GPS tags

Dementia patients to get GPS tags
Dementia patients are to be fitted with GPS tracking devices for the first time to save police money searching for those who regularly go missing. Sussex Police hope to save hundreds of thousands of pounds by avoiding costly call-outs. The move has been criticised by elderly care campaigners, who described it as "inhumane". More than 100 local authorities are already using similar GPS devices to track people suffering from dementia. However, Sussex Police is the first force in the country to adopt the scheme. The head of adult services at East Sussex Council has pledged to investigate the scheme. He said urgent questions needed to be asked because the tags could stigmatise the elderly and make them feel like criminals.

Power outage

A resident complained to me late last night about a power outage in flats and streets in part of central Romford. We reported this and understand that power was restored at about 3 am.

Measles

There is nothing to indicate that the Havering population would experience the type of outbreak that has been witnessed in Wales. Due to the demographics of Havering, the attention paid to improving uptake of childhood immunisation by the Public Health Team (when part of the PCT), and the support of GPs, Practice Nurses and NELFT, the Havering population is relatively well protected (one of the better protected Boroughs in London).

There have been no cases of measles in Havering over recent weeks and months. The Director of Public Health continues to monitor this situation, along with surveillance of all infectious diseases.

However, there is no room for complacency, and the Director of Public Health, continues to exercise her new role in seeking assurance that the newly formed agencies of Public Health England and NHS England have appropriate plans and measures in place (in accordance with their statutory responsibilities).

Any strategy to combat the spread of measles in England will be led and co-ordinated by central Government, including national public health campaigns. Immunisations are commissioned by NHS England, with Public Health England providing advice and leadership. It is important that, on a local level, we support those messages, and the public health team is ensuring that they are ready to do so.

Wi-fi in public areas

Wi-fi porn in public areas to be blocked
Children will not be able to view pornography using wireless internet access offered in public places under plans to be unveiled by David Cameron. The PM is to announce a government-backed code of conduct which will mean that pornography is blocked in public spaces such as cafes and railway stations where

Resurfacing works in Hornchurch

Resurfacing works to take place in Hornchurch
As part of the work to update Hornchurch High Street and make the town an even better shopping, business and tourism destination, resurfacing work will be carried out.
The work will take place from Tuesday (April 23) until the end of the week,
between the Ask Gyratory and North Street.
It will involve the closure of one lane to traffic, which will be managed by temporary traffic controls. Some bus stops will move to help the traffic flow and these will be clearly marked.
The work is funded by Transport for London. For details, visit www.havering.gov.uk/hornchurchworks

Leisure Development

Latest on Romford Leisure Development plans
Havering’s planning committee is set to discuss planning applications for the new Romford Leisure Development on Tuesday, April 30, at the Town Hall.
The Committee, made up of a group of councillors representative of the whole Council, will consider whether or not to support the proposals. If they agree with the proposals, the scheme can then be referred to the Greater London Authority and the Secretary of State.
Subject to planning permission being granted, it is hoped that work on the development will start later this year and be complete in 2015.

Immigrants and benefit curbs

Benefit curbs would deter immigrants
Benefit restrictions are likely to deter Romanian migrants from coming to Britain, a poll has found. Seven in ten of the Romanians who are thinking about moving to live in Britain would reconsider in the light of the new system. The poll, carried out for BBC's Newsnight, still found that 8.2% of Romanians and 13.6% of Bulgarians would consider the UK as a migration destination this year or next. Furthermore, 4.6% of Romanians and 9.3% of Bulgarians said it would be their first choice of country to move to.

Foster a granny

Foster a granny scheme launched
A ground-breaking scheme has been launched in Kent to offer dementia sufferers the chance to live with foster families rather than go into care homes. It is hoped the "foster a granny" initiative could change the way elderly are cared for in the future. Jane Barnes, head of adults, older people and physical disability at Kent County Council, said: "The new initiative will give people with dementia the opportunity to be looked after in a homely atmosphere and to develop real and lasting new relationships as a positive alternative to residential care." The council is now on the lookout for families willing to use their spare rooms to take in older people.

Developers can pay to rip up nature

Developers can pay to rip up nature
The Times reports that Britain's nature reserves, woodlands and meadows could be ripped up by developers - provided they put aside money to create new habitats under a Government scheme to put a value on wildlife. The scheme is being championed by Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, whose department, Defra, is planning trials in Essex, Warwickshire, Norwich, Devon, Doncaster and Nottingham. He said: "We shouldn't need to choose between either improving the environment or growing the economy. We should aim to have both, which is why I'm keen to see the results of these trials." It is noted that any developer seeking planning permission would have to measure how much of each habitat and species their scheme would destroy. The results would then be used to work out the total conservation credit value for the site. The developer would then have to give that money to a "conservation" broker who would use it to buy nearby land to recreate whatever had been destroyed.

Planning for new leisure complex

Planning ahead
A date to discuss planning applications for the new Romford Leisure Development has been set for Tuesday 30 April at the Town Hall. The Council’s Regulatory Services Committee will consider proposals to build a new leisure centre at Western Road and a Morrisons food store at Rom Valley Way, Romford.

If the Committee agrees with the proposals, their resolution will be referred to the Greater London Authority and the Secretary of State, as part of the decision-making process.

St George

Cry God for Havering, England and St George
Romford will celebrate St George’s Day with a great fanfare through its historic street market, that will be decked in a sea of red and white flags, on Saturday (20 April). Visitors will be treated to a host of entertainment during the day-long festivities including performances from the Royal British Legion Band, stilt walkers, balloon modelers, magicians and jugglers.

Two million children at risk of measles

Doctors have warned that up to two million schoolchildren are at risk of contracting measles because their parents refused to allow them to have vaccinations during the MMR scare. Experts are calling for an immediate national "catch-up" campaign to prevent the disease spreading from Wales to the rest of Britain. London is particularly vulnerable because nearly half of children in the city were not vaccinated around the start of the previous decade. Dr Helen Bedford, of University College London's Institute of Child Health, said that the measles outbreak in Wales could spread. She said: "There is a potential for more outbreaks. Children are going to get measles. There are about two million children who are susceptible because they haven't been vaccinated. London is a particular case in point."

Clarity demanded over home extensions

Clarity demanded over extensions
Campaigners have demanded clarity from the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles after his department refused to give details of how far he was prepared to backtrack over planning reforms for extensions. Critics have argued that the plans will blight communities and could set neighbour against neighbour. They said yesterday that any change should allow neighbours to object if they believed a planned extension was too big. The Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, who voted against the plans, said: "The cardinal principle is the right for neighbours to have their views taken into account. Without that, there could be poisonous consequences. The Government won't get this through the Lords unless he reinstates that principle." A DCLG spokesman said no details of the compromise will be announced before next week. Meanwhile, an editorial in the FT says that the UK has to address public hostility to development. It says that the housing shortage and resulting high prices are making home ownership seem a pipe dream for an entire generation and that the Government cannot just be on the side of those who own property.

New jobs at Tescos

As you may know Tesco have announced that they will be opening their distribution centre in Rainham this summer.  The warehouse, when fully operational, will employ around 750 people, mainly as warehouse team members and drivers.    This is a great opportunity for Havering residents to find work with a major employer in the borough and we would really like your help to let local people know what’s available.

We have already arranged a series of briefing sessions at Romford Town Hall for Havering residents, aged over 21, who want to find out more about the distribution centre and the jobs on offer.   Residents must book a place if they plan to attend a briefing session.   Places can be booked by emailing jobsinrainham@havering.gov.uk or telephoning 01708 43 44 77.

We have produced some posters and flyers (attached) promoting the jobs and briefing sessions and would be really grateful if you could display the posters on your notice boards and put out flyers to share with residents who are interested in the opportunities available. 

The first stage of the application process is an on-line psychometric test and we have suggested that anyone who doesn’t have access to a computer should go into their local Library, join (if they aren’t members already) and book a computer to use to complete the test.  We will be providing you with some more information about the application process to help anyone asking for support.

Finally if you know of any Havering resident interested in the jobs and who want to apply without help they can do so by going to the Tesco careers website – www.tesco-careers.com , clicking on the ‘Working in Depot

Scheme to revive High Streets

Major retailers are backing a drive to regenerate the British high street. The scheme, which is being led by Business in the Community (BITC), will focus initially on 27 towns earmarked by Mary Portas as targets for regeneration. The "High Street Champions" initiative will see senior representatives of the retailers work with local authorities and communities to provide focused support to bring new shops, services and activities to town centres. Stephen Howard, chief executive of BITC, said: "With one-in-10 shops empty on UK high streets, and depressed footfall in many towns and city centres, we have devised High Street Champions in response to the urgent need to transform town centres."

Revision to Home extension Plan

Eric Pickles promises a 'revised approach' to home extension plan

Conservative MP Bob Blackman says the plans could lead to people having to take down extensionsContinue reading the main story
Related Stories

MPs warn over home extension plan
Q&A: Housing and planning shake-up
Ministers have promised to bring forward a "revised approach", after Tory MPs objected to plans to double the maximum size of home extensions.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wants to ease planning restrictions in England for three years to boost the building trade.

But MPs argued that there would be little economic benefit to the plans.

Mr Pickles told MPs he was willing to find a "sensible compromise", as he sought to appease Tory rebels.

The new approach would be set out in the House of Lords when the Growth and Infrastructure Bill returns there next week, Mr Pickles said, after discussions with MPs.

However, he did not give any further details on what the compromise might look like.

'Eminently bridgeable'
Ministers announced last year that they wanted a three-year relaxation of the planning rules to allow single-storey extensions of up to eight metres for detached houses and six metres for other houses to be built without planning consent being required.



"I believe that this is eminently bridgeable and I would like the opportunity to make that bridge.”

The proposal, which is still under consultation, has angered some local authorities and is opposed by Labour.

Mr Pickles said he had listened to the concerns expressed by peers and MPs and said he believed "even at this late hour we can actually establish a broad consensus on these practical reforms".

He added: "I can announce today that in the spirit of consensus, we will bring forward a revised approach on the contentious question of permitted development rights for home extensions when the bill returns to the Lords.

"I believe that this is eminently bridgeable and I would like the opportunity to make that bridge."

He said MPs would get the opportunity to vote on the new plans when the bill comes back to the Commons on 23 April.

The Growth and Infrastructure Bill was amended last month by the House of Lords to stipulate that individual councils should be given the right to opt out of the planning rules changes.

Many Tory rebels wanted to keep this change in the bill, but the government wanted to reject the amendment and instead to reach a compromise with MPs.

The government won vote by 286 votes to 259, a majority of 27.

But not all Conservative MPs were convinced by Mr Pickles promise of a new approach.

'Greater clarity'
Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park, a vocal critic of the plans, was among a number of Tory rebels who voted against the government.

He said the government needed to "give greater clarity" about how it plans to reach a compromise.

Former cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan said she would not believe Mr Pickles until she saw the new plans "in black and white".

Earlier Mr Goldsmith told BBC Radio 4's Today programme relaxing the rules on building extensions would "guarantee disputes between neighbours".

"It will be very unpopular and there is no evidence, as far as I can see, that it is going to solve any problems at all. It seems like very bad, clumsy politics."

But another Conservative MP, Heather Wheeler, insisted that the government's plans would create jobs.

She said: "We are desperately short of family-sized houses. This is an opportunity to kick-start local economies."

For Labour, shadow communities and local government secretary Hilary Benn said: "The government is so weak and divided that it can't even agree on how to build conservatories".

He said the scheme, as it stands, would "allow unregulated and potentially unsightly development without scrutiny is anti-localist and will sow discord between neighbours".

Book of Condolence - Baroness Thatcher

Andrew Rosindell MP and Cllr Michael White, Leader of the Council in Havering Town Hall with the Book of Condolence for Baroness Thatcher. The book will be available for signing until the end of next Wednesday. If anyone would like to sign but cannot get to the Town Hall, please contact me.

Upcoming Events in Romford

ROMFORD ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
Artists from Romford Contemporary Arts Programme will be taking over a shop in Quadrant Arcade in April. For more on artists working in Romford please see http://www.romfordarts.com. There will be a “Market Apprentice Day” in Romford Market on 25th May to celebrate the “Love your local market” campaign. The Liberty Shopping Centre will be holding a fashion design competition on 31st May 11am-1.30pm, and a fashion show weekend on 1st and 2nd June from 11am-5pm. For more information please see http://www.theliberty.co.uk. On 11th June Havering 90 Joggers will be holding their annual 5 mile run around Raphael Park and local roads, admission is £5 affiliated clubs, £7 for non-affiliated. For more information please see www.h90j.org.uk. On Saturday 22nd June Havering Concert Orchestra will be performing works by George Gershwin, Beethoven and others at Frances Bardsley School. For more information please see http://www.hcoweb.co.uk or phone 0208 220 5147. Romford Summer Theatre will be performing “A Comedy of Errors” in Raphael Park on 20-23rd June and 27-29th June, for more information please see http://www.romfordsummertheatre.com. On Saturday 29th June there will be a parade through Romford town centre to mark Armed Forces Day. On 4th July there will be a campaign to promote independent retailers in Romford as part of “Independents Day”. There will be a performance of “Noah’s Flood” at St. Edward’s C. of E. Church in the Market this summer - for more information please see posters outside the church. On 28th July Friends of Cottons Park will hold their annual Fun Day, for more information please see http://www.friendsofcottonspark.webden.co.uk. There will be Italian Markets on 7th July and 8th September. There will be “Twilight market” events involving traders in September to encourage commuters into the town centre.

Repton and Tudor Avenues

A report detailing elements of the Repton and Tudor area review will be presented at the Highways Advisory Committee meeting for consideration on Tuesday 16 April 2013 in the Town Hall, Main Road, Romford. The meeting will start at 7:30pm.

The remaining elements will require the decision made by the Head of Service for StreetCare of which we will inform you of the outcome in due course.

The agenda for the meeting, including the reports, will be available at the meeting and on the Council and Democracy pages of the Council’s website.

The committee is open to the public and the Council’s Constitution allows one person to speak in support and one person to speak in objection. Each person must pre-register to speak and will have up to a maximum of 3 minutes to express their view. Please note that requests to speak at the meeting are registered on a ‘first come first served basis’ and if you do wish to register please contact Taiwo Adeoye on 01708 433079 at least two days prior to the meeting.

There are usually a number of schemes to be considered and it may be late in the evening before this report is discussed. If you are not in attendance you will be able to view the Committee decision when it is published, on the Council & Democracy pages of the website, one week prior to the Highways Advisory Committee meeting in May 2013.

Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

ABANDONED SHOPPING TROLLEYS
Residents have expressed concern to us about the increased number of shopping trolleys abandoned in the town, residential streets and elsewhere recently. Unfortunately, a number of the major supermarkets have pulled out of a scheme whereby trolleys were removed within 24 hours of their being reported. We understand that Tesco, Tesco Express and Iceland have remained in this scheme, however. We are seeking to encourage others to rejoin the scheme, as it had a positive impact on the environment of the town. To report abandoned Tesco or Iceland trolleys we understand that residents should email control@trolley-tcs.co.uk. For abandoned Asda, B&Q and Sainsbury’s trolleys you should phone 0800 3161241 or email enquiries@trolleywise.co.uk. For Lidl trolleys you should phone the store on 0870 444 1234, Marks and Spencer - phone the store on 01708 766424, Matalan - phone the store on 01708 759780, TK Maxx - store number 01708 761978, The Range - store number 01708 771790, Wilkinson - store number 01708 738132.

Job opportunities in Rainham

Jobs at Tesco Distribution Centre, Rainham
Havering residents are invited to apply for jobs at the Tesco Distribution Centre in Rainham. The distribution centre, when fully operational, will employ around 750 people, mainly as warehouse team members and drivers. The Council is helping Havering residents to find out more through a series of briefing sessions over the next two weeks. Havering residents can ring 01708 434 477 or email jobsinrain

This week's Countryfile

Countryfile BBC One
Havering Council expects to be mentioned on the BBC One programme Countryfile, being shown this Sunday (7 April) at 7pm. The BBC filmed deer in Bedfords Park and Dagnam Park,
and spoke to Councillor Andrew Curtin (Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns & Communities), as part of a report about the future of Britain’s deer population.

Raphael Park

Raphael Park Restoration Project – Update 3rd April 2013


It is pleasing to report that the restoration works are progressing very well and in line with the contractor’s programme despite difficult weather conditions. Borras Construction is performing very well so far and is trying very hard to minimise inconvenience and disruption to visitors to the park. In summary:

• The Park Lodge extension is well underway with blockwork walls being constructed. The service yard is complete except for final surfacing

• The play area kiosk has reached the stage whereby the roof is being constructed

• The footpath reconstruction is progressing in several areas of the park. This will accelerate now that ground conditions are improving. In order to finish the new footpath along the park boundary to the east of the tennis courts the double gate on Parkway will be closed to park visitors on 8th, 9th and 10th of April to allow delivery lorries to drop off stone for the base of the footpath. Visitors will be re-directed to the play area entrance.

• The repairs to the lakeside revetments will commence in mid April and end in early May. During this period it may be that the lakeside promenade will close for park visitors. To enable repairs to take place the level of the lake will be lowered by up to a metre beginning Monday 8th April. A letter has been delivered to residents of Lake Rise that back on to the lake explaining what is happening. This letter is attached to this email for your information

• Redecoration works to the railings, gates and two sports pavilions will start when the warmer weather arrives!

• The new roof to the bandstand is now reaching complete and further restoration of this structure will now commence

• The brick shelter and toilets have been demolished opening up new views within the park

• Detailed planting plans are now being developed with the Council’s design team. It is still anticipated that the planting of new trees, shrubs, hedges and herbaceous beds will take place during the autumn and winter of 2013/2014 by the Council’s gardeners and horticultural apprentices once proposals are finalised. This will take place once the contractor’s main programme is complete

• Lastly ideas for new bins, sign posts, interpretive boards and entrance signage are being worked on at the moment.

If you require further information on the project please contact Don Stewart on 01708 433779 or don.stewart@havering.gov.uk

Junction Road crossing

We are pleased to see that there is now a pedestrian crossing in Junction Road, opposite to the Medical Centre.  We have campaigned a long time to have this installed and are sure it will be appreciated by our more senior residents.