Black History Month

I am doing something a little bit different as part of black history month. A while ago my family had some of my short essays published. These reflected on expatriate life in Nigeria in the1960s, just after Independence. The collection is called "Oyinbo" - a Yoruba word for white people. I am to do a short session of reading and answering questions at Harlesden Library on 12th October, 7 pm. Looking forward to it.

Shocking fire in Brent

The appalling fire and loss of life in Sonia Gardens has shocked everyone. Our thoughts must be with the two badly hurt survivors and that they overcome their injuries and their loss. I read that the house was rented to the family. I often visit residents in privately rented properties. There are a great number in Willesden and some are generally in poor condition and suffer overcrowding. Private landlords clearly have a duty of care but I suspect a number do the bare minimum to ensure their tenants' safety. I am now committed to add checking fire alarms and safety features when making visits.

Willesden's first woman MP

Have just discovered that Willesden had a woman MP from 1931 to 1935. Her name was Mavis Tate and she was MP for West Willesden. She was born Maybird Constance Hogg but changed her first name to Mavis by deed poll and her second name on marriage to Captain Henry Burton Tate. She was said to be an active feminist and chaired committees dealing with women's rights and equal pay. She died in 1947. This fascinating information from a new book, "London Borough of Brent in old photographs", by R. King and M. Barres Baker (Brent Archives £12.99). 

Youth unemployment

Some research by Barnardo's finds that the number of jobseeker's allowance claimants aged 18 to 24 increased by 40,000 to over 408,000 between November 2010 and February 2011. Around 30% of all claimants are now in this age group across all UK regions (Daily Telegraph 26/8/2011).  The government ought to be very concerned about youth unemployment but appears not to be. The problem is bound to get worse now allowances for further education (EMA) and university fees and the shortage of places will mean even more young people in career limbo at a time when older workers will be expected to work until around 68 years thus blocking employment chances for young people even more. 

Disorder in London: Local response

Resident members of Brent's safer Neighbourhoods police panels were called to a meeting with Taff Thomas on Saturday (13th August). This was to update residents about local events during recent troubles and to explain plans in hand should trouble erupt again. The meeting was well attended by residents although I was the only councillor present. I left feeling some confidence in how our local teams had operated and how they had prepared for potential trouble. Learnt two things of interest. The first was about the reporting of a man arrested at Northwick Park Station for carrying a knife and who then collapsed and was taken to hospital very ill. When I first heard this I was anxious about a possible local reaction. However, the incident had been reported wrongly. The man was arrested by transport police not local met officers and had swallowed drugs which made him ill. He has since fully recovered. Errors in reporting could have led to further incidents. The other point of interest was the police officers' praise for the close and effective working with Brent Council. Outside the station were a fleet of Brent Transportation Service buses on standby should a team of officers be needed to get to a trouble location quickly.

Disorder in London

Willesden residents are naturally concerned about the current wave of rioting and disorder in London. In comparison to dreadful events in other parts of London, incidents in Brent have been comparatively minor, although we can all condemn the injuries caused by a car driving at police officers. Below is a message from the Chief Inspector of the Brent Safer Neighbourhood Team, Taff Thomas. Taff aims to reassure us that the police, the council and other agencies are working together to maintain order: 

"You will all be acutely aware of the recent dreadful events across London, I want to let you know that Brent police and partner agencies are working extremely hard to keep you safe. If you have any concerns or issues arising or just want to chat, please be so kind as to talk to your local safer neighbour hoods team.  Many thanks for the many good wishes we have received from a large number of you, I know our officers appreciate these sentiments."

Any information can be passed to police anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Outer London funding - for Willesden

Willesden is to benefit from the allocation of £500,000 from the Mayor of London's Outer London fund. He has allocated nearly £10m from the Fund to boost the attractiveness and competitiveness of local high streets across London. This is a three-year £50m initiative to improve economic activity and encourage employment in parts of London that will benefit less directly from Crossrail and the 2012 Games. A second round of funding (£40m) is open for boroughs to bid for until 14 October and Brent officers are preparing a second bid. The Willesden funding is expected to:

- physically transform Willesden Green High Road to make it a more attractive place

- improve the employment and skills levels of local people and increase levels of self employment

- create a place to showcase and foster local creative talent and promote cultural vibrancy

- continue the programme by delivery through local organisations and replicate in other relevant localities.

A safer way in to Sainsbury's

Richmond Avenue

Delighted to report that one side of parking bays in Richmond Avenue have been replaced by double yellow lines. This means no parking on this side at any time, making the entry to Sainsbury's supermarket from the High Road much easier and should stop traffic backing up the High Road while cars attempt to pass each other. I have been urging this action for over two years so pleased that there should now be safer entry and exit for customers.  The increased enforcement should deal more effectively with the suspected misuse of disabled blue badges in the area. 

Children enjoying the Learie Constantine open space

Members of the school council of St Andrew and St Francis CE Primary School were involved in visiting playgrounds and suggesting play equipment for the Learie Constantine open space. Now it is open, they can see the results of their efforts and were able to have a fun time themselves. 

Our MP's concerns?

Have not heard much lately about our MP, Childrens' Minister, Sarah Teather.  She does not always turn up to local events when expected. However, she has been making some interesting comments which indicate a concern for some of her her coalition government colleagues' policies.  For example, "Inside Housing" (13.7.2011), she is said to have voiced concern about the impact the coalition government’s housing benefit caps will have on thousands of families. She revealed her concerns during a question and answer session at an event hosted by the Family and Parenting Institute.  She supported the principle behind the government’s benefit reforms including the introduction of a universal credit, of removing benefit claimants’ disincentives. but she said this should not come at the expense of the estimated 50,000 families who will be negatively affected by a £500-a-week cap on all benefits. To quote Sarah Teather:

"If you are asking me if I am worried about the level that the cap is set at, yes, I am extremely worried."

And so she should be, as the impact on housing and families in Brent Central will be massive.