WE LOVE LARKHALL - local news for Stockwell and North Clapham

Public meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour on the Stockwell gardens estate - Tuesday 10th November 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:43:00 +0000

The Larkhall Safer Neighbourhood Team have organised a public consultation meeting on the issues of anti-social behaviour on the Stockwell Gardens Estate. The police will be highlighting the possible use of a dispersal zone, and measuring the community response.

The meeting is on Tuesday 10th November 2009 at 18.30hrs, and will be held in the Old Laundry building, in the middle of the estate (click here for MAP).

Police officers and local Labour councillors will be in attendance, along with representatives of Hyde Southbank Housing (the landlord).

Please try to come along if you live on the estate and have been affected by anti-social behaviour.

White Ribbon Campaign - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:27:00 +0000

On November 25 2009, the Lambeth Domestic Violence Forum will be undertaking a series of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the White Ribbon Campaign.

The United Nations has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and has invited Governments, international organisations and non-governmental organizations to organise on that day activities to raise public awareness on the problem. For more information on the International day for the elimination of Violence against women please go to: http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/

The White Ribbon Campaign also begins on the November 25, urging people to wear a white ribbon. The Campaign is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. For more information on the white ribbon campaign go to http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/.

How common is domestic violence in the UK?

- It is estimated that Domestic Violence accounts for approximately 15% of violent crime nationally, and accounts for 31% of all violence against women and 5% of all violence against men. - On average, 2 women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.
- 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime and women experience a greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury.
- 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

How common is domestic violence in Lambeth?

- Nearly 5000 domestic violence incidents were reported to Lambeth Police between April 2008 and March 2009.
- About 20% of people who have reported a domestic violence offence to the police in Lambeth will experience domestic violence on more than one occasion.

This is the link to Women’s Aid and which provides further information about Domestic Violence, including frequently asked questions and statistics http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic_violence_topic.asp?section=0001000100220041&sectionTitle=Domestic+violence+%28general%29

Lambeth also has a Domestic Violence Training Programme, should you wish to book any of the free training by contacting alall@lambeth.gov.uk.

You might be interested in our latest DV Forum e-newsletter by downloading a PDF version from: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/AdviceBenefits/DomesticViolence/

If you would like to receive further information about Domestic Violence, interested in joining the Lambeth Domestic Violence Forum, or would like to receive further domestic violence publicity please do not hesitate to contact me on jholvey@lambeth.gov.uk or 0207 926 4877.

Friends of Larkhall Park - next meeting 7th December 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Please note that the next Friends of Larkhall Park Group management meeting will be held on Monday 7th December 2009 at 7.00pm at Courland Grove Baptist Church Hall (MAP).

Should you wish to join the Friends, you can contact them by emailing info@larkhallparkfriends.org.uk

In addition, a tree planting ceremony in memory of Hilary Weir will be held on Saturday 14th November 2009 at 12.00 noon, near the toddlers’ playground adjacent to the One O’Clock club in Larkhall Park. Hilary was a founding member of the Friends and acted as the treasurer for many years. She died after a short illness in November 2008 and is sorely missed.

All are welcome to attend. Following the ceremony, we invite you to join us for refreshments upstairs at the Priory Arms.

Free cat and dog microchipping - 12th November 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Lambeth Living working in conjunction with the RSPCA London South East Branch has arranged a Free Microchipping Day for owners of cats and dogs

4 pm to 7 pm, Thursday 12 November 2009

North Lambeth Area Office 91 Kennington Lane London SE11 4HQ

Micro-chipping will be done free of charge (all donations gratefully received by RSPCA)

No appointment required

Please contact 07952 680 522 if you have any queries about micro-chipping

http://www.rspca-london-se.org.uk/

Consultation on two local conservation areas - Larkhall CA and Clapham Road CA

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Lambeth Council has launched a consulation on several draft conservation area statements next week. The local conservation areas covered are:

Clapham Road Conservation Area

Larkhall Conservation Area

The consultation will run from Monday 16 October 2009 to Monday 23 November 2009. The Council is seeking views from local people on the content of the draft documents. This link takes you to the draft documents ( warning - they are large documents: 5MB+). All comments received will be considered and where appropriate amendments will be made.

The introduction of each draft Conservation Area statement set’s out the draft consultation process which includes a public meetings, the details of which are below:

The Clapham Road Conservation Area was designated in September 1981 and encompasses housing dating from the late Georgian period on Clapham Road and Edwardian properties of Atherfold Road. The conservation area boundary has remained unchanged since designation. The Conservation Area is immediate north of central Clapham and takes a linear form along Clapham Road which is a main road linking Clapham to northern Lambeth. The Sibella Road Conservation Area (CA 58) lies immediately to the west.

Clapham Road Conservation Area Consultation Event:

Date - Tuesday 3rd November
Venue - Fenwick Hall, 128 Willington Road, SW9
3.30 - 6.15pm Conservation Officers available to discuss the draft document.
6.30 - 7.15pm Public Meeting - Conservation Officer will talk through the document.

The Larkhall Conservation Area was designated in June 1981 and subsequently extended in July 1983. In 2001 the Angell Arms Public House, Binfield Road was added to the Conservation Area and in 2002 properties fronting Wandsworth Rd were transferred into the newly designated Wandsworth Road Conservation Area (CA59). Today the conservation area is an L shaped designation following Lansdowne Way and Larkhall Lane. It is characterised by a historic road pattern and 19th Century buildings / urban grain that has survived relatively unscathed in comparison to the wider area which contains much mid-late 20th Century redevelopment. Its slow, evolutionary development has resulted in a pleasant, informal townscape and is worthy of every effort to preserve its special character and appearance.

Conservation Area Consultation Event:

Date - Tuesday 17th November
Venue - Stockwell Community Resource Centre, 1 Studley Road, SW4 6RA
3.30 - 6.15pm Conservation Officers available to discuss the draft document.
6.30 - 7.15pm Public Meeting - Conservation Officer will talk through the document.

Police warn Larkhall residents to be vigilant following spate of muggings

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Although Larkhall ward continues to have lower levels of crime than the London average, I have been made aware of at least two recent incidents of muggings in broad daylight in Larkhall ward.

Police have confirmed that there have been a series of similar robberies in the area, and are warning residents to be extra vigilant, particularly if using mobile phones/iPods etc.

Should you be a victim of crime please do not hesitate to call 999 - police response times are very good in the area, and it will assist the police in catching those responsible.

Should local residents decide that street crime should be a priority for the local police, we would urge you to attend the quarterly meetings of the Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Panel. The Panel, which consists of local Larkhall resident representatives, meets every three months to discuss local policing issues and to decide what priorities the local Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team are to follow for the next quarter of the year. The next meeting will be in December 2009.

Lambeth Living board meeting - 2nd December 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:21:00 +0000

The next public meeting of the board of Lambeth Living is on: Wednesday 2nd December at 7pm.

Lambeth Living is Lambeth’s housing ALMO, which was set up by Lambeth Council to run Lambeth's council housing.

Lambeth Living is responsible for the housing management and maintenance services to tenants and leaseholders, and is run by a Board comprising 16 elected board members: 6 tenant members; 2 leasehold members; 4 independents and 4 council nominees including Councillors Jackie Meldrum and Kirsty McHugh. The Board is now chaired by former housing minister Keith Hill, retiring MP for Streatham.

Lambeth tenants and leaseholders are all welcome to attend.

Lambeth Leaseholders Council - 7pm, 12th November 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Leaseholders' Council November meeting is on Thursday 12th November 2009 at 7pm, held in the Council Chamber at Lambeth Town Hall.

Larkhall councillors reselected as Labour candidates for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:24:00 +0000

Labour party members in Larkhall ward have reselected three experienced local representatives to represent Labour at the next council elections in 2010. Councillors Pete Robbins, Tina Valcarcel and Dr Neeraj Patil will be restanding as Labour candidates, hoping to be reelected to serve another four year term. All three are pictured above with local Labour London Assembly member Val Shawcross.

All three councillors have represented residents of Larkhall ward since 2006, when residents threw out the previous council administration led by a coalition of Tories and Lib Dems. Since then they have fought hard for the interests of local people, winning investment in local services and helping hundreds of people that have approached them with individual problems. You can read a recent Lambeth Life interview with all three councillors here (page 12).

Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council commented: 'It is great news for Larkhall residents that this strong team of councillors have been unanimously reselected to be the Labour candidates at the 2010 local elections. Pete, Tina and Neeraj are hard working campaigners, who have a strong record of action in the local area. I am sure that residents will recognise their hard work in 2010 and make a positive vote for continued improvement to Larkhall ward.'

Remembrance Day services in Stockwell

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Remembrance Sunday falls on the 8th November 2009. Larkhall and Stockwell residents can pay their respects at Stockwell War Memorial and Clock Tower, where a Remembrance service will be held at 11.00am.

There is also an earlier civic service at 9.00am at Lambeth Town Hall (meet outside Brixton Library at 8.50am for procession). Local Labour councillors will be paying their respects at both services.

Every year millions of people across the country take part in Remembrance services or mark the day with a two-minute silence. People of all ages, religions and nationalities are invited to take part in the services to remember those who died during conflicts as well as honouring all those who have served.

(Below is a picture of the Stockwell Memorial soon after it's completion in 1921)

Larkhall park fly-tipper brought to justice

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:59:00 +0000

A fly-tipper who dumped a van load of waste near Larkhall Park has been hit with a £750 fine after CCTV evidence helped bring him to justice.

Lambeth Council brought the prosecution after Nuno Andre Da Silva Cerquera of Wandsworth Road, SW8, dumped tyres, building material and other waste on the road in September 2008.

Council enforcement officers used a mobile CCTV camera that captured images of him red-handed dumping the waste in September last year. They used the CCTV evidence to trace him and secure a successful prosecution.

The waste was dumped in Southville, which leads up to Larkhall Park, in Larkhall ward:

He pleaded guilty at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on the 29 September 2009 and was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £320.

Councillor Pete Robbins commented: 'Fly-tipping is a blot on our local landscape, and costs local taxpayers thousands of pounds every year to clear up. We always urge the council to take tough action on this criminal behaviour in Lambeth, and we are delighted that they prosecuted this anti-social offender.'

'Lambeth has recently increased CCTV coverage to tackle fly-tippers and I hope this prosecution sends out a clear message to fly-tippers that they will be caught and prosecuted if they ruin our local area. Lambeth reliers on the cooperation of local people in helping bring offenders to justice, so if anyone witnesses fly-tipping they should contact us so we can get the council to act.'

To report fly-tipping call 020 7926 9000, email streetcarecallcentre@lambeth.gov.uk or contact your local Larkhall ward councillor.

Fireworks Night on Clapham Common

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:51:00 +0000

Local residents are all invited to come and enjoy the fireworks at the annual display on Clapham Common is on Thursday 5 November 2009, with the fun beginning at 7.30pm.

There is no parking at any of the shows so Larkhall residents are urged use public transport or walk to the displays. However Clapham Common tube station will be closed from approximately 6.30 to 9pm, so you will need to plot an alternative routes. Unfortunately any revellers who bring their own sparklers or fireworks will have them confiscated on safety grounds.

The Safer Lambeth Partnership - which includes the council, Police and Fire Service - has been working together to ensure the period around fireworks night and Halloween is enjoyed by everyone. Trading Standards officers will be carrying spot-checks to crack down on shops selling fireworks to under-18s, and shops were asked not to sell eggs and flour to children in the run up to Halloween.

Lambeth tenants to receive Labour's rent cut this month

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:44:00 +0000

Lambeth Housing tenants should be receiving a letter informing them that the 3% rent reduction won by Labour will be implemented in their November rent accounts.

As the rent reduction is being backdated to April, this means the average tenant will be receiving more than £50 as a welcome bonus as winter sets in.

Lambeth residents won the reduction through tough and persistent lobbying of government from Labour's councillors and MPs.

Councillor Pete Robbins commented: 'We're delighted that tenants will be receving this hard fought rent reduction in time for Christmas. We were disappointed that rents had to rise so much in April, but this reduction goes some way to redressing the balance. We'd like to thank all those tenants who supported our local campaign to get help from the Government - this is as much their victory as it is ours.'

Reporting anti-social behaviour in Clapham and Stockwell

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:09:00 +0000

A recent meeting about anti-social behaviour on Lambeth Walk highlighted the fact that people are confused about how to go about reporting it.

Ensuring anti-social behaviour is reported is crucial for the authorities to be able to do something about it.

Here are some contacts for various situations:

When a serious crime is being committed always call 999

To report a non-urgent crime, however minor, call the police's new London-wide number: 0300 123 1212. They will try to deal with the problem as soon as they can. You can also call the Prince's ward Safer Neighbourhoods Team directly on their mobile: 07920 233837 (though they don't run a 24 hour service) or office 020 8649 2512

If a neighbour is making a noise overnight that you want to stop, call Lambeth's noise patrol: 020 7926 5999. They operate from 9pm to 3am Sunday to Thursday, and 10pm to 5am on Friday and Saturday. During normal office hours you can also report noise: 020 7926 5999

To find a permanent solution to anti-social behaviour it's best to keep a diary of the incidents and report every incident to the relevant authority. They can then take action:

Lambeth Living Estates (eg Springfield Estate, Fenwick Estate, Clapham Road Estate, Gaskell Street estate): 020 7926 6000

Hyde Southbank Homes (eg Stockwell Gardens Estate, Grantham Road estate, Bellevue Mansions): 020 7346 6500

For private properties call Lambeth Council's anti-social behaviour unit: 020 7926 4000

Let us know how we should spend our 2009 ward purse

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Larkhall councillors are asking their constituents to help them by suggesting ideas for spending £12,000 that has been earmarked for local projects in Larkhall ward.

Last year Labour councillors introduced the 'Community Action Fund' (formerly known as the 'ward purse'), which allocates a pot of money to be spent on local projects in our local community.

Last year Larkhall Labour councillors consulted with local people and decided to fund:

New community noticeboards for Rhodesia Road play area and outside Springfield Community and Health Centre

Local tenant and residents associations – with IT equipment for Springfield estate, new stage lighting for Fenwick estate tenants hall, and a Nintendo Wii fitness game for the older people living in the McCall Close sheltered housing scheme

New trees for Larkhall Park

Tory Mayor targets fare rises on London's poorest

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced eye-watering increases to tube and bus fares, after mismanaging Transport for London's finances.

The highest rises (20%) have been for bus fares, hitting London's poorest people hardest.Yet despite the fare rises the Mayor has announced:

- delays to Victoria line upgrade

- reduced bus services

- reduced Tube services

- deferral of all Metronet station renewals

- deferral of step-free access

Boris is putting fares up apparently to balance the books, yet he has wasted money by:

- scrapping the Western Extension (£70m)

- abandoned plans to charge 4x4s more (£50m)

- replacing bendy buses with single deckers (£30m extra year)

- Total: around £150m

Cllr Tina Valcarcel said: 'Boris Johnson has shown his true Tory colours by hitting the poorest people hardest with his fare increases. Bus users in south London have already been let down by him cancelling the Cross River Tram project - now they are hit with inflation-busting fare rises.'

Lambeth Community Fund – Strategic Grants Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Lambeth Community Fund – Strategic Grants Launched:

Grants Available: Between £10,000 and £25,000

Fund Themes:

1. A tailored approach to personal and skills development for those seeking employment
We are looking to fund organisations that respond to individuals needs, and provide a range of support services which enable individuals to progress into training or employment.

2. Community Outreach – reaching people who are out of work

Funding is available for locally based organisations working within a particular community, in a small geographic area, estate or neighbourhood. We are looking to support groups helping people who are out of work, into training or employment.

3. Direct routes to employment

We are looking to fund organisations supporting people directly into employment or apprenticeships. Funding is available for organisations working with the business and/or voluntary sector, encouraging apprenticeship opportunities, or training people to access jobs that are available.

Previous Lambeth Community Fund small grant applicants and grantees may apply.

Please see the guidelines for full details.

Application forms and guidelines are available on the Capital Foundation website: http://www.capitalcf.org.uk/grants/grants_available.php Scroll down the page to the Lambeth Community Fund.

Deadlines: Friday 18th December 2009

Friday 12th March 2010

For support with your application or supporting documents, or to discuss your proposal, please contact the CCF Grants Team on 020 7582 5117, or email enquiries@capitalcf.org.uk.

Vice squad back in Lambeth

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Local people have scored a big win with Lambeth Police announcing the Vice Squad is to be re-formed, with extra officers.

A Labour-backed campaign won huge local support from residents worried about the upsurge in kerb crawling on streets around Brixton. Labour councillors took the campaign direct to Lambeth’s new top cop, Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave, who has now agreed to bring back the squad that was disbanded last year.

In contrast, Lib Dems have provoked anger with public demands to LEGALISE kerb crawling! Now one of their parliamentary candidates is trying to cover up the campaign launched by his Lib Dem colleagues on Lambeth Council.

The leader of Lambeth’s Lib Dems made his comments at a meeting of London Councils: “Cllr Ashley Lumsden (Liberal Democrat, Lambeth) pointed out that there was a long history of prostitutes operating in Lambeth and argued that criminalising users should be removed from the recommendations.”

See the document the Lib Dems are trying to hide for yourself here: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/London%20Councils/L14120491104minute.doc

Public notice: Extension of the Larkhall 20mph zone

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0000

The following public notice was laid in the week commencing 15th October 2009, concerning the extension of the Larkhall 20mph zone.LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

LARKHALL AREA – INTRODUCTION OF 20 MPH SPEED LIMIT

(This notice is about the introduction of a new 20 mph Speed Limit Zone in the Larkhall Area.)

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lambeth Borough Council on 8th October 2009 made the Lambeth (20 m.p.h. Speed Limit) (No. 3) Order 2009 under section 84(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

2. The general effect of the Order will be to impose a 20 miles per hour speed limit on vehicles proceeding in Albion Avenue, All Saints Close, Binfield Road (excluding the part which is GLA side road), Bromfelde Road, Chelsham Road, Christchurch Place, Clarence Walk (that part which is public highway), Courland Grove, Courland Street, Dennis Way, Gaskell Street, Gauden Close, Gauden Road (excluding the part which is GLA side road), Jeffreys Road (excluding the part which is GLA side road), Kelman Close, Killyon Road, Lansdowne Way (between its junctions with Wandsworth Road and South Lambeth Road), Larkhall Lane, Larkhall Rise (between the common boundary of Nos. 61 and 63 Larkhall Rise and its junction with Larkhall Lane), Levehurst Way, McCall Close, Paradise Road, Priory Court (that part which is public highway), Priory Grove, Sibella Road, Smedley Street, Southville, Studley Road, Union Grove, Union Road (excluding the part which is GLA side road) and Wandsworth Road (the service road on the south-east side which lies between Albion Grove and Union Road). (Note: This will revise and enforce the existing 20 mph speed limit zone in the Larkhall area).

3. The reason for the Order is to reduce traffic speeds which will improve road safety for all road users and the general environment for residents.

4. If you have any enquiries, please telephone Lambeth Council's Transport and Highways Group on 0207 926 2208.

5. Documents giving more detailed particulars of the Order are available for inspection from 9.30 am until 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive (except on Bank Holidays), until the last day of a period of six weeks beginning with the date on which the Order is made, at the offices of the Transport and Highways Group, Lambeth Borough Council, 3rd Floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SP. Please telephone 0207 926 9000 and select the Transport and Highways option, to arrange a viewing.

Dated 15th October 2009

MARTIN SACHS, Head of Transport and Highways

Councillors get helping hand from local police

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Clapham and Stockwell residents looking to their councillors for advice are getting a fantastic 2-for-1 deal as the local Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team have agreed to attend their weekly councillor advice surgeries.

Every week the local Larkhall ward councillors hold surgeries for local people who want help or advice on local issues such as housing, planning or benefits. Now any local resident that report problems with anti-social behaviour or crime can speak directly to local police.

Cllr Raj Patil said: 'We know that safety is the top priority for local people. Labour's Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been a great success in making our area sfare, We are delighted to have this opportunity to work closely with them to reduce local crime even further.'

Larkhall councillors hold advice surgeries every week on a rota basis. If you wish to speak to a particular councillor contact them to discover which surgery they are attending next:

First Saturday of the month: 10-11am 2 Houghton Square, 378 Clapham Road MAP

Second Saturday of the month, 10-11am Fenwick Hall (Fenwick Estate) MAP

Third Saturday of the month: 10-11am Springfield Community Flat (Brocket House) MAP

Lib Dems admit plan for 'savage cuts'

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP has admitted his party will force through ’savage cuts’ if they get back into power.

The last time the Lib Dems ran Lambeth they forced council tax up 40% while closing day care centres for the elderly and leaving youth services the worst funded in London. Now their leader has admitted the cuts will be ’savage’ if his party wins the council elections due in May 2010.

Local people are demanding answers from tight-lipped local Lib Dem councillors over just where the cuts will fall. The Lib Dems have failed to guarantee funding to improve 10,000 substandard homes in Lambeth, and now there are real fears they could target youth services, home help for the elderly, transport, and waste collection. Larkhall Councillor Tina Valcarcel said: “The Lib Dems must come clean about where their leader’s ‘savage’ cuts will fall, and which services they will destroy if they win in May 2010.”

The Lib Dem axe – who will the ‘savage’ Lib Dem cuts hit first?

Youth services – CUT

Home helps – CUT

Meals on wheels – CUT

New homes – CUT

Street cleaning – CUT

Recycling – CUT

Dangerous Dogs - tell us your views

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Are you worried about sharing public spaces such as parks and streets with dogs? What are your experiences? What makes a responsible dog owner, and what issues do they face?

If you have an opinion on any of these issues, Lambeth Council's Scrutiny Commission wants to hear from you.The Commission was set up to take a look at how to deal with the rising number of incidents involving dogs, and at how to support our many responsible dog owners. It does not have an anti-dog agenda - the members recognise the valuable role played by dogs in many people's lives and of the responsible dog-owning majority in the borough as well.

The Commission is an investigative panel made up of four Lambeth councillors, from all political parties. Councillor Imogen Walker, the chair of the Commission, said 'In order to prepare our report and make recommendations to Lambeth Cabinet, the panel needs to consult and collect evidence from witnesses and experts. That means hearing from as wide a range of people as possible, and especially from our residents.'

The Commission would like to hear from interested residents - they have produced a short questionnaire, which is available on request by telephoning 020 7926 2510, emailing scrutiny@lambeth.gov.uk or by writing to Freepost, RSAZ-KRRX-UXHJ, Scrutiny team, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton, SW2 1RD.

A Portuguese community centre in Stockwell – an update

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:05:00 +0000

At a recent meeting of Lambeth Council there was an update on progress to establish a Portuguese community centre for Lambeth’s many Portuguese speaking residents.

As councillors in Larkhall ward we have been campaigning and working with the community to establish the centre. Along with Stockwell ward, Larkhall has one of the highest concentrations of Portuguese people in London. Labour has guaranteed £500,000 worth of funding to establish the centre when the community has found a suitable site. Lambeth consulted with 150 Portuguese people, of whom 93% support the idea of a community centre. The community are now looking at 3 options for a centre that will best meet their needs.

The proposals will provide a centre where the community may gather for cultural activities, social support, and public information and access community services. The centre will be owned by a charity in the form of a company limited by guarantee and run by a management committee formed of representatives from the Portuguese community.

Sadly, the Lib Dems have attempted to hijack the project. At a speech in the town hall, a Lib Dem councillor from a different part of the borough said he wanted to force the community to set up the centre by next April, come what may. Well Labour disagrees – it is up to the Portuguese community, not Lib the Dems, to decide when the centre is established and where. Sadly, the Lib Dems have have refused to confirm they would offer a the same level of support to our valued Portuguese community should they win back power.

A full report on Lambeth’s work with the Portuguese community is here:http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=18298

The Lambeth Promise

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

One of the most common complaints about Lambeth Council that we heard as local councillors used to be that the council seemed unresponsive, and did not listen to residents needs. Since winning control of the Council in 2006, Lambeth Labour have worked very hard to make sure that council officers understand the need to offer decent levels of customer service to people who access our services.

As part of the recent improvement, Lambeth has recently issued this statement about 'The Lambeth Promise':

'At Lambeth we believe that the needs of our customers should be at the forefront of everything we do. Continuous improvement on the delivery of our services is important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that our residents always receive the highest standard of care. We want you to know the council is on your side. And to give you confidence that you will receive an excellent service every time you contact us, use our services or do business with us, we've created the Lambeth Promise. The Lambeth Promise sets the standard of care that you should expect from us through a series of pledges that we have adopted as a key part of delivering our services.

The Promise makes the following commitment to you, our residents:

Lambeth Council is committed to ensuring you receive a high level of service. We will be helpful, open and honest with you and always aim to make a real difference.

We pledge to:

treat you as an individual with dignity, fairness, courtesy and respect at all times

make every effort to get it right first time. When we can't help you straight away we will let you know why and when we will be able to help

say sorry if things go wrong. We'll listen to you and tell you how we'll try and put things right and learn from it

work with you to develop your trust and confidence in our services

respond to your requests, comments and complaints promptly

To find out more about the Lambeth Promise and what it means for you, watch our video which features Woodmansterne children's centre in Streatham and the impact it has had on the local community.'

Reminder: Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Panel meeting tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Cllr Pete Robbins) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:54:00 +0000

A reminder that the next meeting of the Larkhall Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Panel will take place TONIGHT - Monday 14th September at 7pm in St Johns Church, Clapham Road SW4.

The Safer Neighbourhoods Panel, which consists of local Larkhall resident representatives, meets every three months to discuss local policing issues and to decide what priorities the local Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team are to follow for the next quarter of the year.
The Chair of the Panel, Toby Riley-Smith, is very keen to involve as many local people as possible, and is encouraging new residents to attend.

The Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team are all based at the Clapham Police Station in Union Grove and spend all of their time tackling issues in Larkhall ward. The officer in charge of the Team is Sergeant Graham Williamson.

The Team is a permanent fixture in Larkhall, not a 'quick fix' brought in to respond to local changes in crime and disorder. They have been working in Larkhall ward since 2006. The Team’s priorities are decided by the ward’s Safer Neighbourhoods Panel, who put forward their three top local priorities for local officers to tackle.