Tuesday 28 April 2009
ARK PLAN APPROVED
The Lib Dem's Conservative coalition partners and a Democratic Conservative councillor opposed the plans. They were joined by Cllr. Habhajan Singh (Labour, Welsh Harp) who had earlier unsuccessfully moved for deferral on the grounds that the council should produce an Environmental Impact Assessment and provide fuller detail on traffic issues. The Brent Green Party had made the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment for such a major project a major plank of its objection to the planning application.
It was heartening to see a councillor willing to step out of the party line to make a stand for the environment. However the actions of fellow Labour councillors James Powney and Ruth Moher means that an unofficial Lib Dem-Labour coalition exists on the city academy issue, despite the overall council being run by a Lib Dem-Conservative coalition.
The chair refused to call me to speak on the Green Party's submission on the curious basis that I represented a political party and that this was not a 'party political issue'! He also refused to call Hank Roberts of the Wembley Park Action Group and would only allow Jean Roberts to speak despite her protests that she had submitted both names. She made an excellent speech and cogent arguments were also made by local residents.
The application will now be referred to the London Mayor's Office and the battle will move on to that ground.
Brent Green Party's submission can be found on its website.
Brent Council Explain What's Happening
"Compaction vehicles support the recycling collection vehicles by relieving them of bulky mixed cans and plastic bottles. This frees up space so the vehicles can continue with their rounds without returning to the depot. The bottles and cans are collected mixed and are separated at a MRF. This is standard practice and has been agreed with the council. It is a measure of the amount of waste that we collect for recycling. No waste is landfilled."
Friday 24 April 2009
ARK WILL SINK OR SWIM ON TUESDAY
Tuesday 14 April 2009
MARK THOMAS ENDORSES THE GREEN PARTY
HAVE YOUR SAY ON NEW TRAUMA AND STROKE SERVICES
- new trauma networks based around three or four new major trauma centres
- new hyper-acute stroke units and transient ischaemic attack (TIA sometimes called mini stroke) services
The first proposal is for three or four networks centring around one hospital designated a major trauma centre, serving local hospitals designated trauma centres. The major trauma centre would provide 24/7 immediate treatment for the most serious injuries. Local trauma centres will treat people with less serious injuries.
TRAUMA OPTIONS
1. Four trauma networks - Major trauma centres at Royal London Hospital, King's College, St George's (all working by April 2010) and St Mary's (by April 2012). Northwick Park and Central Middlesex linked to St Mary's Paddington.
2. Four trauma networks - The first three as above and the fourth, the Royal Free, working by April 2012. Northwick Park and Central Middlesex would be linked to the Royal Free.
3. Three trauma networks- Just the first three with Northwick Park and Central Middlesex linked to the Royal London.
Option 1 is the preferred option as it would give wider coverage and St Mary's would deal with a small number of local hospitals. It is also closer to central London, Heathrow and Brent. Option 3 may be preferred as it would be quicker to set up. You can express an option preference.
STROKE OPTIONS
Healthcare are proposing:
1. 8 Hyper-acute stroke units - these will provide immediate response to a stroke for the first 72 hours or until the patient has stabilised.
2. 20 Stroke units - these will provide ongoing care once a patient is stabilised including multi-therapy rehabilitation
3. TIA Services - these Will provide rapid assessment and access to a specialist within 24 hours for high-risk patients or 7 days for low-risk patients.
Northwick Park is a preferred option for all three services.
Questionnaire
Friday 10 April 2009
BY-ELECTION SOON IN WEMBLEY CENTRAL?
Thursday 9 April 2009
GREEN VICTORY ON ASDA HAZARD
Tuesday 7 April 2009
CONSUMING TO DESTRUCTION
"By ignoring the systemic causes of financial instability and promoting economic growth at all costs, the G20 leaders unwittingly conspire to bring the devastating harms of climate change ever closer."
Dr Ali continued, "The recent film Age of Stupid showed just how oblivious go-getting entrepreneurs could be to the unsustainability of their actions. Just see how the managing director of a low cost airline could have his supposed moral purpose coloured by the prospect of a fast buck."
"No, G20. Until or unless the cost to the earth is factored into the economic equation, through the promotion of sustainable green industry and a rejection of over consumption, there can be little cause for celebration."