Grants available to Brent communities & organisations wanting to tackle health inequalities

 From Brent Council

Grants from £1,000 to £25,000 are being made available to individuals and organisations with innovative ideas and solutions to tackle the impact of COVID-19 and health inequalities.

The Brent Health Matters Programme – a joined up approach from Brent Council, NHS partners and the community to tackle health inequalities has launched its Community Grants Scheme this week.

Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair and systematic differences in health between different people. The pandemic has not only exposed long-standing health inequalities, but in many cases made them worse.

Cllr Neil Nerva, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, said:

The fund is now open to submissions from individuals and organisations that have ideas and solutions to reduce the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in the short term, and more broadly tackle health inequality issues in the longer term.

An individual can bid for up to £1,000, with a higher threshold of £2,000, whereas an organisation can look to secure up to £15,000 in funding, with a higher threshold of £25,000. The higher threshold would require the bidder to demonstrate how they will deliver significant impact in a single ward or impact across multiple wards.

The launch of the grants will complement other elements of the Brent Health Matters programme that have already led to some real examples of acting on feedback from the community. This includes the launch of a health and wellbeing telephone advice line that has been launched as a pilot for the whole of the borough through to April, with the potential for it to be extended.

Cllr Nerva added: 

Any Brent resident can now speak to locally based NHS staff to ask any non-clinical questions about health and social care. They will be helped with signposting to relevant support and assisted to access the right services. Residents can also receive advice on how to better manage their health conditions.

The Advice Line is available on 020 3114 7185, 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

To find out more, including how to apply for a Community Grant, go to www.brent.gov.uk/brenthealthmatters

Have a look at the development proposals for the O2 Centre & car park, Finchley Road and try and spot 2,000 homes

The O2 Shopping Centre close to  Finchely Road station is outside of Brent but easily accessible on the east side of the borough from the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines and a shopping venue for many with its large bookshop and Sainsbury's as well as a cinema. The main development would take place on the car park which runs up to Homebase.

The far-reaching proposals may be of interest to locals. (Click bottom right for full screen).

Two years ago the developers envisaged 1,000 homes on the site but this has been double to 2,000 in latest proposals. You would be forgiven if you thought from the slides that there are none proposed at all. Commentators fear that this number could only be realised through the building of tower blocks.

Quadrant Court under the hammer - intrusive survey works to commence next week

First Port have advised residentsof Quadrant Court in Wembley Park that 'intrusive investigations' will start next week on the external facade of the block. The works have an estimated completion date of March 12th and will be carried out by SISK.

The survey follows the failure of the block to achieve an EWS1 form when examined by fire engineers which means that residents are unable to satsify potential lenders of the safety of the block.  The block was only rated B2 and First Port hope to achieve B1 as a result of the survey.

Residents are warned that surveyors will need to access the external facade cladding at various levels that will mean the erection of scaffolding towers or extentable platforms. There will be noise from drilling and hammering at various stages between 8am and 6pm.

Some access to particular apartments will be required to get to the balcony and adjacent facade.

First Port will be working with Quintain as well as SISK.

Butt to hold Affinity Water to account over High Road disruption

Following the disruption  at Wembley High Road and Park Lane, Brent Council Leader Muhammed Butt has issued the following statement:

Following more disruption on Wembley High Road and Park Lane, I am setting up an urgent meeting with Affinity Water to understand what they will be doing to fix these problems once and for all.

Since 2019, Affinity has applied for 17 emergency permits to fix leaks on those two roads alone. These latest repairs are stopping deliveries to essential businesses and making it more difficult for residents trying to get to vaccination appointments, COVID tests and keyworker jobs. 

We’ve been here many times before, so we now need Affinity to get to the bottom of the issues with the water mains for residents and businesses along that stretch. At that meeting, I will be asking them to explain their plans and holding them to account.

I wonder if the problems have anything to do with the 'Twin Towers' high rise blocks at the junction of the High Road and Park Lane as well as Brent House on the High Road itself. Brent House was the site of major problems when concrete blocked the sewer. LINK

Brent Council approves latest phase of Northfields-Grand Union Development

Brent Planning Committee has unanimously agreed the following planning application for the former mainly brownfield industrial site between the North Circular Road, Grand Union Canal and Beresford Avenue. Phase 1 and 2 of the development are already underway.

It includes the detail plans for blocks G,H and J above. Phase 3 of the development consists of 439 units with 98 at London Affordable Rent and 39 shared ownership. Plans for a Health Centre are carried over from previous apploications and public space has been increased by 15%. This phase will yield £14m Community Infrastructure and the whole Masterplan Area £73m. Buildings have been revised with an increase in height but slimmer design with the tallest 27 storeys allowing 'a glimpse of sky.'

Hybrid planning application comprising:- 

Outline planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures on the site, all site preparation works and redevelopment to provide new buildings to accommodate new homes (Use Class C3), flexible commercial uses, new basement level, associated cycle and vehicle parking, new vehicular accesses, associated highway works to Beresford Avenue, landscaping and creation of new public and private open space, ancillary facilitating works, various temporary meanwhile uses, interim works and infrastructure with all matters reserved - appearance, access, landscaping, layout and scale.

Detailed planning permission for Phase 3 (Buildings G, H and J) for the demolition of existing buildings and structures, all site preparation and infrastructure works and the development of new homes (Use Class C3) and flexible commercial floorspace; together with new basement level, associated storage, cycle and vehicle parking, new vehicular accesses, associated highway works to Beresford Avenue, landscaping and creation of new public and private open space, ancillary facilitating works.

I have included below the recording of the Planning Committee discussion  and decision making on the application. Click on bottom right square for a full screen view.

(Note for those following the Prospect House story, that building is situated close to the development site, next to the North Circular Road and along from 'The Generator' unit referred to in the discussion. It is bottom right on the top image between the North Circular and the River Brent)

 

TFL must follow Network Rail's lead and rethink their Biodiversity Action Plan for London Underground

Guest post by Emma Wallace of Harrow Green Party and the Green Party candidate for the Brent and Harrow GLA Constituency seat

 

Just over a week since its launch, the petition calling on Sadiq Khan and the TFL to ‘Stop the Removal of Green Habitat’ has garnered over 500 signatures LINK . 

 

This response shows that the wholesale destruction of habitat along our London Underground embankments is strongly opposed by many people from across London and the rest of the country.   We have heard numerous similar stories to the one most recently reported on along the Metropolitan line near Pinner LINK, from Wimbledon Park on the District Line LINK , to Hackney Downs and stations along the Overground Line LINK  and along the West and North of the Central and Piccadilly Lines.  These reports reveal a similar lack of public consultation with local residents and the resulting distress caused by the destruction and removal of sound and visual barriers that had been provided by the lineside foliage.  There has also been an absence of ecological surveys carried out by TFL before work commences, with contractors obliterating everything in their paths and showing little awareness of the biodiversity or wildlife they are displacing, including nesting birds or badger sets.

 

Network Rail has also been accused of devastating much of its lineside embankment greenery over recent years, carrying out a “secretive nationwide felling operation”, as reported in The Guardian 2018 LINK .   

 

This has caused much upset with both residents and train passengers, who have repeatedly decried the raising to the ground of the once verdant banks running along the hundreds of miles of our national train network.  The destruction along Lincolnshire railways in 2019 even led Tory MP, Sir John Hayes to state that the trackside vegetation removal looked like “a scene from Hiroshima” and to call for an urgent meeting with the then Environmental Secretary, Michael Gove LINK.   

 

In response to public pressure, Network Rail published a new environmental sustainability strategy in December 2020, including a ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ LINK .  This plan contains a bold vision to improve the biodiversity of plants and wildlife lineside, committing “to the key goal of no net loss in biodiversity on our lineside estate by 2024, moving to biodiversity net gain by 2035”.  This culture change within Network Rail, viewing lineside vegetation as an asset, not a liability, must urgently be adopted by TFL and the Mayor of London when managing London Underground lineside vegetation. The last London Underground Biodiversity Action Plan (LU’s BAP) was published in 2010 LINK  and consequently urgently needs to be addressed and updated.  TFL must use the recent Network Rail example to rethink its biodiversity management policies to meet their commitment to protecting and enhancing London’s wildlife and green spaces.  

 

Darren Johnson, Green Party Assembly Member 2000 and 2016 and Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, overseeing the 2012 ‘On the Right Lines?’ report  LINK , has backed our campaign, commenting on the petition: “Very happy to support this. Something I worked on when I was a London Assembly Member. Of course, vegetation removal is vital for rail safety, but the scorched earth approach is not the way.”  We have been overwhelmed by the support for the petition and many comments left, revealing how strongly people feel about this issue and their desire for TFL to change their policy on excessive vegetation embankment clearing and the need to replace it with a more nuanced and sustainably managed policy, which recognises and values these precious green corridors.  

 

See below a selection of people’s comment on the petition:

 

·      “The opportunities for ecological enhancement and support of biodiversity along rail lines are huge and cannot be overlooked! Partner with those who know, care and have the energy and resources to support projects.” Lisa Shell       

 

·      “We’re in the midst of a climate and environmental emergency and losing wildlife and biodiversity at an alarming rate. This type of habitat loss in totally unacceptable and must be stopped.”  Jean Gerrard

 

·      “Dreadful situation! I live right next to the train lines. The noise is really bad now and I can see all the passengers on the train from my kitchen window.  Such a sad loss of greenery. The birds have been going crazy too. What is TFL doing about rectifying this? I'm heart broken.” Pauline D’Jemil

 

·      “Please stop this unnecessary assault on what is left of our green spaces.” Ann Wilson

 

·      “Green corridors whether railways, canals or rivers are vital to wildlife and mature trees reduce noise nuisance from railways and air pollution.”  Martin Francis

 

·      “You're trashing animal habitat, increasing pollution and noise nuisance. Stop it.”  Anne Heritage   

 

·      “Stop making the world into a concrete jungle!” Asha Osman

 

·      “So depressing to see. Is there any one in authority who cares about our environment?” Jean Pannell

 

·      “Please try and think more creatively. Safety is a priority but there are surely alternatives that could be adopted. Shrubs and under planting wild grasses and low growing flowers etc.” Julie Curtis

 

·      “This has to stop; the railways are a natural wildlife corridor and should be protected from excessive and unnecessary cutbacks.”  Paula Hermes

 

·      “Vital for so many reasons. We all know what they are. Please stop cutting down the beautiful vegetation. It’s always such a joy to see.” Sarah Holford

 

·      “Stop destroying everything. Everywhere I look I see deforestation, destruction, the silent absence of life. Rail verges are one of nature’s last remaining lifelines. It costs nothing just to let it live. For our children and for the climate, please just stop this mindless destruction.” Anna Scrivenger

 

·      “We need these green corridors to cut pollution, keep noise down and a respite for nature.” Linda Quin

 

·      “These are critically important wildlife corridors.” Paul Allan-Smith

 

·      “Why on earth?? Railway embankments are some of the few untampered wildflower habitats left - leave them alone!!” Kate Hopkins

 

·      “I should like to see evidence of 'problem' trees and certainly do not want ANY vegetation removed in future without a previously approved assessment.” Keith Gissing

 

·      “We are losing trees and green spaces at an ever-increasing rate. Please don’t make things even worse.” Linda McKeller

 

·      “Trees and natural vegetation provide a vital transport corridor for animals and absorb excess rainwater.” Marc Sheimann

 

·      “Yes, stop cutting our trees down HS2 is doing enough damage to our nature.” Erica Locke

 

·      “We are currently seeing an unprecedented number of wildlife habitats decimated. Clearing TfL railway corridors of trees and hedges just adds to that and our climate crisis. Please consider planting more vegetation and maintaining what you have.” Elaine Persell

 

·      “I realise that trackside trees shouldn’t be a safety’ threat, but recently the decimation of lineside vegetation has been completely over the top.” Terry Hooper        

 

·      “This is criminal. I know safety is paramount, but this is more than that. Losing pollution soaking trees, habitats, shade, aesthetic enhancement is wrong.”  Polly Mortimer

 

·      “We need every INCH of green in this supposed green and pleasant land, especially in London which would choke on its own effluent if not for the green spaces as yet untouched by speculators. In a world where homeowners are ripping up their gardens to put down gravel, we need green that produces fresh air more than ever.”  John Mangan

 

·      We desperately need more biodiversity in our cities! Please use your brains and think of what you'll be leaving for future generations.” Julie Barber

 

·      “It's very important that Sadiq Khan shows us that he will stop the degradation of our precious environment, otherwise he'll not be voted for again!” Miranda James

 

·      “Every tree possible is needed for reducing pollution and climate change and for wildlife habitat. Please stop cutting them down.” Lisa Penney

 

Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition so far.  Please sign if you haven’t yet already done so. Thank you, Emma Wallace

Independent Sage address vital issues including global vaccination response on Covid

 

 

Friday's Independent Sage Briefing was even more useful that usual, breathing fresh air into many issues including international comparisons, cases in schools and nurseries,  and the need for a Global Strategy and Finance for equitable vaccine supplies. 

Guaranteed free from boosterism.

Caroline Lucas, Green MP, contributes  at 31.32

Housing Trust promises action as inspection finds building issues in block at 115 Chalkhill Road

 

Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) has responded to a request by Wembley Matters following a recent building survey of its property at 115 Chalkhill Road, next to the Welford Centre at 113 that houses a Health and Community Centre.

A spokesperson for MTVH said: 

 

The safety and wellbeing of all our residents is our number one priority. Just like buildings owners across the country, MTVH is currently conducting inspections on a number of our properties to understand how their construction meets relevant building regulations and government guidance. 

 

Independent experts conducted inspections at this building in October and identified some issues that require further investigation. Importantly, the independent experts have confirmed that the building remains safe for residents to live in and advised that some further checks be carried out. Our routine programme of fire risk assessments and other compliance checks is continuing at this property, and any actions identified are being addressed within recommended timescales. 

 

Once we have the full details back from the further checks by our independent experts, we will work with the original contractor and other parties responsible for the construction of the building to address any issues that require remediation. We are in close contact with residents through regular written updates and a virtual meeting will be held with residents shortly. We understand and apologise for the concern that this will be causing our residents.

 

In reviewing the findings of these checks, we will of course consider any issues that may affect other properties nearby and we will take appropriate action where we are advised to do so by our independent experts. The findings of the inspection that has taken place do not currently require any additional fire safety measures to be introduced at this building or those adjacent to it.

While investigations go on into potential issues with the external wall system MTVH will not be able to issue compliant EWS1 forms to residents. although independent experts have confirmed that the building is safe for people to live in.