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Estate contractor, Connaught goes into administration
Sep 8th
One of Lambeth Living’s main contractors who deliver services to Weir Estate, Connaught has been put into administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk and raising fears about services.
However, some subsidiaries such as Connaught Environmental who carry out communal cleaning on Weir Estate will not be affected and will continue to “trade normally”, the company has promised.
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The company, which specialises in social housing, had already said on Tuesday it was in the process of appointing administrators. The firm said it had failed to secure funding to pay £220m of debt.
The company has appointed KPMG as administrators of Connaught plc, which comprises three main operating businesses: Connaught Partnerships, Connaught Environmental and Connaught Compliance.
However, only Connaught Partnerships has been placed in administration. The other two businesses are not in administration and continue to trade as usual. More >
Lambeth Living announce redundancies
Sep 7th
Up to 70 jobs will be axed within the next three months at the organisation managing Lambeth housing.
Lambeth Living has outlined details of the “restructuring” it believes will improve services to tenants and leaseholders living in the borough’s 34,000 home social housing stock.
A third of staff face redundancy, as between 40 and 70 posts are axed from the 468 strong workforce at the arms length management organisation (almo).
Lambeth Living Chief Executive Cathy Deplessis would not reveal what posts were under threat because of a consultation taking place with affected staff, who were told about the redundancies yesterday, but could not rule out a loss of frontline staff.
Terry Gallagher, director of resources and deputy chief executive, said the restructuring was a result of “inefficiencies in our systems are own staff, tenants and leasheolders have pointed out to us”. More >
Trustees wanted for successful, local Community and Children’s Centre
Sep 1st
The Weir Link is a vibrant and highly successful Community and Children’s Centre. Established in 2008, the Centre has already been recognised as a centre of excellence and has recently been awarded a significant grant to expand its provision in the area of community health.
In addition to increasing the number of Trustees to match planned growth in the Centre’s activities, we are planning for the future succession of the Chair of Trustees.
In particular, we are seeking up to 4 individuals with the following experience, knowledge and/or professional skills:
- Community involvement and leadership
- Strategic leadership in the charity or not for profit sector
- Financial planning and stewardship
- Supporting the well-being of Children and Young people
- Community health-care provision
- Service Level Agreements and Contracts
- Business Development and Fund-raising
Previous Trustee experience is not essential – full training and support will be provided. It is important to us that the Trustee body fully represents the diversity, cultures, experience, and skills from across the borough of Lambeth. We are therefore seeking applications from local residents, parents/carers and community groups, as well those with relevant professional or voluntary experience and skills.
There is no longer a closing date, for further information and to request an application pack, contact Rachel Bellini at Abbeville Associates tel 020 7720 1830 e-mail: admin@abbevilleassociates.co.uk
WERA Asks….Dave McEvoy
Aug 26th
Please can you introduce yourself, and explain what your role involves.
I am Dave, Elected Chair of WERA and have been in post for the association for 3 terms (3 years nearly) since I moved from Dulwich in 2007. My role is quite varied and can be extremely challenging from meetings with housing, Lambeth and external bodies such as the local police. I also take charge of our monthly meetings and ensure the actions and issues raised are dealt with, again this can be anything from resident issues to repairs.
What motivates you to do this role?
My motivation is simple, to improve our community and make it a better place to live for those living on Weir Estate and myself.
What do you most enjoy about representing the residents of Weir Estate?
It’s the satisfaction of knowing your making a difference to people’s way of living and quality of life. I most enjoy seeing the efforts that I put into what I do and making things happen and what I hope our positive results.
Do you think Lambeth council and Lambeth Living engage with residents and the association enough?
I think they do a pretty good job in engaging with us as an association as one of the main things I have tried to establish is good relations and communication between Lambeth, Lambeth Living and all our other community partners. Part of this is also maintaining those relations. More can always be done to engage and work together but Weir Estate doesn’t do too badly. As for one on one, yes I am sure many residents would like to at least feel there is more communication and sharing of information, thankfully this is where WERA comes in.
Crime Prevention Advice
Aug 26th
Personal Safety Tips
• When you’re out and about look purposeful. Assertiveness in the way you behave reduces perceived vulnerability.
• Avoid using your phone or iPod in public, especially immediately after leaving railway/bus stations.
• Loud personal music affects your awareness of your surroundings.
• Don’t draw attention to your valuables. Out of sight is safer.
• It is easier for wallets and purses to be removed from back pockets.
• Avoid short cuts down alley ways and across parks. Move away from suspicious people. Trust your instincts.
• Use a pre-booked minicab or licensed taxi. Know what you are getting into.
• Report non emergency incidents to the police on 0300 123 1212.
• In an emergency always ring 999.
Summer Time Burglary Prevention Tips
• When you leave your home please lock it up. This means all windows and doors. Several of the new windows allow for ventilation – Don’t just put the handle down in this position make sure you lock it as well.
• When you are not in the room with a window/door that is open ensure it is secure – don’t think because you are in you will hear what’s going on.
• Don’t leave expensive property in view of passer-by’s and don’t leave house keys or car keys on a table near the door or window.
• Secure bicycles to a permanent fixture even if leaving in communal hallways or sheds.
You can always contact Thornton Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2622 or email Thornton.SNT@met.police.uk.
Health Watchdogs, HPA Say Estate Masts Output ‘Not a Threat’
Aug 23rd
Independent health watchdog, the Health Protection Agency has ruled the output from mobile phone masts are well below international agreed limits set by International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and pose no threat to residents living on Weir Estate.
Based on a report carried out by telecommunication regulator, Ofcom of the signals being omitted from the masts in key areas around Weir Estate have confirmed that the signal is so minimal that there is no risk to resident’s health and that they are safe.
Weir Estate Residents Association sent the Ofcom findings to the Health Protection Agency, as so they can evaluate the data and provide an expert analysis. The HPA which protects the UK publics health through the provision of support and advice to the NHS, local authorities, emergency services, other Arms Length Bodies, the Department of Health and the Devolved Administrations. The Agency was established as a special health authority (SpHA) in 2003. The HPA Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards comprises the Radiation Protection Division (formerly the National Radiological Protection Board) and the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division who studied the Ofcom report. The headquarters for the Centre is based at Chilton in Oxfordshire. As part of their work they have access to radiation scientists and experts. It is these experts who have ruled that the signal poses such minimal risk that there is no threat to those living close to the masts or the general public on Weir Estate. More >
Young Offenders give Weir Railings New Coat of Paint
Aug 21st
Youth offenders serving a community punishment court order have begun giving Weir Estate’s newly repaired railings a fresh coat of paint, as part of the Lambeth Youth Offending Service (YOS) reparation program.
The youngsters aged between ten and sixteen are giving back to the community by repainting the fencing across the entire estate which got underway this month.
The program which is run by Lambeth Council serves to show young people convicted in a court the errors of their ways.
The works to refresh the metal fences will be an on-going relationship between Weir Estate Residents Association and the Youth Offending Service.
A group of up to ten youngsters are overseen by officers from Lambeth YOS. The paint and materials have been donated by major works contractor Breyer Group plc and Gunites Decorators which has enabled the project to take place.
WERA contacted the Youth Offending Service to try to brighten up the estate following works to improve resident’s homes and the exterior of the blocks.
With massive budget cuts on the horizon for both Lambeth Living and Lambeth Council, following the coalition’s spending cuts, both organisations don’t have the money available to carry out the work so WERA approached the Youth Offending Service to help rehabilitate young people through the community payback scheme.
Reparation Coordinator for Lambeth’s Youth Offending Service, Kate Mirimo explains “Lambeth Youth Offending Service are committed to ensuring young people are made aware of the consequences of their actions and that they show remorse, make amends and sign up to a plan for their restoration in the community. Working with WERA has enabled young people from our service to reflect on their actions and complete practical work which helps visibly improve their local area”.
WERA seeks Mayor and GLA Members intervention over Bus Extension Stalemate
Aug 20th
Residents on Weir Estate are calling for the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson to intervene in the delayed 255 bus route extension delays, as the proposals hit stalemate between Lambeth and Wandsworth Council’s.
At a recent association meeting, residents called for WERA to lobby the Mayor in order to get bus route implemented along Weir Road. The plans to extend the single Decker 255 bus from Streatham Hill station down to Balham Station has hit the buffers as a handful of residents in Wandsworth submitted a petition against the bus running along their road, this has been backed by Wandsworth Council who have confirmed they have passed on their objections to Transport for London.
Weir residents are furious that the extension has been delayed despite the fact the route would run along more of Lambeth’s streets than Wandsworth and that in the consultation published at the end of 2009, 68% of local people voted in favour of the extension.
WERA is now calling on the Mayor of London to step in to resolve the hold up of the plan which has been supported by the association, The Weir Link and even a builder’s merchant along the route in Wandsworth. Weir Estate has also recruited the support of Greater London Assembly member, Valerie Shawcross who will now ensure that TfL and Mayor Johnson tackle the issue.
WERA Asks…Peter Mokogwu
Aug 13th
Can you please tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Peter Mokogwu, and I am the Area Services Manager responsible for Brixton and Clapham Area.
Can you give a brief description of what your role involves?
My role is to manage the delivery of Housing Management function to Council tenants and leaseholders in the two areas. This will include tenancy matters such as transfers, assignment and successions, nuisance and antisocial behaviour, Estate Cleaning and Ground maintenance.
How long have you been doing this role?
I have been in post doing similar role since May 2008
What does community mean to you?
A place where we support and cherish the goodness in each other.
Bus Route Extension Plans Hit Delays due to TfL Cross Borough Talks
Jul 31st
Long anticipated plans to extend a single decker bus linking Streatham and Balham shopping districts have run into delays following concerns raised by Wandsworth Council and objections from residents on one road in the area.
Residents will now have to wait even longer while talks with both Lambeth and Wandsworth Council’s are ongoing with Transport for London (TfL) who carried out a consultation throughout both council districts with a large number in favour of the extension of the 255 bus which currently terminates at Streatham Hill Station.
The extension would run along Weir Road and terminate at Balham Station under the plans. Residents on a road in Wandsworth which would also form part of the new route submitted a petition to TFL against the proposals amid safety and loss of parking fears.
TfL are currently in talks with both London Councils to see the find a solution to having the bus route implemented though there is no indication as to when this is likely to be.
In a statement TfL said ‘We are still planning to introduce the service but the scheme has been delayed, however we are working closely with both local authorities to progress the scheme to implementation. Once we can release further information, we will do.’
The new route would run from its current terminus at Streatham along Hydethorpe Road, Radbourne Road, Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road, into Balham High Street and terminate at Balham Station.
