News
Weir residents now ‘even safer’ following outstanding LFB fire safety visit
Mar 14th
Homes on Weir Estate have been made even safer following a fire safety visit from crews at Tooting Fire Station. Residents were given fire safety advice and had smoke alarms fitted free of charge during the fire safety day at the weekend.
A team of fire-fighters and two fire appliances attended Weir Estate as part of a day organised by London Fire Brigade’s Green Watch at Tooting Fire Station. The estate visit which took place over the course of Saturday was organised by Green Watch’s Watch Manager, Jackie McConchie and the Thornton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). The visit was supported by Weir Estate Residents Association.
Every property on Weir Estate along with others on Weir Road, were called upon during the free event which offered residents free advice and the first defence in a house fire which can save lives in the crucial moments following a house fire, smoke alarms. Thirty one properties had smoke alarms fitted and many others were given advice as LFB adopt a prevention approach to tackling house fires across London as a brigade priority.
Following previous fires in other blocks of flats across London, such as the devastating fire at Lakanel House in Camberwell in 2009, where six people were killed, London Fire Brigade are actively offering safety advice to more homes, which could prove critical in preventing loss of life particularly in blocks of flats where damage can be even more wide spread. More >
The Weir Link is collecting vouchers…
Mar 14th
The Weir Link is collecting vouchers from Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s for the Active Kids and Tesco for Schools Campaigns. The challenge is to get even more kids active in 2011 by buying much needed equipment and kit. You too can help by collecting vouchers when shopping at both stores or by recycling inkjet cartridges or mobile phones. Please put these in the letter box at the Weir Link.
Designers appointed to grow Weir community garden plans
Feb 23rd
Weir Estate Residents Association has confirmed the chosen design for the new community garden on Weir Estate. The chosen design is by educational and environmental company, Touchwood Trees Ltd who will implement the residents association’s new project.
The association’s executive committee have had to select a design which will transform the currently disused, wasted area in the south-west corner of the estate, by Anfield Close. Touchwood Trees led by Karen Wydler, has been chosen for its commitment to encouraging education and environmental credentials which will focus on getting residents involved unlike the other designs the association considered. Due to time restrictions and pressure from Lambeth Living bosses, a decision on who will carry out the work had to be taken in order to ensure it went ahead this year.
Touchwood Trees regenerate and transform public spaces both urban and rural, to create healthy and diverse environments that are creatively stimulating, educational and that function in providing habitat richness and aesthetic value. More >
Thornton Ward councillors praised for ‘invaluable input’ and hailed as ‘true community asset’ by WERA
Feb 19th
Thornton’s three councillors, elected to represent the Weir Estate’s ward, have been praised for their ‘Special Relationship’ with the area and the Weir Estate Residents Association.
Labour councillors, Lib Peck, Diana Morris and newly elected last year as ward councillor, Ed Davie were commended at the Weir Estate Annual General Meeting for their contribution in tackling the many issues that arose in 2010. The three councillors regularly worked with and supported executive officers and residents alike in issues relating to the windows, parking and mobile phone masts among many others.
At the AGM, WERA’s Chair praised their commitment to working with the association and hailed them as ‘great for the image of local politicians’ and for community relations with the council. He also went onto to praise their regular attendance at association meetings where at least one of the three councillors has attended. More >
WERA announces new priorities for 2011 and slogan
Feb 17th
Priorities which will be the main focus of the work of the association for the coming year and the new slogan have been agreed and unveiled following the recent association Annual General Meeting. The association will use the agreed priorities to continue to bring about further improvements to the estate, and tackle issues highlighted by members and the previous year.
Alongside the new priorities, a new slogan has been adopted to represent the work of the association and encourage residents to get involved in the work of WERA. More >
Local Policing gets a boost from ‘Project Hannah’
Feb 16th
Policing across Lambeth has received a boost from a new police project which came into effect this week. Increased numbers of officers will be patrolling areas identified to have specific issues such as high levels of anti-social behaviour or robbery.
Lambeth Police Borough Commander has launched the new project this week and announced that a new initiative of Local Policing Teams (LPT’s) who will work alongside Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT’s) such as the one in Thornton Ward.
The new project offers an innovative new approach to the use of response police officers, with the aim of improving the local policing service to the public such as estates in Lambeth like Weir Estate. A proportion of the existing emergency response police officers will be dedicated to those calls which require urgent attention through the 999 system.
Urgent response calls are only a part of the overall volume of calls from the public. The change means that a smaller number of response officers will deal with a reduced number of calls – those needing our swiftest response. More >
The Weir Link is asking for your help!
Feb 15th
The Weir Link is asking for your help in their survey of users and local residents.
The Weir Link would like to find out from you what you think about their services so that they can improve them and plan for the future based on what you tell them.
Also, Children’s Centres should make a difference to the lives of the children and parents/carers that use Centres and so they’d like to find out from you if the Weir Link has made a difference. If they have – how have they made a difference and if not, why.
The information will be invaluable for the Weir Link’s upcoming Ofsted inspection and for the local charities current fund-raising.
Everyone who completes the survey form will be given a number which will be entered in a prize draw with £50 vouchers as a prize.
Survey Forms can be picked up at the centre or downloaded here in PDF or MS WORD
The completed survey can be handed in person at The Weir Link, 33 Weir Road, SW12 0NU, or email to info@theweirlink.org, and feel free to email with any comments.
OPPORTUNITY TO WIN £50 VOUCHERS!!! PRIZE DRAW MARCH 1st
Lambeth Living’s new Chief Executive announced
Feb 9th
Neil Litherland has been appointed interim Chief Executive of Lambeth Living, following the resignation of Cathy Deplessis two weeks ago.
Neil has a track record of achievement in local government and housing. As Deputy Chief Executive of Camden Council he played a key role as the north London borough became the highest rated council in the country.
As Director of Housing and Adult Social Care for Camden, Neil transformed a housing service to reach a three star standard highly regarded by its 35,000 tenants and leaseholders.
In a career spanning 25 years, Neil also held senior housing positions at Bolton Council and Kirklees Council.
Neil said: “I am looking forward to helping Lambeth Living improve services to tenants and leaseholders.”
Lynn Holman, Vice Chair of Lambeth Living’s Board, said: “Neil brings a wealth of housing experience and he will help Lambeth Living to focus directly on improving services to residents.”
Cllr Lib Peck, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Thornton Ward councillor, added: “Neil has a track record in turning around organisations and the skills needed to build partnerships and improve key services.”
Neil takes up the post immediately for an initial six month period.
Lambeth Civic Awards 2011
Feb 4th
Is there anyone you think deserves recognition for their kind actions? Maybe a friend, colleague or someone you know in the Lambeth community. The council would like to thank such people on behalf of those who live in our area.
Nominations are sought from anybody who believes they know someone who should be recognised.
Awards will take the form of the ‘Town Centres’ (North Lambeth, Brixton, Clapham & Stockwell, Norwood and Streatham), a borough-wide award and the ‘Lord Scarman’ award. The Lord Scarman award will be awarded to the person who has contributed to developing, increasing, or promoting equality and inclusion in the areas of race, gender, disability, age, sexuality, religion or belief and achieving or encouraging achievement in challenging circumstances.
Nomination forms are available in all Lambeth libraries and in the reception area at Lambeth Town Hall, or download a nomination form.
The Mayor of Lambeth will present those honoured with a framed certificate at an evening awards ceremony on Wednesday 30 March 2011.
For further information, contact the Mayor’s Office on 020 7926 2120.
Deadline: Monday 21 February 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.
