We have long been aware about residents concerns on the quality of street lighting, especially in light of your concerns on crime. We surveyed residents on this in November and many thanks for all the responses sent in.
As a result of this, as ward councillors we have been working on this with senior council officers to get this moved up the list of priorities. Progress has not been as quick as we had hoped; there is a simple reason for this. There have been years of underinvestment in Camden's lighting and maintenance has been skipped. In the recent past Camden has had to concentrate on a major survey and to replace the lamposts most at risk; that explains incidentally why there are stumps next to lamp posts.This work is now coming to an end.
Camden's officers recently concluded their budgets for the 2009/2010 financial year - and Cllr Andrew Marshall voted for this just last week. As a result firm funding has been allocated to renew all the lights in Acol Road. We can confirm that these will be with white light. This gives improved facial and colour rendition as well as better and more energy efficient lighting. As a result of all this (and we should not forget the role of the Safer Neighbourhood Team here), Camden officers have also moved Goldhurst Terrace and Aberdare Gardens up the list of priorities, with work to start in the coming months.
We should add that there seem to have been some crossed wires and it has been suggested that work will begin in May. While this is possible and obviously would be great news, we would regard this timing as unlikely at this stage. It would be realistic to think about the work finishing by the time the clocks go back in October. These lights will also be white lights.
All three of us were delighted to meet so many of you at last Monday's Safer Neighbourhoods meeting, the best attended ever. We hope you found it worthwhile.
Stop press - Local Crime Prevention Meeting: Just to remind residents of the meeting to be held on Thursday March 5th by the Swiss Cottage Safer Neighbourhood Team. This focus will be on crime prevention techniques with a special emphasis on the Gardens area and will include a presentation by the Crime Prevention Officer for the area. It will be at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre from 7.30 to 9pm.
Please also note that the venue for the Local Area Forum meeting on Tuesday March 10 has had to be changed from the Crossfield Centre to the Swiss Cottage Library. Start time is the same 6.30 for 7pm. We hope to see as many of you as possible there. A reminder that the principal topic will be the incoming new recycling and waste collection arrangements.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Operation Staysafe
Camden is start patrols to help protect vulnerable young people who are out on the streets late at night. Operation Staysafe will involve night-time patrols by police from 8pm-3am, in partnership with Camden social workers, who will look out for young people at risk of harm. This will include children who are out alone, and young people who have been drinking or taking drugs, or who are with questionable adults.If police officers find young people to be at risk of significant harm, they can be taken to a place of safety, and their parents or guardians contacted, using section 46(1) of the Children’s Act 1989.This is definitely NOT a curfew, but targeted at young people who are at risk, and will not prevent older teenagers from enjoying themselves. This approach in other parts of the country has led to a 25 percent reduction in antisocial behaviour.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Local conservation area appraisals being updated..
Camden will be consulting residents on a much needed update of the Elsworthy Road conservation area appraisal in late March. Consultation on an update of the Swiss Cottage conservation area (essentially the "Gardens" area) will following with the coming 12 months, timing not yet certain.
More about conservation area appraisals to be found here. They form part of supplementary planning guidance, and of course the more up to date they are, the more force they can be given. The Elsworthy and Swiss Cottage appraisals are, I believe, a decade or more old, and they need to be updated. Because they were produced in pre digital times, they are not available for download on the council website, but let me know if you would like to see them and I will get from council officers. Some of the more recent appraisals from other CAs are on the site.
I hope that the process of updating the Swiss Cottage appraisal might stimulate interest in forming a conservation area advisory committee for Swiss Cottage, as we have in Belsize and Hampstead etc. Roger Freeman and Don Williams and I are very keen to work with residents on this, but obviously it needs people willing to give of their time. Council planning officers and the chair of all of Camden's CAACs can however give helpful advice and support in getting it going.
More about conservation area appraisals to be found here. They form part of supplementary planning guidance, and of course the more up to date they are, the more force they can be given. The Elsworthy and Swiss Cottage appraisals are, I believe, a decade or more old, and they need to be updated. Because they were produced in pre digital times, they are not available for download on the council website, but let me know if you would like to see them and I will get from council officers. Some of the more recent appraisals from other CAs are on the site.
I hope that the process of updating the Swiss Cottage appraisal might stimulate interest in forming a conservation area advisory committee for Swiss Cottage, as we have in Belsize and Hampstead etc. Roger Freeman and Don Williams and I are very keen to work with residents on this, but obviously it needs people willing to give of their time. Council planning officers and the chair of all of Camden's CAACs can however give helpful advice and support in getting it going.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Winchester Rd/Fellows Road pedestrian safety
Someone came to my advice surgery at the community centre this morning to make an important road safety point that had escaped me. Due to the construction of the new "Winchester Place" development on Winchester Road (whatever you may think of this planning decision), pedestrians have no pavement on one side of Fellows Road and many are walking in the road. This is clearly not at all safe, I am not sure how the developers were able to square this with Camden, and I am going to take it up with officers. It may not be easy to solve, as putting a ring of plastic bollards in the street to create a temporary pavement would effectively reduce the road to one way. But from walking around there today, it is clearly a significant danger to pedestrians. I'll report back with any news.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Guinness Court, St Edmunds Terrace redevelopment
All the plans for the Guinness Court, St Edmunds Terrace, have now been received and are on Camden's website www.camden.gov.uk/planning. The reference number is 2009/0135/P.
This is for a part four story part six story building with 73 residential units, an increase on the bulk of the previous building. We will be monitoring this closely and feel free to contact Don Williams for any queries - we are keen to fully represent residents views. The final date for comments is March 9 2009 - please email env.devcon@camden.gov.uk .
Monday, 16 February 2009
Camden Council Tax frozen for this year and next
I am delighted to say that Camden Council Tax will not increase for the next two years, according to the official budget report published yesterday - and thanks to a decisive push over recent months by Conservative councillors. And since Mayor Boris Johnson has also frozen his council tax, residents will see no increase at all in the council tax demand they’ll receive next month.
This will show how Camden is tackling efficiency and cutting unnecessary spending, while improving essential services like schools, libraries and rubbish/recycling collection.
Here's the official press release, which shows how the two parties in the partnership administration have been working well together in the interests of residents.
Since the Conservative team came into the administration in Camden in 2006, we’ve been keeping our promise to keep any council tax increases below inflation. Let us know if you agree.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Barrow Hill development - please object by the 19th!
Opposition is mounting to the proposal for 22 luxury flats on the Water Board Barrow Hill site on St Edmunds Terrace by Primrose Hill. People have until Thursday 19th to object to Camden - quoting 2009/0113/P and sending to env.devcon@camden.gov.uk.
The Friends of Regents Park & Primrose Hill have been highly active in mobilising opposition and their website is most helpful. The actual application can be found here. The Elsworthy Residents Association and the Regents Park CAAC are also opposing of course. Cllr Don Williams and I are strongly opposed and are making contact with the Regents Park Ward councillors in Westminster who represent the other side of St Edmunds Terrace. Our third colleague Cllr Roger Freeman is chair of Camden's Planning Committee so needs to maintain his neutrality at this stage.
The block will have a major detrimental impact on the Primrose Hill sightline, it is too high and bulky and I very much hope we can see this one off in this form.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Criminals posing as the electricity company
Very concerned to hear that a couple of men have been posing as electricity company staff on the Hilgrove estate and have sadly taken money and cards from someone. Good work by the Police Safer Neighbourhoods team in getting up notices to warn residents, I will ensure council housing staff also help warn tenants and residents.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
New police phone numbers
I've just received the Met's information on its new phone contact centre. The centre piece is a new non-emergency number - 0300 1231212 - which is the single non-emergency number for the Police and thus replaces the phone numbers of stations like West Hampstead.
The message is, if it's an emergency ("my house is being burgled") you call 999, whereas if you're reporting a crime but it's not an emergency ("my house has been burgled") you call the number above, 0300 1231212.
There will of course be some scepticism about what this means for police responsiveness, but clearly it does in theory make sense for the 999 service to be keep free for real emergencies. Let's see how this goes, and we'll be looking carefully at how this performs over the coming months.
In addition of course, the Swiss Cottage Safer Neighbourhoods team is on 020 8721 2755 and 07717 451987 for local policing concerns. The next Safer Neighbourhoods meeting on the 23rd February might well provide further clarity about when to use the new number and when to call Safer Neighbourhood, though this is always likely to be a gray area.
The message is, if it's an emergency ("my house is being burgled") you call 999, whereas if you're reporting a crime but it's not an emergency ("my house has been burgled") you call the number above, 0300 1231212.
There will of course be some scepticism about what this means for police responsiveness, but clearly it does in theory make sense for the 999 service to be keep free for real emergencies. Let's see how this goes, and we'll be looking carefully at how this performs over the coming months.
In addition of course, the Swiss Cottage Safer Neighbourhoods team is on 020 8721 2755 and 07717 451987 for local policing concerns. The next Safer Neighbourhoods meeting on the 23rd February might well provide further clarity about when to use the new number and when to call Safer Neighbourhood, though this is always likely to be a gray area.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Compayne Gardens no right turn
I’ve been asked about the rationale for the council’s CCTV smart car which in December/January was carrying out enforcement of drivers turning illegally right into West End Lane, in contravention of the signage in place.
The restriction itself was implemented in December 2005 to prevent a rat run in Compayne Gardens, following several accidents and requests by residents.
Over the four week period over Christmas, a total of 158 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to vehicles that failed to comply with the prohibited right turn, suggesting that there is still a need to enforce at this junction. The fines of course go into the pot that pays for the Freedom Pass for older people, the Taxicard scheme etc.
The Council certainly shouldn’t be doing this kind of enforcement just to raise revenue, but here it does seem to be helping enforce a road sign that is there to stop ratrunning. Views welcome!
The restriction itself was implemented in December 2005 to prevent a rat run in Compayne Gardens, following several accidents and requests by residents.
Over the four week period over Christmas, a total of 158 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to vehicles that failed to comply with the prohibited right turn, suggesting that there is still a need to enforce at this junction. The fines of course go into the pot that pays for the Freedom Pass for older people, the Taxicard scheme etc.
The Council certainly shouldn’t be doing this kind of enforcement just to raise revenue, but here it does seem to be helping enforce a road sign that is there to stop ratrunning. Views welcome!
Monday, 9 February 2009
Street repairs & improvements in the coming year
This Thursday I'll be voting on the Council's Environment committee on the streets capital budget for the coming year, and I'm glad to say there are some important works going to happen in Swiss Cottage. Planned work includes general maintenance, local safety schemes, cycling schemes and the like. Much of it is funded by TfL money, which our streets officers bid for, and Camden has an excellent track record of securing an above average share of available TfL funds.
The choice of individual projects is based on objective criteria around states of repair and the safety impact, as well as specific requests by local residents. The full report is here with appendices here; in the Swiss Cottage area highlights include:
Bridge assessment and strengthening on Loudoun Rd bridge, Abbey Rd bridge and Kilburn Priory bridge.
Avenue Rd/Acacia Rd - measures to protect motorcyclists
Acol Rd - improvements to street lighting
Harley Rd/King Henrys Rd junction - pedestrian crossing scheme (to give pedestrians a proper refugee in the middle of the road)
West End Lane/Quex Rd junction - traffic calming scheme
There will of course be consultation with local residents on all these schemes. Beyond this, as local councillors we continue to press for greater priority for street lighting improvements in the area, especially in Aberdare Gardens and Goldhurst Terrace, and will keep residents posted on progress.
The choice of individual projects is based on objective criteria around states of repair and the safety impact, as well as specific requests by local residents. The full report is here with appendices here; in the Swiss Cottage area highlights include:
Bridge assessment and strengthening on Loudoun Rd bridge, Abbey Rd bridge and Kilburn Priory bridge.
Avenue Rd/Acacia Rd - measures to protect motorcyclists
Acol Rd - improvements to street lighting
Harley Rd/King Henrys Rd junction - pedestrian crossing scheme (to give pedestrians a proper refugee in the middle of the road)
West End Lane/Quex Rd junction - traffic calming scheme
There will of course be consultation with local residents on all these schemes. Beyond this, as local councillors we continue to press for greater priority for street lighting improvements in the area, especially in Aberdare Gardens and Goldhurst Terrace, and will keep residents posted on progress.
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Planning: Barrow Hill, Centre Heights, 18-20 Elsworthy Rd
As many of you know Camden Council have refused both planning applications for 18/20 Elsworthy Road- see story of January 27.It is firmly anticipated that Camden planners will refuse the Centre Heights application in the next week- see story of December 7.
We are glad to see the local press focusing on Barrow Hill- (photo above) see story of January 27. To see the details go to Camden planning search here and type in the number 2009/0113/P or alternatively email roger.freeman@camden.gov.uk and he will email you the link.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Fairfax Road off licenses....
Roger Freeman has been pursuing this issue actively. Following the complaints that many residents have made about unauthorized drinking in the area around the Fairfax Road/Fairhazel Gardens roundabout, we arranged for Camden's licensing Enforcement Team to do some spot checks at the local licensed premises, both for sales to minors and sales after permitted hours .
Following the initial test purchases by Camden's Licensing Enforcement Officers(LEOs) at Supersave 93 Fairfax Road last September, further tests were carried out on 8th and 23rd November which resulted in further sales after the permitted hours. As a result, a prosecution file is currently being prepared by the LEO for submission to Camden's legal team.
In addition, Camden's Licensing function has received an application to review Supersave's licence . The application was submitted by the managing agents for the adjacent building and highlights issues raised by local residents alleging anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance.
A notice confirming details of the the review application has been placed at the premises by the LEO and the application will be determined by referral to a Licensing Panel during March, a specific date to be decided. Watch out for news as to when this review will be heard. This review will be open to the meeting; local residents will have ample opportunity to put forward their views and experiences to the panel of councillors. Feel free to contact Roger Freeman who used to sit on the licensing committee for further information for the best way for local residents to approach these reviews.
The final date for receipt of representations is February 23. If you would like to receive guidance notes for the review process, email roger.freeman@camden.gov.uk and he will forward you them or see them here on the council's website.
Following the initial test purchases by Camden's Licensing Enforcement Officers(LEOs) at Supersave 93 Fairfax Road last September, further tests were carried out on 8th and 23rd November which resulted in further sales after the permitted hours. As a result, a prosecution file is currently being prepared by the LEO for submission to Camden's legal team.
In addition, Camden's Licensing function has received an application to review Supersave's licence . The application was submitted by the managing agents for the adjacent building and highlights issues raised by local residents alleging anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance.
A notice confirming details of the the review application has been placed at the premises by the LEO and the application will be determined by referral to a Licensing Panel during March, a specific date to be decided. Watch out for news as to when this review will be heard. This review will be open to the meeting; local residents will have ample opportunity to put forward their views and experiences to the panel of councillors. Feel free to contact Roger Freeman who used to sit on the licensing committee for further information for the best way for local residents to approach these reviews.
The final date for receipt of representations is February 23. If you would like to receive guidance notes for the review process, email roger.freeman@camden.gov.uk and he will forward you them or see them here on the council's website.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Snow update V, 2300 Thursday
No sign as I write of the snow we were told there was a 60% chance of, but the night is young..
Gritting crews have continued last night with priority gritting, responding to requests.
Today street cleansing teams will continue to clear snow and ice from effected side roads and footpaths.
Street Cleansing Service - normal service has resumed in all main town centres, with the mobile team targeting problem areas across the rest of the borough emptying litter bins, clearing flytipped rubbish and litter picking.
A full refuse collection service is running today, which in most cases means that collections missed on Monday will be completed today, subject to safe access to properties.
Refuse collection on Housing Estates - a full service is running, however crews are experiencing some access problems. It is expected that all housing estate collections will have been completed by end of Saturday.
Recycling service - the council is running a full service, however will only collect where crews can gain safe access to properties and recycling containers. The multi material kerbside collection service will operate on Sunday in order to catch up on any backlog of work.
Commercial waste and recycling - full service providing up to three collections per day.
Gritting crews have continued last night with priority gritting, responding to requests.
Today street cleansing teams will continue to clear snow and ice from effected side roads and footpaths.
Street Cleansing Service - normal service has resumed in all main town centres, with the mobile team targeting problem areas across the rest of the borough emptying litter bins, clearing flytipped rubbish and litter picking.
A full refuse collection service is running today, which in most cases means that collections missed on Monday will be completed today, subject to safe access to properties.
Refuse collection on Housing Estates - a full service is running, however crews are experiencing some access problems. It is expected that all housing estate collections will have been completed by end of Saturday.
Recycling service - the council is running a full service, however will only collect where crews can gain safe access to properties and recycling containers. The multi material kerbside collection service will operate on Sunday in order to catch up on any backlog of work.
Commercial waste and recycling - full service providing up to three collections per day.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Snow update IV, Wednesday 1900
Gritting crews were active over night on all principal roads. Street cleansing teams have been dealing - pretty efficiently in my experience - with priority requests for gritting. Work has continued today clearing side roads and footways.
On street cleansing, teams have been out in all main town centres clearing litter bins, flytipped rubbish and litter picking.
On the Refuse service - there's been a full service today seeking to collect from all residents with collections scheduled. Obviously staff will not collect where it is too dangerous to gain access to refuse storage areas or properties.
Thursday will see the resumption of normal Thursday collections and will this continue through to Saturday. This will mean that residents will have had at least one collection of refuse this week.
On street cleansing, teams have been out in all main town centres clearing litter bins, flytipped rubbish and litter picking.
On the Refuse service - there's been a full service today seeking to collect from all residents with collections scheduled. Obviously staff will not collect where it is too dangerous to gain access to refuse storage areas or properties.
Thursday will see the resumption of normal Thursday collections and will this continue through to Saturday. This will mean that residents will have had at least one collection of refuse this week.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Snow update III, Tuesday night
Camden Council is continuing to tackle Sunday's snow, while also preparing for the possibility of further significant snow falls on Thursday or Friday.
Our gritting teams have kept all main routes gritted and driveable with care, including bus routes. Our cleansing teams are now concentrating on gritting pavements on main roads and side roads. A large number of side roads are inaccessible due to high risk of causing damage to parked cars, but the council has prioritised clearance of these using JCBs and smaller gritters. The Council is responding to feedback from residents on particular problem streets - please keep comments coming to councillors, especially Chris Knight, executive member for Environment, and myself.
Waste Collection – the council now has 12 crews operating across the borough running a partial domestic and commercial waste collection service. There are no collections from housing estates or side roads. We expect to be running a full service from tomorrow, which will enable us to have serviced the majority of households by Saturday. Further details on recovery plans for waste and recycling services will circulated on Wednesday.
Recycling – there's a partial recycling service for on street recycling containers running, however door to door services will not resume until Wednesday. Regis Road re-use and recycling centre is open for business.
Our gritting teams have kept all main routes gritted and driveable with care, including bus routes. Our cleansing teams are now concentrating on gritting pavements on main roads and side roads. A large number of side roads are inaccessible due to high risk of causing damage to parked cars, but the council has prioritised clearance of these using JCBs and smaller gritters. The Council is responding to feedback from residents on particular problem streets - please keep comments coming to councillors, especially Chris Knight, executive member for Environment, and myself.
Waste Collection – the council now has 12 crews operating across the borough running a partial domestic and commercial waste collection service. There are no collections from housing estates or side roads. We expect to be running a full service from tomorrow, which will enable us to have serviced the majority of households by Saturday. Further details on recovery plans for waste and recycling services will circulated on Wednesday.
Recycling – there's a partial recycling service for on street recycling containers running, however door to door services will not resume until Wednesday. Regis Road re-use and recycling centre is open for business.
Monday, 2 February 2009
Snow update II, Monday 1930
I walked into work in Holborn this morning - incredibly impressed by the number of people in shops and cafes who were at work early despite the transport chaos. Not all these people live anything like locally.
I suspect that residents will have a wide variety of views about how well the council has done on the roads, but I have to say on the basis of what I've heard, the salting/gritting operations have been as timely and effective as we could expect in the circumstances. And the council's overall emergency response plans have operated quite smoothly, in terms of helping those most vulnerable in particular.
The forecast is for more snow tonight turning into ice tomorrow Tuesday and a severe weather warning has been issued.
All council street environment resources are concentrating on salt/gritting and snow clearing, especially trunk and main roads (schools where open) and hospital areas. Plenty of salt is available. Over tonight, gritting crews will salt all main routes again, with some attention to side roads where possible. Street Cleansing, Refuse Collection sand Recycling services will continue to be suspended with all available resources focused on the snow. Assistance and priority has also been given to clearing Tfl bus routes, stations and bus stands.
It is unlikely that normal waste collection services will resume before Wednesday.
All council street environment resources are concentrating on salt/gritting and snow clearing, especially trunk and main roads (schools where open) and hospital areas. Plenty of salt is available. Over tonight, gritting crews will salt all main routes again, with some attention to side roads where possible. Street Cleansing, Refuse Collection sand Recycling services will continue to be suspended with all available resources focused on the snow. Assistance and priority has also been given to clearing Tfl bus routes, stations and bus stands.
It is unlikely that normal waste collection services will resume before Wednesday.
One point I found interesting is that a challenge on narrow side roads with cars parked on both sides is that our trucks have to be very careful not to slide and bump into cars. So it's not just about resources and priorities on snow clearing, but also concern for residents' vehicles.
Snow response update
Camden's emergency planning kicked into action over the weekend and is continuing today. Update on council website here, highlights are:
Streets
All street environment resources concentrating on salt/gritting and snow clearing especially trunk and main roads (schools where believed open) and hospital areas. Plenty of salt is available. Highways contractor will assist as required.
Street cleaning and refuse collection suspended.
Community Transport services: no normal passenger services today however depot is open for fleet services.
Parking: enforcement operations suspended, see council website, residents still encouraged to park responsibly.
All sports and leisure centres are open, libraries picture being clarified.
Social care and council housing
Old peoples homes ok, Day centres open but transport difficulties, 79 Camden Road open
Housing district offices are open with skeleton staff.
Repairs Contact centre staff up and running, heating, water and electrical engineers are on hand if required, but so far no reported problems
Schools
Those closed include:
Brookfield, Richard Cobden, Hampstead; Camden School for Girls, Frank Barnes, La Sainte Union, Christchurch, Holy Trinity, St Mary & St Pancras
Streets
All street environment resources concentrating on salt/gritting and snow clearing especially trunk and main roads (schools where believed open) and hospital areas. Plenty of salt is available. Highways contractor will assist as required.
Street cleaning and refuse collection suspended.
Community Transport services: no normal passenger services today however depot is open for fleet services.
Parking: enforcement operations suspended, see council website, residents still encouraged to park responsibly.
All sports and leisure centres are open, libraries picture being clarified.
Social care and council housing
Old peoples homes ok, Day centres open but transport difficulties, 79 Camden Road open
Housing district offices are open with skeleton staff.
Repairs Contact centre staff up and running, heating, water and electrical engineers are on hand if required, but so far no reported problems
Schools
Those closed include:
Brookfield, Richard Cobden, Hampstead; Camden School for Girls, Frank Barnes, La Sainte Union, Christchurch, Holy Trinity, St Mary & St Pancras
Rosary School update
Although not in Swiss Cottage, the Rosary School story has been prominent in the local press, and I thought I would post my colleague Cllr Andrew Mennear's (Executive member for schools) response:
"I have received a number of emails expressing concern about the current predicament of The Rosary School and its plans for a new nursery and reception building.
Last summer’s fire was obviously a shock to everyone, but the School, the Council’s insurers and officers, diocesan surveyors and contractors all worked quickly to ensure that a temporary classroom building was ready for the start of term. The precise siting of the classroom was arranged between the diocese and the School, with whom responsibility for health and safety rests.
Camden officers attended two meetings at the School immediately after the fire – I understand that the chair of governors was present during at least one of the meetings. We offered to assist with arrangements for temporary accommodation but were told by the diocesan architect that it wasn’t necessary. This visit was part of the considerable advice and support that was offered to the School to help them with the aftermath of the fire.
One of our health and safety officers has visited the School three times on other matters since the fire and the School has not raised any concerns about health and safety in relation to the temporary accommodation during these visits. However, given the level of concern from parents I have asked officers to confirm that no rules are being broken.
The School has been discussing its plans for a new nursery and reception building with the diocese and the Council since before the fire. This is a large project, which would need funding from a variety of sources and goes beyond a direct like-for-like remedy of the fire damage per se.
To assist with the project, the School has asked for £1.6 million funding from the primary capital programme. This is a government-funded capital programme of £60 million over 15 years for improvements to up to half of Camden's primary schools (the government has recognised that it is insufficient money to cover all of our primaries), and has to be allocated fairly according to strict criteria and strategic planning across all schools. Seven schools were chosen last year for the first phase of this funding, and the next schools should be decided in April by Camden’s Executive. The funding is not enough to do everything we would like it to do, so the needs of other schools will have to be considered alongside those of The Rosary School – but I must stress that no decision has yet been made.
This has obviously been a very difficult school-year for families, staff and governors The Rosary. However you have most certainly not been forgotten, and Council officers and the diocese are in regular contact with the School over arrangements to help it maintain its excellent provision for its pupils."
Best regards,
Cllr Andrew Mennear
Executive Member for Schools
LB of Camden
"I have received a number of emails expressing concern about the current predicament of The Rosary School and its plans for a new nursery and reception building.
Last summer’s fire was obviously a shock to everyone, but the School, the Council’s insurers and officers, diocesan surveyors and contractors all worked quickly to ensure that a temporary classroom building was ready for the start of term. The precise siting of the classroom was arranged between the diocese and the School, with whom responsibility for health and safety rests.
Camden officers attended two meetings at the School immediately after the fire – I understand that the chair of governors was present during at least one of the meetings. We offered to assist with arrangements for temporary accommodation but were told by the diocesan architect that it wasn’t necessary. This visit was part of the considerable advice and support that was offered to the School to help them with the aftermath of the fire.
One of our health and safety officers has visited the School three times on other matters since the fire and the School has not raised any concerns about health and safety in relation to the temporary accommodation during these visits. However, given the level of concern from parents I have asked officers to confirm that no rules are being broken.
The School has been discussing its plans for a new nursery and reception building with the diocese and the Council since before the fire. This is a large project, which would need funding from a variety of sources and goes beyond a direct like-for-like remedy of the fire damage per se.
To assist with the project, the School has asked for £1.6 million funding from the primary capital programme. This is a government-funded capital programme of £60 million over 15 years for improvements to up to half of Camden's primary schools (the government has recognised that it is insufficient money to cover all of our primaries), and has to be allocated fairly according to strict criteria and strategic planning across all schools. Seven schools were chosen last year for the first phase of this funding, and the next schools should be decided in April by Camden’s Executive. The funding is not enough to do everything we would like it to do, so the needs of other schools will have to be considered alongside those of The Rosary School – but I must stress that no decision has yet been made.
This has obviously been a very difficult school-year for families, staff and governors The Rosary. However you have most certainly not been forgotten, and Council officers and the diocese are in regular contact with the School over arrangements to help it maintain its excellent provision for its pupils."
Best regards,
Cllr Andrew Mennear
Executive Member for Schools
LB of Camden
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Council housing rents for next year
Last week colleagues on the council's executive set council housing rents and other charges for next year. As a result of cuts in council subsidy to the Housing Revenue Account, the council had basically no choice but to increase rents by 6.5%. The Government wants to use reductions in grants to bring council rents in line with housing associations. Annual rises are supposed to be capped at affordable levels, but in practice councils are forced to higher rises to maximise the subsidy we need for tenants. It's not exactly the easiest thing to understand.
The Leader of the Council and I wrote to the Housing Minister Margaret Beckett MP a couple of weeks ago to urge a change in policy, but I'm afraid we have heard nothing and have little confidence in any change in the short term.
A slightly better bit of news is that at the executive meeting we decided that, given the fall in inflation and with greater efficiency in the Housing Revenue Account, we did not need to increase tenants and leaseholders service charges by 1.5%, and instead have frozen those at last year's levels.
The Leader of the Council and I wrote to the Housing Minister Margaret Beckett MP a couple of weeks ago to urge a change in policy, but I'm afraid we have heard nothing and have little confidence in any change in the short term.
A slightly better bit of news is that at the executive meeting we decided that, given the fall in inflation and with greater efficiency in the Housing Revenue Account, we did not need to increase tenants and leaseholders service charges by 1.5%, and instead have frozen those at last year's levels.
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