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.
These findings and other evidence will be collated into a report compiled by WERA and presented to residents, at a public meeting in order to decide the future of the masts.
A handful of residents have raised concerns about the long term effects of exposure to the ‘radiation’ levels coming from the mobile phone masts and base stations operated by operators T-Mobile and Orange. These fears have been based on what are not believed to be unfounded speculation. The signal is also weakened by obstacles such as brick, metal and glass.
Though there are always studies into the affects from mobile phone masts particularly with the media stating there is a link to cancer, there has been no evidence to support this and all current scientific and medical studies available contradict this. This is further supported by no reports of any reports of residents complaining of ill effects despite the masts being in place for ten years.
In their statement to WERA, the HPA said ‘We have looked at the Ofcom survey report and can confirm that the radio signal field strengths that Ofcom are quoting are well below the health guidelines of the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These are the recognised guidelines in the UK that all the mobile phone operators have adopted and adhere to. The balance of scientific evidence to date suggests that exposures to radiofrequency (radio signals) below ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to the general population.’
The masts and base stations on two blocks on Weir Estate have provided an income for estate improvements following efforts by previous association administrations that the income goes towards improving Weir Estate for residents and not just into Lambeth Council. Though WERA assure residents this is not the catalyst to the masts remaining.
WERA’s new Vice Chair Rohema Khanom said of the findings “I have always found the notion that mobile masts are detrimental to health absolutely absurd. The Ofcom report clearly illustrate that the levels are far lower than the agreed level of radiation that may possibly cause harm.’
She added to reassure residents “I am pleased the report clearly shows that WERA would not knowingly put the health of residents before any financial gain, and that we have always tried to reassure some of our weary residents that we are indeed trying to do the best we can for Weir estate.’
WERA will present its findings to residents at an open meeting and seek to reach a conclusive decision on whether the masts can stay but have stated previously this must be based on facts and evidence not speculation or scare mongering. WERA has also invited anyone with any evidence for or against the masts to contact the Association and this will be considered as part of the final report.
The conclusion by the Health protection Agency and the data obtained from the estate Ofcom Survey will now form a cornerstone of the final report set to be published later this year as WERA continues to gather as much facts and data as possible.
As part of plans to cut public spending, the coalition government have recently announced that the HPA could be scrapped and form part of a new commissioning board.
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.
