Waltham Forest Liberal Democrat Councillors ended the year on a high note by successfully passing a motion at the last Full Council meeting of the year held on 17th December 2009. It was agreed by all three political parties that protecting our playing fields, green spaces and sports facilities must be a priority for this council.  In speaking to many people across the borough we found that residents felt that their open spaces and sports facilities were under threat.  They felt that the Council did not represent their concerns in protecting their open spaces, leisure and sports facilities.  We were dissappointed to learn that the Labour party had tried to play down the risk by making a poor amendment to our original motion which said there was not a ‘threat’ to our green spaces.  This was thrown out and the original motion (see below) was agreed.
 

PROTECTING OUR PLAYING FIELDS AND GREEN SPACES
 
This Council:

Notes resident concern about threats to green spaces, playing fields and associated amenities such as sports facilities within our borough.

Understands the vital importance of green spaces and playing fields as areas for recreation and sport in both informal and organised capacities.

Recognises the importance of local playing fields for local schools.

Believes that actively protecting our green spaces and strengthening sports facilities will be a key part of Waltham Forest’s Olympic legacy.
 
Therefore, this Council requests that relevant senior officers 

Examine current Council policy and practice to ensure that a commitment to green spaces and playing fields is properly reflected in our current framework.
 
Report back to councillors highlighting any areas where our policy on the protection of green spaces and playing fields can be strengthened
You can read further about this motion and the debate by following the link below:-

www.guardian-series.co.uk/…/4804772.WALTHAM_FOREST__Debate_rages_over__threats__to_green_space/

“George Mitchell school will not be re-built on the cricket ground”

The Full Council meeting was preceeded by the above words uttered by Cllr. Chris Robins (Leader of the council).

He said that the George Mitchell governors had rejected forming a trust and that this decision had been accepted by the Council.  He went on to say that there will not be a development of a secondary school on the cricket ground and Norlington will remain a boys school.

The new plans for George Mitchell, Norlington and of course Beaumont primary school will no doubt come out over the next few weeks.

I hope to be able to report further on this critical subject in the New Year.

Cllrs Farooq Qureshi, Samina Safdar and the Focus team are angry to learn that the proposed one-way system in Knotts Green Road has been delayed, yet once again.

The officers of the Highways Department have informed Cllr Qureshi and Cllr Safdar that the proposed one-way system in Knotts Green Road has been put on hold because Transport for London (TfL) have not carried out the alterations at the junction of Leyton Green Road and Lea Bridge Road. The traffic arrangements at this junction were to be altered to allow a left turn into Lea Bridge Road. This work was due to complete by the end of 2009. Now, TfL have told the council that these works have been postponed until the next financial year.

The Focus Team have carried out their own survey of the road to find out if the residents want to wait for TfL to carry out the proposed alterations at the top of Leyton Green Road before turning Knotts Green Road into one-way, or, if they want the one-way to go ahead now.

The result of the survey is as follows:

I would like the one-way system to go ahead NOW before Transport for London has done the works at Leyton Green/Lea Brodge Road junction.

            Yes                                 No                             No Reply

            47                                    15                                  23

The Focus Team have passed on the information to the Highways Dept and says:

WE WANT ACTION NOW

Leyton and Wanstead Parliamentary candidate, Cllr Farooq Qureshi has returned from Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah).

After his return, Cllr Qureshi said:

I thank God Almighty for giving me the opportunity, will and strength to preform this most important task of my faith. It was the most moving and intriguing experience of my life. I prayed for peace and harmony for the whole mankind. May this world be free of all evils and hatered, and may we all live together as a global family. Ameen.

It’s good to be back, and I apologise to those of my constituents who failed to get in touch with me during my absence. If you need any help or assistance, please feel free to call me or send me an email.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

CLLR FAROOQ QURESHI AND THE FOCUS TEAM