key role in this effort.

 

 

 

 

Banking Hub opens at Willesden Green Post Office - separate days for the different banks for more complicated matters

 

A temporary banking hub has been set up at Willesden Green Post Office, 78 High Road, Willesden Green (opposite Willesden Green Library, corner of Lechmere Road)  following the closure of all bank branches in Willesden Green. Ward councillors are pressing for a permanent facility.

 

 

Customers of all major banks and building societies can access cash services from the Post Office counter service, whenever the hub is open.

Banking hubs offer easy access to face-to-face cash and banking in the heart of communities across the UK. They are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.

Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, each banking hub has a counter where you can access cash services whenever the Hub is open and whoever you bank with:

• pay in cash (notes and coins) and cheques
• withdraw cash (notes and coins)
• check your balance
• pay utility bills
• top up your gas and electricity
• access change-giving services (for registered businesses) 

You can also talk to a community banker from your bank on the day your bank is in the Hub. 

 

There is a private space where you can talk face-to-face about more complicated banking enquiries like payments and transfers, managing your account, and how to use online banking. You can view the services available from community bankers from the community banker services page.

Community banker availability varies between hubs and is based on local demand. Please check which community bankers are in your local hub.

This page shows the status of each banking hub, whether it's open for business or still under construction.

Or, you can find a complete view of the cash services available in your area by using LINK's Cash Locator.

Willesden Green Post Office
78 High Rd
London NW10 2PX

 

Opening hours

• Mon:  9am - 5pm Nat West
• Tue:  9am - 5pm   Barclays
• Wed: 9am - 5pm   HSBC
• Thu:  9am - 5pm   Santander
• Fri:   9am - 5pm    Lloyds
• Sat:   Closed
• Sun:  Closed

 

Community banker availability

 

Please note that our community bankers may be unavailable during lunchtime as they take a well-deserved break

Check HERE to see what services your bank will offer.

 

This ia a busy Post Office so I will be interested in feedback from readers using the service.

Brent Council amends PSPO to require dogs to be kept on a lead at all times in Paddington Old Cemetery

 

A letter from a reader on the Brent Council consultation about dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery last October  received many comments and indicated the strength of feeling on the issue

Letter:Brent Council is using heavily biased language in its Paddington Old Cemeterydog PSPO consultation - what are their real plans?

 

The Council yesterday issued a statement following the consultation giving their decision but provided no data or quotations to evidence the decsion :

 

Dogs will be required to be kept on leads at all times in Paddington Old Cemetery from Monday 10 March.

 

This new requirement is part of an existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which has been varied following a comprehensive public consultation where 860 people shared their views.

 

PSPOs are legal measures that impose conditions on public places where there has been a nuisance which has had a detrimental effect on the community. PSPO conditions apply to everyone equally. They are designed to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Paddington Old Cemetery is an active burial ground that over recent years has also become a valued local community space. Its increasing popularity with dog walkers has raised serious concerns among grave owners, mourners and other users of the cemetery.

 

The public consultation, held between 18 October and 10 December 2024, asked members of the public their opinions on dog behaviour within the cemetery. This also included grave owners and mourners who lived further afield.

 

Prior to the consultation, the council received 74 complaints regarding dog behaviour at the cemetery, including: dogs defecating and urinating on graves, dogs running uncontrolled near funeral services and unwanted dog interactions. In contrast, no complaints were reported in the council’s three other cemeteries where dogs are required to be on leads.

 

The council has carefully considered all viewpoints, taking into account the public response and the serious concerns raised. As a result, the existing PSPO has been varied so that dogs are now required to be kept on leads in Paddington Old Cemetery.

 

These changes aim to preserve a peaceful and respectful environment for Paddington Old Cemetery users while ensuring responsible dog owners can continue to access the cemetery. It also brings the dogs on leads requirement in line with all of Brent’s cemeteries.

 

The existing PSPO requirements also remain in effect:

• A maximum of four dogs may be walked by one person at a time.
• Dog waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly in provided bins or taken away.

 

Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Jobs and Skills, said:

 

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us. 

 

While many responsible dog owners value the cemetery as a place for walking their dogs, the number of serious concerns raised made it clear that action was needed. 

 

We understand that dogs are an important part of people's lives, which is why we will continue to allow dog walking here, rather than banning them altogether. However, dogs must be kept on leads, in line with the well-established policy in our other cemeteries where we have received no complaints. 

 

This new PSPO requirement aims to strike a fair, balanced and proportionate approach, ensuring the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful place while still allowing responsible dog walking. 

 

The council is committed to working with all users of the cemetery and will establish a Paddington Old Cemetery Liaison Group.

 

The consultation highlighted a number of areas that the council will now explore. These include:

• Designated off-lead area - Considering the creation of a designated enclosed off-lead dog area within a section of the cemetery, subject to further consultation with residents.
• Parking review - Local parking controls are set to be reviewed.
• A review of local CCTV arrangements.
• Tiverton Green improvements - Exploring options to introduce self-closing gates at nearby Tiverton Green to better support off-lead dog walking, and create a safer environment for dogs.