With the recession hitting the youngest the hardest Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats have implemented proposals announced by national Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg, to prevent people leaving school, college and university being condemned to long-term unemployment.

Waltham Forest Council has implemented the Lib Dem policy by encouraging 16 to 18-year-olds to apply for a place on its apprenticeship scheme.

Local Lib Dem Leader and cabinet member for finance and resources, Cllr John Macklin, said:

“Making sure our residents are equipped with the skills they need to compete in the workplace and driving down unemployment are two big priorities for the council and taking on apprenticeships shows that we’re putting our money where our mouth is as an organisation. 

“Research has shown that taking on apprentices can be a real boost to the organisation by increasing productivity, increasing competitiveness and providing a committed and well-skilled workforce which makes it a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

High Street Lib Dem Councillor and Chair of the Children & Young People Scrutiny committee, James O’Rourke, said:

“The Labour Government has let down school-leavers and older teenagers as, despite their big promise, they have not provided the apprenticeships to make sure that every school-leaver who wanted to learn a trade can do.

“In Waltham Forest Lib Dems have acted to help young people gain the skills they need for employment.”

Javell Holden, one of the council’s apprentices, said: “I’ve been working at the WFD call centre while doing a Business and Administration NVQ course since last April.

“I’ve found the course very beneficial and have just been offered a permanent job. I’ve learned many skills and would recommend this to anyone.”

Anyone aged 16-18 and interested in the scheme should email wbl@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8520 9430.

Click here for further details of the Lib Dem policy to tackle youth unemployment.

For over 40 years the 7th Walthamstow Scout group has provided a myriad of opportunities for young people by offering activities and challenges where they can learn skills such as Administration, First Aid and Conservation.

Pathfinder Lodge, in Stephenson Road, has also been the centre of local community activity with groups such as older person’s social groups, a performing arts group and a Turkish language group using the building up until mid 2008 when the leaky roof took its toll on the interior.

With the support of the High Street Focus Team funding was secured and the building refurbished over the last two years. Local community groups are now flocking back to use the facility and despite the Labour ward councillors opposition to the scouts bid for Community Council funding, to finally enable the building to be brought back into use, even he and the outgoing Labour MP are now planning to use Pathfinder Lodge.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke, said:

“Communities need to have a focal point and I’m delighted that a building I attended as a child has been given a new lease of life.”

“I welcome the innovative interest shown by groups, like the Blackhorse Action Group to develop a community garden at the site, in addition to the other activities which take place at this facility.”

Tesco’s have submitted a new planning application for the former Essex Arms Pub using the following description:

‘A mixed use re-development. Construction of four storey building to provide a retail store (approx 436sqm) use class A1 at ground floor and 17 residential units on upper floors. Provision of cycle and car parking.’

The application will be heard by the Planning Committee starting at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 2nd February. Full details of the application can be found by clicking here.

If residents wish to speak either for or against this application at the Planning Committee they need to register their interest by calling 020 8496 6726. Speakers are limited to three people per application and each will have three minutes to get their point across to the committee.

A former bingo hall in Walthamstow High Street has been thrown into the spotlight in a recent Waltham Forest Guardian article.

Whilst the EMD has been the centre of attention for the last few years the 80 year old former Dominion cinema has sadly fallen into disrepair since its closure in the mid 90’s.

Residents have been leaving comments on the Guardians website suggesting the Council considers brokering a deal with the owners of the EMD to swap buildings.

Responding to residents comments, Lib Dem Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr John Macklin, said:

“I have read with interest residents comments regarding the Buxton Hall site and possible links with the EMD. It is something I have discussed with the Chief Executive of the Council as an idea.”

“At present we are not dealing with a certain solution but one which relies on many complex stages. We need to consider IF the council can obtain Buxton Hall, then IF the church wants to do a deal. We then have to determine whether a cinema operator will help us return the EMD to a cinema. Finally, we have the additional problems of Labours plans for the Arcade site and UCKG’s planning application.”

“I can state again that the preferred option for Lib Dems, with regard to the EMD, is a cinema but we are also aware that the UCKG has the need to provide a good quality venue for its congregation.”

In 2007 Lib Dem High Street Councillor, James O’Rourke, participated in the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment public enquiry on the future of the Walthamstow Town Centre where he suggested Buxton Hall is considered as a possible Community theatre and multi-use space.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “Working with the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment not long after my election was exciting. As a new councillor I was stirred up by the prospects for the area I grew up in and now represent. Sadly. three years on the Prince’s Foundation Masterplan has become yet another mantlepiece exhibit for Labour’s Regeneration Cabinet member.”

“We need action, as demonstrated by neighbouring boroughs, not just masterplans”

Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats have approved a plan to reduce key parking charges following their review of the Councils parking strategy .

For residents living in controlled parking zones (CPZ’s) visitor permits have been reduced by up to 14.5%, business permits reduced by 5% and for the fourth year in a row car park charges and on-street parking vouchers have been frozen. Refund and administration fees have also been slashed by up to 61%.

Referring to Labour’s Council motion in December last year Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Bob Belam said:

“While others produce reports Liberal Democrats have again led the way by reducing key parking charges for the next financial year.”

“In the current economic climate it is right that we listen to our residents and businesses and help them where we can.”

• A 12 month business permit is reduced from £410 to £390

• CPZ visitors permits will reduce from

• • £21 to £18 for 5 hrs tickets
  • £18 to £16 for 2 hr tickets
  • £15 to £14 for 1 hr tickets

• 15 Minute School permits stay at £15 for low emission vehicles

Lib Dem Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Bob Belam, announced a new scheme telling drivers exactly where CCTV enforcement vehicles will be deployed.

The initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in the Country, aims to promote safer driving, reduce road accidents and lower the number of penalty charge notices issued to motorists for transgressions such as stopping in a box junction.

Details of where the boroughs five CCTV enforcement vehicles will be are available for viewing on the Waltham Forest Council website at www.walthamforest.gov.uk.

CCTV vehicles are deployed in the identified areas because residents have complained about congestion, accidents and other issues in their vicinity,

Cllr Bob Belam, said: “The main aim of our traffic enforcement team is to improve safety for all of Waltham Forest’s roads users. It is not about making money at the expense of motorists.

“We hope this scheme will encourage people to drive more carefully, especially at the locations where we issue most of our penalty charge notices, and help us to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents.

Waltham Forest Council’s CCTV vehicles are responsible for recording moving traffic violations, such as stopping in box junctions, driving in bus lanes and making banned turns. They are also used for parking enforcement purposes.

The statutory penalty charge for a moving traffic violation is £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

High Street Focus Team have received a number of inquiries from concerned residents following the delivery of a Labour leaflet in High Street ward.

Under the banner ‘Fighting to save Walthamstow’s EMD cinema’ Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Walthamstow asks residents to “join [her] and McGuffins at the council planning hearing in January as we demonstrate against plans to close our cinema.”

In response to an inquiry from Cllr O’Rourke the Councils planning department confirmed that there is no planning committee in January and stated “There are still a number of issues for discussion with the applicants and their agents and we are still reviewing all the responses from statutory, non statutory groups and residents. Once matters progress further we will be in a better position to consider a Committee date.”

In a joint statement Cllr O’Rourke and Council Deputy Leader, Cllr John Macklin, said:

“This is yet more Labour misinformation and maneuvering to add to that which has taken place over a number of years and has fed such confusion and dismay amongst residents.”

“We have had a number of meetings with the UCKG and independent cinema operators and a cinema at the EMD is our preferred option.”

Traffic in High Street ward was severely affected today due to a large burst water main in the neighbouring borough of Haringey.

Forest Road E17 had to be closed west bound at the junction with Blackhorse Road early this morning resulting in traffic backing up to The Bell junction.

High Street Focus Team were alerted late last night of the road closure and advised High Street residents on their e-Focus mailing list.

Severe delays are expected on Blackhorse Road, Markhouse Road, Lea Bridge Road and surrounding area with diversions in place. Initial reports indicate that the burst has caused significant carriageway damage and the problems are expected to continue for up to a week.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “I hope our email notice helped those who received it. High Street Focus Team will provide updates when received.”

If you would like to be on the email list for e-Focus or alerts such as above please contact High Street Focus Team with your details.

McDonald’s in Hoe Street is applying to extend its existing hours for late night refreshment. The current hours are until midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1am Friday and Saturday. The ‘minor variation’ is seeking to extend the hours until 5am on all days and in doing so will allow 24 hr trading seven days a week.

The Licensing Act 2003 states Ward Councillors are not considered an interested party or responsible authority but are permitted to make representations opposing applications if asked to do so by a resident.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “McDonald’s is trying to open 24 hours a day by using what is in effect a ‘back door’ application. Technically there is nothing to prevent this extension being applied for under a minor variation. However, I do not believe this is what the Act intended as the proposed extension will inevitably have a negative impact on the area.” 

“As there is no requirement for a full hearing to determine minor variations I am calling on residents to contact me, if they object to this application, so as I can call for the matter to be openly discussed.”

The consultation period begins today (12th January) and therefore any residents who wish to oppose this application must do so by 22nd January.

Residents can either lodge their opposition directly to the Licensing Service at licensing@walthamforest.gov.uk or contact details for Cllr O’Rourke can be found by clicking here.

Lib Dem Councillors joined local residents in calling for the former St James Street Library to be brought back for community use at the Walthamstow West Community Council last night.

A question from a High Street campaign group triggered the Chair of the Community Council to put the proposal to the vote. All nine Lib Dem Councillors in attendance voted in favour and the two Labour Councillors did not vote at all.

It seems that the Labour Councillors did not vote because the Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Robbins, still wants to sell the building after his plans for a Drugs Centre was thwarted last year.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “Lib Dems are supporting local groups to access the Community Builders Fund to bring this building back into use to benefit the local residents.”

“Here is a classic example of how Lib Dem policy for Local Management Boards can work. Councils need to be smarter about how they manage their assets. This proposal allows the Council to work with local experts and tap into funding not available to Councils.”

“We thank the Councils Chief Executive for agreeing to meet with the lead organisation and Cllr Macklin for allowing the groups to have access to the building to enable them to make their bid.” he concluded.

Click here to find out more about the Community Builders Fund.

Residents over 60 and those with disabilities are being urged to take advantage of the Freedom Pass at a road show next month.

Transport for London (TfL) will be visiting Walthamstow in a drive to make sure people eligible for free travel take advantage of the scheme by March 31st. The road show will be at Selbourne Walk, Walthamstow, on Wednesday, February 3rd.

For added security the new pass will carry a passport photo rather than the separate photocard. This means that they will no longer be available over the counter, and they will be sent to you by post usually in 10 working days.

If you are over 60 forms are now available from Post Offices, or online by clicking here. If you have a disability click here to download your form and take or send it to the Councils Mobility Team to process.

Don’t leave renewing your pass until the last minute.

Liberal Democrats throughout London are launching their campaign, Better Stations, to tackle London’s neglected rail stations.

The campaign includes a five-point plan to improve our rail stations:

1. Ensure stations are staffed throughout the hours trains are running;
2. Keep all available station entrances open during these hours;
3. Deep-clean all stations and remove “grot-spots”;
4. Launch a website where you can easily report any problem with your station;
5. Invest in making stations fully accessible. 

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “We simply shouldn’t tolerate reduced staffing hours or entrances being closed at our rail stations. Our stations need to be cleaner and better cared for as many stations, railway bridges and embankments are often littered with graffiti and rubbish and are an eyesore for commuters and local residents. Reporting these problems should also be quick and simple.”

Our railway stations must be safe, clean and accessible. Please join our campaign by signing our petition on line now at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/betterstations

Disabled and family travellers’ access to the Victoria Line tube was severely hampered over the Christmas holidays due to the lifts at Walthamstow Central being out of order.

Despite promises from Transport for London, in 2005, to “…build lifts from the railway station to the Underground…” and Labour claims that the lifts had been installed especially because they ‘fought’ for them have not helped disgruntled travellers, particularly those with disabilities, because the lifts are ineffectual as they are often out of order and do not go down to the platforms.

Members of local disability groups have told High Street Focus Team that access to the Victoria Line is so poor in Waltham Forest that they use Tottenham Hale where the lifts go down to the platforms.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “It is disgraceful that disabled people from Waltham Forest are having to go to another borough to access the Victoria Line when we have two stations in High Street ward.”

“I will be writing to Transport for London demanding they improve the reliability of the lifts and lobby to have a lift facility which enables direct access to platforms as is the case at Tottenham Hale.” he concluded.

Waltham Forest Liberal Democrat Councillors ensured green spaces and playing fields are properly reflected in Council policies and practices despite Labour attempts to water down a Lib Dem motion at the last Full Council meeting.

People from across the borough told Lib Dem Councillors that they felt their open spaces and sports facilities were under threat and that the Council did not represent their concerns in protecting these facilities.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “We were not surprised that the Labour party tried to play down the risk by making a poor amendment to our original motion by saying there was not a ‘threat’ to our green spaces.”

“Clearly, Labour are not in tune with the residents of Waltham Forest who are definitely concerned for the future of our green spaces and sports facilities.” he added.

Labour’s attempt to weaken the motions wording was voted down and the Lib Dem motion to protect our playing fields, green spaces and sports facilities was unanimously passed.

The southern footpath in Coppermill Lane is safer thanks to High Street Liberal Democrats.

High Street Focus Team arranged for a number of trees in Coppermill Lane to have their roots clipped and the surface re-laid after receiving complaints that people were tripping over them.

Other locations have been identified by your Focus Team and the Council will carry out repairs in the near future.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “Lib Dem action has made Coppermill Lane a safer place for pedestrians. This is exactly what residents want to see from their local councillors.”