FROM CLLR F QURESHI

I would like to thank all our members, helpers and activists for their hard work, help and support during recent election campaign.

Above all, I extend my sincere gratitude to the residents of Leyton & Wanstead for their enormous support. I received over 11000 votes, for which I am grateful to everyone who has voted for me in the general election.

While we, the Lib Dems, suffered great loses across the Borough, I was returned to office to serve as a councillor for Forest Ward. For this, I would like thank the residents of Forest Ward.

As your local councillor, I’ll continue to hold my advice surgery, every Saturday morning, from 10am to 12noon, at

W F D Office

High Road Leyton E10

If you need any help or advice, please come and see me. You don’t need an appointment. 

• I have lived in Leyton for the past 40 years.
• I was elected as a councillor for Forest Ward in 2003, re-elected in 2006 and have had the privilege of serving as the Mayor of Waltham Forest for 2006/7.
• I am campaigning against the increase of air-traffic noise pollution over Leyton & Wanstead and for better facilities at Leyton and Leytonstone underground stations. I am also fighting against the early closure of ticket offices at the underground stations in our Borough.
• I am a part of the Lib-Dem team, fighting for more Police officers on our streets, to keep our streets clean and to eliminate anti social behaviour.
• Majour targets of our campaign are gang culture, gun and knife crime.
• In this current economic crisis, another priority must be to put more money in the hands of those on middle and low incomes; only the Lib Dems have plans, well-costed by Vince Cable and his team, to achieve this.

I understand why many people are disillusioned with politics and politicians. I strongly believe in Liberal Democrat plans to change politics for good. If elected to serve as your MP, I have pledged NOT TO CLAIM ANY ALLOWANCE FOR A SECOND HOME OR RE-REFURBISHMENT OF MY EXISTING HOME, AND NOT TO CLAIM FOR ANY TRAVEL EXPENSES, TO AND FROM PARLIAMENT. 

My contract with residents of Leyton and Wanstead

If elected as your MP

I will be there to help, listen to your concerns and stand up for our community.

I will make sure that your voice is heard, locally and at Westminster.

 I will hold weekly advice surgeries across the constituency.

I will back plans to cut taxes for low and middle incomes.

I will be open and honest about all expenses incurred in representing you.

I will be accessible at all times.

I am a part of this community and shall remain a part of it.

I will keep you informed of my activities through regular news-letters.

Liberal Democrat transport campaigner Farooq Qureshi has stepped up his campaign against Boris Johnson’s ticket office closures following confirmation that all four tube stations in the borough will be affected - including Leyton and Leytonstone.

Sign his petition at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/ticketoffices.

In total Waltham Forest will lose nearly 60 hours of cover a week. The Mayor’s plan will hit late evening cover especially hard.

• Leyton ticket office will shut at 9.30 pm instead of 10.30 pm on weekdays
• Leytonstone will close at 8.45 pm instead of 11 pm on Sundays.
• Walthamstow Central will close at 9.30pm instead of 11.30pm on weekdays
• Blackhorse Road ticket office will shut at 6pm instead of 10pm on Saturdays

Cllr Qureshi, who is parliamentary candidate for Leyton and Wanstead, said:

“Waltham Forest has been hit hard by the Conservative Mayor’s broken promise. He said he would keep ticket offices open - but now travellers will face deserted ticket offices in the evenings just when demand for security is greatest. That’s why I’ve launched a petition and am asking for people’s experiences. I want as many people s possible to show their concern.”

Farooq Qureshi, Farid Ahmed and the Liberal Democrat team have launched a petition against the closures. Passengers can sign online at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/ticketoffices or call 020 8556 8335 for a petition form.

Full details of the proposed changes are:

LEYTON

• Weekdays - will open from 0600-2130 instead of 0530-2300
• Saturdays - will open from 0645-2200 instead of 0530-2230
• Sundays - will open from 0715-2100 instead of 0700-2300

This is 13 hours 30 mins a week less than currently.

LEYTONSTONE

• Weekdays - will open from 0545-2015 instead of 0530-2200
• Saturdays - will open from 0645-2045 instead of 0600-2200
• Sundays - will open from 0730-2045 instead of 0700-2300

This is 11 hours 15 mins a week less than currently.

BLACKHORSE ROAD

• Weekdays - will open from 0600-1945 instead of 0530-2100
• Saturdays - will open from 0645-1800 instead of 0630-2200
• Sundays - will open from 0945-1645 instead of 0800-2000

This means the ticket office will be closed for 18 hours a week less than currently.

WALTHAMSTOW

• Weekdays - will open from 0545-2130 instead of 0530-2330
• Saturdays - will open from 0645-2145 instead of 0600-0000
• Sundays - will open from 0900-1900 instead of 0900-1100 and 12.30-23.00

This means the ticket office will be closed for 17 hours 45 mins a week less than currently.

In total Waltham Forest is losing nearly 60 hours of ticket office cover.

A Welcome Motion

A motion requesting the Mayor of London to review the decision by Newham Council to support a 50% increase in flights at London City Airport was unanimously supported by a cross party majority at the GLA. The motion raised concerns that flight path changes across many East London Boroughs would worsen the quality of lives of 100,ooo’s of residents, many of which already suffer considerably as a result of aircraft noise and air pollution.

Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for leyton and Wanstead, Cllr Farooq Qureshi has welcomed the success of the motion in GLA.

Cllr Qureshi said: We have been working with FTF to oppose the expansion of London City Airport and its detrimental impacts on the residents of the neighbouring Boroughs. We hope that the Mayor of London will put pressure on City Airport and Newham Council to review the expansion and the changes in flight path.

FORA has been awarded a £5000 grant such that Leytonstone School’s Computers may be used on a Saturday morning by local residents. Tuition will be supplied through the School and will be of the user-friendly kind whereby individuals will be able to work at their own pace learning how to access the internet, send emails and generally use a computer for all those activities which save money and enable individuals to communicate and follow their interests. No previous experience or knowledge is required and the format will be of the walk-in type for the duration of three school terms. The only qualification is that of living in Forest Ward.      

Litter bins are placed in our ward to keep it clean,                                  

They are there for us to put our hand rubbish in as we walk past

Rather then having to hold it all the way home.

So why do the streets of Forest ward end up like this,

This is not walking by hand rubbish, this is disgusting.

Our ward does not have to look like this these bins have not been placed to attract all sorts of house hold rubbish, due to several complaints we may lose these litter bins spotted around our ward so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be more considerate.

Leytonstone Business and Enterprise Specialist School is now moving into the detailed design and planning phase for their exciting school refurbishment project.  The school will work closely with the architects and the building contractors to design and plan their new school block and refurbishment work.

The Council’s Cabinet have now approved the planning brief for the Leytonstone School project.

This means the school is now able to start more detailed work to plan and design its school improvements, through the proposed part new build and part refurbishment.                            

Project information

The number of pupils able to attend Leytonstone School will be increased from its current number of 900 by an additional 150 places, from September 2011.

In addition, the school will also be able to provide 40 places for ‘post-16’ education from September 2010, meaning pupils can stay on after their GCSE examinations and gain further qualifications at the same school.

The school’s construction project will be part new build and part refurbishment, and this work is proposed to start in 2010.

As Leytonstone School is a locally listed building, the original design of the main school building will mainly remain untouched

Following evidence provided by the Cllr Qureshi and myself the Council has

Following guidance from the Health Protection Agency, Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust has remained closed from most activity to enable the norovirus to clear, but will now begin the process of reopening parts of the hospital.

The A&E department reopened to ambulances on Friday 30 January 2010 and 10 wards are now back working normally.

The Maternity, Paediatrics and the Outpatients departments continue to operate as usual, as does the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre.

Elective surgery, where patients would require an in-patient stay after a procedure, remains closed at this stage.  

There continues to be no visitor access to any of the wards at Whipps Cross due to heightened infection control precautions and these will remain until further notice.

For the Maternity Department only, one birth partner will be permitted onto a ward during this time – no children will be allowed.

For Children’s services only one parent per child will be allowed.

Individual patient’s needs can be discussed with the ward Sister, who can grant permission to access in exceptional circumstances.

Security are present at entrances and their role is to question the need for access to the site.

Strict infection control safety measures remain in place and have been taken in closing the shops, restaurant and Jobs Junctions to the general public.                        

Norovirus is a common winter ailment, which can be highly contagious and causes symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

London & Quadrant are in the process of refurbishing some of the flats at the top of Dyson Road in Forest Ward. Some of the residents contacted Cllr Farooq Qureshi to complain about the standard of work being carried out and the behaviour of the work force.

Lib Dem councillors of Forest Ward arranged a meeting with the officers of London & Quadrant to discuss the concerns raised by the leaseholders/tenants of these properties.

It was a very constructive meeting leting all the leaseholders and tenants raise their concerns with the officers to take back and try and rectify.

That should be interesting lets see what we get as results, because Lib Dems like results!!!!

London & Quadrant are in the process of refurbishing some of the flats at the top of Dyson Road in Forest Ward. Some of the residents contacted Cllr Farooq Qureshi to complain about the standard of work being carried out and the behaviour of the work force.

Cllr F Qureshi and Cllr S. Safdar have arranged a meeting with the officers of London & Quadrant to discuss the concerns raised by the leaseholders/tenants of these properties.

The meeting will be held at:

6.30 PM

Wednesday 27th January 2010

St Andrews Church Hall, St Andrews Road E11

Please come along and be a part of the meeting. for further details please contact Cllr Farooq Qureshi on 07956 290 240.

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

Liberal Democrat Councillors and the Deputy Mayor at remembrance parade in Leyton

Leyton and Wanstead parliamentary candidate, Cllr Farooq qureshi was one of the main speakers at a rally in woking.

Liberal Democrats of woking have selected their first Muslim woman candidate to stand for council election in 2010.  Shabana Jamil, a qualified solicitor was born and educated locally.

Speaking at the rally, Cllr Qureshi said:

“It is good to see young and educated people coming forward from the ranks of Liberal Democrats. Young people are the future, and we must encourage more and more young people to be a part of the political arena. We wish Shabana, best of luck for next years election.”

Liberal Democrat councillors, activists and Parliamentary candidates attended a Transport seminar at the City Hall, arranged by the Lib Dem transport spokesperson in London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon.

The Seminar looked at the key transport issues facing London and how they can be tackled.

While local labour group are claiming to support a reduction in carbon emissions, their Government is sailing in opposite direction.

Last Wednesday, Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes MP secured a debate in the Parliament on climate change. The purpose of the debate was to call on the Government to sign up to 10-10 campaign and commit to a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of 2010.

AND GUESS WHAT?                           

The Government defeated the motion by 297  to 226 votes.

Harry Cohan MP voted against the motion.

Neil Gerrard MP voted for it.

SO MUCH FOR LABOUR SUPPORTING THE CLIMATE CHANGE

Leyton and Wanstead Parliamentary candidate, Cllr Farooq Qureshi presented a motion to the full council against the increase in aircraft noise pollution over Leyton and Wanstead, which was accepted unanimously.

After the proposed amendments, the contents of the motion are:

This Council recognises residents concerns over the expansion of London City and Heathrow Airports, and believes that the increased number of flights using these airports and the associated noise nuisance and environmental impact is detrimental to Waltham Forest residents. This council welcomes steps already taken by the Leader of the council requesting:

• That the officers respond to the current BAA Heathrow consultation programme Noise Action Plan.
• The Noise Level Assessment Team investigate whether any residents are entitled to the London City Airport(LCA) sound insulation grant scheme.
• That Waltham Forest Council be able to join the LCA consultation committee which at the moment is only open to Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.
• An all party working group be set up so that all parties can come together to tackle this issue.

 Therefore this council requests that the Chief Executive:

Carries out an immediate investigation into the consultation process undertaken in respect of the expansion of London City airport and the flight path changes by the Civil Aviation Authority, the London Borough of Newham or any other party. This investigation will include consideration of:

• Whether or not Waltham Forest council was consulted and if it was, what response was provided by Waltham Forest council and, if no response was provided, why not.

Upon the completion of this investigation, this council requests that the Chief Executive takes appropriate action which should include:

• Writing to the Mayor of Newham, condemning the decision to allow further expansion of London City airport and stressing the negative impact this decision has had on residents of Waltham forest.
• Writing to Mayor of London, condemning plans for a new four runway airport in the Thames Estuary and asking why he supported the expansion of London City airport and what consideration was given to the detrimental impact of the expansion on residents of Waltham forest.
• Writing to the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS to ask what action they took to consult residents of Waltham Faorest on the changes to flight paths and London City expansion.
• Seeking an investigation by the EU commissioner into the expansion of London City Airport and the impact it has had on residents of Waltham Forest and East London.
• Considering the merits of legal action in relation to the expansion of LCA and/or flight path changes.
• Signing up to the 10:10 campaign which aims to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. 

This council requests that the Chief Executive reports his findings back to councillors at the earliest opportunity.”

Cllr F Qureshi said: We accepted the Labour amendments because we welcome the cross party consensus on this very important issue. We need to unite and fight against this attack on the environment and the quality of life of our residents.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TO ALL THOSE CELEBRATING DIWALI

We wish you a very happy festival of lights and a prosperous new year.

Your local Focus Team held a street advice surgery in Francis Road on Saturday afternoon. A large number of residents signed our pettion for more Police officers on our streets.

For future street advice surgeries, please watch this space.

Cllr Farooq Qureshi, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Leyton and wanstead is fighting to make Leyton underground station disabled friendly and ease congestion during peak hours.

Please visit:                 www.walthamstow.today.co.uk 

                                                                                                                                                                        The Lib Dem’s public meeting about the increase in flights over our homes was a huge success.

Cllr Farooq Qureshi, the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate for Leyton & Wanstead spoke to a packed meeting where it was explained that due to the change in flight paths from Heathrow and the expansion of London City Airport (LCA), there are now more planes flying over our area, causing more noise and more pollution.

Cllr Qureshi said “we’ll join the local campaign groups and other interested parties to fight against this attack on our quality of life”.

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Caroline Pigeon London Assembly Member and Representatives from FTF and HACAN also spoke at the meeting. Baroness Sarah Ludford and Caroline Pigeon pledged their support for the local groups in their campaign against the expansion of LCA.

As previously reported by the Focus teams across Leyton & Wanstead, the Waltham Forest council failed to respond to the consultation on the expansion master plan and subsequently Newham council granted permission for the expansion without consulting Waltham Forest or Redbridge.

Cllr Qureshi has written to the Cabinet Member for investment and enterprise asking for an explanation about the failure of Waltham Forest council to respond to the original consultation.

We, the Liberal Democrats, took the lead in this campaign against the fights increase and arranged the public meeting which was widely publicised. The meeting was attended by a large number of Lib Dem councillors and activists from Waltham forest and Redbridge. Only two Conservative councillors from Waltham Forest attended but sadly there was no sign of any Labour councillor from either Waltham Forest or Redbridge.

Now it seems that the Labour councillors have also heard the aircraft noise and want to jump on the band wagon.

It would also be good to know if the Conservatives are all on board with us or not? Because, one of the Conservative councillors who attended, circulated an email prior to the meeting stating “The flight noise mostly comes from Heathrow”, whilst his colleague at the meeting seems to agree with us.

We say: “we welcome the idea of a cross party consensus on this very important issue. Lets get together and fight for the rights of the residents of Leyton & Wanstead.”

On Eid day some of my grandchildren came to visit us. All looking beautiful and glamorous. Sahir, Saniya, Saqaba, Suleiman and Hadeeqa.

Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for Leyton & wanstead Cllr Farooq Qureshi, alongside other members of Finance Overview and Scrutiny sub committee went on a tour of the Olympic park, led by a guide from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the organisation responsible for building the Olympic park.

It was fascinating to see the once run down area of the east end of London being transformed into a high quality sports arena, which will be the focus of attention for the whole world.

The visiting group was told that the building program is progressing according to schedule and is on course to complete by 2011 for the rehearsals to begin. Special attention is being focused on all the small details. The ODA have made sure to include even the praying facilities in the Olympic village.

Following the tour of the park, there was an informal reception hosted by ODA in one of their specially built flats that over looks the Olympic park.

Speaking about the post-games plans, Cllr Qureshi said: “I know that a lengthy and thorough assessment was carried out about what legacy the Olympic games will leave behind. I hope that the residents of Leyton & Wanstead will receive their fair share of the benefits by way of a legacy“.

Earlier this year, in partnership with Streetcar, the council launched a network of car clubs across the Borough for the benefit of residents and businesses. The scheme has proved poplar, and to meet the growing demand the council now is working to expand the coverage. It is proposed that two new car club bays will be introduced in Forest Ward.

Waltham Forest council has sent out consultations on proposed car club bays in Forest Ward. The council is seeking your views on the proposals to provide car club parking spaces on St.Andrew’s Road, close to the junction with Poppleton Road and on Fletcher Lane near the junction with High Road Leyton.

For further information on car clubs please visit these websites: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/car-club

www.carclub.org.uk

If you would like to comment on this proposal or if you have any questions, please contact

Billy Parr on 0208 496 6785 or

billy.parr@walthamforest.gov.uk

An Alley way which runs between the back gardens of some of the houses in Lea Bridge Road and Carnarvon Road has become a problem spot. Irresponsible people use it for fly tipping and other undesirable activities.

Local residents are very concerned and have lodged complaints asking the council to erect a gate and light. But the Council has always maintained that this is privately owned land therefore it is out side the responsibility of the council.

Cllrs Farooq Qureshi and Samina Safdar have taken the matter up with the council once again. The alley way will be visited by the council officers along side the councillors on

Friday 11th September

3.15PM

If you are a concerned local resident, please come and join us.

More planes, more noise and more pollution is what is happening in the skies over Leyton and Wanstead.

There is a significant increase in air traffic, both from London Heathrow and London City Airports crossing over Leyton, Leytonstone, Snaresbrook and Wanstead. Jets from Heathrow fly over us at the altitude of less the 10,000  feet and planes from London City Airport roar over us at around 3000 feet.

We have found out that Newham Council have granted permission for an increase in flights from London City Airport(LCA). This would double the number of flights from 76000(current) to 120,000 per year and would also allow the use of larger capacity jets. LCA hopes to expand on that and by 2030 increase the numbers to 176000 a year.

Good for the airport but misery for residents with flight paths crossing our homes.

The low level take off and landing path affects thousands of homes in the most densely populated areas in East and South East London. National Air Traffic System (NATS) are now also looking into adjusting the current flight paths, simply to accommodate all the extra flights from the flight expansion schemes.

 London City Airport is having to independently have its flight path changed to accommodate the increased use of jets, using the residentially situated airport. Jets simply can’t follow the same flight paths as propeller planes have done in the past.

We have learnt that in 2006, The Newham Council consulted our own Waltham Forest council on the planned expansions. BUT Waltham Forest Council failed to respond to the consultations or inform its residents. When we confronted them over the issue, no one knew why they failed to reply to Newham’s consultation.

We are not anti aviation. We simply believe that London City Airport’s perceived need for extra business has to be balanced with the quality of life of our residents.

With all of the above in mind, we, the Liberal Democrats of Leyton and Wanstead constituency have decided to work with “Fight The Flight” to fight the continued expansions.

Leyton and Wanstead Parliamentary candidate Cllr Farooq Qureshi has organised a public meeting about these issues. Representatives of Fight The Flight and London City Airport have been invited to attend.

If you are concerned about the noise and pollution from the increase in air traffic over our homes, then please come to the meeting. Details are as follows.

Friday 2nd October 09

7.00PM

The Quaker Meeting House

Bush Road, Off Greenman Roundabout

Leytonstone

If you would like to make a formal complaint, please write to,

The Planning Department

London Borough of Newham

Town Hall

Barking Road, East Ham

London, E6 2RP

Ref:- 07/01510/var

Please let us know about your views on this issue.

A group of alcoholics regularly congregate around Bakers Arms. The triangle layout area is heavily used by the drinkers, who cause ASB with their undesirable activities. We have spoken to the Safer Neighbourhood team to help eradicate the problem.

A couple of years ago, street drinkers used to cause misery in  Leytonstone, until the area was declared an alcohol free zone and the drinkers were moved on. After a while the group started to gather in the squire at junction of Leigh Road and Hainault Road and now it’s Bakers Arms.

If this recent problem continues, we will call upon the WF Council to apply for an ASBO to clear and clean up Bakers Arms area.

A small alley way off Poplars Road has become a hot-spot for drug dealers and users of illegal substances. It is also being used for illegal fly tipping.

Cllr Qureshi and officers of The Safer Neighbourhood Team(snt) visited the spot and discussed the ways to eliminate the problems. SNT have promised to increase their patrols of the area. The Focus Team has decided to distribute leaflets to all businesses on Hoe Street whose gardens back on to the alley way, to keep vigilance and report any illegal activities.

FOCUS TEAMS WORK ALL YEAR ROUND

The Focus Team and Officers of The Safer Neighbourhood Team inspected a no right turn traffic sign on Lea Bridge Road which has been partly covered and damaged with spray/paint. Despite the sign being partly covered, Drivers be warned, There still is NO RIGHT TURN from Lea Bridge Road in to Essex Road.This vandalism has been reported and will be rectified ASAP.

Council officers are currently working on several bus priority schemes across the Borough. As a part of this process, it has been identified that vehicles parked in the vicinity of Whipps Cross Road/James Lane junction are causing access difficulties to buses. This is most evident at busy times.

In order to reduce delays to buses, the officers are proposing to introduce additional traffic managment measures. It is proposed that additional 24-hour loading/waiting restriction along both arms of James Lane is introduced to remove the likelihood of blue badge parking on the existing double yellow lines. In addition, extra signage will be erected along Whipps Cross Road to reinforce the existing `No Stopping restriction.

Cllrs Farooq Qureshi, Bob Sullivan, James O`Rourke and Samina Safdar enjoyed a day out at the Waltham Forest annual Asian Mela. Lib Dem Focus team member Mahmood Faiz was also at the Mela raising funds for a charity. Cllr Safdar was accompanied by her children.

Thousands of people from across the Borough and beyond enjoyed a day out. There were fun rides for the children and plenty of food stall for every one to enjoy. This Council funded event has become an important event in the Borough calender.

Waltham Forest council has purchased a new drugs testing machine to be used in conjunction with Metropolitan Police. This machine can pick up traces of all types of drugs from any surface.

Pc Neal and officers of the Council presented the machine to the Councillors prior to full Council meeting at the Town Hall. Cllr Farooq Qureshi, Cllr Samina Safdar and a number of other Councillors watched the demonstration with interest.

We hope that with help of this equipment, the authorities will be able to clean up the area from drugs.

Following controversial de-selection of some of the long serving Labour Councillors, Cllr Milton Martin has crossed the floor and joined the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Martin will carry on serving Cathall Ward as a Lib Dem Councillor.

Speaking about his move Cllr Martin said: “I have increasingly found myself disillusioned with the direction of the Labour party both locally and nationally, and the deselection for me was the final straw.

This move has increased the number of Lib Dem Councillors in Waltham Forest to 21. The number of Labour Councillors has gone down to 24(so far) and the Conservatives remain unchanged on 15. 

All of the black Labour Councillors have been ousted, prompting comments that the de-selections were racially motivated.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg MP attended a rally called by the Walthamstow PPC Farid Ahmed.

Leyton and Wanstead PPC Cllr Farooq Qureshi, Forest Focus team member Haroon Munir, William Morris Focus team member Talat Khan and Raja Allah Ditta Khan were amongst other Lib Dem Councillors, activists and members, who attended the rally.

Internal power groups within Waltham Forest’s Labour Party have caused the de-selection of some of the long serving councillors, who will not be able stand in next years local elections.

All black councillors have been ousted by the Waltham Forest Labour Party, prompting comments that the de-selections were racially motivated.

Following the revelation about his expenses claims and the subsequent investigation, Labour MP Harry Cohan has decided to step down at the next election. Amongst his other expenses, Harry Cohan claimed for the redecoration of his home which he later sold, and then charged the taxpayer £12,000 for stamp duty and fees.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Leyton and Wanstead Cllr. Farooq Qureshi says:

“It is clear that many MPs have misused public money. These people are not fit to serve and Harry is near the top of the list. If the elections are called next year, Mr Cohan will continue to have an entire year’s worth of salary, pension fund and more expenses claimed from the taxpayer. We need an election now to put a stop to this expenses scandal. GORDON BROWN SHOULD CALL ELECTIONS NOW.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne MP was the chief guest at a rally called by the Liberal Democrats of Leyton and Wanstead.

Speaking at the rally, Chris Huhne MP said: Some of the Labour Government’s foreign policies have dented the British reputation across the globe. We need to review those policies to restore trust and learn from our mistakes such as the Iraq war. We, the Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to hold the Iraq war inquiry in public and not behind closed doors.

Speaking about the next general election the shadow Home Secretary said that Cllr Farooq Qureshi would make an ideal PPC for Leyton and Wanstead. Cllr Qureshi is a hard working councillor who is extremely dedicated and I am sure that he will make an excellent MP for this area.

Cllr Farooq Qureshi said: As a councillor and a former Mayor, I have served this area well and if and when I am elected as an MP, I shall do my utmost to serve this constituency to the best of my ability.

Chair person of Leyton and Wanstead, Cllr Laura Sheppard; Leader of Liberal Democrats and deputy leader of the council, Cllr John Macklin, Cllr Johar Khan and Cllr Keith Rayner also spoke at the rally. Cllr Bob Sullivan, Cllr Samina Safdar, Clyde Kitson and Neal Chubb along with rest of the campaign team worked hard and made this rally a success.

Leyton and Wanstead Liberal Democrats held a stall at the Noor ul Islam`s annual summer fair at the leyton youth centre. This fun packed day was attended by thousands of people from all over the Borough. Food, clothes and other goods were on sale. Children took part in races and enjoyed the fun fair rides.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Whipps Cross Hospital`s Big Push appeal and other voluntary organisations were also there to offer help and advice.

Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Leyton and Wanstead Cllr Farooq Qureshi, Cllr Bob Sullivan, Cllr Naheed Qureshi, Cllr Winnie Smith and Mahmood Faiz managed the Lib Dem stall. Hundreds of people signed our petition calling on the Government to hold the Iraq war inquiry in public and not behind closed doors.

New principle of Leyton Sixth Form College, Mr Kevin Morrison held a meeting with the residents of surrounding streets at the collage. Officers of Safer Neighbourhood team and Cllr Farooq Qureshi were also present at this well attended meeting. Mr Ian Bell, the building works project manager explained the latest stage of the work and informed the meeting that the collage has submitted a new retrospective planning  application to the council to increase the height of the proposed sports hall. At present the collage is waiting for the funding to be finalised by the Learning Skills Council and hope to start the building work by September 09. The meeting was also informed that after the completion of proposed building work, the grass pitch at the rear of the collage will be relaid by 2012.

Residents of Nottingham Road complained that due to heavy goods traffic generated by the building works, the road surface has deteriorated significantly and is urgent need of repairs. Residents also complained about litter dropping, blaring car music, speeding and spitting allegedly caused by the students of the collage. The Principle of the collage promised to look into the matter and rectify the problem ASAP. It was resolved that the collage will stay in contact with the residents through regular meetings. 

Cllrs Farooq Qureshi, Samina Safder and Bob Sullivan  attended the launch of a new community cafe in St Andrews Church in Colworth Road, Leytonstone.

This is an excellent venue to meet the local community and enjoy the tasty recipes of Elliot Joseph.

Opening hours are Tuesday and Saturday 10am to 5pm and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12 noon to 5pm.

Cllr Farooq Qureshi attended the launch of Whipps Cross Hospital’s big push appeal at Noorul Islam Mosque in High Road Leyton.

Whipps Cross Hospital has secured a NHS grant of £3million to fund major improvements and expansions. Now they need to raise £350,000 to up grade the facilities in the maternity unit.

Noorul Islam has launched the fund-raising program at their Mosque.

We say: Please donate generously.

New Principle at LSC has arranged a meeting of the residents of the streets surrounding the collage. This is to discuss any difficulties or problems faced by the residents because of the collage. Cllr F Qureshi and Cllr S Safder will also be present at this meeting. If you are interested, please do come.       Wednesday 24th June

At 7PM

Leyton Sixth Form Collage

Essex Road, Leyton E10

Local residents are invited to come and join local Liberal Democrat councillors, parliamentary candidates and MPs in Leytonstone on Sunday 28th June 2009 to celebrate our local successes - and hear what we have planned for the future.

Chris Huhne MP, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman in parliament, will be speaking at the event alongside Farooq Qureshi, the Forest ward councillor and Liberal Democrat candidate for the parliamentary seat of Leyton and Wanstead.

Councillors will be available informally to listen to your views and talk about their work for the future of our borough.

If you would like to attend, please see the event details below:

Date: Sunday 28th June 2009

Time: 2.30pm for 3pm start.

Venue: Indian Mulsim Federation Hall, Trinity Close, Leytonstone E11 4RP

Refreshments will be provided. For more information or to confirm your attendance, please contact Cllr Farooq Qureshi or Cllr Samina Safdar at

cllr.farooq.qureshi@walthamforest.gov.uk

cllr.samina.safdar@walthamforest.gov.uk

Cllr Farooq Qureshi went on a ward walk with the Chief Executive of the Council Mr Andrew Kilburn. This included a drive around Forest Ward to identify the problem spots of fly tipping, grafity and areas of other concerns.

This was basically an introduction of the ward for CEO of the Council.

Lately many people are wondering how they will make ends meet in an ever deepening crisis.  With this in mind Lib Dems have asked the council to look at ways to help people with the financial problems people are facing.  The good news is that the Council is planning to keep Council Tax increases to below 2% next year and will let people pay 12 instalments rather the 10. 

The Council will also settle their bills with local businesses with in 10 days.  It is important that we keep looking for ways to help.

As the Lib Dems say ” Actions are far better the words.”

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.  Lets hope 2009 bring us all great happiness and joy.

After a very long wait it is great to see West End Avenue resurfaced and a job well done.

The fenced area at the back of the bus garage in Ely Road was continuously used for dumping rubbish.

The Focus Team has had it cleared many times but the fly tipping had not stopped.

The good news is that the bus garage has got together with the council to keep this area free from all rubbish.

Please remember the council will come and collect any bulky items you want to despose of, just call.