LVRPA abolish User Forum

Dear Councillors
At the previous Ward Forum meetings we have had items on the Lee Valley Regional Park that have been of great interest particularly as Lea Bridge Ward includes quite a bit of LVRPA-owned land. As Councillors you have written to the LVRPA Chairman on our behalf in the past to complain about, or query, some decisions of the LVRPA that affect our Ward.

I am now bringing to your attention that the LVRPA has decided, unilaterally and without notice, to abolish its Walthamstow Marshes and Filter Beds Users' Forum - this body covers also the Leyton Marshes.

LVRPA is a publicly-funded body to which this Borough pays considerable amounts of funds. There is only one Councillor from each Borough on the LVRPA Board, so in order for the LVRPA to be fully accountable and provide appropriate services it is essential for them to have direct access to the opinions and expertise of local people/ members of the public who use the Park's land and facilities. It is preposterous that the LVRPA has now abolished the very channel of communication that enables this to happen.

I therefore ask that this matter is placed on the agenda of our next Ward Forum meeting on 11th December.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Regards,
Claire Weiss
E10 7AR