Pool and Track Closes
Why Walthamstow's swimming pool could not have been rebuilt on the car park while the existing pool continued to provide jobs and leisure facilities is a mystery. Once again the council ignored its residents and the divers have fought a successful battle and got the Planning Permission refused. It is too early to know if this will delay the new pool, but bear in mind a few years ago when the Larkswood Lido was redeveloped the new pool was a disaster and had to be closed and Chingford was without a pool for 6 years!
The Cathall Baths refurbishment is nearing completion and will open shortly as the Leytonstone Leisure Centre so that will be the venue of choice for the next few years, but the
Chingford Leisure Centre is another option so why not be ambitious and pretend to be an Olympic athlete for a few minutes and go to the London Aquatics Centre!
WALTHAM FOREST - ONE COMMUNITY This Blog provides information about our Community in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Please send your contributions to wfoc10@gmail.com
Friday, 24 October 2014
A Taste of Archaeology
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Crisis of Civic Engagement
Civic Voice
 | PRESS RELEASE |
CRISIS OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, SAYS GRIFF RHYS JONES
TV PRESENTER TO LAUNCH CIVIC MOVEMENT MANIFESTO 'LOCALISM FOR REAL'
Griff Rhys Jones, campaigner and Civic Voice President will claim that there is a crisis in civic engagement when he launches the manifesto of the civic movement at its annual convention in Canterbury on Friday 24 October.
Griff will say “We face a crisis of civic engagement. This is a symptom of the frustration people feel as power is taken away from communities and they are subject to tokenistic consultation. We need to give all citizens opportunities to actively shape the future of their place and to give communities the powers they need to enable their town and city centres to prosper”.
To achieve “Localism for Real”, the Civic Voice manifesto will be calling on future Government’s to:
• Make improving the quality of the public realm in our cities, towns and villages a priority
• Give all citizens opportunities to actively shape the future of their place
• Give local communities the powers they need to enable their town and city centres to prosper
• Give all citizens opportunities to actively shape the future of their place
• Give local communities the powers they need to enable their town and city centres to prosper
Griff will add “If the Government is serious about Localism, they have to listen to the concerns coming forward from civic groups, resident associations and local councils. The Civic Movement agree with the Government that getting the economy moving is essential, but the myriad of proposals coming forward are clearly not the answer.”
Chair of Civic Voice, Freddie Gick said: ”We believe the manifesto, “Localism for Real” puts power back into the hands of communities. We look forward to debating this with politicians and communities over the next 6 months”.
The manifesto will be available to download from the Civic Voice website on Friday 24th October.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1 Griff Rhys Jones is available for media interviews by calling 07877096968
2. Civic Voice works to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive. We speak up for civic societies and local communities across England. We promote civic pride. We are the national charity for the civic movement and have a strong local presence. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of. We know how people feel about places because we feel the same way. Civic societies are the most numerous participants in the planning system. Since its launch in April 2010 Civic Voice has been joined by 290 civic societies with more than 75,000 members. Further information is available athttp://www.civicvoice.org.uk including how to join Civic Voice (£10 individuals) and contact details for local civic societies. More information on Civic Voice’s manifesto campaign is available on our website herehttp://www.civicvoice.org.uk/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Ian Harvey, 07877096968 or ian.harvey@civicvoice.org.uk
Community Ward Forum update
Subject: Re: Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 07:09:59 +0000
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 07:09:59 +0000
Good Morning Claire
Just a quick heads up. Leytonstone and Hatch Lane/ Highams Park have Ward Forums this week and Chingford Green/ Endlebury have one next week. These are advertised in this weeks Waltham Forest News. Can Hall held a CWF last week as well.
In Leytonstone we promote ours through social media and we arrange for a small targeted leaflet drop too and display posters.
My understanding is that the CWF diary runs from either financial year April to March or administration year May to April, but I'll clarify, but it certainly isn't calendar year. So in that respect there is still plenty of time for Wards to book their meetings in.
Things are normally quite tight in a local election year as well!
I would suggest that Community Ward Forums are not the only way in which local Cllrs engage with their residents, although clearly an important one and so to suggest Cllrs place a 'low value' on listening to residents is, I believe, misplaced.
Having said that I do think the general organisation and comms of Community Ward Forums could do with a timely review some 4 years on from when they were set up in this format and I believe this is about to or is currently being undertaken.
I hope this helps clarify and reassure you?
Yours
Clyde
The Scene - design a poster
FILM POSTER COMPETITION LAUNCHES
- chance to win tickets to the VIP opening of the new Empire Cinema at The Scene at Cleveland Place -
The partners delivering The Scene at Cleveland Place are launching a design competition to celebrate the return of the silver screen to Walthamstow.
This November sees the opening of the new state-of-the-art Empire Cinema at The Scene in the heart of Walthamstow town centre. To mark the cinema's return, the competition organisers, led by Waltham Forest Council, are calling for members of the public to use their imagination and design a film poster that they think would best promote a film about the Waltham Forest area.
The sky's the limit in terms of themes to choose. Entrants may be inspired by the fact that Alfred Hitchcock was born in the borough, or that it was that birth place of the famous Arts & Crafts movement led by William Morris. Perhaps entrants will take a musical route, noting the famous musicians that hail from the area such as Damon Albarn, or might it be a poster to promote a movie about the longest daily market in Europe?
The judges will be looking for posters that best capture the rich and varied culture of Waltham Forest - whether the posters focus on the people or places of the borough, this is being left up to entrants to decide.
Councillor Chris Robbins, Leader of Waltham Forest Council said:
“We have all been looking forward to having a cinema back in the borough, and now the wait is nearly over. This competition is a great chance be there on the opening night and get the full VIP treatment, so I urge everyone to get their ideas together to create a poster that really shows what Waltham Forest is all about.”
There are two entry categories, one for those between 13-18 and one for over 18s. There will be one winner selected from each category.
The competition prize is a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the glittering VIP opening of the cinema on 19th November 2014. The winners will guests of honour, able to mingle with famous faces and the team responsible for delivering the new entertainment destination for Waltham Forest. The winning posters will also be displayed inside the new cinema development around the time of the opening.
Notes
Entries are requested on A4 or A3, in portrait page set-up. Entries can be hand drawn or created digitally. Digital entries need to be submitted in PDF format.
The deadline for entries is Friday 7 November. The judging panel, consisting Empire Cinemas, Waltham Forest Council, Hill and the artists involved in the Reel Walthamstow film commission project, will choose the two category winners in w/c 10 November. Winners will be informed by Friday 14th November.
The winners must be available to attend the VIP opening event on the evening of 19th November 2014. Each winner will be able to bring one guest to the event. The winner of the 13-18 category must be accompanied by an adult to the VIP event.
Please submit entries to the following address: Kate Hart, Keeble Brown, 25 Christopher Street, London, EC2A 2BS or Kate.hart@keeblebrown.com
Entrants must provide their date of birth and full contact details, including a telephone number. Entries cannot be returned.
Saturday, 18 October 2014
Democracy under threat
Ward Forums
Dear Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Councillors,
I have been asking all of you (and your predecessors) over the spring and summer of 2014 as to when the next Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum will be, as the last one was in December 2013 and there are important matters that I gave notice to all of you that I wished to raise - particularly regarding Leyton Marshes.
I heard today from Cllr Masood Ahmad that a Ward Forum meeting was actually held on 1st October. I find this incredible and very unsatisfactory: having been on the Council mailing list for this meeting for several years I am alarmed to know that a Forum was held without the relevant information having been circulated to interested residents.
Nor was there any notice about the meeting on the Council's website. In fact this is what the appropriate part of the website (under your own photographs and names) is still reading today:
Time: 6.00 - 8.00pm
Venue: Lea Bridge Road Library, Lea Bridge Road, E10 7HU
Meeting agenda 11 December 2013
For minutes of any earlier meetings please contact cwfsupport@walthamforest.gov.
This of course is nonsense.
Councillors, it seems that you don't pay much attention to the importance of local Ward Forums or informing local residents about them. The minutes of the December 2013 meeting are nowhere to be seen. Please let me know how you will ensure that this doesn't happen again and how you will ensure that local residents are kept informed.
Regards
Claire Weiss
Dear Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Councillors,
I have been asking all of you (and your predecessors) over the spring and summer of 2014 as to when the next Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum will be, as the last one was in December 2013 and there are important matters that I gave notice to all of you that I wished to raise - particularly regarding Leyton Marshes.
I heard today from Cllr Masood Ahmad that a Ward Forum meeting was actually held on 1st October. I find this incredible and very unsatisfactory: having been on the Council mailing list for this meeting for several years I am alarmed to know that a Forum was held without the relevant information having been circulated to interested residents.
Nor was there any notice about the meeting on the Council's website. In fact this is what the appropriate part of the website (under your own photographs and names) is still reading today:
"Your next meeting
To be confirmed.Your previous meeting
Date: Wednesday 11 December 2013Time: 6.00 - 8.00pm
Venue: Lea Bridge Road Library, Lea Bridge Road, E10 7HU
Meeting agenda 11 December 2013
For minutes of any earlier meetings please contact cwfsupport@walthamforest.gov.
This of course is nonsense.
Councillors, it seems that you don't pay much attention to the importance of local Ward Forums or informing local residents about them. The minutes of the December 2013 meeting are nowhere to be seen. Please let me know how you will ensure that this doesn't happen again and how you will ensure that local residents are kept informed.
Regards
Claire Weiss
Mini Holland rolls on to Whipps Cross roundabout
The Mini Holland plans roll on and the Whipps Cross Roundabout will be replaced with a normal road junction with traffic lights. This must not be allowed to happen as it will ruin a very attractive area acting as a buffer between the urban environment and Epping Forest.
Currently there are enough access points across Woodford New Road to get to the forest so this is at best a waste of £3.5m of public money and at worst a wrecking of a pleasant street scene.
See below the view of the City of London who own the land affected.
From the Minutes of the 7th July 2014 Meeting of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee of the City of London
8. WHIPPS CROSS ROUNDABOUT HIGHWAY DEDICATION SCHEME
The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest which informed Members that the Whipps Cross Roundabout was a major element of the A104/A114 highway infrastructure on Forest Land.
Members noted the large scale changes proposed by the current HighwayAuthority responsible for the dedicated land, the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). LBWF had been successful in securing a major grant award totalling £30 Million from the Mayor of London which involved the construction of a cycle “Super Highway‟ along the Lea Bridge Road (A104) and the redesign of the Whipps Cross Roundabout with protected cycleways and priority traffic lights on Forest Land.
Members were informed that the current proposals were contained within the existing land dedicated to Highway so the influence that the City of London may be to bring to bear on the project will be limited. In response to a query from Members regarding the potential for conflict between different road users, Officers clarified that the Mini-Holland Scheme was designed to give cyclists and walkers greater priority over motorised vehicles and sufficient design detail would be put in place to manage this process. The final design will be subject to further discussion, including
compensatory tree planting and a licenced contractor‟s depot. A more detailed would be submitted to the Committee for consideration at a later date.
Committee(s):
Date(s):
Epping Forest and Commons
7 July 2014
Subject:
Whipps Cross Roundabout Highway Dedication Scheme
Public
Report of:
Superintendent of Epping Forest SEF 12/14
For Information
Summary
Whipps Cross Roundabout (Appendix A) is a major element of the A104/A114 highway infrastructure on Forest Land. The land bounded by the current roundabout was the subject of a Highway Dedication agreement dated 2 June 1939.
This report is to appraise members of large scale changes proposed by the current Highway Authority responsible for the dedicated land, the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF).
LBWF has been successful in securing a major grant award totalling £30 Million from the Mayor of London which involves the construction of a cycle „Super Highway‟ along the Lea Bridge Road (A104) and the redesign of the Whipps Cross Roundabout with protected cycleways and priority traffic lights on Forest Land.
The current proposals are contained within the existing dedicated land so impact on the City of London will be limited to some disruption experienced by Forest users and members of staff during the construction of the new junction. The new junction will be significantly different to the existing roundabout and is hoped will result in easier access to the Hollow Ponds and Snaresbrook areas of the Forest for both pedestrians and cyclists residing in LBWF.
The report discusses the potential approach the Conservators should adopt to negotiations given the Conservator‟s previous policy position established in 2009 which resisted dedication of additional Forest Land for commuting cycling infrastructure on Forest Land.
Recommendation(s)
Members are asked to:
Note the report
Main Report
Background
1. Forest Land at Whipps Cross, Walthamstow/Leytonstone was the subject of a dedication agreement for Highways Purposes with The Mayor, Alderman and Burgesses of the Borough of Leyton in 1939. The dedication agreement was made in return for a payment of £1,178 (£73,558 at today‟s prices) rather than a land exchange.
2. In 1939, the Conservators acceded to a request from the Borough of Leyton, as widening the highway and improving the Whipps Cross Road/Lea Bridge Road junction was in the public interest.
3. The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF), and CoL collaborated with the Olympic Delivery authority and Transport for London on the „Epping Forest‟ Olympics Greenway Cycleway in 2009-2012, attracting £364,500 of funding improvements at Leyton Flats.
4. Following the public consultation programme for the Stratford to Epping Forest Cycle Route Inspection and Stakeholder Plan (CRISP) Report, completed in 2008 in preparation for the London Olympics in 2012, the Conservators took a strong policy view that while recreational cycling in the Forest is supported, the Conservators will not dedicate additional Forest Land to facilitate provision for cycle commuting infrastructure especially in the circumstances applicable to the cycle route proposed at that time, where the Conservators considered there was an alternative route available which did not require dedication of additional Forest Land.
5. Whipps Cross roundabout which sits at the head of the Epping Forest Cycleway is the focus of two of Transport for London‟s cross Borough mapped cycle routes.
6. Cycling on London‟s main roads has risen by 173 per cent since 2001 (as at 2013). Most of this growth has taken place in inner London, but more than half of all potentially cyclable journeys take place in outer London, according to Transport for London (TfL) research. The Greater London Authority (GLA) intends that the number of journeys made by bicycle over the next 10 years should double.
7. The GLA believe that there are numerous benefits of increasing the number journeys made by bicycle. Improvements cited are to cut overcrowding on public transport, ease congestion, slash pollution and reduce competition for parking spaces.
8. In March 2013, the GLA published, „The Mayor’s Vision for Cycling in London – An Olympic Legacy for all Londoners‟. This document outlined a number of objectives to make cycling on London‟s road network safer and easier and therefore an attractive mode of travel for more people.
9. On 24 April 2013, the Mayor, Boris Johnson, and TfL announced a £100m fund for which Outer London boroughs were invited to bid, to become “mini-Hollands”, boroughs which, in time, aim to become every bit as cycle-friendly as Dutch equivalents; benchmarks of excellence for cycling, and that suburbs and towns all over Britain would want to replicate. The Mini-Holland title
refers to the provision of segregated and protected cycles lanes and the provision of cycle priority at roundabouts.
10. 20 Outer London boroughs were eligible for the mini-Holland competition. London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) was one of the 18 Outer London Boroughs who submitted a bid for „mini-Holland funding.
11. In March 2014, three outer boroughs were chosen for substantial investment, with very high spending concentrated on a relatively small area for a genuinely transformational impact. The London Boroughs of Enfield, Kingston and Waltham Forest will receive a share of the £100m development fund.
Current Position
12. LBWF was successful in its bid to „dramatically improve conditions for cyclists around Walthamstow town centre, to help trigger a cycling culture across the whole borough‟, securing around £30M.
13. The LBWF proposals include „a new Cycle Super Highway along the length of Lea Bridge Road, with a radical rework of the Whipps Cross roundabout; “home zone” or so called “Woonerf” or „living street‟ approach to shared social space in residential areas of Walthamstow and key north-south and east-west linking routes‟.
14. The Whipps Cross Roundabout is situated on Forest land dedicated to highway and a „radical rework‟ potentially poses an encroachment risk to Forest land.
15. The roundabout currently presents a barrier to cyclists and pedestrians from LBWF who wish to access the Forest safely and easily.
16. Currently, there are no detailed plans for the proposed work. An initial plan for the roundabout rework was submitted as part of the LBWF bid (Appendix B).
17. The initial plan appears to contain the works within the footprint of the existing dedicated land, although there have been many changes to this area over the last 90 years, involving numerous land dedications and the boundary of the dedicated highway land will need to be carefully checked with the proposed work site.
18. The programme contained in the „mini-Holland‟ bid is fairly arbitrary;
Phase 1 (consultation, engagement and involvement) by 2015,
Phase 2 (consultation, engagement and involvement) by 2016 and
Phase 3 (implementation) 2017/18.
19. Direct discussions with LBWF Officers indicate that the programme implementation is likely be earlier;
Spring 2014 - LBWF and TfL meet to discuss the next priority steps and acquire an understanding on how the funding will be released over the coming years
2014/15 - Developing proposals, engaging with key stakeholders and local communities. Possibly physically starting on quick wins in late autumn 2015.
Summer of 2016 – Implementation of Whipps Cross Roundabout rework.
20. LBWF Officers have committed to consult with The Conservators at the earliest opportunity, to ensure our support is obtained for the scheme.
Options
21. The current Highway dedication agreement allows the LBWF, as the Highway Authority, the freedom to develop further Highway infrastructure within the bounds of the current Whipps Cross roundabout, subject to Planning controls, for which the LWBF is also the Local Planning Authority. The Conservators of Epping Forest will want to feed into the planning process to communicate Forest user requirements for access, thus engaging constructively with the cycling proposals.
Proposals
22. It is proposed that CoL Officers work with LBWF to develop a scheme which is of mutual benefit for Forest users and cyclists in the LBWF area.
23. This will include, but is not limited to;
(1) Reviewing our historic documents to develop a definitive plan of the land dedicated for highway purposes, at Whipps Cross Roundabout for use by CoL and LBWF.
(2) Assist with the advertising and marketing of the LBWF consultation via CoL web page links and social media channels, encouraging Forest users to have early input.
(3) Attend key stakeholder meetings and design reviews, as necessary.
(4) Work with LBWF to develop detailed plans for the existing dedicated Forest land and encourages local people to access the Forest by bicycle.
(5) Update your Committee with the final detailed plan in due course.
Corporate & Strategic Implications
24. The continued drive for promotion of sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles from the GLA and TfL meets with numerous key CoL aims and objectives.
25. The LBWF proposals address several of „The City Together Strategy: The Heart of a World Class City 2008-14‟ aims;
(1) ….supports our communities - To encourage and support services and initiatives which benefit communities within the City and City fringes, contributing to local prosperity.
(2) ….protects, promotes and enhances our environment - To continue to minimise noise, land and water pollution and improve air quality where this is possible.
(3) ….protects, promotes and enhances our environment - To encourage sustainable forms of transport.
26. The proposed option supports a number of the City's Corporate Strategy and Open Spaces Business Plan strategic aims;
(1) Quality – Provide high quality accessible open spaces and services in accordance with nationally recognised standards for the benefit of London and the nation.
(2) Environment – Adopt sustainable working practices, promote variety of life (biodiversity) and protect Open Spaces for the enjoyment of future generations.
(3) Promotion – promote opportunities to use and enjoy the outdoor environment for health, learning and inclusion and ensure the value of Open Spaces is recognised.
27. The Forest Transport Strategy houses the objective, „providing improved accessibility to the Forest for all users especially those arriving by public transport or on foot, bicycle or horse-back‟.
28. Linked with the „The City Together Strategy‟, the City of London‟s Sustainability Policy states;
(1) EN 7 – Reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment
(2) EN 14 – Protect, maintain and enhance open spaces, and other areas with landscape, wildlife or historical interest on all the property it manages, in partnership with the local community.
(3) SO 1 – Enhance and encourage preventative health services, activities and education
Implications
29. The overall „mini-Holland‟ scheme is expected to cost around £30M, although much of this cost is for works not associated with the Whipps Cross Roundabout improvement.
30. It is expected that the Whipps Cross Roundabout improvements will cost £3.5M, funded by the GLA and TfL.
31. Financial – This report contains no financial implications for the CoL.
32. Property – This report contains no adverse property implications.
33. Officer time may be required to communicate messages via digital media and to attend stakeholder meetings and/or design reviews.
Conclusion
34. The proposed LBWF „mini-Holland‟ plans are in line with the CoL‟s position of both supporting recreational cycling on Forest Land and encouraging sustainable transport methods of access to the Forest, including cycling.
Mini Holland Update
From Stella Creasy MP
Hello!
Thank you for contacting me about the ‘mini-holland’ trial road closure project in Walthamstow village- some of you have sent me detailed feedback about your views of the project , some have copied me into your correspondence with the council on this issue and others have also filled in the survey I produced about your views of the scheme. As the response to this issue has been so substantial I apologise that it has taken me longer than I had hoped to collate all of this, reply and acknowledge your contribution!
This is an update to all residents who have been in touch - several hundred of you- with my office so I apologise if it repeats some information you may have individually had from me on this subject and for the impersonal nature of this email. Its purpose is to share with you all the detail I have had from the Council on this project to date and some of the questions you have raised with me. I will also keep using this system to update residents as and when I get further updates on the next stages of this project so that I can update you as quickly as possible.
Therefore to recap please see below details taken from responses I have had from Cllr Clyde Loakes who is overseeing this project on various points. These include the history of the trial location, the consultation process undertaken, the timescale for Mini Holland as a whole and the Council’s interaction with the Emergency Services on this scheme. I have also been in touch with the Council to ask for details as to when the next public meetings and feedback sessions on this project will be (I also understand some are being organised within roads that were in the area where the trial took place) as well as for details of any other road closures proposed as part of this project and their engagement with Transport for London and the emergency services.
Following your responses, I have now shared all the results of the survey regarding residents feedback on Mini Holland sent to me and your ideas for how to amend the scheme with the Councillors as part of their consultation process. Furthermore, I have also been informed that the Council Neighbourhood Scrutiny Committee is now investigating this project. As many of your comments referred to the consultation process for this project I have also shared your comments with this committee for their consideration.
I stress again that as this project is being run by the Council rather than parliament, it is for the Council to decide the next steps and final outcome of this project rather than myself. However, as your MP I will continue to seek to ensure residents are actively involved in shaping this project and given as much information as possible about the schemes for changes to roads as they progress.
Please also be aware some of those completing the survey did not give contact details – so I would be grateful for your assistance in ensuring any neighbours, family or friends in Walthamstow interested in this project have access to this information. Please do also feel free to suggest residents of Walthamstow email me directly to be added to my update list with their contact details.
With kind regards
Stella
Text of Emails from Cllr Clyde Loakes regarding Mini Holland
The History of Mini Holland trial in Walthamstow Village
Prior to our successful mini-Holland bid, we had identified the Pembroke Road area for a neighbourhood improvement scheme. In February this year we undertook a pre-scheme survey to understand the main concerns of local residents and businesses. From this survey two key issues were raised; ‘rat running’ traffic and speeding on residential roads.
Now that we have secured the mini-Holland funding, we have used this opportunity to take the scheme one step further and produce a new approach to not only resolve those two key issues, but also to give residents, businesses and other interested parties the chance to radically improve their surroundings and the environment in which they live.
The live trial from 26 September to 13 October is enabling us to collect valuable background data to see whether our proposals and assumptions can deliver the range of outcomes set out by our earlier consultation. We appreciate that it is causing disruption for residents and value their patience while we test the trial in a live environment to see what works and what doesn’t. The added inconvenience of the burst water main on Hoe Street obviously hasn’t helped but we are stressing that the trial is temporary and is a really valuable exercise.
Please find attached an information leaflet detailing the trial scheme, which was distributed to 4,200 local households before the scheme started. We’re now aware that some residents did not feel informed prior to the start of the trial so will be closely monitoring the distribution of any further materials to ensure that surrounding properties are properly engaged, and will be sending update leaflets over the next two weekends.
The Consultation Process
To date we have spoken to 900 people – 400 of whom before the trial started - and we have also already received over 350 emails about the scheme. As you know, the trial has created a local debate and while some residents are undoubtedly opposed to the scheme, there are a significant number championing it. What we want to do over the coming week is encourage people to consider the whole effect on their neighbourhood.
During the trial we will be collecting data which will be evaluated against the information we collected before the trial to see what difference, if any, the temporary traffic management interventions have made on individual streets. We know that at this point in the trial, we have seen a 40 per cent reduction in traffic in the trial area, with some 3,000 fewer vehicles on the roads as a whole. As well as this technical evidence we are looking to collect residents’ views, opinions and ideas and are urging people to send their feedback to a designated mini-Holland e-mail address:miniholland@
The findings from this trial will not only help inform the final scheme for this area, which will be put out to public consultation before anything is implemented, but also other schemes across Waltham Forest over the coming years.
The Timescale for this project
Stage 1: Data collection
Before the trial started we placed traffic counting equipment at locations and on roads we know are the main ‘rat run’ routes through the area from Lea Bridge Road and Hoe Street. We have also been recording traffic volumes on the roads surrounding the trial area, including St Mary Road and Church Lane.
Stage 2: Pilot (in progress)
The pilot project was introduced on 26 September, which includes temporary road closures. The trial aims to show local residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders how the village could exist if rat running traffic was removed and the road space reallocated to alternative uses, for example general traffic and parking. During the pilot we will be gathering feedback received from door knocking, the email address as outlined above and an online consulation at the end of the trial period. At the mid-way point in the trial, we will issue an update to local properties followed by an update once the trial is over, which will outline the next steps.
Stage 3: Further feedback and development of final proposals for public consultation
After the trial period is over, we will run a series of workshops with the local community (including resident groups, businesses, schools and all other interested parties) to provide them with the data we have collected and to get further feedback on the trial. These workshops will cover which elements worked, which did not work, which elements we should retain, amend or remove and which other changes the community would like to see on their street following their experiences of the trial. These sessions will help us develop specific proposals also based on feedback and the data collected by the traffic surveys.
Stage 4 Public consultation and statutory consultation
In November we will start public engagement activities with consultation documents available, drop in sessions and focus groups. This will be followed by a statutory consultation.
Stage 5 Implementation
At this stage we anticipate that a staged implementation of the scheme developed in consultation with the community, will start from January 2015.
Stage 6 Review
We will undertake a review at least six months after the final scheme has been implemented to make any necessary design tweaks. This should allow enough time for any teething issues to have been ironed out post-implementation.
On the Emergency Services and Mini Holland
As with all traffic schemes we do consult with the emergency services as a matter of course both informally and formally through the statutory traffic management order process, which is required in order to implement any traffic restriction, such as a road closure.
Prior to the first letter being sent to residents at the beginning of September we did provide the emergency services with the information about the trial road closures and to give them the opportunity to comment. Following this we updated them on the closures on the 3rd September (including providing them with the letter sent to the residents) and updated again on the 19thSeptember.
Comments we have received back from the emergency services have not been directly related to the project but around some existing issues in the area. From the ambulance service this is the update of street name plates to include house numbers so they know which end of the road they are at, and from the fire brigade the amount of parked vehicles in Maynard Road and Barclay Road leading to the road being too narrow for the fire engine. We are meeting with the fire service after the trial to discuss these issues.
We do understand the serious nature of providing the emergency services with the correct up-to-date information and also that this information is correctly passed around within their respective organisations. Therefore to this end, we are speaking to them about nominating a Mini Holland Champion within their organisations that we can pass all our information too and they will ensure the correct local stations/teams/squads are aware of works we are doing through this mini Holland project.
Hello!
Thank you for contacting me about the ‘mini-holland’ trial road closure project in Walthamstow village- some of you have sent me detailed feedback about your views of the project , some have copied me into your correspondence with the council on this issue and others have also filled in the survey I produced about your views of the scheme. As the response to this issue has been so substantial I apologise that it has taken me longer than I had hoped to collate all of this, reply and acknowledge your contribution!
This is an update to all residents who have been in touch - several hundred of you- with my office so I apologise if it repeats some information you may have individually had from me on this subject and for the impersonal nature of this email. Its purpose is to share with you all the detail I have had from the Council on this project to date and some of the questions you have raised with me. I will also keep using this system to update residents as and when I get further updates on the next stages of this project so that I can update you as quickly as possible.
Therefore to recap please see below details taken from responses I have had from Cllr Clyde Loakes who is overseeing this project on various points. These include the history of the trial location, the consultation process undertaken, the timescale for Mini Holland as a whole and the Council’s interaction with the Emergency Services on this scheme. I have also been in touch with the Council to ask for details as to when the next public meetings and feedback sessions on this project will be (I also understand some are being organised within roads that were in the area where the trial took place) as well as for details of any other road closures proposed as part of this project and their engagement with Transport for London and the emergency services.
Following your responses, I have now shared all the results of the survey regarding residents feedback on Mini Holland sent to me and your ideas for how to amend the scheme with the Councillors as part of their consultation process. Furthermore, I have also been informed that the Council Neighbourhood Scrutiny Committee is now investigating this project. As many of your comments referred to the consultation process for this project I have also shared your comments with this committee for their consideration.
I stress again that as this project is being run by the Council rather than parliament, it is for the Council to decide the next steps and final outcome of this project rather than myself. However, as your MP I will continue to seek to ensure residents are actively involved in shaping this project and given as much information as possible about the schemes for changes to roads as they progress.
Please also be aware some of those completing the survey did not give contact details – so I would be grateful for your assistance in ensuring any neighbours, family or friends in Walthamstow interested in this project have access to this information. Please do also feel free to suggest residents of Walthamstow email me directly to be added to my update list with their contact details.
With kind regards
Stella
Text of Emails from Cllr Clyde Loakes regarding Mini Holland
The History of Mini Holland trial in Walthamstow Village
Prior to our successful mini-Holland bid, we had identified the Pembroke Road area for a neighbourhood improvement scheme. In February this year we undertook a pre-scheme survey to understand the main concerns of local residents and businesses. From this survey two key issues were raised; ‘rat running’ traffic and speeding on residential roads.
Now that we have secured the mini-Holland funding, we have used this opportunity to take the scheme one step further and produce a new approach to not only resolve those two key issues, but also to give residents, businesses and other interested parties the chance to radically improve their surroundings and the environment in which they live.
The live trial from 26 September to 13 October is enabling us to collect valuable background data to see whether our proposals and assumptions can deliver the range of outcomes set out by our earlier consultation. We appreciate that it is causing disruption for residents and value their patience while we test the trial in a live environment to see what works and what doesn’t. The added inconvenience of the burst water main on Hoe Street obviously hasn’t helped but we are stressing that the trial is temporary and is a really valuable exercise.
Please find attached an information leaflet detailing the trial scheme, which was distributed to 4,200 local households before the scheme started. We’re now aware that some residents did not feel informed prior to the start of the trial so will be closely monitoring the distribution of any further materials to ensure that surrounding properties are properly engaged, and will be sending update leaflets over the next two weekends.
The Consultation Process
To date we have spoken to 900 people – 400 of whom before the trial started - and we have also already received over 350 emails about the scheme. As you know, the trial has created a local debate and while some residents are undoubtedly opposed to the scheme, there are a significant number championing it. What we want to do over the coming week is encourage people to consider the whole effect on their neighbourhood.
During the trial we will be collecting data which will be evaluated against the information we collected before the trial to see what difference, if any, the temporary traffic management interventions have made on individual streets. We know that at this point in the trial, we have seen a 40 per cent reduction in traffic in the trial area, with some 3,000 fewer vehicles on the roads as a whole. As well as this technical evidence we are looking to collect residents’ views, opinions and ideas and are urging people to send their feedback to a designated mini-Holland e-mail address:miniholland@
The findings from this trial will not only help inform the final scheme for this area, which will be put out to public consultation before anything is implemented, but also other schemes across Waltham Forest over the coming years.
The Timescale for this project
Stage 1: Data collection
Before the trial started we placed traffic counting equipment at locations and on roads we know are the main ‘rat run’ routes through the area from Lea Bridge Road and Hoe Street. We have also been recording traffic volumes on the roads surrounding the trial area, including St Mary Road and Church Lane.
Stage 2: Pilot (in progress)
The pilot project was introduced on 26 September, which includes temporary road closures. The trial aims to show local residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders how the village could exist if rat running traffic was removed and the road space reallocated to alternative uses, for example general traffic and parking. During the pilot we will be gathering feedback received from door knocking, the email address as outlined above and an online consulation at the end of the trial period. At the mid-way point in the trial, we will issue an update to local properties followed by an update once the trial is over, which will outline the next steps.
Stage 3: Further feedback and development of final proposals for public consultation
After the trial period is over, we will run a series of workshops with the local community (including resident groups, businesses, schools and all other interested parties) to provide them with the data we have collected and to get further feedback on the trial. These workshops will cover which elements worked, which did not work, which elements we should retain, amend or remove and which other changes the community would like to see on their street following their experiences of the trial. These sessions will help us develop specific proposals also based on feedback and the data collected by the traffic surveys.
Stage 4 Public consultation and statutory consultation
In November we will start public engagement activities with consultation documents available, drop in sessions and focus groups. This will be followed by a statutory consultation.
Stage 5 Implementation
At this stage we anticipate that a staged implementation of the scheme developed in consultation with the community, will start from January 2015.
Stage 6 Review
We will undertake a review at least six months after the final scheme has been implemented to make any necessary design tweaks. This should allow enough time for any teething issues to have been ironed out post-implementation.
On the Emergency Services and Mini Holland
As with all traffic schemes we do consult with the emergency services as a matter of course both informally and formally through the statutory traffic management order process, which is required in order to implement any traffic restriction, such as a road closure.
Prior to the first letter being sent to residents at the beginning of September we did provide the emergency services with the information about the trial road closures and to give them the opportunity to comment. Following this we updated them on the closures on the 3rd September (including providing them with the letter sent to the residents) and updated again on the 19thSeptember.
Comments we have received back from the emergency services have not been directly related to the project but around some existing issues in the area. From the ambulance service this is the update of street name plates to include house numbers so they know which end of the road they are at, and from the fire brigade the amount of parked vehicles in Maynard Road and Barclay Road leading to the road being too narrow for the fire engine. We are meeting with the fire service after the trial to discuss these issues.
We do understand the serious nature of providing the emergency services with the correct up-to-date information and also that this information is correctly passed around within their respective organisations. Therefore to this end, we are speaking to them about nominating a Mini Holland Champion within their organisations that we can pass all our information too and they will ensure the correct local stations/teams/squads are aware of works we are doing through this mini Holland project.
Lloyd Park News
Hello everyone,
Here’s the Autumn/Winter e-newsletter for Lloyd Park; there’s lots happening in your local park.
1. News
Lloyd Park gets Green Flag Award second year in a row A Green Flag Award shows Lloyd Park is a welcoming, safe and well-maintained park. We’re proud that through the hard work of park staff (both Council and our partners) and our many volunteers, we’ve achieved the award each year since the restoration works were completed. Find out more here: http://www.greenflagaward.org.
A Park for People The restoration of Lloyd Park was funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Parks for People’ Programme. We’re working to make Lloyd Park, and its activities and facilities, as inclusive and accessible as possible. We also do a lot of outreach work, to help in-need people and people who don’t yet use the park, to come here. For example, 23% of Lloyd Park volunteers have disabilities. You’re welcome to contact us if there are any activities you’d like to suggest we run in your park.
Gardening training at Lloyd Park We now offer regular gardening workshops and training courses, thanks to our partnership with Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service. If you want to find out how to look after your garden, or if you want a qualification for your CV, e mail Cathy atgardeninginthepark@gmail.com to get information on upcoming sessions.
And if you’re not a gardener, we hope you’re appreciating the efforts of our gardening trainees, gardening volunteers and nature conservation (Green Gym) volunteers!
New Play Equipment Have you tried out the new play equipment yet? Thank you to the Friends of Lloyd Park who fundraised for new equipment and consulted with local parents. We also used income generated through park events and bookings, and the Council’s Public Realm team contributed additional funds, to enable these improvements.
Shelter The new shelter has been installed on the island and complements the style of the Stables Building. We’ll gradually be introducing new planting on and around it, with our volunteers.
New schools programme
The Conservation Volunteers, who run our nature conservation sessions and our under-5s, family and adult activities are doing such a great job, they’re now taking forward the Lloyd Park schools programme. With our funding, they’re going to provide a year-round offer of curriculum-linked sessions for local schools. We’ll be encouraging local children to value nature and their local green space and enabling them to learn outdoors. We offer sessions to local primary, secondary and Special Educational Needs schools. If you’d like to encourage your child’s school to come on a trip to Lloyd Park, please get in touch.
New bowlers With Council funding, Walthamstow Borough Bowls Club have been teaching people with learning disabilities to bowl. This friendly club is always welcoming new members, so please get in touch if you’re interested, or find out more here: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
2. Events and activities
We hope you enjoyed the Walthamstow Garden Party, the Friends of Lloyd Park’s May Fair & Dog Show, Bat Night and our Easter Egg Hunt (amongst others), and here’s what’s coming up this season:
Skate Jam The Friends of Lloyd Park Skate Park Group are holding another skate jam, on Saturday 1 November. There’s a Halloween theme, with competitors and spectators invited to attend in costume. Competitions for: skateboard; BMX bike and freestyle scooter riders; and in-line skaters. Prizes for competition winners; with Toms Skate Shop donating prizes for skateboarders. Plus entertainment with a sound-system and an MC/DJ. Competitors can register on the day; free entry. For further information: http://friendsoflloydpark.org.
Bulb Planting with the Friends of Lloyd Park Join the Friends on Sunday 9 November, from 11am-1pm, preceded by a short Act of Remembrance. Full details: http://friendsoflloydpark.org.
Festive Sing-a-long with the Friends of Lloyd Park and William Morris Gallery Sunday 21 December; enjoy the East London Brass Band, roasted chestnuts and hot spiced apple juice with (optional) rum! Full details: http://friendsoflloydpark.org.
Under-5s Nature Explorers Free activities and stories for under-5s and their parents/carers. Coming up:
- Diwali & Autumn
- Christmas Party
Free refreshments provided. Friendly, mixed and welcoming group; meet other local parents. First Wednesday of every month, in the Aveling Centre Community Room at 10am. Find out more:www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
Free activities for families Enjoy free, creative, nature and cultural activities and keep the kids entertained during the holidays. Don’t miss:
- 28 October - African Drumming
- 30 October - Halloween Pumpkin Carving
- 13 December - Natural & Recycled Christmas Decorations
Find out more: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
Free activities for adults Enjoy free guided walks and workshops at Lloyd Park - you’d have to pay for these activities anywhere else! Coming up:
- 19 October - Fungi Walk
- 14 December - Willow Wreath Making (book early to avoid disappointment
Find out more: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/
Free sports
Lloyd Park Sharing Heritage Weekly social and interest group for Over-50s. Every Wednesday, 10am-12noon in the community bowls pavilion. Enjoy a variety of activities including making bird feeders, planting bulbs and our Christmas Lunch. Plus, the group will be holding their own exhibition in the Winns Gallery next spring.
Senior Tai Chi Corner For people 50+ of all abilities, every Sunday morning. Sessions run indoors over the winter months:
9.00-10.00, intermediate class, Community Bowls Pavilion
10.15-11.15, beginners class, Aveling Centre Community Room
£2 per session and Dao Lu annual student fees apply. Please let us know your access and other needs in advance. This community project was the winner of Waltham Forest Physical Activity and Health Project Award 2013: www.daolu.co.uk/dao-lu-cic-
9.00-10.00, intermediate class, Community Bowls Pavilion
10.15-11.15, beginners class, Aveling Centre Community Room
£2 per session and Dao Lu annual student fees apply. Please let us know your access and other needs in advance. This community project was the winner of Waltham Forest Physical Activity and Health Project Award 2013: www.daolu.co.uk/dao-lu-cic-
For more information and booking: info@daolu.co.uk, 020 3670 3005, or 07713 152 999 (text only),www.daolu.co.uk/senior-tai-
William Morris Gallery Find out about the Gallery’s fantastic events programme, visit:www.wmgallery.org.uk/
3. Volunteering
A fantastic 339 people have volunteered their time in Lloyd Park, since the beginning of our bid for Lottery Funding.
Green Gym Nature conservation volunteering is a great opportunity to get active, get outdoors and feel part of your community. Every Friday, 11am-2pm. Meet outside the Stables Building. To find out more contact Gareth: g.chalmers@tcv.org.uk
Volunteer Gardening See off the winter blues by getting outdoors in beautiful surroundings. Join us every first and third Thursday of the month, from 10am-1pm. Meet at the William Morris Garden (near the Forest Road Gate). Tools provided. For anyone who likes to garden, wants to improve their health and well-being, or enjoy the company of friendly people. Free tea and cake provided!
Helping people and being part of your community
If you enjoy helping others or want to give back to your community, or even if you’d just like to meet people, please get in touch. We could have a volunteering opportunity that’s right for you.
Friends of Lloyd Park are always welcoming new volunteers who want to give their time and expertise (a little or a lot): http://friendsoflloydpark.org.
Finally, you can vote for both Lloyd Park and the William Morris Gallery in Time Out’s Love London Awards: www.timeout.com/london/things-
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please reply with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.
Ellie Mortimer
Lloyd Park Community Project Co-ordinator
Public Realm
Low Hall Depot
Argall Avenue
Leyton
London E10 7AS
Tel: 0208 496 2822
Mob: 07530 072 216