Latest on the Parking Report

This Wednesday, the Tory Cabinet agreed the Parking Strategy Report, despite a lengthy debate and opposition from many Councillors.

Much was said by the Tory Cabinet members why this was the best thing since sliced bread, they just can not see what damage they will be doing to our small town centres.

However all is not lost, as the opposition spokesman on Environmental matters i will be "calling in" the report, which means that the Cabinet can not act on the proposals until a meeting of the Environment Overview & Scrutiny meeting has been held.

This will then give Residents Association and other opposition Councillors the chance to question the Cabinet on why they are bringing forward the plan and all of its 28 recommendations. Once the meeting date has been agreed, i will post more info.

In the mean time, the on line petition is increasing in size every day, if you would like to sign it, follow the link below.

http://www.gopetition.com/online/12181.html

Residents Drop in Surgery

We had another successful Residents Drop in surgery this Saturday at the Forest Lodge Activity Centre, in Lodge Lane, Collier Row. A number of residents came along to discuss issues that are concerning them and to meet the team.

Our next surgeries are held the second Saturday of the month, from 10.30 to 12.00 at the Forest Row centre in Lodge Lane, the next surgery is being held on Saturday

If you need any help or advice, just drop in and speak with us, or if your situation is more urgent, you can e-mail, andrew.mann@havering.gov.uk or phone on 01708 768 008.

The site currently has building work going on, however the centre it is fully open and operational, so don't be put of by appearances. Click here, for a link to see a map of the location of the centre.

Say no to Car Park Charges in Collier Row

The Conservative Administration ruling Havering Council this week launched a “Parking Management Strategy” report, with a 28 point action plan to agree the future management of the Councils Parking Services and associated operations. The report and press release sent out this week would have you think its all good stuff, but read deeper into the 40 page report and the real truth comes out.

The main changes in the report include:

The introduction of pay and display machines in all of the Boroughs Car Parks and new parking charges, this includes Rex Close, behind Tesco in Collier Row.

Restrictions changed so you can not park on single yellow lines on a Sunday.

Parking Permits to be linked to Vehicle Emissions, so families with people carriers and large family cars will be hit hardest.

For those that live in a controlled Parking Zone, a huge increase in charges, with the 3rd car costing £100 (there are non in Collier Row at present)

A special pass for Council workers to park illegally in residents and visitors bays and some single yellow lines, free of charge, whilst residents and visitors have to park up and walk to there destination.

Parking Charges for Blue Badge holders in all Car Parks (except level 1 disabilities) therefore affecting many elderly and disabled residents.

Disk Parking bays to be scrapped if Pay & Display machine recover there money within 2 years. (currently quite a few in Collier Row)

Changes to allow just a select few to agree to installing double yellow lines, therefore removing local Councillors and residents views.

Consent for CCTV cars to enforce no right turns, yellow box junctions, no U turns, One way streets and other moving traffic offences, which could be a huge income generator for Havering.

Charges for Blue Badge Applications, affecting the elderly and disabled again.

Charges for traffic orders dealing with Carnivals, marches and parades, risking these free events to residents by huge charges.


If you wish to oppose this new parking regime, drop me a line via the Town Hall, or sign the residents Associations on line petition at the following web site. http://www.gopetition.com/online/12181.html

Friends of King Georges Quiz Night

I have been a little behind with my posts over the last 2 weeks, so most apologise for the delay in reporting on what i have been up to. Two weeks ago, i joined Karen & Graham Price (From our Mawneys team) and Cllr Ray Morgon and our family and friends to attend a Quiz Night in aid of the Friends of King Georges Playing Fields.

It was a great night, with over 50 local people present to raise funds for this wonderful organisation that has put the improvement of the park t the top of the local agenda. Well, we did not come last, that's all i can say, there was some debate on when we should play our joker, if we had played it on "Sport" we would have come forth, however due to our choices on the night, we came fifth and no, before you all wonder, there was more than five teams, i think there was ten.

Well done to Linda Trew and her team for putting it all together. Graham Price presented Linda with a framed photo highlighting some of the work that has been achieved.