Beecholme and Environs - architectural and visual.

Join the 24hr global ACTA protest

2012-02-11T05:27:00.000Z

Join the day of action against ACTA

Use the map navigation tools above to zoom in, drag the map to the closest event you may be able to attend, and then click the event marker for details and RSVP information.
• • •
The London event is today at the "British Music House" in Berners St, W1

Saturday 11th Feb - 2pm to 4pm
click here for map to get directions to the London "Operation Stop ACTA" event
• • •

Over the next 24 hours, people across the planet are joining a global protest to bury ACTA for good -- if enough of us act today we can stop the ACTA censorship nightmare from becoming reality. Use the map above to join Saturday's protests, or
click here to see the full list of events on Feb 11

This week the AVAAZ's massive 2 million ACTA petition caused shockwaves in Brussels, and they've just learned that Germany has put ACTA on ice and other governments are close to following suit.

We are at a tipping point -- let's turn out in thousands to protest or, if you can't be there in person, use the tool on this page to send messages of solidarity to our fellow citizens who are marching through the snow and virtually support our online freedom.

We can also use social media to pile the pressure on key parliamentarians.

Here are some of the ways you can join online & off-line:

• Protest: Use the map above to find a protest near you
or click here to see the full list

• Petition: Sign our 2 million strong petition calling on all members of the EU Parliament to stand for a free and open Internet and reject the ratification of ACTA:
Click here to sign

from avaaz.org

Clapton Festival 2011 video

2012-02-06T21:26:00.000Z

Read the letter from film maker Graciela Watson

on the

Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group website

• • •

Near the start of the video, one of the Festival's founders, Louise Goodison, talks about the wealth of community organisations & groups locally and hopes the high street at Lower Clapton Road (opp. Clapton Pond), will become a destination rather than somewhere you drive past.

The Clapton Arts Trust agrees whole-heartedly and is working to produce a "Vision for Clapton" which suggests ways in which the focus might be returned from the road to the pedestrian spaces, giving people the priority instead of cars and buses.

The visual environment, street furniture and signage as well as under used & inappropriately used public spaces are addressed.
There's even a long term hope and plan to return the roundabout to a crossroads.

The trust hope to have the presentation posted for comment in the not too distant future. It will be on their website claptonartstrust.org

David White (secretary CAT)

• • •

Watch the Clapton Festival 2011 video on YouTube

• • •

Here's looking forward to an even bigger & better

Clapton Festival 2012

Speaking of the internet...

2012-02-05T07:44:00.001Z

...and the collective consciousness

INTERNET RISING documentary (art film)
by Andrew Kenneth Martin

If you have trouble playing the video, go to the original archive.

Huge collection bus & train photos

2012-02-04T03:32:00.000Z

I've just come across the most incredibly huge
photographic collection of buses and trains on Flickr

...while looking for shots of Clapton in Hackney.

UPDATE
I originally posted they were Creative Commons copyright which is not correct.
Andrew did have them as CC non-commercial-attribution but found them being sold as a collection. Even now some are on DVD's without Andrew's permission.

However, Andrew will give permission for the odd shot to be used for a specific purpose and will send the original jpg.

Here's a taste - this is less than half

All credit to Andrew HA

MEP's response to ACTA

2012-02-03T18:38:00.004Z

In practice ACTA will make us criminals for communicating everyday things we don't give a second thought to now and open us to fines, bans and even jail.

To find out about the huge impact on freedom of speech and civil liberties ACTA will have scroll down two posts or click here

sign the petition to all members of the European Parliament

...............

From Claude Moraes, Labour MEP for London:

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for writing to me regarding the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) between the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and the US.

The European Parliament has a formal role in the eventual approval or rejection of this Agreement. The negotiations concluded in November 2010, and each negotiating party is now in the process of ratifying and signing the Agreement. In the EU this requires agreement from the Council of Ministers (made up of the 27 Member States) and the European Parliament.

On Thursday 26th January 2012 twenty-two Member States (including the UK) signed the agreement. The European Parliament will now draft a report to recommend whether or not Parliament should give its approval to the Agreement, and this will be done by the International Trade committee. This is expected to begin next month. Parliament's political leverage over the European Commission has therefore been substantial given that the Agreement cannot be ratified without Parliament's approval.

In addition to its legislative role, Parliament monitored the negotiations throughout the 11 rounds and adopted Resolutions highlighting our priorities to the Commission. In March 2010 my colleague David Martin MEP - in his capacity as Labour spokesperson on International Trade in the European Parliament - co-authored a Resolution which was adopted by Parliament.

In November 2010 in response to the release of the draft text the Parliament again adopted a Resolution.

We proposed and successfully incorporated several points on transparency and civil liberties into the Resolutions.

Firstly we made it clear that the European Commission - as the EU's negotiator in ACTA - needed to put pressure on the other participants to open up the negotiations to public scrutiny through the publication of a draft negotiating text.

Secondly we stressed that ACTA must target only commercial and not individual counterfeiters.

In our opinion the need to address serious counterfeiting should not lead to any erosion of civil liberties.

In this regard I and other Labour MEPs object to any 'three strike' rule whereby Internet service providers can suspend the Internet connection of copyright infringers after two warnings.

Equally my colleagues and I do not support so called border measures such as the searching by Customs of travellers' iPods or laptops for illegally downloaded files.

Finally we stated that ACTA should not extend beyond the European Community 'acquis' or, in other words, no new intellectual property legislation should be created as a result. The European Union is a signatory to various international Agreements on intellectual property such as the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

It is important for the European Parliamentary Labour Party that ACTA is consistent with TRIPS and other existing Agreements on Intellectual Property.

You may be interested to read the full resolutions available here: ACTA Plenary Resolution 10 March 2010 and here: ACTA Plenary Resolution 24 November 2010 or watch the debate in which my colleague David Martin spoke: ACTA Plenary debate 9 March 2010.

The final text of ACTA can be read here.

I and my colleagues share the frustrations of many constituents who believed the negotiations should have been conducted in a more transparent manner.

The European Parliament put significant pressure on the European Commission during the negotiations to increase transparency. The Commission was successful in persuading other ACTA negotiating partners to release a consolidated negotiating text. While Parliament continued to call for the further release of all negotiating texts with individual country positions, we were disappointed that further opening up of the negotiations could not be agreed by all negotiating parties.

Please be assured that the Parliament's commitment to transparency also applies to our consideration of the ACTA agreement in the International Trade committee.

Once the Parliament analysis and discussions in Parliament begin, debates and considerations of the text will be fully open to the public and streamed live on the European Parliament website.

Thank you again for writing to me on this issue.

Please be assured that my colleagues and I will analyse the text of the Agreement very carefully before the European Parliament consent vote to ensure our priorities in civil liberties, intellectual property legislation and TRIPS compatibility are well-protected.

Best wishes,

Claude Moraes MEP

www.claudemoraes.com

Clapton Art Trust new website launched

2012-02-03T01:39:00.000Z

CAT's long awaited website is live..

...with updates about the Old Tram Depot, the White Hart Pub & the Clapton Cinematograph Theatre...

...and the announcement it hopes and intends

to restore the Old Schoolhouse on Lea Bridge Road

for educational & recreational community use.

•

Hackney Gazette online story

Thur 2nd Feb, by Emma Bartholemew

•

The Old Schoolhouse: something for everyone

The trust plans to hold a variety of activities and events from exhibitions, Open Days & short heritage walks to evening & weekend adult ed. art, craft & music workshops (many with a "heritage" theme), but the main schoolroom's primary use would be a "living" Victorian classroom, with teachers in period costume.

Schools and colleges would send students for the day to experience Victorian teaching methods and mores and learn about local and river heritage within multi-disciplinary classes.

•

The trust is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funds to both restore the picturesque Victorian gothic featured building and run the various activities.

A percentage (so-called "match funding") of the restoration & activity costs need to found elsewhere so the trust will be applying to other granting bodies as well.

The trust will also be looking for volunteers to help develop & eventually take some of the proposed activities and will have more info up on their website in the coming weeks and months.

claptonartstrust.org

ACTA - 21cn big brother in, free speech out

2012-02-01T22:32:00.001Z

A little know international
"anti-counterfeiting" agreement
being quietly signed off, country by
country, will have a huge impact on our
freedom of speech, civil liberties and
privacy if it is passed by the
European Parliament

It's already had a small effect on here in the UK, as online content from some sources is no longer available, but it's set to be a revolution, having an impact far afield from the internet.

A revolution by dictate and intent on control.

If what this video below is saying is true
it is a huge change bringing the spectre of an
"all seeing"
technologically snooping"big brother" to life

The creation of this monster will have far reaching consequences for you and me

In practice it will make us criminals for communicating everyday things we don't give a second thought to now and open us to fines, bans and even jail.

Monitoring of your private emails and other communications will be obligatory

Do something about it NOW

1. sign the petition

2. Phone or write to members of the
INTA committee
at the Euro Parliament
and ask their report on ACTA
recommends the Parliament reject it.

• • •

Further reading

How to act against ACTA

Arguments and counter arguments against ACTA

• • •

3rd Feb 2012

UPDATE: see Labour MEP for London's response here

Petition: stop "temporary" building & roads on parkland

2012-01-31T16:49:00.000Z

Petition to save the fields
behind the Ice Rinks

Why This Is Important

There are endangered species on the land adjacent, there are brownfield sites nearby that could be used and this area is utilised vastly by the public. This is green belt land and the planning process has not been followed appropriately, some 600 local residents have not been consulted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walthamstow_Marshes

•

Call me a sceptic...

The huge 3 storey high "temporary" basketball courts come with bitumen access road and car park, with security fencing and lights.

A great many far less substantial "temporary" buildings in Hackney have ended being all but permanent, usually because the money isn't there to replace them with a proper permanent building.

In this case it will be because the money isn't there to return the land to its natural state.. ...unless the money is in place now, securely ring-fenced with a contractual obligation (with penalties) to return the land to the condition it was in by a set date.

If the building finds a use that delivers an income to the council after the Olympics, the temptation to keep it will be irresistible - unless not to would cost even more.

David White

•

Scroll down to the post below for more details

3 storey building on marshes parkland

2012-01-19T00:06:00.001Z

...is proposed to be erected
on Leyton Marsh
by "London 2012"
right behind the ice rink.

The huge 11 metre high (3 storey) structure would be surrounded by an even bigger area of tarmac, with new access road, described as being "temporary".

Q: is the money to return the site to natural marshland in place and secure NOW?

The east marsh already has a big "temporary" tarmac car park for disabled parking planned.

Q: will the "change of use" for the land be time limited?

Planning Application Number 2011/156

Documents page

UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE

Sign the petition to stop

Find out more, voice your opinion

3 events are coming up

• Meeting at the Hare and Hounds, 278 Lea Bridge Road London E10 7LD
on Monday 16th January 2012 to plan what further steps can be taken to oppose the proposed development - all are invited - 6.00 pm on ward - if you can come at 7 or even later it is likely that people will still be there.

• BBC TV are filming a news item on the proposals
on Tuesday 17th January 2012 in the morning 10 am at the Ice Rink or 10.15 at the King's Head Bridge. They are keen to interview locals who use the marsh for whatever reason - dog walkers, joggers, slower pedestrians, horse riders!

• Finally - where it may all happen:
Planning Committee Waltham Forest Council

on Tuesday, 7th February, 2012 7.30 p.m.

The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council will be considering the application at their meeting on 7th February 2012 - venue - Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest road, London, E17 4JF.

The agenda will be displayed in the week before the meeting Proposed venue: Council Chamber
Contact: Oliver Craxton 020 8496 4380 Email: oliver.craxton@walthamforest.gov.uk

It would be great if you could attend and gather on the steps of the Town Hall at about 7.15 pm to make your feeling known to Committee Members.

info from the Leyton Marsh Users Group 2012

Oppose the anti-squatting law

2012-01-16T02:33:00.002Z

SQUASH

Squatter's Action for Secure Homes

The UK government is planning to criminalise squatting in residential buildings despite 95% of responses to the 'consultation' opposing any further legislation.

The proposed legislation will have impacts on the most vulnerable people in society, will empower unscrupulous landlords and will burden the justice system, police and charities.

The Squash campaign provides resources on these impacts to raise awareness on the matter.

SQUASH

Template letter to your MP

Criminalising the Vulnerable Presentation

Squatting: The facts

NOTE: to see the sheets below full size, either click on the link above or right click on the pages below and select "open in new window"

SQUASH

Squatter's Action for Secure Homes

Quarterly Enhanced TRA meeting

2012-01-15T02:01:00.005Z

To all tenants & residents living on the Beecholme Estate as well as all Hackney Homes residents in Casimir, Cleveleys & Gunton Roads.

On
Thursday 19th Jan 2012
we have an
Enhanced Tenants & Residents meeting
at 7pm
in the Alf Partridge Community Hall
(corner of Prout & Casimir Roads)

•

The quarterly "enhanced" meetings have
our Estate Manager, Esther Ojimba attending
along with invited Hackney Homes officers
and Hackney councillors.

•

On the agenda
Communal drainage problems.
s106 follow-up and bollards on Casimir Rd
The Estate Plan
Pramsheds

...and more

•

I hope to see you there.

Regards,
David White (secretary B&C TRA)

•

Grant application in

2012-01-09T17:14:00.008Z

Update Jan 2012

To all Beecholme residents

Just wanted to let you know that the grant application to the Henry Moore Foundation, to commission Tim Norris to create two more sculpted benches (to coordinate with the first) and a large free standing sculpture, overlooking the park has been acknowledged today, Mon 9th Jan 2012.

We will get find out if we've been successful in due course.

If we are successful, you will be consulted and have the opportunity to be involved at all stages - from design and planning to construction.
If there is enough demand, Tim will hold sculpting classes on the estate as well.

David White (Sec B&C TRA)

• • •

This is from the bottom of the "Estate Environs/sculpture"page:

November 2011

...grant application submitted.

We are applying to the Henry Moore foundation for a grant to erect a large pure sculpture for the end of Prout Rd, overlooking the park, perhaps something 1950's to match the estate, perhaps not:

We are also applying
for two more curved seating sculptures to coordinate with the first (see slide presentation below) to replace the old and worn benches and hope to add something to the smaller adjacent square.

We will know if our request has been successful or not in due course, anytime after mid November 2011.

----<<•>>----

Merry Christmas everyone

2011-12-20T19:13:00.005Z

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas 2011...

...and a great 2012

Millfields Casimir Rd entrance refurb

2011-12-06T00:49:00.007Z

MILLFIELDS USERS GROUP
Meeting tomorrow
Wed 7th December 2011

7 pm
Nye Bevan Community Hall
Overbury Street, E5 0LJ

Your opportunity to have a say in how the entrance will be refurbished. Heaven knows this weak corner (of what is otherwise a great park) needs improving

Map and info link (pic below)

NOTICE of 184 works UPDATE - Beecholme

2011-11-16T20:06:00.002Z

NB: Notice of Section 184 works first published on this site on 16th October 2011

UPDATE

NOTICE of section 184 works

(resident directed communal improvements)

To all residents and leaseholders of the Beecholme Estate

3 items as follows:

Anti-climb spinners on a drainpipe on the wall adjacent to the lift lobby entrance on the 5 storey block, to stop people climbing up to the first floor balcony = £268.75
Minor repair to window ledge, next to pipe, also used to climb up the first floor = £101.96.
Fitting of a security light for the bike shelter. The TRA has already bought the light, so it is just the fitting = ~~£300~~ (estimate). UPDATE NOV: = £441.23

If you have any comments or objections or would like any additional works please contact

the TRA in the first instance by emailing the TRA secretary (contact details below)

Please let us know as soon as possible - before 1st Dec 2011 deadline.

email secretary at:

david@davidwhitedesign.co.uk

Criminalising squatters - another injustice back?

2011-10-28T21:51:00.025+01:00

On Tuesday 1st Nov parliament will debate an amendment to the "Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill", tabled by Sec. of State for Justice Ken Clark, criminalising squatting in residential buildings.
The debate could last 3 days.

Why clause 26 should be opposed:

(see appendix below for wording of clause 26)

• Many vulnerable homeless young people especially will be forced onto the streets.
• The govt's own consultation (2,217 responses) got a 90% negative response*** to the idea of criminalising squatting.*
• It will also criminalise student sit-ins and occupations.
• The police consider the current law broadly right (see 3 in letter below)- high court enforcement officers say the police do not have the resources to carry out evictions - this new law would be unworkable in practice.
• It is retrospective - in violation of Human Rights law (see 5 in letter below) - and will instantly criminalise up to 10,000 people (fig CRISIS).
• It is unnecessary - under section 7 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 it is already a criminal offence to squat someone's home or intended home. (see 3 in letter below)
• There are 700,000 empty properties now and this law will encourage property owners to leave even more properties empty and long term.

Oppose the criminalisation of squatting
email your MP.

Letter to copy & paste further below.

Act now!

Don't let recent media horror stories fool you - squatting solves far more problems that it causes.

As the courts have previously stated:

“the public interest lies in putting empty properties back into use" ****

Charities like Shelter & Crisis and organisations like the NUS** are vehemently opposed to making squatting a criminal offence.

There are 1.7 million people on the housing waiting list (Empty homes Agency fig).
There are 700,000 empty properties, the Halifax say 296,000 left empty for over six months.
Homeless charity Crisis estimate 10,000 people live in squats with the hidden homeless closer to 500,000.

Shelter

Crisis

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's also this protest at Millbank on 2nd Nov

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email your MP now

Find your MP here

Standard letter to copy and paste

to send to your MP:

For Diane Abbott MP (Hackney North & Stoke Newington)

send your email to:

<dianeabbottmp@mac.com>, <ruby.morgan@parliament.uk>, <chalkiasg@parliament.uk>

Dear MP,

I urge you to vote against New Clause 26 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, criminalising squatting for the following reasons:

1. Vulnerable People

Criminalizing squatting in residential buildings criminalizes the most vulnerable homeless people in the midst of a housing crisis. This does nothing to help solve their homelessness problems, whilst exacerbating their condition.
Research by Crisis has found that squatting is a common response to homelessness.
As many as 40% of homeless people have squatted at some point, relying upon it as a means to find temporary shelter and relief from street sleeping. Most of the homeless people who had squatted (78%) had sought help from their local council. Although they had been recognised as homeless they were not deemed entitled to housing as they did not meet the strict set of criteria to be considered a priority. It is widely recognised that we are in the midst of a housing crisis, with average rents approaching £1,000 a month, and more than 42,000 households officially classed as homeless. Crisis estimate that the ‘hidden homeless’ number closer to half a million.

2. Empty Properties
Squatting acts as an informal disincentive to property owners from leaving properties empty long term. There are at present 700,000 empty properties in the UK (Empty Homes Agency). In the midst of housing crisis, it is fundamentally important that more is done to ensure that empty residential properties are brought back into use as homes. By criminalising squatting in residential properties the government are both removing the informal mechanism which squatting represents, and sending a clear signal to property owners that they will be protected in leaving their properties empty.

3. Unnecessary New Criminal Law
The amendment states that making squatting in residential building a criminal offence will “end the misery of home-owners whose properties have been preyed on by squatters”.
However, strong legislation already exists to protect residents and intending occupiers from having their home squatted.
No new criminal law is necessary, as was highlighted by 162 leading legal figures in a letter which was published in The Guardian : “We want it to be clear that it is already a criminal offence for a squatter to occupy someone’s home, or a home that a person intends to occupy, under the Criminal Law Act 1977.” The Metropolitan Police noted in their response to the MoJ consultation that “the law was broadly in the right place and that the existing array of offences allowed them to tackle the worst cases of squatting (e.g. where squatters cause the rightful homeowner to be displaced)”(p.10). In addition to this, there is the question of the lack of a solid evidence base noted in the consultation response; “the Magistrates’ Association is in general reluctant to see new laws being created without proper analysis of why existing powers may not be working satisfactorily” (p.19).

4. Vulnerable Tenants, Unworkability and Cost
These proposals will be in reality unworkable. This is because it demands that the police make decisions on the doorstep about complex points of criminal and property law.“Criminalisation of squatting and subsequent enforcement would have an impact on policing, in terms of community relations, local policing objectives and cost.
There would be a clear public expectation regarding enforcement. This is likely to be focused in areas which have a high concentration of buildings subject to unlawful entry and occupation, but also where there are squats which attract particular attention. At the same time contentious debate surrounding this subject may attract protest from groups who support squatting and voice concern about housing issues in London. This could attract further attention with changes to housing benefits and pressure on social housing. Significant work would need to be undertaken with the communities affected, local councils and related third sector organisations, to ensure that enforcement would be carried out in a proportionate and appropriate manner ” (p.35).
As a society do we really need to put undue pressure on an already heavily burdened police service to combat a perceived ‘problem’ that can already be addressed within the framework of the existing law?

5. Retrospective Criminalisation
The present wording of New Clause 26 criminalises those who are currently squatting in a residential building - up to 10,000 people (figure Crisis).
Article 11, subsection 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that: “No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.”
Retroactivity of offences is extremely rare (usually applied only in cases of war crimes and sexual offences). It is widely seen as undermining the rule of law as it does not leave room for the individual to properly exercise choice and exhibit intent.

I therefore urge you to oppose the criminalisation of squatting.

Sincerely,

NOTE: If you are unable to vote against the whole Clause, I urge you to vote for the amendments below, written by Crisis and tabled by John McDonell MP, which attempt to limit the impact of criminalisation upon the most vulnerable, and which disincentivise property owners from leaving properties empty.

The amendments written by Crisis & tabled by John McDonell MP

(i) That the law only covers residential property left empty for less than 6 months.
(ii) That the offence is not applicable in cases where the person is a care leaver or who has in the previous year been registered homeless/at risk.
(iii) That the offence will not be retrospectively applied.

The full wording of these amendments are:

Protection for residential or intended residential property occupiers and landlords

Amendment (i)

“Insert new subclause (2A)

“(2A) The offence is not committed where the building has been empty for 6 months or more and where there are no significant steps being taken to refurbish, let or sell the building at the time of the trespass.””

This amendment would mean that squatting remains a civil matter in all buildings that have been left empty long term and are not being brought back into use, while ensuring that residential buildings that have been recently lived in or are being brought back into use would be covered by the new criminal law.

This amendment would incentivise property owners to bring homes back into use and avoiding the risk that disproportionate sentences (up to a year in prison and £5000 fine) will be given to those who squat in derelict properties.

If this amendment is passed then it would nevertheless be a crime to squat in, for example, holiday homes, homes in the process of refurbishment, homes on the market or properties temporarily empty while a will is being executed.

This covers many of the concerns raised in the consultation. In addition to this there would be significantly less resource implications for the Police.

Protection for the most vulnerable

Amendment (ii)

As an amendment to New Clause 26

“Insert new subclause (2AA)

“(2AA) The offence is not committed in cases where the person is a care leaver or who has in the previous year:

(a) been a resident of a homelessness hostel

(b) been a resident of a homelessness night shelter

(d) been found rough sleeping

(e) received mental health treatment in a residential setting”

This amendment would exempt from committing a criminal offence several groups whose housing in the previous year suggests particular vulnerability or homelessness. It also exempts care leavers.

We know that 40% of single homeless people have squatted at some point and there is a real risk of criminalising a vulnerable group who are squatting as it is their only alternative to sleeping rough.

This change is crucial to protect the really vulnerable from the possibility of prison sentences.

Amendment (iii)

As an amendment to New Clause 26

“ Replace subclause (7) with the words:

“For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) no offence is committed if the person initially entered the building as a trespasser before the commencement of this section.”

Conclusion

We would ask you to consider carefully the two options that we have outlined.

To summarise:

•The proposed amendment is problematic as in reality it is far too significant a proposal not to have received full parliamentary scrutiny.

•It has the effect of making criminals out of some of the most vulnerable in society.

•In reality it will be unworkable, and will have significant implications for police resources.

•These issues can be mitigated by inserting a condition of 6 months in order to protect residential occupiers, encourage landlords not to leave property empty, and reduce the impact on the Police.

•The most vulnerable can be protected by their identification within the legislation.

Appendix

The proposed clause 26;

‘(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) the person is in a residential building as a trespasser having entered it as a trespasser,

(b) the person knows or ought to know that he or she is a trespasser, and

(2) The offence is not committed by a person holding over after the end of a lease or licence (even if the person leaves and re-enters the building).

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “building” includes any structure or part of a structure (including a temporary or moveable structure), and

(b) a building is “residential” if it is designed or adapted, before the time of entry, for use as a place to live.

(4) For the purposes of this section the fact that a person derives title from a trespasser, or has the permission of a trespasser, does not prevent the person from being a trespasser.

(5) A person convicted of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).

(6) In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the reference in subsection (5) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 6 months.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) it is irrelevant whether the person entered the building as a trespasser before or after the commencement of this section.’

----------------------------------END LETTER TO YOUR MP---------------------------------------

This govt. seems to be hell bent on bringing back the worst injustices of the last century.

What's next? ....the workhouse?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLOG REFERENCES:

* http://www.squashcampaign.org/2011/10/campaign-lobbies-against-rush-to-criminalise/

** http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/news/article/soccit/2886/

*** http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/dealing-with-squatters.htm

**** http://www.squashcampaign.org/2011/09/squatting-campaigners-hail-judge%E2%80%99s-ruling-on-empty-homes/

Pen & ink wash drawing

2011-10-26T06:05:00.006+01:00

I've just finished this drawing of a late Victorian corner building and was considering doing a series.
Unusually, I have copyrighted this one, but if you'd like a similar drawing, just let me know.

I've put photos of the original drawing (along with notes of process), up as a separate project on my behance portfolio

Quarterly Enhanced TRA meeting

2011-10-16T01:02:00.004+01:00

NOTICE of section 184 works

(resident directed communal improvements)

To all residents and leaseholders of the Beecholme Estate

3 items as follows:

Anti-climb spinners on a drainpipe on the wall adjacent to the lift lobby entrance on the 5 storey block, to stop people climbing up to the first floor balcony = £268.75
Minor repair to window ledge, next to pipe, also used to climb up the first floor = £101.96.
Fitting of a security light for the bike shelter. The TRA has already bought the light, so it is just the fitting = £300 (estimate). UPDATE NOV: £441.23 quoted

If you have any comments or objections or would like any additional works please contact

the TRA in the first instance by emailing the TRA secretary (contact details below)

Please let us know as soon as possible - before 1st Dec 2011.

email secretary at:

david@davidwhitedesign.co.uk

Beecholme Fun Day 2011

2011-10-16T01:00:00.004+01:00

The Fun Day held on Sat 1st October at Beecholme was enjoyed by everyone, as the photos below testify too.

Thanks for the organization of the day goes to Julie Scarlett, who, with help from the B&C TRA and Hackney Homes Resident Participation Officer Coralie Francis arranged and prepared everything needed.

It was Julie's idea it was to hold the day, after the recent riots, to bring everyone together and show the famous east end community spirit and ethos of helping your neighbours, being friendly and tolerant was alive and well in this corner of Hackney - and it did just that.

All photos below taken by Christine Williamson

All photos taken by Christine Williamson

Children were happily getting their faces painted, getting to grips with a football with estate resident Phobe (Tottenham football academy trainee) or jumping around in the bouncy caste, all set to music by DJ MixmasterJ from Mystic radio.

There was plenty to eat at hand to recharge their batteries too, with food prepared and cooked by residents Julie and Rita.

We are very grateful to PARADISE HALAL BUTCHERS and NEW ERA DRY CLEANERS both on lower clapton road who sponsored the event.

Parents enjoyed the opportunity to talk to their neighbours in the sunny and pleasant square and everything went very well - even the weather seemed to collude, to give us a perfect day.

"Love the Lea" - shocking new tests in

2011-10-16T00:25:00.004+01:00

Pollution levels are so high, the Lea is like an open sewer in places.

Samples taken from the river this week at four sites in the borough, including opposite Lea Bank Square in Hackney Wick and Springfield Park show pollution and run-off of phosphates is rising and water oxygen content falling.

Photo by Loz Flowers

At North Millfields the water oxygen content was the second lowest - less than a third a healthy river would have.

"Scientists working with University College London discovered that the water contained 10,000 E.coli bacteria colonies per 100ml, which is 100 times higher than the maximum level deemed safe for swimming at Blue Flag beaches."
See the full Hackney Gazette article "Pollution levels turning river Lea into a sewage ditch , say charity"

10th October 2011 test results:
The dissolved oxygen level in the river just south of Homerton Road is just 23 per cent – too low to support fish life, according to the findings.

Only the species that can tolerate low levels of oxygen survive, and even then in much lower numbers.

6 mg of oxygen per litre is needed for a river to be considered healthy.

As you can see from the table below it is way below that at many sites.

Anything below 2 mg and no fish will live there for any reasonable period of time.

Site X is just off the Lea, where the sewage outfall from Deephams enters from the Pymmes Brook (more on the Pymmes Brook later, we did a site visit last week and its condition is shocking).

The fear is that the Lea rarely gets above 3 mg/l meaning the river never recovers.

Occasional dips a river can cope with, but this seems the opposite.

from:

http://thames21.org.uk/

•

To get involved in the

"Love the Lea" campaign

go to

www.thames21.org.uk/LovetheLee

or email:

pledgelovethelee@thames21.org.uk

•

Excess phosphates and pollution in the river Lea

Photo by Loz Flowers

Photo by Matt From London

Photo by diamond geezer

your email could save a neighbour's life

2011-10-04T18:48:00.021+01:00

...or even your own.

(Standard letter to copy & paste into your email below).

•

Local residents, with support from Cllr Linda Kelly (Leabridge ward)
are calling for a pedestrian crossing on Lea Bridge Road

near the entrance of Hillstowe Street

in order to save lives & avoid injury...

...and we need your help to make it happen!

ABOVE: visualization to show approximate position of the proposed crossing: ie. between the bus stop and Hillstowe St.
The crossing may be either a "pelican" or a "zebra" type of crossing. Graphic by David White

It is a busy crossing point where right now residents daily risk life and limb.

A crossing at this site was promised in 2004 - that's how far back the need for a crossing here was recognised.

I'm reliably informed that since then there have been several relatively minor (unreported) injuries to both pedestrians and cyclists and innumerable close calls at this spot.

It has been luck only there hasn't been a fatal incident to date.

Our luck won't last forever...

•

Although Lea Bridge Road comes under the jurisdiction of Hackney Council, we understand the funding for this crossing can be covered in the LiP scheme, which is funded by TFL.

•

You can help simply by emailing:

(just one email, addressed to all three)

andy.cunningham@hackney.gov.uk

(Andrew Cunningham: Head of Streetscene Neighbourhoods and Regeneration)

and

feryal.demirci@hackney.gov.uk

(Councillor Feryal Demirci: Neighbourhoods)

and

Harun.Khan@tfl.gov.uk
(Transport for London Regional Planning Manager for East Area)

NOTE: Please copy in councillor Linda Kelly:

annkelly1952@gmail.com

•

Standard letter to copy & paste into your email:

Subject:

Urgent need for pedestrian crossing on Lea Bridge Rd near Hillstowe St in Clapton, E5.

Send to:

Harun.Khan@tfl.gov.uk, feryal.demirci@hackney.gov.uk, andy.cunningham@hackney.gov.uk,

cc: annkelly1952@gmail.com

Content:

Dear councillor Demirci, Mr Cunningham, Mr Khan,

I wish to add my voice to those requesting a pedestrian crossing on Lea Bridge Road near Hillstowe St.

It is a busy and currently dangerous crossing point: busy primarily because of the bus stop opposite Hillstowe St entrance and dangerous because by Hillstowe St many drivers have accelerated to well above the speed limit, especially eastbound on Lea Bridge Road.

I believe a pedestrian crossing will save lives and avoid certain injury so urge you

to do all in your power to make it a reality as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Volunteering recognised

2011-10-04T01:08:00.004+01:00

I am happy to report that both Michael Shore and I were nominated for one of the Mayor's volunteering awards and that we have both been given the award.

We have been asked to submit photos for the Team London website, as well as London24, which we have done, so expect to see them up soon, along with a note about our individual volunteering work.

When they are up on the website I'll put the link here.

In the meantime, here are our award certificates

Michael volunteers at a hospice, the HU3A and the TRA. I volunteer with the TRA, the Clapton Residents Panel and the Clapton Arts Trust. We both also contribute time to a range of local issues and campaigns, ranging from planning to residents rights, helping individual residents in need, often with help & support from councillor Linda Kelly or councillor Ian Rathbone.

Help stop proposed planning "free for all"

2011-09-26T16:00:00.005+01:00

The Coalition Government is proposing radical changes to the English Planning system.

This could mean more poor developments near you - like supermarkets and incinerators. We could also lose local parks, shops and allotments - and our right to a say in our communities.

The Government claims that the existing rules don't work because developers need a free rein to "build what they like, where they like, when they like."

Friends of the Earth and many other environmental and social justice organisations are concerned that these proposals are not good for people or the environment.

We really need MPs to sit up a listen to the concerns of all residents as well as people who are involved in developments and in planning.

Contact your MP online

(standard letter supplied)
in 3 simple steps
here

•

On October 12th Friends of the Earth is joining forces with the National Trust to hold a series of events in and near Parliament.

The day will include a chance to meet your MP, hear from community campaigners and join a big meeting of concerned people to show the Government that they need to rethink their planning proposal.

This is a brilliant opportunity for you to help influence what’s happening.

If you are interested email

charlotte.chan@foe.co.uk

for more details.

Rights and Justice team.

Friends of the Earth

0207 566 1650

www.foe.co.uk

• • •

Speaking of supermarkets, you may wish to

sign the petition

against yet another (huge) supermarket

in Stoke Newington

Stokey Local:
http://www.petitions24.com/stokeylocal

•

More about the proposed Wilmer Place Stoke Newington Sainsburys
with a separate petition
calling for a public meeting at:

http://www.welovestokenewington.org/2011/09/online-petition-calling-for-public.html

•

and more at:

http://stokeylocal.org.uk/2011/09/zombies-rise-up-in-stoke-newington-on-saturday-1st-october/

Pond House tour success

2011-09-25T20:34:00.007+01:00

The first "Alternative Open Day" of Clapton's historic buildings at risk
(soon to be refurbished)
was well received by all.

Members of the ClaptonArtsTrust
with help from members of THE HACKNEY SOCIETY
today took somewhere over 60 people on a tour
of the grade II* listed Pond House.

In fact so many people came that the 2pm tour had to be split into three groups and the 4pm tour into two groups.

Visitors saw all four floors of Pond House, from the basement kitchen to top floor servants quarters and nursery as well as the grounds and former stables.

Julia Lafferty (holding orange file in photo below) gave a talk about its history and place in both society and the landscape (as well as handing out info sheets).

After Pond House the tours walked over to the Clapton Cinematograph Theatre where Julia gave another very good short history of the building.

This is some of the 2pm group:

and 4pm:

Some external detailing on Pond House:

PHOTOGRAPHS above taken by David White

•

See more, including photos of one or two

of Pond House's internal features

just scroll down to the post below

(advertising the Open Day)

or click here

•

In addition, there are a few more photos (18 in all) in
my Pond House set on Flickr, around half of internal features.

•

Planning application documents & drawings

Listed building consent to refurbished Pond House and turn it into 5 self-contained flats is available here.

Planning application documents and plans/architects drawings for the refurbishment of Pond House and stables for the 5 flats and demolition of garages for 6 self-contained dwellings with associated landscaping is available here.

Guided tour of Pond House and more

2011-09-18T02:05:00.032+01:00

The "Alternative" Open Day

of Historic buildings at risk in Clapton

Organized by the

ClaptonArtsTrust

in association with

THE HACKNEY SOCIETY

•

Almost certainly your one and only chance to see

POND HOUSE (1802)

(behind Clapton Pond itself near the corner of Milldenhall Road)

and learn about the

CLAPTON CINEMATOGRAPH THEATRE (1910)

before they are refurbished

•

Sunday 25th September

Guided tours at 2pm & 4pm*

starting at Pond House

(FREE)

*Please note the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with small children or pushchairs as there are steps and staircases. Buildings also in partial disuse and disrepair.

•

A small sample of what awaits you:

-----------------<< • >>--------------

For those interested in the flyer's design process

This is my first rough sketch for visualising purposes:

•

Re-drawn with some alterations to A4 on layout paper:

and then traced onto art board and inked in the outlines

by hand a little more accurately, with further odd adjustments:

•

Then quickly coloured in Photoshop

Photos & poster: David White

Email: david@davidwhitedesign.co.uk

See the full design process

with all artwork & another col version

in my "Alternative Open Day" project

at:

I have started to improve it further, in expectation of the next Alt Open Day.

Improvements will include adjusting colour, texture and background.

If I'd had more time I would have translated the hand drawn line art to vector in illustrator and then made further adjustments for this first one.

I'm adding the new artwork to the Behance project on my portfolio (link above) as I do it, bit by bit, as time allows.

Changes to healthcare event

2011-09-17T01:10:00.008+01:00

UPDATE (16 Oct)

The event has now been re-scheduled
for Thur 10th November

(click on the letter below to bring it up full size)

UPDATE (26th Sept)

Re: Community Information Event

29 September 2011

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Hackney Carer’s Centre

I am writing to let you know that unfortunately this event has been postponed.

We are aware that this unfortunately clashed with Rosh Hashanah and this has led to a low level of acceptances.

We will be re-organising this event in early November and all those who were invited to this event will be invited to the new event.

Many thanks

Simrat Dhaliwal
Project Support Officer
Performance, Policy and Delivery
Chief Executive's Directorate
London Borough of Hackney
Tel: 020 8356 3239
Email: simrat.dhaliwal@hackney.gov.uk

END UPDATE

•

I've been asked to circulate the following to the TRA.

The event is to look at the proposed changes to Health & Social Care Bill and what it will mean for YOU and everyone else in Hackney.

Should you wish to attend or have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the following
by Friday 23rd September 2011:

Simrat Dhaliwal: 020 8356 3239

email: simrat.dhaliwal@hackney.gov.uk

Timothy Lee: 020 8356 7782

email: timothy.lee@hackney.gov.uk


• • •


A personal request

Right now, the government is pushing through changes to our health service which could spell the end of the NHS as we know it. Meanwhile, a funding squeeze means wards are closing and doctors and nurses are being laid off.

Together, we can stop this and save our health service for future generations. We proved that huge petitions can help make the government back down. Now, we need to do the same again to save our NHS.

Please do sign the petition to
SAVE THE NHS
at

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/Protect_our_NHS_Petition

Thank you!

•

Here's another e-petition you may like to sign (I did) at:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-nhs-direct.html

•

By the way, this is how GP's voted on a very recent poll at www.gponline.com

by David White

Unscheduled Leabridge Police CAP meeing at Beecholme

2011-09-14T21:45:00.000+01:00

All local residents welcome

Leabridge ward

Police Community Action Panel

meeting on

Thur 15th Sept

in the Beecholme Hall

cnr Prout & Casimir Rds

at 7.30pm

in response to the recent unrest in our streets

The recent riots - local meeting

2011-09-14T21:20:00.000+01:00

· DO YOU care about Clapton and are concerned about what happened in the riots?

· Did you know that there are others who care - and want to see the area improve as a place to live and work?

· This is a meeting organised by the community for the community to discuss our issues, and explore ways forward.

· Maybe you feel ignored? Or you have ideas but it seems that you can’t get them heard?

· Everyone will have the right to speak, have their say and be listened to.

· All views expressed will be put forward to the relevant authorities if appropriate. (No names will be used unless agreed with you.)

Want to know more?

Come along on the day!

This is your chance to contribute to the future of Clapton

Beecholme TRA to apply for funds for community computers

2011-08-27T00:50:00.012+01:00

Let's hope we are successful

(This should be in the noticeboards soon)

As secretary of the B&C TRA I am in the process of applying for a grant from

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme

for funds to buy two or three laptops, each with a years mobile internet (and a printer, plus a small projector), so that residents without a computer or internet connection can get online and for those residents who haven't tried it yet to do so - and I know there are quite a few of you.

For those residents with absolutely no experience and especially elderly residents, (assuming we get the grant) I will walk you through "surfing the internet" and sending emails in five minutes - in the community hall or in your own home - it really is that easy - much easier than you think!

Once you are confident, you can book to use the laptop in your own home for as many hours as needed, as often as needed - within reason and depending on demand.

If you are interested please do let me know:

David White (Secretary)
0208 806 3731
david@davidwhitedesign.co.uk

•

About the Local Communities Programme grant

Purpose

The programme aims to empower local people, enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. Projects should be run by local people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with and priority will be given to small,locally based groups and organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community. You can apply for funding to: increase local services; build skills of local people; increase community cohesion; respond to local economic needs; increase access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation.

http://www.capitalcf.org.uk/grants/grants_available.php?id=11

Hackney Marshes Open Day - Sat 10 Sept

2011-08-27T00:24:00.000+01:00

One2Go Race Series (Trail Marathon; novice run, bike, run; 10k; 5k; 1k fun run) **Family entry welcome & Over 50's receive 50% off on advance entry**
Eid Cup 2011 football matches
The Army inflatable paint ball range
non-contact boxing
Brazilian Dance class
Hula-Hoop classes
Soca Aerobics class
Kids Olympic tyre race
Yoga class
Body MOT's & Fitness Tests
Cheerleading display
Freestyle super skills football workshops
music
mural painting and much more

Hackney Marshes Centre, off Homerton Road, E9 5PF

To enter the race series please visit www.one2go.org.uk

For more information about the open day please call 020 8986 7955 or visit www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-marshes

Millfields Fun Day Sun 21 Aug

2011-08-12T23:15:00.000+01:00

Clapton Residents Panel Newsletter

2011-07-26T03:40:00.007+01:00

Just right-click on a page and select

"Open link in new tab" or "Open link in new window"

to see it full size

Note: you may have to then click on the page again to enlarge it to full size

Newsletter artwork by David White

D.A.F. - Der Mussolini

2011-07-23T00:35:00.016+01:00

I haven't posted music videos on the blog before, but I couldn't resist these two.
(and the 3 below them as an "antidote")

This German "techno pop" group, D.A.F (Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft) blew my mind at art school in West Australia decades ago.

I've just come across them again and discovered they still do!

"Sato Sato" and "Der Mussolini" are my favourites.

The two videos below are studio recordings.

You can see a "Der Mussolini" live performance video from the early 1980's at: http://youtu.be/XwAJXV070OY

...and a 2009 live performance video with the brothers still looking and sounding pretty good at: http://youtu.be/XC_IkFeSVG8

If you haven't heard DAF before, I hope you find them

as attention grabbing as I first did.

(A smattering of German helps but is by no means necessary. This first video has some amusing cartoons sequences).

BTW don't miss the Jeff Beck instrumentals I've added as "antidotes" to DAF - at the bottom of this post.
At the very least watch the two and a half minute "Love is Green" video at the very bottom

"Der Mussolini"

"Sato Sato"

================================

Just as a sort of antidote...

Jeff Beck's studio recordings of "Diamond Dust" & "Scatterbrain"

both from one of my all time favourite albums: "Blow by Blow"

followed by "Love is Green".

from the "Wired " album.

...gives me an emotional and intellectual lift every time.
The video above has several excellent photographs to boot.

and finally something a little more gentle from his equally brilliant "Wired" album, "Love is Green" - set to a rather cool video animation:

2011-07-19T01:46:00.003+01:00

(click on the poster below to see it full size)

Poster by David White

Care how Clapton grows?

2011-07-07T16:50:00.000+01:00

If you are concerned or have an interest in the future of Clapton, want to meet like minded residents and talk to officers and councillors on issues such as:

our built environment, the level of redevelopment, historic buildings, community facilities, street furniture, visual environment and street art

or have general questions about the Localism Bill and Neighbourhood Forums and Plans (details still being finalized)

then come to the next

Clapton Conference

(public meeting)

Mon 11th July (7.30pm start)

St. John's Ambulance Hall

in Mildenhall Rd

For all people living and working in Clapton to find out what is happening across the area and possibly raise issues of concern with officers and councillors present to help sort out matters, or to direct you to those people who can assist.

RSVP or for more information, please contact:

Ian Rathbone, Chair, Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group [CPNAG]

Mobile: 07890 654 068

E-mail: Ian.Rathbone@tiscali.co.uk

more favourite artwork

2011-06-28T16:46:00.006+01:00

including these new from David Fullarton

view the above and more moleskin artwork here

See David Fullarton's Behance portfolio here

•

Here's some great graphic work from a Russian artist

http://www.ekiselev.com/

•

Gregory Euclid

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Held-within-what-hung-open-and-made-to-lie-without/1590381

•

NIELLY FRANCOISE

http://www.behance.net/gallery/2011/1593599

•

Russ Mills

See more of Russ's artwork here

•

I'll be adding more favourites very soon

following on from my previous post with a selection of great new artwork

from various artists - both fine art & graphics

Wildflower railings

2011-06-18T21:18:00.001+01:00

They haven't come up as well as last year because they were almost completely over-prayed by the paths sprayer when he did the edging, possibly not realising the wildflowers are self-seeding.

Consequently we had to re-seed them very late so they haven't done as well as they would otherwise have.

Having said that, what is there is lovely to see - and they're not at their best yet.

Beecholme TRA Summer Newsletter 2011

2011-06-13T21:30:00.002+01:00

The newsletter pics below are from the artwork for printing so the cover is on the right, the back cover on the left.

(click on the newsletter to see them full size)

and here's the inside spread

•

I've posted one in everyone's door in the Beecholme Estate and Christine will be posting one to all the Casimir, Gunton and Cleveleys Road Hackney Homes tenants, so you should have one very soon (if you haven't already).

If you need another one, just let me know on 0208 806 3731.

David White (secretary B&C TRA)

Newsletter design and artwork by yours truly.

Chatsworth Road Neighbourhood Plan presentation

2011-06-09T00:16:00.012+01:00

Chatsworth Road Neighbourhood Plan from Peter Dickinson on Vimeo.

The study area is roughly defined by Lea Bridge Road to the north, Lower Clapton Road to the west, Homerton Road to the south and the Lee Navigational canal to the east. The study aims to establish a coherent vision for the long term future of the area, to influence the planning process and to promote the area to attract investment. To do this we need to identify what the community aspires the qualities of their neighbourhood to be in the future and what the main issues are today.

You can help by filling a short survey at

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRoT0I5cVZFQTJpMl9fc1Rta0d1eHc6MQ

No neighbourhood within Clapton has an Action Plan and Central & Upper Clapton needs something just as badly as Chatsworth.
Rather than attempting a Clapton wide Area Action Plan ourselves, a huge and very expensive undertaking which though promised since 2005, the council and planning dept. has refused to do) more self contained local area neighbourhood plans are taking shape, not just because they are more manageable, but because they are self evident local areas with their own natural and sustainable centres.

Some members of the Clapton Arts Trust, with many other groups and individuals, are working on a presentation/consultation, proposing something similar to the above Chatsworth Road Neighbourhood Plan, but for Clapton - specifically the area centred around the Lea Bridge roundabout - draft title: "Vision for Clapton" - also in expectation of the Localism Bill and as a result of the Clapton Conference - and should be ready soon

See the "ClaptonVision2011" page

Let's hope we can collectively set some benchmarks for our local environment, both visual and architectural as well as making sure the future is built with quality of life and community well-being paramount - not developers margins or regional targets.

If we'd had a local plan with accompanying specific planning documents, we might have saved the tram depot and helped ensure the future of resident artisans live/work spaces - we might have saved the synagogue on Lea Bridge Road - we might have stopped some of the sub-division of family homes into tiny flats - and a lot more.

One of the advantages of local plans like this is that they originate from local residents and are not dropped in from above by people who do not live here.

Another advantage is that they can be really inclusive, as all and every local group or resident has the opportunity to attend meetings such as the Clapton Conference, respond to questionnaires and consultations both at the developmental stage and then later as the council and planning dept. takes the lead and formal consultations are held.

Mind you, I personally believe something with the power and scope of a full blown Area Action Plan is still needed in addition to local plans (and more explicit planning documents), however, planning law is changing - that is, apart from the fact the many local Clapton councillors and residents have been demanding an AAP for years, were promised one in 2005, then told there wasn't the money or need for one and that an AAP was definitely not going to happen.
(see last years AAP campaign posters here, with petition and lots of info)

We should know what the new planning landscape will look like and what it will mean in practice very soon.

Randall MacDonald has promised to come back to the Clapton Conference and explain what the new planning guidelines are and what we, the local residents can do.

by David White

•

The next meeting of
The Clapton Conference

Mon 11th July

7.30pm start

St. John's Ambulance Hall

in Mildenhall Rd

This meeting is for all people living and working in Clapton to find out what is happening across the area and possibly raise issues of concern with officers and councillors present to help sort out matters, or to direct you to those people who can assist.

http://claptonpond.org/clapton-conference/

RSVP or for more information, please contact:
Ian Rathbone, Chair, Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group [CPNAG]
Mobile: 07890 654 068 e-mail: Ian.Rathbone@tiscali.co.uk

• • •

Essex Wharf Deadline for action 22nd June

If you haven't already, please do ask the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority's executive committee to pursue the Judicial Review against Waltham Forest's decision to approve the Essex Wharf redevelopment.

building on the green belt is one thing
building on what is in effect an inner city park
is just unbelievable

For more information and how to contact the executive committee
just scroll down a few posts or click here

Councillor Linda Kelly explains

2011-06-07T20:45:00.003+01:00

In a lengthy article in the most recent Hackney Citizen, Linda has expanded on why she left the Labour group, condemning the "authoritarian atmosphere" and lack of tolerance of political dissent.

In contrast, Linda says: "I’m in a Tory group and it’s not a whipped vote. You can decide how you want to vote. If I decide I’m not happy with things, I am going to vote the way my conscience tells me to.

“I don’t think I’ve found nirvana in the Tory group – I don’t think you find nirvana in any group – but I believe I have a voice here and I’m going to use it.”

•

I have commented on the page that Linda is there for us as always with advice and help and this morning alone has dealt with an issue affecting several residents on this one estate.

•

I should add that Labour Leabridge councillors Ian Rathbone and Deniz Oguzklani are also available when needed and have also been working extremely hard on behalf of local residents (often doing very long hours), tackling everything from issues of ASB to planning and education.

•

Updated Clapton Festival programme

2011-06-06T21:34:00.000+01:00

(click on the poster below to see it full size - around A3)

All residents welcome to TRA AGM

2011-06-04T04:23:00.007+01:00

(click on the poster below to see it full size)

The poster above should be in the notice boards by the end of next week.

•

Soon after our Summer Newsletter will be posted through your letterbox.
Look out for it.
The cover will probably look very similar to the pic below.

Residents day trip to Brighton

2011-06-02T19:20:00.004+01:00

(click on the poster to see it full size)

Phone Christine to book your seats on the coach 0208 806 6923

or email: boda2006@hotmail.co.uk

Families and children are welcome but be warned it will be about an hour and a half journey. Of course we will have a stop or two as needed and to stretch our legs but while on the bus everyone will have to remain seated with seat belts on.

Once there you can make your way around Brighton, meeting up at the coach again probably around 5.30pm for the trip back home.

It promises to be a good day. I will be taking a photo record, as I did for the Leeds Castle and Kew Gardens trips

see: Leeds Castle day trip photos

see: Kew Gardens day trip photos

Lea Valley events June

2011-05-31T20:55:00.001+01:00

(click on the notice below to see it full size)

Last last chance continued

2011-05-27T17:07:00.013+01:00

ESSEX WHARF - UPDATE FRI 27 MAY
(Deadline to contact committee 22 JUNE)

"The Executive Committee yesterday concluded that it is minded to consider whether to seek a Judicial Review against the London Borough of Waltham Forest decision to grant planning permission for housing development on the Essex Wharf site.

The Authority will be issuing a Pre Action letter to the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the information gathered from the response to this letter will assist the Authority in determining its course of action.

A decision on whether to seek a Judicial Review will be made at the next Executive Committee meeting on 23 June 2011."

from cllr John Bevan, Haringey (deputizing for cllr Chris Kennedy, Wick Ward, Hackney delegate to the Lee Valley Park Regional Authority at yesterday's meeting).

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So please do write to the LVRPA executive committee in support of the JR.

See post below

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See also: http://millfieldsusers.blogspot.com/2011/05/lea-park-may-challenge-waltham-forest.html

Last last chance to fight high-rise in Lea Regional Park

2011-05-26T18:34:00.007+01:00

The LVRPA today decide to write the pre-action letter to LB Waltham Forest in pursuit of a JR of the decision to grant a high density residential development on Essex Wharf - due in large part to the recent high volume of emails and letters from residents demanding a JR be pursued -
however, the final decision to go forward hasn't been taken yet.

Please do continue to email at least the chair and vice chair of the LVRPA (see below), if not all the committee members, asking for the JR.

ESSEX WHARF - UPDATE 26 MAY

(of previous post: Last chance to fight high-rise)

The LVRPA have indicated that a High Court JR to overturn the Secretary of State's decision will NOT go ahead, however a JR of the planning decision IS still possible

Please email the LVRPA executive committee:

Derrick Ashley (Chairman): derrick.ashley@hertscc.gov.uk

Michael Rye (Vice Chairman): Cllrmichael.rye@enfield.gov.uk

Valerie Metcalfe:
cllr.valerie.metcalfe@essex.gov.uk

Joyce Ryan:
joyce.ryan@redbridge.gov.uk

Liz Webster:
cllr.elizabeth.webster@essex.gov.uk

Christopher Kennedy:
christopher.kennedy@hackney.gov.uk

and ask them to pursue the Judicial Review of the LB Waltham Forest planning decision at the next executive committee meeting.