Archive for January, 2011
Lambeth Living Chief Executive in shock resignation
Jan 30th
The Chief Executive of Lambeth Living, Cathy Deplessis, has resigned at a board meeting held on Wednesday evening.
Cathy Deplessis’ departure came at the company’s board meeting and was announced by chairman Keith Hill.
He said: “I’m sure you will be aware by now that Cathy Deplessis has announced she is standing down from her position. On my behalf, I would like to get on record we are thankful for all the good work that she has done as chief executive.”
Mr Hill said the board would be now working to find a replacement.
Mrs Deplessis, who was not present at the meeting, had held the post at Lambeth Living for almost 2 years.
The resignation is the latest setback for Lambeth Living, with Director of Property Services David Thompson resigning with immediate effect just before christmas.
We are awaiting a press release from Lambeth Living with details of the Interim Chief Executive.
Come back during the next few days, when we should have further information on Lambeth Living’s interim arrangements.
BRAND NEW WERA Asks….Cllr Ed Davie
Jan 21st
WERA Asks is back….and it’s time to hear from our newest councillor, Cllr Ed Davie…
Cllr Davie, Can you please tell us why you chose to become a Councillor?
I have always been interested in politics and having learnt a few things as a Westminster journalist. I thought I had something to offer in terms of helping run the council for an area I love.
What do you think is important to be a good ward councillor?
The most important thing by far is listening to the people who live in the ward you represent and working with them to help address concerns and ambitions.
Having listened you must then be assertive in getting a good deal for people from those in power – whether that is the council, a housing association, the police or anyone who affects people’s lives.
What are your key issues you would to see tackled in your first term as a councillor?
There have been many improvements in Lambeth in the past few years but the state and availability of our social housing is still nothing to be proud of in many cases.
I would most like to help bring all of our social housing stock up to decent homes standard and involve the residents more directly in the running of their housing and communities.
How do you think Lambeth as a borough can best improve over the next 4 years?
We will soon begin piloting schemes for our co-operative council model. This means getting local people to help run the services that they use in their own community. The Weir Link is a good example of this in practice. Unlike the Conservative “Big Society” our plans maintain resources and professional help but hand power to the communities who know best what services they want and how they should be run most effectively.
Upcoming activities at The Weir Link
Jan 19th
TOY LIBRARY
- Games
- Puzzles
- Construction
- Large Equipment
Thursday, 27th January 11am to 12noon, at The Weir Link, 33 Weir Road, London, SW12 0NU.
For further information tel 020 8675 2481
COACH YOUR KIDS
The programme is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old, and you, their mums and dads. In active sessions, our qualified coaches will teach simple skills and games relevant to all major UK sports. You and your kids will enjoy learning together and will be fully equipped with good ideas the next time you play together in the park, garden or other recrea-tional space. And don’t worry if you’re not too sporty, our sessions are designed for everyone.
Thursdays, 4pm to 5pm at St Stephen’s Church, 35 Weir Road, London SW12 0NU
The sessions are free, but must be booked.
For more information, and to book your place contact Julie on 020 8675 2481
Lambeth Living Director of Property Services, David Thompson, resigns from ALMO post
Jan 10th
Lambeth Living’s Director of Property Services has unexpectedly quit his position with immediate effect. David Thompson resigned from his position on the ALMO Senior Management Team at the end of last year which has been confirmed to WERA and other community groups by Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis.
Mr Thompson who had been the permanent director overseeing housing property issues in the borough such as repairs and maintenance, as well as decent homes for eighteen months, suddenly departed the ALMO for reasons undisclosed after a previous three years as interim director for Lambeth Living when it was introduced by Lambeth council.
A statement released by Mrs Deplessis read “I am writing to tell you that David Thompson, Director of Property Services for 18 months and before that as an interim for three years, has left Lambeth Living. I would like to thank David for the diligence and passion that marked his important contribution to the organisation during Lambeth Living’s formative years.”
She added “As a result of David’s work, council homes are now warmer and safer. We expect significant improvement in the repairs and maintenance service as a result of David’s work to introduce new long term contracts which are designed to improve the quality and value for money of the service to residents.”
David Thompson, Ex-Director of Property Services
No comment has been made as to why the charismatic David Thompson resigned with immediate effect though it not believed to be anything untoward. His sudden departure does follow a major restructuring of Lambeth Living in which up to 70 front line staff are being made redundant as previously revealed by Cathy Deplessis in our wera.org.uk special feature last month.
In a further statement received from Mrs Deplessis it has been confirmed that Paul Munday who is said to have a wealth of experience in public and private housing will be taking up the post part time while other aspects of the role are shared amongst other senior management at Lambeth Living. The statement revealed “I am pleased to confirm that Paul Munday has joined Lambeth Living to carry out some of the key tasks required of the role of the Director of Property Services. More >
Weir fencing works completed thanks to partnership investment
Jan 5th
Dave McEvoy, WERA Chair; with Joseph Ajala, Lambeth Living Senior Programme Manager.
Work to restore and repair metal fencing around the estate, has been successfully completed thanks to funding provided by a ground breaking three way funding partnership between WERA, Lambeth Living and Lambeth’s Major Works contractor, Breyer Group plc.
Hundreds of metres of fencing have been given a new lease of life as contractor RnB Engineering Ltd worked over a number of months to restore, repair and replace damaged fencing; including that of original art deco metal railings spanning the outside of the estate. Most of the posts and fence panels had to be renewed following years of under investment and damage caused by vehicles.
The fencing works were completed at the end of 2010 and were given approval by WERA’s current Chair, Dave McEvoy and Major Work’s Senior Programme Manager, Joseph Ajala.
WERA Chair, Dave McEvoy said “We are delighted that these works were made possible and the excellent improvements that the work have given to the appearance of the Weir Estate. This has shown that by working with our partners and contractors, estates can see vast improvement and the benefit of having a strong and active residents association. It certainly has given our estate a much needed boost and of course it’s now safer and more secure.” More >