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.

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.”

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”

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.”

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.

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.

Labour are in disarray over the future of the EMD after a Labour Cabinet member and High Street ward councillor, Liaquat Ali, was pictured outside the former cinema this weekend holding a protest banner stating “All we want for Christmas is…Our cinema back”.

In June Labour Cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Terry Wheeler,  said “The only proposal I know will work is the UCKG church, they will restore it” and pre-empting a planning decision, added “…the new church and community centre will be “more attractive, to particularly young people, than a modified cinema”.

Lib Dem High Street Councillor, James O’Rourke, said: “I have written to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Robbins, asking him to clarify this discrepency and whether or not the Party he leads is now committed to this historic building being returned to its original use as a cinema.”

Click here to see previous EMD articles.

Following the successful Lib Dem campaign to open up the former Arcade, permission has been given to have an outdoor ice rink on the site this Winter.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “When I heard this decision I thought what a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.”

“However, what a disappointment it was to see the dismally small ice rink Labour had plonked in the middle of this site. Far from being a Labour ‘exciting and ambitious plan’ it has made Waltham Forest a laughing stock.”

High Street Lib Dems have welcomed the creation of over one hundred new jobs following the ‘Grand Opening’ today of a Wilkinson’s store in the former Woolworths in Walthamstow High Street.

The three hundred and thirty third Wilkinson store received 4,500 application forms which were whittled down to fill the 103 jobs on offer. Four are former Woolworths  employees and eighty six, including lone parents, are now no longer registered unemployed.

Cllr James O’Rourke said at the grand opening

“In an economic downturn 100 new jobs in Walthamstow is great news. At a time when so many people are worried about their livelihoods and jobs being lost this is a boost to our local economy that is much needed.”

“The store will not only provide long term secure employment for their new employees but also benefit the market generally by drawing people to an area desperately in need of shoppers.”