Cinema at Library Centre

Lots of residents have raised the issue of the cinema closure. It would be good to find another new management for it, but the equipment would need upgrading.  Was given this statement on it:

"Unfortunately the cinema closed when the tenants decided it was no longer a viable business. We are currently looking Willesden Green Library Centre as a whole and how we can develop the cultural facilities to provide the best offer for local people. The cinema will remain closed in the short term as it does not meet the technical requirements for a modern digital cinema. We are investigating alternative uses of the space".

Limiting conversions to flats?

I have been concerned for some time about the apparent 'rush' of developers to convert family houses in Willesden into flats or houses in multiple occupation (see earlier item, "Housing stock - maintaining balance").  Read somewhere that local councils can put covenants on houses to prevent conversions on single houses rather than a bunch of them, and may be possible only on council-owned properties. Believe there is a real and urgent case to campaign for a local planning policy to to have a % limit on conversions in particular roads. Both worth exploring in detail when the new administration is elected - certainly if this is a Labour majority administration. Delighted to find Brent Planning Enforcement officers taking action against some clear breaches such as houses converted for multiple occupation without planning permission and often rented to students at a high rent.

Ward Working 2010/2011

Willesden councillors will be meeting soon to discuss how we will use the Ward Working (formally Neighbourhood Working) fund (£20,000) to provide improvements in Willesden Green.  We can only spend on items not the responsibility of the council to deal with or "one off" events.  One or two ideas already, but would be good if residents shared their ideas with us.  Last year we cleaned up the statue area at the bottom of Dudden Hill Lane and got the "eyesore" wall refurbished.  This year we might be funding football kit for a Willesden youth team or a project in the Brent Museum.  Some areas might like some more street trees.  Your ideas please!

The Sillitoe Tartan

Ever heard of the Sillitoe Tartan?  Apparently in 1932, shortly after he took office as Chief Constable of Glasgow, Sir Percy Sillitoe ordered a test run of the pattern.  By August of that year he deemed the test a success, ordering that all caps should bear the distinctive pattern and it is still in use today. Why do I find this interesting? My name before marriage was Sillitoe but try as I might, I have not found a family link to the former head of MI5 - Sir Percy Sillitoe. Still fancy trying the tartan in some guise or other.

Kings Hall Community Association

The Summer Fete at the Kings Hall Community Centre went very well. To aid the fund raising, I used my local and family history interest to offer visitors look-ups of the 1911 census to see who lived in their house in 1911. Most of the houses had more people living there than today.  Some Kings Road addresses had servants recorded. There was even a professional footballer lodging at one local address.

Doubt whether many of today's professional footballers would be lodgers in NW10!

'Team Willesden’

Congratulations to the staff at Willesden Bus Garage who recently won the London Buses Award for Best Vehicle Centre. ‘Team Willesden’ were rewarded for their quick response to the vandalism of 29 buses at the depot in June 2009, cleaning every bus the morning after and preventing any delays for passengers. Well done, team Willesden!

Transport at Brent Cross/Cricklewood development sites

In 'Missed opportunity areas', published on 17 May (Surveyor 21 May 2010), the Campaign for Better Transport analyses transport infrastructure provision at the Brent Cross / Cricklewood sites, concluding that both regeneration projects will increase car use on-site and in the surrounding area. That means us in Brent!  Good reason to keep the local campaign going.

The Dudden Hill Lane wall

The 'before' and 'after' pictures of the Dudden Hill Lane wall. A very welcome improvement to what residents remember as an eyesore.

This is a positive use of some Neighbourhood Working funds, agreed with the owner of the business site, Mr McGovern, and ward councillors.

Council elections 2010: Labour pledges

Now the council elections are over, the 40 Labour councillors will be working on delivering our pledges:  

Repeal the £25 charge for bulky refuse collection.

Keep Council Tax levels at or below the London average and introduce a discount for those over 75 who are eligible

Introduce free parking for the first hour in council car parks to encourage local shopping for local people.

Rebuild our secondary schools and ensure that school facilities are fully available to the wider community, especially young people

Crack down on crime and anti social behaviour

Introduce a Green Charter in consultation with local residents and other stakeholders.

Other high priorities: 
Introducing 20 mph speed restrictions in areas where residents' want them.
Introducing fairer care charges for elderly and disabled people.
Making Brent a Fairtrade borough.
Provide a multi use games area in every suitable open space.
Provide a safer environment for our young people.
Work with other local authorities and central government to change legislation to allow the Council to restrict the growth of betting shops in town centres and fast food outlets near schools.

Work starting on open space

Passed by the Learie Constantine Open Space a few days ago and saw diggers about to start work on preparing the ground for the refurbishment.  Very good news after many months of preparation including the planning application and landscape design, and actual years since first boarded up.  A space to watch!