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!

Pound Lane safety scheme

It has taken some time but the safety scheme in Pound Lane I petitioned for is almost complete. The pedestrian crossing by Bertie Road is a great success.  When in Pound Lane and Unity Close yesterday I heard people praising the crossing and the transportation unit for implementing it. Now a much safer crossing point particularly for the elderly, children and parents pushing buggies.  Safety treatments further up Pound Lane (by Harlesden and Hawthorn Roads) are also expected to make a big difference.

Roundwood Park cafe

Now that the trial and sentencing of the previous leaseholder of the cafe in Roundwood Park is over, I hope we can look forward to the cafe reopening with new management. The Parks Service is keen to retain the cafe as a valuable community resource.  The former leaseholder (known by a variety of different names) was found guilty of 23 counts of benefit and other frauds at Harrow Crown Court on March 18th and has been sentenced to four and a half years. 

Carriageway repairs in Willesden

Disappointed yet again that none of my nominations for pavements or roads in need of repair or renewal were successful. Only two Willesden roads feature in the list - Buxton and Deacon Roads - will have the carriageway resurfaced in 2010/11. At this rate, it could take up to 50 plus years to restore our roads and pavements to good order.  As yet there is minimal work on dealing with the great number of pot holes in Willesden.

Pedestrian Refuges

I have been concerned that there is a need for a pedestrian refuge on some roads in Willesden as it can be hard to cross the full width of the road safely. I asked Transportation about how such refuges are agreed and implemented and they have given me a technical answer. I am advised that they are provided individually, but more often as part of a larger scheme. The primary of a refuge use is to serve the public's need to cross the road where a formal pedestrian crossing cannot be justified. It serves a secondary purpose of separating opposing traffic flows, and calming traffic speeds. However, they do sometimes require the loss of some on-street parking and this is not always welcomed in residential streets. The criterion is accident reduction, or serving a pedestrian's "desired crossing line". The kerbing and tactiles are not expensive, but it is usually necessary to get a live electricity feed in cross carriageway ducts to serve the illuminated bollards. Again, it may be necessary to prevent parking which in turn needs a traffic order and parking restrictions. Much depends on the location. Let me know if there's a site you think should have a pedestrian refuge.