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.
London Fire Brigade Estate Day
Feb 5th
London Fire Brigade officers will be organising a fire safety day on Saturday 12th March 2011
Officers will be available to carry out a fire safety assessment of your property and if needed they will be able to provide a smoke alarm in order for you to improve fire safety in your home.
For further information about this day please contact
PC Rob Wood , Thornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team
Tel 0208 721 2622 or email thornton.snt@met.police.uk
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.
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
