Adoption reform David Cameron has told the Times that he wants potential adopters to have a far greater say over their future family. Under the present system, parents who have been approved for adoption wait for social workers to find them a child or children. However, the PM wants parents to be granted access to the national register of all children awaiting adoption and empower them to request that a particular match is pursued on their behalf. Mr Cameron will also insist that parties or activity days that bring together parents and children waiting to be adopted are introduced nationwide. He comments that despite reforms to speed up the adoption process, there is still much to do. He believes that by granting parents a greater role in choosing their children, more adopters may be encouraged to come forward. An editorial in the Times applauds the Government’s efforts to speed up the process. A number of case studies are all also featured. Source: The Times, Page: 1, 8     The Times, Page: 2 Send to Friend

EASTERN ROAD
The Council is to repair pavements and the road surface in Eastern Road outside of the ring road in the next financial year. Many thanks to residents who raised the issue with us.
THE BATTIS
The Council has been awarded some funding by Transport for London to consult residents on how the environment of The Battis could be improved. It is hoped that a further bid to Transport for London may fund environmental and other improvements to respond to residents’ concerns.
GIDEA PARK STATION
Crossrail, which aims to improve rail links in London and the south east, and improve access to rail transport for people with disabilities among others, will reach Gidea Park station at some stage. We have been lobbying Crossrail to seek to ensure that development at the station is not detrimental and, if possible, improves the environment of Gidea Park Conservation Area, which the station is in. Further improvements to the street environment by the station in Station Road, including some pavement widening and the introduction of a bay where people can pull in very briefly to drop people off for the station are proposed.