‘Plot’ to extend the temporary Olympic Parking Zone restrictions

 

Temporary Olympic CPZ sign

  

When the Council and the ODA decided to implement the temporary Olympic Controlled Parking Zone, it was clearly stated that it would be withdrawn on the 9th September following the closure of the Paralympic Games.  

The Council also stated that they would be undertaking a consultation with the residents to find out if, in the light of their experience during the Games, they wished to make the Controlled Parking Zone permanent.  

The Lib Dems have now discovered that the Council has already published a Traffic Order allowing them to extend the temporary provision for 18 months. It also states that the Council will be considering ‘in due course’ whether the provisions of the experimental orders should be continued in force indefinitely by means of permanent Orders.  

Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that there is no need for permanent parking restrictions in most of the roads in areas GO1 – GO10, as they do not have a history of parking problems.  

All residents are urged to send in written objections to both the temporary 18 month extension and the permanent CPZ to the Council at:  

Traffic Orders,

Environment and Regeneration,

London Borough of Waltham Forest,

Low Hall,

Argall Avenue, London, E10 7AS

quoting reference: Traffic Orders T20.

Closing date for objections: 8th February 2013  

  

PRESS RELEASE – Waltham Forest Labour are letting our schools down

Councillor Liz Phillips has raised concerns about Waltham Forest council’s contractor Babcock after it was revealed that almost 15% of the Borough’s schools are now in special measures following their two years as the council’s contractor.

In a written answer to Cllr Phillips, the Labour Cabinet member, Cllr Clare Coghill described the council’s risk analysis programme for schools as ‘a work in progress’ and said that the council’s priority had been ‘savings of £2m from the contract at an early opportunity’.

Councillor Liz Phillips, Waltham Forest Lib Dem spokesperson for Children and Member of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Board, said:

“Almost 15% of our schools are now in special measures and yet the council won’t be seeking any compensation from the contractor who presided over this mess.”

“Surely there should be something in our contract with this company that means at the very least they must pay for failing local kids and their parents?”

“In Waltham Forest we are now on our 4th Labour cabinet member for Children’s Services in just over two years. Perhaps if someone with a bit of experience would take responsibility for more than a few months then we wouldn’t be in this situation?”

PRESS RELEASE – Waltham Forest Lib Dems slam Labour’s ‘APPRENTICE-STYLE BOARDROOM’

The total cost of the new refurbishments at Waltham Forest Town Hall has been uncovered by Lib Dem councillor for Cann Hall ward Liz Phillips. According to a written answer to Councillor Phillips, the cost of the new Town Hall reception area and what has been dubbed ‘The Boardroom’ by the council now totals £610,000.

Councillor Liz Phillips said:

“Whilst there was clearly some need for private meeting spaces for residents, these costs seem exorbitant to me.”

“This new boardroom looks like no more than a vanity project so Labour Cabinet members can sit there and pretend to be Alan Sugar.

“Labour claim that some of the costs will be paid for through renting it out but no doubt it will be Waltham Forest residents who pick up the lion’s share of the bill.

“Labour Cabinet members should reflect on whether that money could have been better spent on our young people, for example on ensuring that the council finally meet their apprenticeship targets for this Borough or keeping open Harrow Green library.”

Planning Update – 590-594 Leyton High Road

Vacant plot at the junction of Leyton High Road and Hainault Road

 

Planning Application 2011/0870

This application covered the erection of a 3-5 storey building, with office use on the ground floor and 23 residential units with three disabled parking spaces.

This latest planning application for this landmark site at the junction of Leyton High Road and Hainault Road was considered by the Planning Committee last night.

Councillor Bob Sullivan, who was a member of the committee is pleased to confirm that it was, once again, rejected.

WESTFIELD – access restricted Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August

Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August

On these days all Olympic Park venues will be operational and a large increase in the number of Olympic Games visitors is expected.

To assist with the smooth running of the Games access to the Westfield Shopping Centre will be restricted from 10.30am until 5.00pm. Only the following will be allowed access:

  • Accredited personnel

  • Hospitality visitors

  • Games ticket holders

Outside these hours the shops will be open to all visitors until 11.00pm and restaurants and leisure until 12.30am.

Drapers Playing Field – What the Council plans!

Drapers Playing Field - before the Olympics took over!

Planning Application no. 2012/0482/LA

The planning application is due to be heard by the Planning Committee on 2nd. August.

PROPOSAL:

  • Post Olympic reinstatement as a ‘public park’

  • Provision of a junior-sized grass football pitch

  • Relocation of the synthetic turf pitch

  • Formation of play areas

  • Refurbishment of the Sport England pavilion

  • New pathways and landscaping

  • Provision of an Urban Beach

The adult grass football pitch is not to be restored, despite the Council’s own Playing Pitch Strategy accepting that there is a lack of such provision in the south of the borough and stating that all current facilities should be protected. The report to the Planning Committee states that ‘on consideration’ there are insufficient grounds to withhold consent.

Full details can be found on the Council’s website:

http://www1.walthamforest.gov.uk/moderngov/mgA.aspx?M=2809

Any comments should be sent to:

The Development Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Sycamore House, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF

590-594 Leyton High Road – Planning Application

Planning Application Number: 2011/0870

A developer has lodged another planning application for this landmark site at the junction of High Road Leyton and Hainault Road.

PROPOSAL:

  • Erection of a 3 – 5 storey building
  • 286 sqm. B1 office use on the ground floor
  • 23 residential units comprising 1 x 3 bedroom house, 3 x 4 bedroom house and 19 flats (9 x 1 bed and 10 x 2 bed)
  • 3 disabled parking spaces

The planning application is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Committee on 2nd. August

Full details can be found on the Council’s website:

http://www1.walthamforest.gov.uk/moderngov/mgA.aspx?M=2809

Any comments should be sent to:

The Development Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Sycamore House, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF

Barking – Gospel Oak Line – NEWSFLASH

The Barking – Gospel Oak User Group (BGOLUG) has learnt that the vital morning commuter train (07.59 from Woodgrange Park) put on last summer to relieve overcrowding is to be cancelled during the Olympic Games.

Richard Pout BGOLUG Secretary said:

“The withdrawal of this train will cause intolerable conditions for commuters trying to get to work in the morning, BGOLUG therefore has to advise passengers to use alternative public transport routes during the games”

“This cut together with the planned half-hourly service from 10 o’clock in the evening will help ensure ‘sardine’ conditions all day and night during the Olympics. Likewise, with a ban on engineering work during the Games, there is no reason why a Saturday service could not be operated on Sundays instead of the first trains being after the morning’s Olympic events have started.”

BGOLUG are calling on TfL to:

  • Reinstate the 07.59 Mondays – Fridays Woodgrange Park – Hampstead Heath train
  • Operate a 15 minute frequency service from start to finish of the service throughout the Games period
  • Start and finish Sunday operations at Saturday times and run 15 minutes throughout the day when Olympic events are scheduled

New Surgery – now weekly!

The Service Station near Leyton Midland Road Overground Station

 

Following the successful launch of the new councillor surgery/advice centre at the M&S/BP Service Station the Liberal Democrats are pleased to announce that it will be held on Friday every week.

M&S/BP Service Station, Leyton High Road

junction of Fletcher Lane

Open every Friday for 1 hour from 7pm until 8pm.

As usual no appointments are necessary and all consultations are confidential.

Olympic Parking Zone starts 16 July

The Olympic Parking Zone comes into effect on 16 July.

Parking restrictions will operate in Waltham Forest in all streets south of Lea Bridge Road.

Period covered: from 16 July until 9 September 2012

Days of operation: Monday – Sunday

Hours: 8am – 1pm and 3pm – 9pm

This includes both existing controlled parking zones (CPZs) and streets with no existing parking controls

All parking arrangements return to normal after 9 September 2012.

Existing controlled parking zones (CPZs):

If you live in an existing CPZ (south of Lea Bridge Road) your current parking permit will allow you to park on-street in your zone during the Games. You will not be able to park in the temporary event zones.

New temporary event zones:

All vehicles which use on-street parking will need a 2012 Games parking permit to park during the Games. Parking permits in this area will be free of charge and ‘virtual’. This means that you will not be issued with a paper parking permit.

VISITOR PERMITS:

Every household will be able to register for free visitor permits during the Games. The allocation per household includes:

  • one regular visitor who will be able to visit at any time

  • four half-day visitor permits per week

  • eight half-day visitor permits per week between 13-26 August

The permit week runs from Monday – Sunday, with your new allocation available every Monday.

Unused permits cannot be carried over into the following week

A half-day permit can be used to cover either the morning restrictions (8am-1pm) or the afternoon restrictions (3pm-9pm)

Visitors will also be able to park without restriction outside the hours of control

IMPORTANT – the usual CPZ visitor permits will not be valid during the Games

REGISTERING FOR PERMITS:

Vehicle owners – will need to check that your vehicle has been automatically registered through the website at:

www.2012gamesparkingpermits.com

or by calling:

0300 111 2012

VISITOR PARKING PERMITS

Vehicle owners can apply for permits at the same time as they check their registration

Non vehicle owners need to register their address and set up an account before applying for permits. This can be done on-line or by phone as detailed above.

HOW TO USE VISITOR PERMITS

Login to your account at the web address or call the telephone number – you will need to quote:

  • your permit number given when you registered

  • your visitor’s vehicle registration number

The permit will be activated instantly

Copies of the Parking During the Games booklet can be found in the publications section of london2012.com

It is also available in other languages and formats by quoting ref LOC2012/TRA2180 –

Email: info@e4nquiries.london2012.com

Phone: 0845 267 2012