Walthamstow faces a massive shortfall in school places which will get much worse by 2013 if urgent action is not taken, according to answers obtained by local Liberal Democrat councillors at a meeting of the Walthamstow West Community Council on Monday (1 March).

Council officers told the meeting that if nothing is done 162 reception-age children due to start school in the Walthamstow area will have no school place in September; equivalent to five-and-a-half classes. Currently local schools have capacity for 3090 reception-aged pupils but the projected intake is 3252 pupils.

By 2013 over 500 pupils will not have a school place to go to.

Reasons for the shortfall include increasing birth rates and the number of families with young children moving into the borough. This means many children face being educated in temporary classrooms.

Worryingly the portfolio holder in charge of schools, Cllr Liaquat Ali (Labour, High Street) was at the meeting but was unable to provide any details about how he proposed to deal with the problem.

Liberal Democrat councillors are demanding that the council gets a grip on the situation and produces a credible long-term plan to deliver the school places that local families need.

Liberal Democrat councillor James O Rourke, who chairs the Children and Young Peoples Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

“Cllr Ali couldn’t point to a single action he or his predecessor, the Council leader, had taken to ensure local people have somewhere to send their children. It’s time someone got a grip on the situation.”

Cllr Patrick Smith, Liberal Democrat councillor chair of the community council, said:

“The Liberal Democrats have been worried for some time about the increasing strain placed on local primary schools by the growing population. More and more children are being crammed into temporary classrooms. We know that teachers will do their best to deliver high quality teaching but it isn’t fair that children should be expected to learn in these conditions.

“Pressure for school places comes from numerous new developments in the Walthamstow area including an expected 1,000 new families in the Blackhorse Lane regeneration area.”

Police are calling for witnesses to the fatal stabbing, which occurred late on Sunday (7th March), at the top of High Street market after two people were seen running away from the scene of a murder towards Walthamstow bus station.

Police believe the two people were a white woman and a black man.

The dead man is described as in his late twenties to early thirties, black, wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a black puffer jacket.

In response to local concerns Lib Dem High Street Councillor, James O’Rourke, said:

“It saddens me that within 18 months of the tragic death of ‘CJ’ Hendricks we have  a second family mourning the loss of a loved one following the mindless knifing of this man over last weekend. 

“I cannot express more the need for witnesses to come forward to the police so as the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice swiftly. 

“My thoughts are with this poor man’s family.”

Following the death of ‘CJ’ Hendricks Councillor O’Rourke called for a review of the CCTV coverage in Walthamstow Town Centre. He has said he will renew his call.

An incident room has opened under DCI Phil Rickells, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have information to identify the victim should call 8345 1570.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A massive Police enquiry is under-way following the discovery of a man with suspected stab wounds in Walthamstow Town square last night.

Paramedics attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene at about 2225 GMT.

Police said they they know his identity, but are not releasing it yet.

High Street Focus Team will post updates when received.

Over the next three weeks residents in Melford Rd and Woodville Rd will have the opportunity to comment on a proposal to allow some vehicles to park with two wheels on the pavement.

Since the last local elections, in 2006, residents, as well as the emergency services and drivers of large vehicles such as refuse, have raised concerns about the difficulty to drive down these roads due to their narrowness and the large number of vehicles.

In previous consultations some residents raised concerns about the loss of parking space due to the amount of trees that line the pavement. The current proposal has taken these concerns into account which will allow regular size cars to park solely on the road and larger vehicles to place two wheels on the pavement.

Please see plan below.

Young people with disabilities from Brookfield House School, William Morris School and The Limes Community Group, based in Somers Road, held a special event to celebrate their achievements last week.

The ‘All About Us’ project celebrated the positive contributions of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in Waltham Forest by recognising and raising awareness of everything they do in the community.

The young people showcased their work, displaying photos and videos, provided entertainment and cooked a fancy dinner as part of their ‘healthy schools’ programme for the attendees.

Addressing the event Cllr O’Rourke spoke of achievements he had witnessed including his brother, who has severe learning disabilities, living semi independently, a friend with Downs Syndrome getting an O Level (GCSE) in English and his own achievement of being elected a councillor for High Street ward.

Cllr O’Rourke added: “However old we are we should have goals and a disability should not prevent anyone from doing whatever they want to do. My being deaf in one ear has not stopped me.”

“Events like this must continue to recognise the achievements of our young people with disabilities and hopefully, some time in the future, some of the young people being recognised now will be future speakers as councillors.” he concluded.

Following Lib Dem pressure on the Labour Government, to implement the long awaited seven-year-old manifesto commitment for playgrounds, two High Street park play areas are to be given a facelift starting next week.

Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks are in the first wave of the twenty-two Waltham Forest playgrounds identified for upgrading.

New play equipment will be installed in the two parks between Monday 22nd February and 31st March 2010.

In welcoming the improvements High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke, said: “We must ensure this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder responsible for parks must keep a constant eye on the state of our playgrounds to stop vandalism, litter and graffiti.”

Signs have been placed at all park entrances advising of the works and apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Waltham Forest Council have announced it is introducing a pilot scheme in schools in which students will be taught how to ‘spot’ extremists and report them to the appropriate authorities.

In a joint statement the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr John Macklin, and Lib Dem Children and Young People spokesperson, Cllr James O’Rourke, said:

“We are deeply disappointed that Labour have not consulted fellow Councillors about this pilot before blindly following Gordon Brown’s policies.

“We’re also extremely uncomfortable with the notion of Labour implementing Orwellian policies in our schools potentially setting pupil against pupil.” 

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Walthamstow, Farid Ahmed said:

“Once again it seems that the Government is obsessed with setting up wacky and expensive schemes rather then deal with the issues at hand.

“It is vital that extremism is dealt with at the grass roots, though it is no surprise that the Government has cherry picked Walthamstow – an area with a very multicultural community - to launch this scheme.

“The sole purpose of this scheme seems to marginalise whole communities and is evidence once again of Labour’s failure to come up with realistic plans.

“In comparison, we will pump £2.5bn into schools so that students are equipped to join an increasingly tough jobs market.”

McDonald’s application to extend its existing hours, for late night refreshment, was refused at last weeks Council Licensing meeting following representations, on behalf of residents who live close by, from High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke.

A ‘minor variation’ to McDonald’s current licence was sought to extend the hours until 5am every day which would have in effect allowed 24 hr trading seven days a week.

McDonald’s have indicated that they may amend their application (presumably to shorten the hours being applied for) and then re-submit the application. McDonald’s have been advised by the Council that the full variation process should be followed to ensure transparency.

Last November the Policing and Crime Act was passed and amongst the amendments Councillors are now considered as ‘interested parties’ in relation to Licensing applications. This amendment came into force last Friday on 29th January.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “This is a magnificent victory for residents over an international company. High Street Focus Team will watch out for any future application and advise residents accordingly.”

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.”