Hello again. We are proud to present our regular fortnighly round up on what is new where we are, and make our usual request that once you have read it, that you please pass it on to someone you know who might like to become a TASK supporter.
Meads Lane Post Office: still time to object
The campaign continues to save this pivital community lifeline, as time runs out on the formal consultation period which concludes on April 2.
We are asking all our supporters to take just a few minutes to send an email, make a call or write a letter to register our concerns about the loss of this facility, run so ably for so long by post master David Shah and his family.
Main points you might want to make include:
- the centrality of the service to local people, especially the elderly and mobility limited, plus the extra value offered through David's exemplary customer service and extensive language skills which are so additionally helpful in our diverse community;
- the technical error in the Post Office assessment of sites suggesting Meads Lane post office is not on a bus route. In fact, it is actually on a hail and ride route and therefore has a stop potential immediately outside its door, thus offering unbeatable access. Side roads also offer good additional parking options;
- the site actually runs at a profit, with a socially useful school uniform concession attached that would itself be under threat if the post office were to close;
- there is no direct bus service to the nearest alternative venue on the High Road, necessitating up to a half hour walk and/ or an expensive cab ride for most needy customers. Even for those with cars, parking is deeply difficult at the busy High Road site.
The consultation contacts are as follows:
- online at http://www.postoffice.co.uk/- click on public consultation under the network change programme;
- by email at consultation@postoffice.co.uk;
- by phone at 08457 22 33 44;
- by snail mail at Anita Turner, Network Development manager, c/o national Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM.
TASK have also taken up the issue with relevant Redbridge Council Cabinet member Cllr Keith Prince, urging that the Council considers taking over branches like Meads Lane, following the example of Essex County Council, which has excited huge interest in terms of its plans to use post offices to promote Council services and effectively operate as a local community based neighbourhood office. Given its profitable status, extending this lifeline to Meads Lane would operate as a negligible charge on the public purse, whilst potentially offering an accessible new Council service point with brilliant customer care. Cllr Prince has agreed to consider this idea and we will be chasing him as the deadline looms.
Finally, on the Post Office issue, we were sad to see that Ilford South MP Mike Gapes voted to support the Government's Post Office closure programme in last week's parliamentary debate.
Allotments threat: not quite all over yet
Previous TASK newsletters have talked of a receding threat to the Council's proposed allotment sale programme, which includes local sites in Seven Kings and neighbouring Goodmayes.
This is undoubtedly good news, but the local allotment society have asked us to point out the threat is not entirely over and that all concerned locals should use the upcoming 'Big Conversation' public consultation on Council services to finally kill off all talk of disposing of any allotment sites. Full details of the 'Big Conversation' will be announced shortly and will feature prominently in future TASK newsletters.
Meanwhile, if you are thinking of taking up an allotment please contact the Seven KIngs and Goodmayes Allotment Society, who would be delighted to talk to you and confirm they have just a few plots left. See their website at http://www.skgas.org.uk/ or ring 020 8 553 3739 after working hours
Spring streetscene walkabout: new date announced
Now scheduled for Friday April 25 starting at 9am outside Seven Kings railway station. This regular walkabout with Council officers allows immediate action on broken paving, out of action lamps, graffiti and dumping, ensuring that some of our everyday issues get shared, discussed and sorted. Fast.
The walk will start around the Seven Kings health centre and can address any other hotspots supporters wish to identify. Please email Ali at ahai@deloitte.co.uk with your ideas and/ or offer to take part in the walkabout
Greening the area: more trees now promised following lobbying by TASK
We were joined on the last streetscene walk in early March by one of the Council's tree officers, who after a detailed conversation with Ali, is now investigating planting more trees along the High Road and local side streets. Apparently, there is some caution from some local residents having a tree sited outside their house, so If you have an interest in hosting one near you, please let us know and we can pass this on and get any planting started quicker. Contact Ali at ahai@deloitte.co.uk
Is it the last post for the British Legion?
Rumours reach us that property developers have been sniffing around the British Legion clubhouse on Durban Road, with talk of unfeasibly low bids for the building itself and an interest in possible new house building here. This follows attempted tree cutting earlier this year on empty property next to the very same clubhouse, which was only stopped as concerned residents took urgent action by contacting the police and the Council tree department.
We are advised that the Legion have turned down a derisory initial offer, but will be monitoring developments in this area closely.
Anyone who knows anything is urged to contact us at chrisconnelley@ntlworld.com
Next public meeting scheduled for May
After the success of the first open TASK meeting in early March, we are planning another session in early May, with plans to invite Swan Housing-owners and developers of the High Road car/lorry park- and Council officers responsible for the future of the swimming pool, which looks set to close in December with no clear costed plan to replace it.
Dates, start times and a venue- all ideas and offers are welcome- will be confirmed in our next issue
Downshall School table Top sale: Saturday 29 March from 1000-1200
All those with some time on saturday morning are encouraged to spend a few minutes- and some money- at this fundraising event for a popular local school, which offers the chance of a good bargain. Entrance is on Meads Lane
That's it, folks! Please keep us posted of your local news stories and upcoming charity events, which we will happily list for you for free, by emailing chrisconnelley@ntlworld.com. Next issue is out w/b 7 April.
The Housemartins - Build.
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