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”

Local Liberal Democrat councillors have met with one of the UK’s largest cinema regeneration operators to discuss possibilities for the historic former EMD cinema in Walthamstow.

High St councillor Cllr James O’Rourke met with representatives of City Screen at the Town Hall after the company expressed an ongoing interest in the building on Hoe Street. City Screen, which was formed in 1989 to “challenge the multiplex cinema model and provide cinemas in city centre locations”, have been responsible for a series of cinema regenerations and new build facilities across the country, including the Clapham Picturehouse and The Ritzy in Brixton.

At the meeting Lyn Goleby, the Managing Director of City Screen, suggested that with the right funding package the site was still viable as a cinema, highlighting earlier reports paid for by the Council that made the business case for a 5-screen cinema on the EMD site.

Lyn Goleby said:

“Our previous work has shown clearly that the redevelopment of historic cinema buildings, such as the former EMD in Walthamstow, can act as an organic catalyst for wider regeneration.

“These projects attract other businesses to the area and really stimulate the night time economy.”

Noting recent conjecture over the usage of the building, Lyn Goleby highlighted City Screen’s investment in cinema regeneration projects such as the former EMD, suggesting that such private operator funding, complimented by other investment or grant opportunities, remained the best way to proceed financially in these instances.

After the meeting, Cllr James O’Rourke said:

“I welcome the fact that UCKG representatives met with ward councillors and made some effort to display their plans to local residents. They will obviously have heard the many concerns expressed regarding the usage of the building.

“I am always keen to hear people’s thoughts about the site and was pleased to meet with City Screen. It was intriguing to see some of the plans for the building that were drawn up in 2002 at around the same time the EMD cinema originally closed. These appear to confirm that the site could remain a viable proposition as a cinema.

“The use of the building is an issue people are rightly very passionate about, and I was interested to note recent comments from the UCKG which seemed to suggest that they would consider moving if an offer was made.

“If this is the case and as City Screen suggested financial investment could see the site renovated as a 5-screen cinema, I would hope any interested parties would be willing to sit down and talk about it.”

High Street Liberal Democrat Councillors have met with senior Council Officers to voice their outrage about the decision, made behind closed doors and buried in a financial monitoring report, to convert the former St James Street library into a Drugs Rehabilitation Centre.

A single reference to the former St James Street library was buried in the 170 page document presented to and agreed by the Councils Cabinet on 20th January. The four paragraphs, under the heading of Drug Services Refurbishment, seems to imply that this building was identified as early as 2004 for this service.

Interestingly, cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Afzal Akram, has issued a statement denying the decision was buried and advising confidential financial negotiations with partners had been ongoing for a number of months and that it would have been entirely inappropriate to discuss the results of these negotiations until they finished.

Cllrs James O’Rourke and Johar Khan said:

“Whether deliberate or not Cllr Akram cannot deny that this decision was buried deep within an appendix of a financial monitoring report and he has openly admitted High Street ward Councillors, representatives of residents, have been excluded from discussions.

“We are seeking advice in regards Cllr Akram’s impartiallity as he did not declare an interest at the Cabinet meeting of being chair of one of the major partners in this project, namely Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust.

“We do not deny the invaluable work the Drug Action Team does nor do we wish to give the impression of ‘not in my back yard’. However, notwithstanding the lack of consultation with both councillors and residents we simply do not agree this building is an appropriate location for such a service and will do all in our power to overturn this injustice.”

Read the the buried paragraphs on page 101 below.

Cabinet Papers - St James St Library

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Academic Work Religion & Spiritual bible paper

Following pressure from Cllr James O’Rourke councillors are to be given the opportunity to see and hear proposals for the regeneration of the former EMD cinema in Hoe Street.

Later this month the owners of the building, UK Church of God (UKCG), will present their proposals for a Church incorporating sustainable community space and access to an auditorium.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “I welcome the fact the UKCG will be presenting their proposals. However, I believe engaging with the wider community, on such key matters, rather than just Councillors would enable us to hear the widest range of views.”

Cllr O’Rourke has offered UKCG the opportunity to present their proposals at a public meeting and is awaiting their response.

Picture courtesy of moviebunker.com

Following recent reports of squatters High Street ward Councillor, James O’Rourke, was given access to the former EMD cinema. He was joined by an English Heritage representative and the Council’s Conservation Officer.

Although no evidence of squatters was found, Cllr O’Rourke was saddened to see the building in such a sorry state with clear evidence of the rave event that took place not long after the owners, UK Church of God (UKCG), bought the former cinema in 2003.

However, Cllr O’Rourke has learned that the UKCG have been in talks with relevant Cabinet members to proceed with new plans for usage of the EMD, with a planning application possibly expected as early as late January or February.

Cllr O’Rourke commented:

“It is very encouraging to discover that plans are now being made to use the EMD and end its sad tenure as another disused site in our ward.

However, it is obviously a concern that these plans have not yet been shared with local ward councillors or residents. Residents and I were recently promised transparency in relation to plans for the Arcade site and I hope the same guarantee will apply to their talks with UKCG.”

Cllr O’Rourke concluded:

“Local people have consistently voiced their desire to be kept informed and involved and I will be contacting the relevant Cabinet members to ask urgently for details about these discussions and plans on behalf of High Street residents.”

A seven-year-old Labour Government manifesto commitment has finally been honoured with Waltham Forest due to receive £1.1 million next year for playgrounds.

In response to the announcement Cllr O’Rourke said: “The money is welcome but long overdue. Labour claimed that providing children with play facilities is a priority yet it has taken eight years for the money to be forthcoming. It is ironic that the money appears after recent pressure from the Lib Dems”.

Cllr O’Rourke added: “I want to see all our playgrounds brought up to the same standard and new ones developed where appropriate. We must ensure that this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder keeps a constant eye on the state of playgrounds to stop vandalism and graffiti etc. I look forward to the consultation on how residents wish to see this money spent and challenge the portfolio holder to develop innovative playgrounds fit for the 21st century.”

How do you think the money should be spent and where? Contact Cllr O’Rourke and he will pass your comments onto the portfolio holder responsible for parks and playgrounds.

Remember playing on swings when you were young? While some children can enjoy their local park today, others miss out because playgrounds are run down and unsafe.

Following a recent ‘ward walk’ Lib Dem Councillors and local residents raised serious concerns regarding the management of the three playgrounds in High Street ward after finding the areas strewn with litter and in disrepair. The parks have rapidly deteriorated due to rubbish, vandalism and lack of maintenance. Users of the Coppermill Lane, Stoneydown and Town Center playgrounds are angry that the Labour Portfolio Lead for Leisure, Arts and Culture is not maintaining these popular areas effectively enough.

Lib Dem Councillors, James O’Rourke and Johar Khan said: “We are extremely concerned that these playgrounds are being neglected and we call on the Labour Portfolio Lead for Leisure, Arts and Culture to take immediate action. These playgrounds are used by local children, who value the outdoor space, it is vital that these areas are effectively maintained so that local children have a safe area to play.”

Few people are aware that the criticised Kier contract also covers parks, playgrounds and green spaces for which the Labour Portfolio Lead for Leisure, Arts and Culture is responsible.

“Rather than criticising colleagues within the joint administration the Labour Portfolio Lead for Leisure, Arts and Culture should get her our own house in order” added Cllrs O’Rourke and Khan.

A seven-year-old Labour manifesto commitment to invest £200m in updating the UK’s playgrounds has yet to be honoured. It has emerged that less than £17m of the money promised by Labour before the 2001 election has been spent - just 8.4 per cent of the total originally earmarked for improving play facilities.

In June 2001, Labour promised to earmark £200m of National Lottery money for the creation of 2,000 safe play areas. But no money was forthcoming. Then, in 2004, Labour MP Frank Dobson produced a report reiterating the government’s commitment to spend the £200m on improving children’s play facilities. Responsibility for allocating the money was then passed to the Big Lottery Fund, which distributes cash for good causes.

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrat spokesman on culture Don Foster MP reveal that only £16.7m of the lottery money has been spent. And although most of the money has now been allocated, £18m is still awaiting a home.

‘The government claims that providing children with play facilities is a priority, but hardly a penny of the money promised has actually been spent. Children and parents all around the country are desperate for better facilities,’ Foster said.

‘There’s a lot of talk about the importance of promoting play in tackling obesity and reducing antisocial behaviour, but the public expects results and after seven years we’re still waiting for the equipment that was promised. Some of this money has now been allocated, but serious questions must be asked about why it’s taken so long to get here.’

Your Liberal Democrat Focus Team are delighted that the Council has agreed to look at our plans for more resident involvement in the management of local arts, sports and cultural venues.

Because of the work of your Lib Dems, the Council will now look at introducing ‘Local Management Boards’, groups of High Street ward  residents who would be given areas of responsibility in managing their local facilities.

Cllrs James O’Rourke and Johar Khan said that the Council “have a responsibility to let their residents take part in the process of shaping local services.”

Cllrs O’Rourke and  Khan continued: “The future of our local cultural services, such as museums and libraries, is obviously one of great concern to many residents. We promised High Street ward residents we would work to get them more resident involvement, and we are delivering on that promise”.

Your Liberal Democrats are delighted that the Council has agreed to look at our plans for more resident involvement in the management of local arts, sports and cultural venues.

Because of the work of your Lib Dems, the Council will now look at introducing ‘Local Management Boards’, groups of High Street ward residents who would be given areas of responsibility in managing their local facilities.

Cllrs James O’Rourke and Johar Khan said that the Council “have a responsibility to let their residents take part in the process of shaping local services.”

Cllrs O’Rourke and Khan continued:

“The future of our local cultural services, such as museums and libraries, is obviously one of great concern to many residents.” We promised High Street ward residents we would work to get them more resident involvement, and we are delivering on that promise”.

Last night Cabinet voted not to reopen the former St James Street Library in Coppermill Lane despite pleas from the Save Our Library campaign.

In anticipation of the Cabinet decision Liberal Democrat High Street Councillors have been in talks with a local scout group in Stephenson Road. The 7th Walthamstow Scout Group, for the past 40 years at Pathfinder Lodge, has hosted a variety of activities engaging local young people in scouting activates. Pathfinder Lodge has also been extensively used by local community groups and been available for use by the local community for residents meetings, children’s parties etc.

Local community groups such as older person’s social groups, a performing arts group and a Turkish language group have not been able to use the building because the roof has started to leak and the floor has been damaged.

The scout group have submitted a bid to the Walthamstow West Community Council, to be held on Monday 6th October at Walthamstow Academy, Billet Road, E17, for the High Street ward £10,000 ‘pot’ to carry out the repairs. A successful application will enable the Scout Group to welcome back the local groups who used the building prior to the roof leaking and work with local partners to market and promote the hall’s availability.

Cllrs James O’Rourke and Johar Khan said: “We cannot afford to lose the last remaining community facility in the Coppermill Lane area so would urge as many High Street residents to attend the Community Council and support this bid. We have spoken to senior Council Officers who have said that if after a feasibility study was done on the building and work completed to make it fit for purpose and the possibility of a children’s library and access point explored, they would work with volunteers from the community to assist in the initial development, but that they had no money to fund any staff. Any resources would have to be in the form of a growth bid and this would only be in next year’s growth programme.”

Cllrs O’Rourke and Khan will work with the scout group and local community to ensure the building and grounds are fit for purpose and once they are press Council Officers to submit a growth bid, for 2009/10, to help provide services such as a part-time children’s library and study area and library access point for older residents in Pathfinder Lodge.