Suits you Madam Mayor

Nobody could see this one coming, as Residents Association Cllr John Mylod handed over the chains of office in May this year. I know much has already been said in the Local and National press concerning the Tory Administration at Havering increasing the Mayors allowance from £13,000 to £27,000. Quite how they can come to this conclusion, nobody knows.

Your Residents Association Councillors called in this decision for scrutiny, during the discussion one of the reasons put forward by the Conservatives was the cost of ladies clothes had increased, our very own Cllr Morgon said he could not believe that.

However, all of the Tories were on a three line whip that night and Cllr Binion (Tory Havering Park) hit back with a classic “Haven’t you ever been out shopping with your wife ?, women’s clothes aren’t cheap”. Well there you have it, no more Matalan for our Mayor and Deputy.

In a strange quirk of the rules at Havering, anything left in the pot after the year is split between the Mayor and Deputy, so if you do very little you are rewarded with more money. If you are a busy Mayor, you get nothing. Now nobody is saying that Mayor, Cllr Wendy Brice Thompson or Deputy, Cllr Georgina Galpin will do nothing, they are actually both nice ladies and I know they are working very hard raising money for the Mayors Charity.

Last year, our Residents Association Mayor, Cllr John Mylod and his wife Pat worked non stop for the whole year, they attended over 500 events and could do no more. At the time of the increase, the Conservative Mayor and Deputy had done no more engagements than John and Pat had, but hey they just got on and done the job without reward.

It’s just a shame that the Tories can not seem to get things right with allowances, and they have to go the whole way and give themselves the biggest budget in London (outer London). Watch this space for more on allowances, im sure it’s not the last we have heard.

RSPB Rainham marshes

I was pleased to be invited by the RSPB to the opening of their centre at Rainham Marshes yesterday, it was opened by Ruth Kelly M.P and Bill Oddy (above). He was a hugely entertining man, with plenty to say about everything. I dont think he is a big fan of politicians.

The site has been transformed from an old MOD shooting range which contained low level nuclear waste (so we were told today) into something quite special.

The building is a credit to all who worked in support of the RSPB, it took many years to fund raise and to get planning approval. It is well worth a visit. It is open every day and you can find it of Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, just of the old A13.

Area Committee Funding

Each Area Committee has been allocated £5,000 for environmental improvements in its area and the chance to bid for a further £5,000 from a central pot of money. Unfortunately, the Administration has been very slow in bringing forward its proposals and now we, the residents of North Romford run the risk of losing that funding.

The money can only be spent on what is called “Environmental Improvements” which includes such things as rubbish bins, seating, dog bins, cycle racks, flower planters, additional park play equipment or any other small scale improvement that would benefit the local area.

As the only Residents Association Councillor in North Romford, I am keen for the local residents to decide where any money should be spent and not just decided upon by Councillors that have no knowledge of North Romford.

I already have a small list of projects that residents have raised with me, but in order to make sure we receive in North Romford all of our money, may I ask that you write to me at the Town Hall (main Road, Romford, RM1 3BD) or e-mail andrew.mann@havering.gov.uk with any suggestions as soon as possible.

20 MPH Zone for Clockhouse School

Following an agreement in principal at the last North Romford Area Committee, a 20 mph zone is to be created around Clockhouse School in a bid to make it safer for the 750 children that attend every day. A series of small road humps, new crossing points, raised junctions and improved parking restrictions are set to be agreed if no objections are received.

If approved, this will also be the first set of road humps installed in North Romford in four years. Cllr Mann said, “In the past we have tried to implement schemes without the need for humps, so I do have some reservations”. Roads affected include, Lynwood Drive, Judith Avenue and Sheila Road. If you live in the consultation area, you will have been asked to comment by way of a consultation letter, so if you do have any issues, please return your forms asap

Im A Councillor, get me out of here !

Well im out, having taken part in Local Democracy Week at Havering for the last 3 years, I managed to pip everyone to the post and won the on line question session called "Im a Councillor, get me out of here" for the second year running.

It was a very close battle, i think i managed 70% share of the vote, which after my last outing in the local elections, only beating Alby Tebbutt by 35 votes, is an improvement. I most thank all of the youngsters that took part. It was a shame that only one Tory Councillor took part in the event, but that just shows the contempt that the Tory Administration hold for the younger people of this community.

What have they planned for next year, well nothing, after a review, the Tories have decided not to run with the event again, i wonder why, IM A COUNCILLOR GET ME OUT OF HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!