Lambeth’s top cop will be stepping down next month – against his wishes.

Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave, Lambeth’s Borough Commander had asked police bosses to let him stay on whilst he attended a three-month senior development course from January 2012, but in the interests of “continuity”, they have decided to relieve him of his role.

His replacement has yet to be named.

In a letter to residents, Chief Supt Ephgrave said his time as Borough Commander had been “the most challenging and satisfying period” of his police career, adding that he had been “blessed” to work with “so many committed and public-spirited people”.

He said: “The Metropolitan Police has taken the view that in the interests of continuity and performance focus, Lambeth borough would be better served by appointing a new borough commander prior to my attending the course.

“I have made representations to remain and I am grateful for the support I have received from partners in this respect. Nonetheless, the decision stands.

“I will look back on my time at Lambeth as the most challenging and satisfying period in my service.

“Without doubt, I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many committed and public-spirited people and I believe we have achieved many things together over the past two-and-a-half years.”

WERA would like to wish the Borough Commander our best wishes for the future, and thank him for his hard work for the borough. WERA has been delighted to have the Borough Commander at the Weir Community Day earlier this year.

Lambeth Living, the council’s arms-length-management organisation (ALMO) have announced plans to outsource their call centre operations to private company, Vangent. The move is planned to take place in from 1^st December until 30^th September 2012, with Lambeth Living having full control over the contract.

Vangent will manage Lambeth Living’s call centre operations and this will provide significant cost savings to Lambeth Living which can be reinvested in services to tenants and leaseholders. Tenants and Leaseholders will receive a much improved service as the contract with Vangent sets high performance levels ensuring that Lambeth Living delivers the ‘Lambeth Promise’.

Vangent is experienced in handing Lambeth Living’s core business areas, in particular issues around repairs and co-location of contractor staff with call centre staff.

It is expected that the transition will be seamless, and the same range of services will be delivered through the new call centre as present. The numbers used by tenants and leaseholders to contact the call centre will not change; and the current staff who deliver the service will transfer to Vangent to deliver the service under the new contract.

The contract has been entered into using the existing out of hours framework agreement, which expires on 30^th September 2012, with work already underway to procure a  longer term 4-5 year contract, which should come into effect on 1^st October 2012.

Update:

Neil Litherland, Lambeth Living Chief Executive said “Lambeth Living provides a wide range of services to over 30,000 residents who prefer to contact us by telephone. They have told us they want to get through quicker and speak to someone who can sort things out. We are looking forward to residents seeing the benefits of Vangent’s track record”.

Our Common Place is the name of the project and it is running across West London in 13 estates. Four of these are in Lambeth, Weir Estate, Poynders Gardens, Vauxhall Gardens and Central Hill.  

The aim of the project is to increase recycling in the estates, to decrease general waste, to ensure that resident’s wellbeing is looked after and to increase the capacity of the community as a whole.

To do this in each estate I am helping residents to put whatever they want to see happen into action. This has been very different across each estate such as looking at recycled craft, using grey water, help a neighbour scheme, composting, making wormeries, training for young people and doing memories workshops. In Weir estate maybe it could be helping out with the community garden and give some support there.

If there is anything you would like to see happen in Weir or that is already happening and you feel you need a bit more support please let me know via email Theresa.Greene@wastewatch.org.uk or phone 07738 343 340.

Over the next few weeks it would be great to meet all of you and maybe hold a short and fun workshop to get all the ideas out there.

This winter Lambeth council are looking for community-minded volunteers to help clear snow and ice from local streets and help keep the borough moving during periods of bad weather.

We are looking for individuals as well as members of community groups to become Lambeth’s first ever snow wardens and make our pavements and footpaths safer for everyone.

During the winter months our focus is on keeping public services and main transport routes running. We’re continuing with our usual winter maintenance service this year, but this still means that many quieter residential roads don’t get gritted. This is why we are offering you the opportunity to get involved and make a real difference in your local area.
We will give our snow wardens all the training and tools they will need, including;

• a shovel
• hi-visibility jacket
• gloves
• grit bin
• a supply of grit.

We will provide community groups with additional equipment which can be shared amongst members.

Training sessions will be held during the weeks beginning 10 October and 24 October 2011, with some sessions during the early evening and some during the day. The sessions will be a great opportunity to meet and mix with other snow wardens in your area.
Cllr Lorna Campbell, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability on Lambeth Council, explained:

“Council gritter lorries and staff will still spread grit on all the main roads and footpaths as usual, but the idea is to give more power to make a difference in their local area, especially on quieter residential streets.

“This is a really good example of what we mean by making Lambeth a Cooperative borough – empowering residents who want to get more involved in helping their local community by giving them the tools to do so.”

“The council will deliver a supply of grit to the residents who have registered their interest before bad weather is due, so it is ready to be used as soon as the snow starts to settle. This will ensure that they will be ready to act quickly, particularly to help out older and vulnerable residents in their street.”
To sign up as a volunteer or to simply find out more about the scheme email SnowWardens@lambeth.gov.uk or phone 020 7926 0524.
Up to date information on the scheme can also be found at www.lambeth.gov.uk/snowwarden.

Trustees wanted for successful local Community and Children’s Centre

The Weir Link is a vibrant and highly successful Community and Children’s Centre in Lambeth, South West London. Established in 2008, the Centre has been widely recognised for its good work, and has plans to expand its provision in the area of community health.

We want to increase the number of Trustees to match growth in the Centre’s activities. We are also planning ahead for the replacement of the Chair and others, as the end of their time as Trustees approaches.

In particular, we are seeking up to 4 people 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 management
• Supporting the well-being of Children and Young people
• Community health-care provision
• Education and/or Employment
• Service Level Agreements and Contracts
• Business Development and Fund-raising

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – induction 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.

Documents:
Click here for the Criteria for Selection and Interview (word)
Click here for further information about the Weir Link (word)
Click here for the latest Weir Link Newsletter (word)
Click here for the Application Form (pdf)
To find out more, please contact: Linda Linehan at Abbeville Associates tel 020 7720 1830 or e-mail: admin@abbevilleassociates.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2011

Interviews will take place on 12/13 October 2011 and/or during the following week (dates to be agreed by August 2011)