MBE for former Bower Park Pupil

Congratulations to former Bower Park pupil, Mark Hunter who received an MBE with rowing partner, Zac Purchase (who is also awarded an MBE) in the New Years Honours List, announced today.

Mark and his rowing partner, Zac Purchase crossed the line in first place in the men's lightweight double sculls, winning gold. Their boat crossed the 2,000-metre line in a world beating 6.mins 10.99secs, at the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in China in an Olympic best as they beat Greece and Denmark.

Cllr Mann said "I have had the great pleasure of meeting Mark when he visited Bower Park school back in the Autumn after his fantastic result in the Olympics this year, his efforts have now been rewarded again, he is a true roll model to all young people"

To see the report and photos of Marks visit to Bower Park, click here.

Ambitions, but only for Harold Hill

During the Local Elections in 2006, the Conservatives in Collier Row suggested that if you voted for us, the Residents Association, we would move money out of the town and only spend it in Harold Hill, like the previous Labour party Administration did.

So it’s rather funny, how less than a year later, the Administration set up a regeneration project just for Harold Hill, by the name of the “Harold Hill Ambitions” and over the last two years, they have been investing more and more money in Harold Hill, at the expense of other areas of the Borough, not just a few pounds here and there, but millions of pounds !

The latest example from the Administration, involves yet more help for the Borough’s most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and families with young children, that is, unless you live in Harold Hill !!

Cllr Andrew Mann has launched a scathing attack on the Tory Administration over its plan to help only those residents in Harold Hill improve their energy efficiency and fuel bills. He said "I am amazed that in this climate of increased fuel bills and financial instability, the Tory Administration are only helping those people in its marginal seats and ignoring those in need across the Borough"

He went on "During the last local elections in 2006, the Conservatives, including Andrew Rosindell complained about the money being spent on Harold Hill and here they are, two years later doing the same thing"

"Whilst I do not begrudge the people of Harold Hill extra help, there are hundreds or even thousands of people in real need across the whole Borough".

The scheme announced by Havering Council works with the London Warm Zone scheme to make the homes of residents in Harold Hill warmer and more energy efficient this winter.
Over the next year, partners including seven London boroughs, the East London Renewal Partnership, London Warm Zone and EDF Energy, will help residents access all available grants to improve insulation, as well as lower the cost of heating their homes.

Grants are available for loft and cavity wall insulation and while people on certain benefits could qualify to have the work done for free, homeowners could receive a discount of up to 75 per cent.
The scheme is focused on the areas which are part of the Harold Hill Ambitions Project, a 20-year regeneration plan to rejuvenate the area with improved education and training opportunities, youth facilities and parks, to give residents a better quality of life.

The project aims to change people’s perception of Harold Hill, as well as give our residents there a better quality of life. Making sure vulnerable people have warm, energy efficient homes is just one way that we are making Havering a better place for all.

Cllr Clarence Barrett, leader of the Residents Association in the Town Hall said “Whilst energy efficiency improvements are very welcome in Harold Hill, it should be borne in mind that the scheme does extend to homes right across the borough”.

The London Warm Zone offers grants for insulation and central heating to help people save money on fuel bills and reduce the effects of climate change. For example, subject to eligibility, discounts of up to 75% are available for those considering loft and cavity wall insulation.

To find out more we would encourage residents to call London Warm Zone on freephone 0800 587 2251 or visit http://www.londonwarmzones.co.uk/.

Woolworths closes today

It’s a sad day for Collier Row today, after 99 years of Business Woolworths is closing, they may not have been in the Town Centre for all those years but to be honest, it seems like it. Despite last minute attempts by the administrators to sell part or all of the business, they have not managed to find a buyer.

Apart from the loss of jobs to local people (over 30 staff will be made redundant today) the impact of losing a major store in Collier Row could be devastating, after Tesco’s, Woolworths were the next biggest retailer in Town.

Collier Row Councillor, Andrew Mann said “I am very saddened about the loss of Woolworths in our town centre; it has been one of the biggest stores in Collier Row for many years, the staff have been fantastic working through difficult times, I do hope that they can all find new jobs locally.

Boxing Day Parking Woes

I’m not normally one for the sales, I prefer to shop online, less people about, but had to go into Romford today as spotted a bargain (online) and had to get it from the shop as soon as possible before they all went, as it was, I got the last one.

Being as Boxing Day is a Bank Holiday I did wonder if you would need to purchase a ticket, my experiences usually tell me, when you pop into a shop for 3 minutes, you will always get caught.

Maybe I still had to much festive spirit in me, but I was amazed to see that you still needed to purchase a ticket to park your car. I know it was a Bank Holiday, but it was Boxing Day after all and with Lakeside just a 15 minute drive away, surely it would be good for business to offer free parking for the sales.

However, that is not the worst of it, not only were the charges being implemented, they were actually being enforced. Sadly rather vigorously in my view, as I parked and made the short walk to the shops, I saw at least six tickets on cars in just two rows.

On speaking to a private traffic warden, I asked was they really enforcing today, he looked at me rather sheepishly and said yes, on further questioning, he admitted that he had issued over 12 tickets and that he was one of four working that day, believe it or not, it was only 11.00 !

Is it any wonder this country is in a recession when on Boxing Day, the car park in the Brewery Shopping Centre, still insisted on charging for car parking and issuing tickets, they should be trying to encourage shoppers into Romford to help the Boroughs economy.

Cllr Andy Mann

Christmas Waste Collection Dates

Refuse collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period will be subject to change. Below is the revised collection details, for more infor click on this link for further details together with information on the wheeled bin garden waste service and opening times of Gerpins Lane reuse and recycling centre.

Christmas & New Year Collection Dates 2008/09

Normal Collection Dates Revised Collection Dates

Wednesday 24th December -- Collections as normal
Christmas Day -- Saturday 27th December
Boxing Day -- Monday 29th December
Monday 29th December -- Tuesday 30th December
Tuesday 30th December -- Wednesday 31st December
Wednesday 31st December -- Friday 2nd January
New Year's Day -- Saturday 3rd January
Friday 2nd January -- Monday 5th January
Monday 5th January -- Tuesday 6th January
Tuesday 6th January -- Wednesday 7th January
Wednesday 7th January -- Thursday 8th January
Thursday 8th January -- Friday 9th January
Friday 9th January -- Saturday 10th January

Normal collections resume Monday 12th January 2009.

Please note: The above dates also apply to clinical, cardboard and trade waste collections.
Wheeled Bin Garden Waste Service:

Customers of the Wheeled Bin Garden Waste Collection service should note that collections of this service cease between 23rd December and 5th January. Collections resume Tuesday 6th January on the normal scheduled day (please see garden waste calendars for these dates).

All orange recycling sacks and sacks of domestic waste should be placed on the boundary of properties nearest the road by 7am on collection day.

Additional orange sacks can be collected free of charge from Havering Town Hall in Main Road Romford, local libraries or from the Public Advice and Service Centre in The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford.

CCTV Car still causing mischief !

Havering Council's CCTV smart cars are still giving out tickets left, right and centre it would seem, following a question to Council by Councillor Andrew Mann recently.

When the Cabinet member for StreetCare (Cllr Barry Tebbutt) was asked by Cllr Mann how many tickets the cars had issued to to date in the 2008 / 2009 year, the answer was an amazing 14,240 tickets(from 1st April to 23rd November).

This is on top of the 24,000 that was issued in the part year of 2007 / 2008, the full year to june was 26,837. In a second question by Cllr Mann, he asked how much income was produced by the CCTV car for the municipal year 2007/08.

The answer was £875,702.43, this was for only a part year, as the car did not start until mid June, so in a full year the figure would be over £1 million.

Click here to see previous story "CCTV Car is just a cash cow"

Christmas Lights in the Village

If you are looking for the best house in the Borough for Christmas lights, then pop up to Havering Villgae, Broxhill Road to be exact to see this wonderful display.

The lights are truly magical and bring a little bit of Santas Grotto to the Village and the best part of it, is the owner of the house has done the whole thing for charity, St Francis Hospice to be exact.

So if you have a spare 10 mins and are heading towards the village, take a drive up Broxhill Road.

Christmas Carols on the Green

Cllr Andy Mann, Kevin Tonks and Denis Stevens all braved the cold winter night last evening to attend the Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Societies (HABCOS) Christmas Carols event. The service was hosted by the Revd David Marshall of St Johns Church.

Over 100 people attended, mostly residents of the village to join in with the signing of carols by torch and candle light. The event ended with mince pies and mulled wine, served by local residents.

Cllr Mann said "What a wonderful event organised by HABCOS for the village, it was fantastic to see so many people turn out, in particular as the evening was so cold, I will certainly be looking forward to the next event".

Rise Park School

Following a recent Cabinet meeting, Havering Council have decided not to go ahead with the planned merger of Rise Park Infants and Junior schools, after a massive 95% of pupils and parents said a resounding NO to the Conservatives plans to close and merge the two schools.

At the time of the plan, Collier Row Councillor Andrew Mann has hit out at the Conservative Administration in their handling of the proposed amalgamation of the schools. The proposal to consult in joining the two schools together was started back in May, when Cabinet member for Education, Cllr Geoff Starns (Tory) signed an Executive Decision agreeing to consult on the amalgamation.

Cllr Mann was inundated with concerned parents who were unhappy that the two schools could merge into one, they were also disappointed following the public meetings that were held as the Council were biased towards merging the schools and gave no evidence as to what benefits it would have..

Cllr Mann, whose children have attended the school, for the last seven year said “I am amazed that the Council would want to even think about closing the infant and junior schools and making a new Primary school, this action should only be considered if the school is failing and Rise Park is far from that situation”.

The amalgamation plans were labelled a farce by Cllr Mann, after the three Conservative ward Councillors for Pettits Ward have all objected to the proposal by their own Cabinet colleague, with a few of them turning out for a photo shoot with the M.P for Romford and Cllr Starns all pretending to be concerned, they even brought along former Councillor, Alby Tebbutt.

Cllr Mann said “The farcical situation is that the Tories made the decision to consult on its merger in the first place and now they are all shouting their heads off suggesting they were against it, Cllr Starns evens turns up for a photo shoot against his own consultation”.

He went on “It would seem that the Conservative Party in North Romford are not content on ruining the reputation of Bower Park School (when they produced a leaflet suggesting it would close) they have now moved onto Rise Park, it would seem this bunch of so called local Councillors could not run a bath between them, let alone a Council”.

Older Persons Christmas Dinner

I had the oppertunity to pop into the Forest Row Centre yesterday, which was the venue for Havering Councils Older Persons Christmas Dinner and Party.

Over 150 residents came together for the event, which was organised by Havering Council for those people that may be spending Christmas on their own, or have no family. A host of Councillors helped out, with one looking strangely like Farther Christmas, the Mayor also made a visit.

Although I was only able to stay for an hour, it was great talking to some of the older people that had come out for the afternoon, the majority of them were picked up the Councils own fleet of mini buses, a true door to door service.

Cllr Andy Mann

Bower Park Christmas Concert

Bower Park School held it annual Christmas Concert at St Johns Church, Havering-Atte-Bower on Thursday evening and as usual a wonderful evening was had by all, followed by a few mince pies.

Both Cllr Mann (Who is a Governor at Bower Park) and Kevin Tonks attended the show and heard a mix of students singing, either on their own, duets or as a bigger group. We also had students playing various instruments, from the Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Flute, Saxophone and Cello to name but a few.

Parents and guests were able to join in with a few carols and some sing along songs, such as the old favourites, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas and Winter Wonderland.

Cllr Mann read a short reading from LUKE, Chapter 2, verse 1-7 and we had a short sermon from Revd David Marshall, the Vicar of St Johns. Head teacher, Mrs Morrison ended the evening with words of thanks, to all of the students and staff for putting the show together and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Pinewood Primary Nativity

Pinewood Primary School Governor, Cllr Andrew Mann was in attendance at the school on Thursday for their annual Christmas presentation. He joined the hundred plus parents and visitors to watch not one but two shows, however before that the School Choir entertained the guests as they arrived and took their seats, with a fine selection of Christmas carols and songs.

First up was the infant school, with the traditional nativity story, we had Mary, Joseph, Angels, Kings, sheep and chickens !! As expected with the younger children, there is always one or two that will go “off message”, the most amusing had to be the scene when Baby Jesus was delivered to Mary by and Angel; she then passed him to Joseph, who promptly threw him into his cot head first.

Next up was the Upper School, with a truly moving story entitled “Miracle at Christmas” but this was no ordinary Christmas tale. It goes back some 90 years ago, to Christmas Day in a field in France.

The Children told a moving story of how two sides came together on a special day and put aside their differences for a few days and stopped fighting. In this special year, 90 years since the end of World War One, using narrators and songs, it was a wonderful story, which the children all seemed to understand.

Cllr Mann said “As a School Governor at Pinewood, I was extremely proud of the children that put together such a fantastic afternoon for their parents, family and guests; everyone should rightly feel proud of the children’s achievement”.

Parcel Scam

Royal Mail has issued a warning on a mail scam originating from Belize. A card is posted to homes from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting they were unable to deliver a parcel and asks the occupier to contact them on 0906 6611911.

This is a premium rate number and callers will be billed £15 for the phone call. If you receive a card with these details, contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at http://www.icstis.org.uk/ http://www.icstis.org.uk/

So you think you can dance ? (Two)

For the second year running, Bower Park School held its annual dance show, this year helping to raise money for the Lymphoma Association, on Friday 7th December.

Over 200 hundred people in the audience were entertained with twenty two acts, from students across all five year groups in the school, in particular those doing for their GCSE and B-Tec dance exams, something pupils can do, as part of the curriculum.

School Governor, Cllr Mann who was at the show said “As usual, the standard of the performers was excellent, some truly amazing dancing, from both boys and girls and the school once again raised money for a worthwhile charity”.

The event also raised over £500 for the Lymphoma Association.

Tree Planting in Havering Country Park

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens joined the Friends of Havering Country Park, along with residents, the Havering Park SNT Police team, Councillors, including the Mayor of Havering, for the event to mark National Tree Planting week.

8 Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) were planted along Wellingtonia Avenue, in the middle of the Park and will form part of the existing Avenue of mature trees.

This Avenue was originally planted during the 1890s by the owners of Machiters Manor House. Some of the new trees have been donated by members of the friends group and the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

One tree was donated by the Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association, with Andy and Denis on hand to help with its planting.

As Denis Stevens is a dab hand in the greenhouse, he has also taken some cuttings and hopes to be able to nature a few more trees for the park over the next few years, there are still many gaps in the avenue and more need replacing, but at £60 each, its not cheap replacing them.

Woolworths - Collier Row

The Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association are very concerned about the future of Woolworths in Collier Row, following the announcement tonight that the company has gone into administration after failing to find a buyer.

Woolworths have been a major player in Collier Row for years, the company is 99 years old and they have been in Collier Row for as long as any of us can recall. They are the second biggest retailer in the Town, in size, only behind Tesco.

Cllr Mann said "The loss of Woolworths to Collier Row would have huge implications for the Town, it is one of the biggest retailers we have and has the affect of drawing in a huge amount of people, not forgetting the loss of jobs for local people who work there"

We understand that the branch will continue trading whilst the administrators try to find a buyer for the business. Havering has a high number of Woolworths shops in the Borough, with branches at Harold Hill, Hornchurch, Upminster, Romford and Elm park.

Free Light Bulbs and Heating grants

Since we ran details about the Warm Front scheme 12 months ago, we have been contacted by residents that have received money off their heating repairs and replacements.

Mrs T of Bartlow Gardens said “I had just turned 60 and was amazed to learn that I could get £300 of my boiler repairs, which were carried out by Boilerchange of Hornchurch. (For more information you can contact Ray Coomer of Boilerchange direct, on 01708 477 146)

If you are receiving benefits, you can claim up to £2,700 towards a new central heating system. Mr B of Collier Row said “It was only because I read about the scheme in the Residents Association newsletter that I knew about it, thanks very much as you have saved me a fortune”.

More details are available at http://www.warmfront.co.uk/ or call free phone 0800 316 2805.

We again have another stock of Low Energy light bulbs that we are giving away to residents in North Romford free of charge. They come in packs of two and if you would like a pack please write to us, or e-mail with your name and address and we will deliver them to your house.

Please write to:

CRM Residents Association
380 Havering Road
Romford
Essex
RM1 4DE

or e-mail: haveringpark@hotmail.co.uk

Local Police News

Both the Havering Park and Mawneys Ward Safer Neighbourhood Teams have a published a local newsletter about the work and activities they are currently taking part in.

Havering Park Ward
The current ward priorities are youth and racial anti-social behaviour, anti social behaviour caused by motorists / motor bikes in parks (such as Bedfords and Havering Country parks) and Burglary. The team are also targeting graffiti in Collier Row, collection information on tags.

Click Here for the Havering Park Newsletter

Mawneys Ward
The team have been tackling burglaries on the ward, particularly between midday and early evening, also on the list of priorities is anti social behaviour in Collier Row town centre, working with the local authority they have been issuing acceptable behaviour contracts to youths causing trouble. The team also supported the soul in the city event with the Good Shepherd church, the event was a held in Lawns Park early in the year.

Click Here for the Mawneys Newsletter

Chelmsford Avenue Playsite

Following a consultation day held during the last school half term holidays, the overwhelming majority of residents opted for option 2 of the three choices available for the new play site, work is now in the process of starting on the play site.

The saga of new play equipment has gone on for many years, with the park laying empty and derelict, only for the police to force the Council to close it at one stage for being a danger to residents who went in there.

The work should be completed in the next few weeks, and with any luck open for all to use again. The park still needs some more care and attention, with some investment on the paths, fences and gateways, but hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

Cllr Mann said "After many years of involvement with this site, I am please that it is finally being built, having secured the £50k cost of the work as part of the deal that sold of the garage site next door, I was disappointed this had not happened sooner".

See previous story by clicking here.

Hampden Lodge - Latest

The Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association is disappointed in this Conservative Administration as it ignores public feeling by continuing with the sale of Hampden Lodge, it would now seem, at whatever amount it can get for it. Last month, a confidential report was agreed by the Conservative Cabinet to accept a new offer from the developer at a considerable reduction to that originally offered, the exempt nature of the report does not allow us to print the actual costs involved.

However, if you are to read the summer issue of the Conservatives newsletter they say “Hampden Lodge Flats – Stopped, the Collier Row Conservatives successfully campaigned against the proposal to build yet more dwellings in Clockhouse Lane”. It is a strange boast from them, as the application was actually withdrawn, so we are not sure how they actually “Saved” anything. The words are also hollow, as the secret report pushed through by the Cabinet, just re-confirms the Council commitment to sell the land and the Council will only get the money, if planning permission is granted !

The original planning application for the site was for the demolition of the existing care home and construction of three residential buildings extending to three to four stories in height, to provide 58 residential units, with 58 car parking spaces. However, this application was withdrawn, for no reason by the developers. However, we understand that as we go to print a new application could be submitted soon, for approx 50 flats, a reduction of just 8.

Cllr Andrew Mann said “We are very concerned about this application. Hundreds of residents contacted us to object to this scheme and over 1000 people signed petitions. Almost all of the concerns were about the size and bulk of the development, lack of parking and amenity space, along with the traffic implications in Clockhouse Lane. Over 100 people turned out for a demonstration against the plans for the site”.

Residents Association Action Member, Denis Stevens said “This was a big housing development for Collier Row and has caused a lot of upset in the community, not least because the Council will only receive the money once contracts have been exchanged, on condition of receiving planning permission”.

Sadly, by withdrawing the scheme, the developer has the opportunity to make a fresh planning application, free of charge to Havering in the next few months for a slightly modified scheme, so the plans to build on this site have not gone away. We will be watching very carefully and will continue to fight this scheme.

CCTV Car Troubles

Below is a copy of a letter received by the Havering Residents Association, copied below for information, it make interesting reading.

Dear sir’s I am writing to you as a paid up member of the Residents Association. I wanted to let tell you about an incident that happened yesterday (15.11.08) in Front Lane Car Park concerning one of the Borough's Smart Cars.

I pulled into the car park at 9.55 (I know this because when I paid my 20p the parking ticket is timed at 9.57). Stopped in the middle was the white coloured Smart Car, the driver's face looking quite concerned. He reversed so that I could park and then I noticed that he did not have the periscope on top of the car.

As I parked in my bay, I could see the periscope on the ground by the entrance to the 2nd part of the car park. The Smart car driver got out of his car, made a mobile phone call and ran back to the periscope. He picked it up and put into the car and drove off.

What had happened was that he had driven in with his periscope down and proceeded to take pictures of cars in the car park but forgot to lower the periscope when leaving so that it hit the "crossbar" immediately to the left of the recycling bins and snapped off.

I am telling you about for this two reasons.

Firstly, it was quite amusing to see the look on the driver's face as he was obviously embarrassed (not very Christian - I know!). Secondly, I believe that the cost of kitting out these cars is very high and I would like to know who foots the bill for this damage – I certainly would not want my council tax to pay for the error of this driver.

I assume that he was paid for a days work but could not carry it out due to his equipment not working. Personally, I am against these cars touring the borough and taking pictures and believe that having a team of conventional traffic wardens was sufficient.

These Smart cars have become a "cash cow" and antagonise a lot of residents. I understand that there are selfish peole who park where they shouldn't but these CCTV equipped cars have taken it too far. Sorry for the rant - I feel much better now.

Best wishes.

Mr SG
Cranham

Bower Park - Children in Need

Pupils from Bower Park school took part in events yesterday in aid of Children in need, one of the biggest events was the ever popular sponsored walk, dressed only in pyjamas ! This year, two members of staff (pictured on the far left and far right) got into the spirit with the children and dressed as schoolgirls. I was going to make a joke about Britney Spears here, but thought best not.

I am not sure how much money was raised, I shall update the info next week once known. Bower Park pupils have been involved with fundraising for Children in Need for many years now and it is those efforts, that make the children a credit to the school.

Cllr Andy Mann

Freeman of the Borough Awards

Former Gobions Avenue Post Master, Sunny Jasraj was honoured at the Town Hall last night and received his Freeman of the Borough Award, along with long serving Councillors; Cllr Barbara Matthews (R.A) and Cllr Peter Gardner (Cons) and former Councillor Maisie Whitelock.

Below is my speech in relation to Sunny;

Mr Mayor, ladies and gentleman, fellow Councillors, I feel very privileged to be nominating Mr Sunny Jasraj as a freeman of the London Borough of Havering on behalf of the Residents Association Group and Havering Council.

Sunny, as he is know to everyone, was the post master of the Gobions Avenue Post Office for almost 25 years, he has served the community in that time, not just as the man at the post office, but as a friend, employee, local campaigner and opinion former. He is a pillar of the community, to all of our residents, young and old, from around Collier Row, Chase Cross and Havering-Atte-Bower.

I recall before I was first elected in 2002, highlighting the dreadful state of the former Council garage site behind the post office with Sunny, being pictured together amongst the derelict site and burnt out cars, much was his determination to help clean up the area.

That old site is now gone and eight affordable houses have been built in its place, along with an investment from the house sales being put into the park next door, allowing £50k of investment to be used for new children’s play equipment.

The sad part of tonight’s event, is Sunny was not able to make his 25 year anniversary, due to the terrible decision of this Government and Post Office Ltd in deciding to close his branch, along with four others in our Borough.

Something, I know every member of this Council feels strongly about, I am sure we all know how these closures for Havering have affected our most elderly and vulnerable within our community.

Sunny has brought consistency and loyalty to both his shop and the community, in over 50 years, Sunny is only the third post master of Gobions Avenue, first coming to Collier Row in August 1984, when I was just 13 years old !!

Mr Mayor, as a Councillor for Collier Row, it is a great privilege to present to you tonight, on behalf of Havering Council, Mr Sunny Jasraj as a Freeman of this Borough.

101 Clockhouse Lane Planning application

We are pleased that the planning application for 101 Clockhouse Lane has been withdrawn by the applicant after discussion with planning officers, who suggested that the application was likely to fail and be recommended for a refusal.

The application was submitted to Havering Council for the part demolition of 101 Clockhouse Lane and the formation of a new access road and four bungalows, this is one more than last time and that application was refused.

For more details, please see the story below;

http://andrewmann.blogspot.com/2008/10/101-clockhouse-lane-planning.html

The Invisable Killer

Environmental Health staff from Havering Council will be meeting the public to warn residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Council staff will be urging shoppers in the Liberty centre on Wednesday 19 November to check that their cooking and heating appliances are well maintained as part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous flammable gas which cannot be seen or smelt and can kill without warning. In the UK, more than 50 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and 200 people are seriously injured.

The gas is produced when fossil fuels like gas, oil, coal or wood do not burn fully. This can happen when cooking or heating appliances have not been properly installed or maintained or if appliances have blocked flues or chimneys or are in unventilated places.

Danger signs to look for on boilers, fires and cookers include yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires), soot or stains around the appliance and a pilot light that frequently blows out.
Symptoms of poisoning are tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, chest and stomach pains.
As well as ensuring appliances are regularly maintained by CORGI registered engineers and that there is suitable ventilation, residents can buy an audible alarm for between £15 to £35.

Landlords are required by law to make sure gas fittings and flues are checked every 12 months, keep a record of the checks and issue a certificate to tenants.

Carbon monoxide is a killer. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it – but it can kill without warning in a matter of hours. You are particularly at risk when you are asleep. Having your gas appliances checked regularly by CORGI registered engineers will keep you safe.

For more advice call the HSE Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363.

Romford Christmas Lights Swith-On

Romford's biggest ever Christmas launch throws the spotlight on the family on Thursday 13th November when the town's Christmas illuminations are switched on by the World's most famous cartoon family - The Simpsons.

Supported by Havering Council and Romford's four shopping centres - The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mall and Romford Shopping Hall - the launch features a packed schedule of fun and entertainment in Romford Market Place hosted by Mark Dover from Time 107.5 FM, Havering's popular local radio station.

Starting at 4pm there'll be appearances by Homer, Marg and Bart Simpson, Acrobats from Tanzania, Fire Dancers from Australia and, of course, Father Christmas with Frosty the Snowman and Rudie the Reindeer. And big TV screens flanking the stage will ensure that everyone gets a good view of the fun and frolics.

At 6pm the excitement will build to a climax when the The Simpsons step forward to trigger the switch to light up Romford Town Centre with spectacular Christmas illuminations, accompanied by a fabulous firework display complete with guaranteed snowfall.

On a more traditional note and to get revellers in the festive spirit, there'll be toe tapping music from The Dualers, appearances from characters from the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch's pantomime Dick Whittington as well as carols sung by the Choir of St Edward's Church.The celebrations and party atmosphere will continue until 8pm in each of the shopping centres.

At The Mall Santa and his team will meet and greet his friends; at The Brewery the Simpsons will enjoy some family shopping; in The Liberty there'll be shows by the Black Eagles and the Amazing Titan the Robot; and in the new look Romford Shopping Hall clowns and balloon modellers will be on hand to entertain youngsters until 6pm.

Remembrance Parade & Service

Collier Row & Mawneys team members Karen & Graham Price, Joe Webster and Denis Stevens were all at Havering's Service today. Cllr Mann was unable to attend today, missing the service for the first time since 2001, he attended a serice in London instead.

We hope as many of you as possible attended Remembrance parades or services, Havering had services at Romford, Hornchurch, Rainham and Harold Hill, details are on the Havering Council Web Site.

We have also added the name of Andrew Rosindell to the story below, after his office e-mailed Cllr Mann complaining that his name had been left out of our description, we are happy to include his name as the term "Member of Parliament" is obviously not enough for him.

Havering Remembrance Service

Services to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives or suffered during the two World Wars and in conflicts since will be held throughout Havering on Remembrance Sunday, 9 November and Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November.

The borough's official Service of Remembrance will be held at the War Memorial in Coronation Gardens, Main Road, Romford. The Service starts at 10.55am and will be conducted by Reverend Stephen Waine, Vicar of St Edward's Church. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Romford Salvation Army Band.

The Service will be attended by The Mayor of Havering, Councillor John Clark; The Deputy Lieutenant of Havering, Air Commodore Brian Batt; The Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell; Superintendent Steve Wisbey, acting Havering Borough Commander of Police; Councillors and representatives of local uniformed and civilian organisations.

After the Service there will be a parade and march-past by veterans and uniformed organisations with music from the Royal British Legion Band. The salute will be taken by The Mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant.

On Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, the Mayor will attend the Armistice Day Service organised by the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion. This will be held at the western end of Romford Market Place between the Lloyds TSB and Co-op banks starting at 10.45am.

This year The Poppy Appeal theme is 'Serving those who Serve' and emphasises the need to help men and women who are serving today, as well as ex-Services people and their dependants.

Romford Recorder Letters Page

Below is a copy of a letter from Mawneys Team Member, Graham Price to the Romford Recorder, concerning the on going problems at Homes in Havering.

Dear Sir,

This has not been a good year for Homes in Havering and, as your article"Where's the cash gone", (Recorder, 31st October), graphically illustrates, it's going from bad to disastrously worse.

This is Havering Council's 'arms-length management organisation' which has come in for repeated criticism in the local press, and at three consecutive meetings of the North Romford Area Committee. At the April meeting I described the then Chief Executive, Stephanie Miller, as being "not fit for purpose". Within weeks she had resigned and, courtesy of Cllr. Curtin, she walked away with a pay-off of some £87.000.

Such was the furore arising from this, that Cllr. Curtin then resigned as Chairman of The Board of HiH. It is interesting to note the quoted comment of the Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr. Armstrong, that "We will obviously be there to ensure that we hold HiH to account". Brave words, but I have grave doubts that they will be sufficiently effective.

Yours sincerely,

GRAHAM PRICE

Collier Row and Mawneys Residents Association

Dont be Dim - Dont let the Burglars in

Havering Council is urging residents to take extra home security measures as winter approaches. With the clocks having gone back and the nights becoming darker sooner, homes are more vulnerable to break-ins.

As part of the Council’s Better Together campaign to make the borough safer, cleaner, greener and stronger, the Council’s Community Safety officers have organised seven events at which timer switches will be given out free of charge to residents, starting on Saturday 8 November.

Burglary in the borough remains low – in the 12 months up to 1 October 2008, Havering was the seventh safest out of London’s 32 boroughs for house burglary.

However, when break-ins occur at this time of year, they tend to take place in the afternoon or early evening. A home in darkness between 4pm and 9pm is a sign to crooks that no-one is home. Taking a simple precaution like having a light on in the late afternoon and evening can deter thieves.

The timer switches will be given out on a first come first served basis at the following locations:

Saturday 8 November - Tesco , Gallows Corner 11am -1pm

Monday 10 November - Tesco, Collier Row 11am -1pm

Wednesday 12 November - Farnham Road Shops, Harold Hill, 11am -1pm

Thursday 13 November - Aldi Car Park, Upminster 11am-1pm, Brannigans, Romford, 5pm -7pm

Friday 14 November - Tesco, Cranham 11am -1pm

Saturday 15 November - Tesco, Rainham 11am -1pm

Another 500 switches will also be given away, at the Havering Christmas Lights Switch-on in Romford Marketplace starting from 4pm on Thursday 13 November.

Timer switches should be set to come on before it gets dark. They should ideally be placed in a downstairs living room – a light left on in a hallway or porch won’t fool a burglar. Timer switches can also be bought for around £3 from DIY stores.

Have a safe Fire Works Night

Havering Council, Havering Police and the London Fire Brigade have launched a crackdown to prevent the sale of fireworks to under-18s. They will be making visits to remind retailers that it's illegal to sell fireworks without the necessary licence from Trading Standards.

Havering Trading Standards takes a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of the stringent conditions governing the storage and sale of fireworks, which will result in legal proceedings and the confiscation of such products.

Though current legislation allows some businesses with special authorisation to sell fireworks all year round, most fireworks can only be sold between October 15 and November 9. It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, though on special occasions like Bonfire Night they may be set off up until midnight, unless special permission for them to continue until 1am has been granted.

It is also an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place. Using fireworks in an anti-social way is irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable, so Havering Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be operating additional patrols throughout the borough at this time.
Remember; fireworks are mini-explosives dressed up in colourful packaging – they are NOT toys. Most injuries caused by fireworks happen to children under 16, with many of them ending up with burn scars for life.

So please take care this bonfire night. Go to http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/Fireworks.asp for helpful safety advice from the London Fire Brigade.

If you wish to report illegal sales of fireworks, you can call a special hotline 01708 433428 in confidence.

Dartford - Thurrock Crossing

Changes at the Dartford – Thurrock Crossing

The charging regime at the Dartford - Thurrock Crossing will change with effect from 10.00pm on Saturday 15th November 2008. The main changes are as follows:

No charges at night during the hours of 10.00pm to 6.00a

Charges for those customers outside those times paying cash will increase (e.g. from £1 to £1.50 for cars, from £1.80 to £2 for 2 axle goods vehicles, and from £2.90 to £3.70 for Multi-axle goods vehicles)

Discounts for those paying by the electronic pre-payment DART -Tag system will also increase (e.g. cars will pay the current £1 charge only).

There will no longer be any charge for trailers.

A Local Resident scheme will be introduced applicable only to those living within the Dartford and Thurrock Council areas.

A pre-registration scheme will be available for vehicles that are exempt from paying the charge.

Further information is available from Le Crossing Company Limited's Customer Centre on 01322 280200 or via the website http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/.

101 Clockhouse Lane Planning Application

My final words, almost a year ago on the last planning application for this site were “We now wait and see if yet another planning application will be made on this site”. (see previous story by clicking here). And 12 months later, it is here

Another planning application at 101 Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row, has been submitted to Havering Council for the part demolition of 101 Clockhouse Lane and the formation of a new access road and four bungalows, this is one more than last time and that application was refused.
Cllr Mann has “Called in” the application, which means no decision can be made unless it is refused by officers are goes in front of a committee of Councillors to decide. If you live near by, and have an issue with this application, you need to write with your objections by 6th November to the head of Regulatory Services at Mercury House, Mercury Gardens, Romford, RM1 3SL and quote Planning Reference No. P1510.08.

The last application was refused for the following reasons, "By reason of the proximity of the access road and the intensification of vehicular activity close to residential properties adjoining the access road, be detrimental to the residential amenity of neighbouring properties, contrary to Policy DC61 of the Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Submission Development Plan Document".

I can see nothing that has changed to address any of the original concerns. Cllr Mann said "I have almost lost count of the application on this site, I think this is the sixth one since 2002, the last application ended up at a public enquiry meting of the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body that regulates planning appeals. The Inspector agreed with myself and local residents that this site was not appropriate for development".

Homes in Havering Troubles Continue

It has been announced by Havering Council today that Homes in Havering (HiH) has discovered a gap in its finances. The Council is investigating the exact details with HiH to deal with the issue, and a report on the situation will be brought to Cabinet shortly.

Apparently, the Council has raised concerns about HiH’s financial position and accounting practice over a number of months. HiH agreed with the Council that a team of forensic accountants undertake an initial audit of finances at HiH in September and that an interim Director of Finance should be appointed. His report now indicates a budget gap from last year’s accounts of between £1.8 million and £2.2 million.

Further work is now underway to clarify this year’s financial position, with the Council instructing HiH to account for any and all past and present budget gaps and explain how they occurred. The Council has also instructed HiH to cease all unnecessary expenditure, whilst safeguarding services to tenants and leaseholders, until its financial position is clear.

Havering Park Councillor, Andrew Mann said "I am amazed that HiH have managed to get themselves into such a mess, to over spend £2 million pound in a year is just unbelievable, it now seems that the former Chief Executive (Stephanie Miller) jumped off the ship at just the right time (see previous story on her £87,000 pay off) along with the finance director, who resigned just a month or so ago".

He went on "The only people to suffer in all of this, is the residents, lease holders and tenants of this Borough, with all none urgent expenditure cancelled, this will only serve to have a negative affect on our tenants. The Council needs to urgent set out exactly what is going on at HiH"

Park Consultation

A consultation is being held today at Chelmsford Avenue Play Site, behind Gobions Avenue in Collier Row some four years after funding for the park was secured. Cllr Mann said "This is the chance for local residents to have their say on what they want to see in the park, please go along and take a look at the plans and talk to the parks officers"

The public viewing session is being held in the park next today, the 30th October (between 11am and 3pm) during the school half term holidays for children and parents to come and view the plans and comment on what they want to see in the park.

Police crack-down on Halloween troubls

We are only a few days away from the 31st October, which means its Halloween, so we thought we would offer a dew words of advice to those at home and who do not wish to have kids pestering them.

Most of the children that do trick or treat are well behaved and out with the parents or an older brother or sister at a safe distance, often the children have taken the time to make there own costumes for the nights fun.

What is not fun, is a small minority of children that feel it is funny to throw eggs and flour or other object at people houses, in particular the elderly or frail within our community, if you know someone who may be at home on there own tonight, give them a call and make sure they are o.k, or even invite them round to your own house.

Local shops in Collier Row will not be selling eggs or flour to minors during the coming week, the Police have the powers to seach and arrest anyone during this time if found carrying eggs or flour.

If you have any serious concerns about anti social behaviour tonight, then phone the Police, either the SNT in Mawneys ward, on 0208 721 2586 or the Havering Park team on 0208 721 2510. If the matter is serious, then always dial 999.

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

Pupils from years 7, 8 9 at Bower Park School staged their own version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this week, dozens of children spent their own time working with staff and teachers after school and during lunch times practicing for the show.

Over the two evenings of the show, hundreds of parents, family and pupils came along to watch along with some of the North Romford primary schools for the afternoon dress rehearsal.

School Governor, Cllr Andrew Mann went along with his children to watch the show, he said "The show was fantastic and the students were, as usual, a credit to the school, with some truly amazing performances by some of the lead characters, in particular Willy Wonka (above).

Chelmsford Avenue Play Site

A park in Collier Row is to finally get a make over in the coming months, following four years of delay by Havering Council. The Chelmsford Avenue Play Site (Behind Gobions Avenue, in Collier Row) became so overgrown and dangerous that the Police closed the Park in 2006; it remained locked shut for almost 12 months. Click here for previous story

Havering Park Ward Councillor Andrew Mann said some two years ago “There is no reason why this park has been left to rot, the Council closed the gates months ago, it has left local kids with no park to play in and there is no excuse for this delay”.

Cllr Mann was behind the original plan that secured the park over £65 thousand for a new play-site and improvements, he went on “Some four years ago, whilst still a Cabinet member, I secured the deal that saw the money invested in the park, by agreeing to allow a small piece of land by the side of the park to be used for building affordable houses, this then allowed much needed funding to be released into the park”.

Now some four years later, the Council are finally going out to consultation with local people on what they want to see in the park. A public viewing session is being held in the park next Thursday, the 30th October (between 11am and 3pm) during the school half term holidays for children and parents to come and view the plans and comment on what they want to see in the park.

Cllr Mann said “Chelmsford Avenue Play Site was allocated £65 thousand pounds over four years ago and it is a disgrace that the money has still not been spent, I would like to know why Havering Council has been dragging its feet on this issue for so long and left the children of this area without a park to use for many years.”

Veolia Cleanaway Trust 10th Anniversary

I was very pleased to be invited to join the 10 year celebration event of Veolia ES Cleanaway Riverside Trust today. I went along with R.A Councillors Ray Morgon and Steve Whittaker (pictured below) we all had a great day talking with the Trust staff, Havering Council Staff and Councillors and Representatives from Veolia, charities that had gained funding such as schools, Church's and museums.

The Cleanaway Trust, funds projects in Havering to the tune of over £1 million a year and in the 10 years of the Trust, it has given over £12 million to schemes in our Borough. In total 637 individual projects have been completed, costing £23.5 million, that in turn helped match funding of an additional £36.5 million.

The trust was set up 10 years ago to manage the tax credits generated by the landfill tax credit scheme, the scheme still operates now that Veolia purchased Cleanaway in 2006 in exactly the same way.

Mark Hunter Civic Reception

Cllr Andy Mann was on hand at todays Civic Reception in honour of former Bower Park pupil, Gold Medal winning rower, Mark Hunter, being held in the Liberty Shopping Centre and then back at the Town Hall.

Mark spent time signing photos for members of the public and time with pupils from his previous schools, Bower Park and Parklands Primary school. Cllr Mann said "The pupils from both Parklands and Bower Park were excellent, very well behaved and a credit to their schools".

Hundreds of Havering residents turned out to see Mark on his big day, including his whole family, the whole event then marched off through Romford towards the Town Hall behind a marching band.

Back at the Town Hall, pupils and teachers from Bower Park got the chance to try on the famous gold medal from China, before watching the race again on a large screen.