Archive for November, 2010
Lambeth Living announce restructuring plans to staff
Nov 30th
Staff working for the Lambeth ALMO, Lambeth Living, have found out today what the organisation’s restructuring will mean for their jobs and the organisation’s services. The announcement will be made by Chief Executive Cathy Deplessis at a staff conference.
The restructuring will see major changes to the level of services Weir Estate and other Lambeth residents as well as the number of staff.
Some rumours which have been circulating suggest at least seventy jobs will go on the front line.
The announcement had been due to be made a fortnight ago but was halted at the last minute while Lambeth Council, the ALMO’s ‘client’ asked to meet with housing bosses to see if any more savings could be made in an overall assessment of council finances as they seek to save over £80million pounds. The cuts are being made following the revelations of the higher than expected cut in council budgets by the coalition government announced in May this year.
WERA advice to residents on staying safe and warm during colder weather and predicted heavy snow fall
Nov 29th
Residents are being advised by Weir Estate Residents Association to take extra care during the sudden change in temperatures which have seen some of the earliest snowfall in other parts of the UK for almost twenty years. Weather forecasters are also predicting snow for the London area at the beginning of the week.
Those living and visiting Weir Estate are advised to take extra care during the cold snap and are issuing general advice and guidance as well as requesting residents to check in on their older and more vulnerable neighbours during the colder weather conditions as they tend to be more at risk and isolated.
As part of the advice being offered, residents are reminded to take extra care should it snow and the subsequent ice, which as last February’s heavy snow showed, estate roads become treacherous and very dangerous.
Sadly Lambeth estate roads are not generally gritted much like the main roads and routes in the area such as Weir Road and the South Circular. More >
WERA Asks….Cllr Jackie Meldrum, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council
Nov 28th
Please can you introduce yourself, and explain what your role involves.
I have been an elected councillor at Lambeth since 1998 . My current role is Deputy Leader of the Council . In addition to working closely with Steve Reed , leader of the Council, I have has two major specific responsibilities - promoting good customer service to the public and overseeing the way the council manages its staff. At various times I have also been responsible as a councillor for youth services, early years, libraries and community engagement. Of course I also represent the people in my ward in West Norwood and so I get involved in a wide range of local activities.
What motivates you to do the role?
Everyday is different and every day there is something new to learn. Its hard work but rarely a dull moment.
What did you do before becoming a councillor, and the Deputy Leader?
I first stood as local councillor when my children were at primary school & I was trying to set up a community organisation to provide childcare – this was before the Labour government came in – if you wanted childcare then you had to set it up yourself.
How do you think Lambeth has changed and you think your role has had an impact
Lambeth council has got a lot better over the last 10 years or so. Lambeth has been on a longer journey of improvement than some other councils partly because for the last 25 years no political party has held on to power. So there have been a lot of stops & starts at Lambeth. Thankfully, Labour was re-elected for a second term this year and we can provide the stability that the council needs. I like to think that I did my bit to make this happen alongside my many colleagues and residents.
More >
Lambeth Living postpone restructuring announcement
Nov 8th
Lambeth’s ALMO, Lambeth Living, has halted plans to announce the outcome of months of consultation to its staff at the eleventh hour while details are finalised with Lambeth council chiefs.
Lambeth Living had planned to announce the results of its consultation to staff today [Monday 8/11/10] which would have included the axing up to 70 staff. However, ALMO management have been forced to shelve the announcement while talks with Lambeth Council get underway.
The council’s housing management firm is seeking to transform the way it serves the residents of Lambeth by pooling services and cutting staff numbers to cut costs. Staff working across the borough were due to be to be told at a meeting being held by Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis and Lambeth Living’s Directors this week after months of studying what services can be changed and improve its delivery and standards. More >
Want help to stop smoking?
Nov 7th
A new stop smoking support group has been started at the Pavilion Medical Centre in Brixton.
It runs every Tuesday, from 1pm to 2pm.
A committment to attend at least six weekly sessions is highly recommended.
For more details on stop smoking services in Lambeth call freephone 0800 856 3409 or email lam-pct.stopsmokingservices@nhs.net
Latest crime prevention advice from your local safer neighbourhood team
Nov 7th
Motor vehicle Crime Prevention
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- When you leave your vehicle, even for a short period of time please lock it up. Do not leave it open whilst you take your shopping into the house or to put the shopping trolley back.
- Do not leave any items of value in view for example; Sat Navs, laptops, mobile phones and disability badges as they are easy pickings.
- If you are putting items in the boot out of sight, do so away from where you intend to park your vehicle, as someone could be watching you.
- If you have a choice of parking places, choose the well lit area outside occupied premises. Try to avoid parking in badly lit out of sight car parks.
- If you have a driveway with a gate, please put the vehicle on the drive and close the gates. However, if you have a garage please use it and ensure you lock it.
- Do not leave vehicle keys in the house near windows or on a table by the front door.
If you have concerns about day-to-day crime and disorder issues, or if you would like to get involved,
please contact your local team, Thornton, on 0208 721 2622 or 07920 233 840.
The team can also be sent an email Thornton.SNT@met.police.uk
In an Emergency you should always dial 999.
The Metropolitan Police Non-Emergency Number is 0300 123 1212