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.

The Corner Stone

Essex Road

On

Wednesday 10th February 2010

At

6:30pm

This meeting is to call all of you who can help the Liberal Democrats win the Election in 2010,                                                                                       

All of you who can help and support in any way,

Any great ideas are welcomed.

Please do attend!!!!

Lib Dems working hard for you the community!!!!

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.

A dispersal order will provide the police with additional powers to disperse groups of two or more people where the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in a member of the public from being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Once asked to disperse it will be a criminal offence for that person to return to the dispersal area for a 24-hour period.

If a young person under the age of sixteen is stopped in the area after 9pm and is not accompanied by an adult the police can escort them to their home address, if they are either:                

• At risk or vulnerable from anti-social behaviour, crime etc
• Causing, or at risk of causing, anti-social behaviour

Well a dispersal order has been put in place and commenced from 12noon on 23 November 2009 and will end at 11.59am on 22 May 2010 after which the council will review this again.

Lib Dems working hard for the community!!!!!!

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

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.

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!!!!

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.

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/

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.

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

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

                               

   LIB DEM CLLR BOB BELAM’S HARD WORK PAYS DIVIDENDS

Waltham Forest council launched a plastic bag amnesty scheme at the “Energy Fair” at Walthamstow town square.

The Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Bob Belam has been working on this scheme for two years. This is partly a result of the successful Liberal Democrat’s climate change motion to full council in December 2007.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidates, Cllr Farooq Qureshi (Leyton & Wanstead) and Farid Ahmed (Walthamstow) were amongst Lib Dem councillors and activists, who attended the Energy Fair.

Members of Lib Dem Focus teams from across the Borough have congratulated Cllr Bob Belam on his hard work and commitment to tackle the climate change issues.

WELL DONE BOB 

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.”

We have called upon the relevant authorities to act now and arrange for fresh consultation and re-asses the situation to ease the peak-time congestion at the east-bound platform.

LEYTON UNDERGROUND STATION IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF ATTENTION

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.

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

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.

For future street advice surgeries, please watch this space.

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

First street advice surgery was held last Saturday, outside WFD on High Road Leyton. Residents signed our petition, calling for more Police officers on our streets.

Next advice surgery will be held out the parade of shops on Francis Road in Leyton, between 2PM to 4PM. If you have any issues you need to discuss or any problem that you need help with, then please come and visit us.

For further dates and venues, please watch this space.  

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.”

Our inquiries in the matter have revealed that:

In November 2008, The Transport Liaison group of London Borough of Waltham Forest visited Leyton underground station. This visit was arranged by London underground’s (LU) Liaison Manager. The visit looked at crowding issues at the station and the possibility of opening the secondary staircase on the east bound platform. It also considered the role of the station during 2012 Olympics. The London underground’s response was:

The staircase is opened only when LU anticipate large numbers exiting the station, such as during certain football games, and again only when there is supervision by additional staff (very often by British Transport Police Officers). On these occasions, the large volumes of passengers (sometimes up-to 5000 in an hour) justifies the need to open an additional entrance and extra resources to manage it.

However, the occasional need to use this staircase is not sufficient to warrant bringing it into daily operation. The staircase is open to the elements and substantial work would be required to enable it for everyday use. This would include overhead protection, CCTV, lighting, public address system and other customer safety provisions. There are also no oyster readers installed at this secondary staircase. This would mean that customers with oyster pay as you go cards would not be able to complete their journeys and could be charged an exes fare.

While LU recognise that there has been an increase in customers using Leyton over the past several years, station management is confident that there are no safety issues with the current customer flow conditions. The available capacity allows the safe movement of the current volume of customers through the platforms and station. There have been no accidents reported at Leyton, related to over crowding.

The role of Leyton station during Olympics was also discussed. As part of the ODA’s transport strategy for the Olympic park, three stations have been identified as ’Olympic Park Gateway Stations’. They are: Stratford Regional station, Stratford International station and West Ham station. Leyton station was reviewed as part of the transport plan, however these other stations were preferred because of a verity of strategic reasons.

The Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for Leyton & Wanstead, Cllr Farooq Qureshi says:

I have my reservations about this response. Lu and the ODA need to re-think their strategy and consider the possibility of including Leyton tube station in their list of ‘Olympic Park Gateway Stations’. I also call upon the LU to improve the access for disabled passengers which is non existent at Leyton underground station.

A number of issues regarding transport infrastructure were discussed. The Lib Dem councillors were positive about the meeting and the awareness from TFL of customer concerns.

Historically at the top of the local transport agenda, The Hall Farm Curve rail link was discussed. Despite the confirmation that the restoration of the service was not part of the immediate plans, TFL representatives said that, as a service partner for the Olympics, it would be prepared to work with the ODA if the 2012 body wanted to investigate the Hall Farm Curve as part of the Olympic infrastructure. But, for this to materialise,the local council has to make a convincing case.

Other issues discussed included:

• Easing of “exit” congestion at Leyton and Leytonstone underground stations by opening up additional exits in peak periods.
• Improved accessibility for disabled passengers at Leyton Tube Station.
• The need for better and more frequent bus routes for both Leyton and Leytonstone High Roads, including improved connections with the rest of the borough and improved services to and from Stratford.
• The refurbishment of Leyton Midland and Leytonstone High Road Stations on the Barking and Gospel Oak lines, including better lighting and platform information systems.

After the meeting Cllr Qureshi said:  “I am very pleased that TFL were prepared to listen to residents concerns about our local transport infrastructure and what benefits 2012 could provide for local transport links. Good and easily accessible transport is vital for a sustainable economy in Leyton and Wanstead. It will play an enormous part in efforts to bring much needed economic prosperity to our area.”

Representatives of TFL promised to arrange further meetings between TFL and ODA which will include ward councillors and special interest groups so that they can have an input into priority transport improvement in the area.

“The  Big Tidy Up” is a part of an initiative  of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, in which, Community groups throughout the UK tidy and spruce up their neighbourhoods.

As a part of this campaign, Forest Residents Association(FORA) organised their Autumn Litter Pick Event at the bottom of Forest Glade, behind St.Andrew’s Church. The target areas were the Forest Glade section of the Leytonstone Conservation area and adjacent areas of Epping Forest around Whipps Cross.

This was a really fun way to catch some fresh air, exercise, make new friends and help build a sense of community and neighbourhood. Pickers and latex gloves were supplied by the courtesy of “Open Spaces, City of London” who own and manage the 6000 acres of varied habitats and recreational spaces that make up Epping Forest.

Cafe’ Refresh in the adjacent St.Andrew’s Church was open to serve yummy and reasonably priced food and beverages.

Cllrs Samina Safdar and Farooq Qureshi of the Focus Team say: A big thank you to FORA and Open Spaces.     Keep up the good work.

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

The Head of Public Realm informed the councillors that due to the fact that this alleyway is a private land and not owned by the Borough, the council is unable to take responsibility. However, if the residents whose gardens back on to the alleyway are willing to share the cost of erecting a security gate, the council will meet the cost and have the Alley Way cleaned and cleared up.

Cllrs Samina Safdar and Farooq Qureshi are in process of calling a meeting of the concerned residents to discuss the issue.

For future developments, watch this space.

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

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.

FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 09

THE QUAKER MEETING HOUSE

BUSH ROAD, OFF THE GREENMAN ROUNDABOUT

LEYTONSTONE

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.