As a result of action by Highbury East Liberal Democrat Councillors the Council has undertaken a Stop and Advise Campaign targeting anti-social cycling in Highbury. At the same time as improving the crossing as part of a safer routes to school project at St John’s Highbury Vale

Road safety concerns had been raised about the zebra crossing near St John’s Highbury Vale primary school. Cyclists were reported to be cycling over the crossing before the children and the School Crossing Patrol Officer were safely on the pavement. An initial stop and advise session with local police, was scheduled where errant cyclists were given advice on safe cycling. This was followed up a week later with an enforcement session where cyclists were fined £30 for cycling through the zebra crossing. The large majority of cyclists waited at the crossing, however four fines were issued.

The campaign also saw major improvements to the zebra crossing and roads in front of the school, including additional fencing at the crossing, extended pavements and the introduction of a speed table at the junction of Conewood Street and Highbury Park, were the school is based.

Cllr Terry Stacy, who is pictured with local lollypop lady Janet Wooden, said “Local parents have told us that these improvements are great and going to and throw from school is a lot safer. Janet, the local lolly pop lady, should be congratulated for being such a great advocate for improving safety at this crossing”

Over 50 new bike racks have been installed across Highbury as a result of your Liberal Democrat Councillors. Using money from their Area Committee allocation, Terry, Laura and John put forward sites for new bike racks in our area.

But we need ideas for more locations. Got an idea then email us by clicking here or directly to Shaman at the council clicking here

We have all moaned about it for so long, and once again local Lib Dems are taking the battle of the pedestrian Crossing outside Highbury and Islington tube to City Hall - along with concerns about the crossing times at Islington Park Street/Upper Street/Canonbury Lane.

Cllr John Gilbert said “We have tried many times before to get the timing of these crossings changed - there is just not long enough to cross! We hope a new, local Mayor, will listen this time!”

The question, which will be asked at the September Mayors Question time asks:

Will you ask TfL to review the pedestrian waiting times and crossing times at the crossings outside Highbury & Islington station and at the junction of Upper Street and Islington Park Street, as both are too short and pedestrians are taking risks to save time ?

You can sign a petition that we will be presenting at City Hall at …..

As you know the council have been clamping down on those parking illegally and fraudulently at Arsenal match games. We have put lots of pressure and Arsenal to reduce disruption to residents as much as possible.

As a result a season ticket holder has been banned from the next three home games. The ban was imposed after he was caught illegally using a disabled blue badge to park in local streets while attending the match.

Cllr John Gilbert said: “Dealing with fraudster and those parking illegally will make a big difference to the good management of match days. Whilst there are many things we need to do to improve the situation for residents I am pleased to see that we are tackling blue badge fraud - it is not only illegal but very distasteful!”

More than 6,000 lamp posts in Islington have been replaced over the past five years as part of our promise to revamp of street lighting. Through a Public Lighting PFI Project an extra 1,360 lamp posts across the borough and replaced 1,240 traffic signposts and belisha beacons.

Together with partners Southern Electric Contracting (SEC) the council has relit 105 miles of roads and responded to over 28,000 work requests.Whislt the big replacement programme is coming to an end there will still be more replacement and maintenance work going on - so if you have a faulty light do let us know.  But at the end of 5 years nearly every road in Highbury East has had new lamps, including hundreds of heritage lamps for our conservation areas.

Cllr Terry Stacy, said, “Out streets are now safer and more attractive but it does not stop here - our investment in improved lighting is assured for the next 2 decades.”  

Notification about a Full Planning Application in East Area 118, Holloway Road, Islington, London,

N7 8JE  for the Erection of a two storey rear extension-ground floor to provide additional storage to Post Office and first floor to provide additional bedroom to existing flat with green roof The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm). As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application. Comments to Vicki Killeen on 020 7527 2794 or planning@islington.gov.uk  by 4 Sept

Notification about a Full Planning Application in East Area (P081408) Gardner Court, 1, Kelvin Road, Islington, N5 2PW for the removal existing non original additions to rear (w.c./shower, boiler room) and excavate a small portion of garden for new extension at basement level. (Listed Building Consent application ref: P081188 also submitted) 

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm). As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application. Comments to Helen Dilks on 020 7527 2401 or planning@islington.gov.uk  by 28 August

Young people in Highbury East have an opportunity to bid for money to imrpove services they use - be it a local commununity group, sports team or arts project.

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) gives young people the chance to take decisions about the opportunities they would like to be available for themselves and other young people in Islington.  The YOF has operated for the last 2 years and has been a great success.  In 2008/9 about £300,000 will be available.

The Fund has helped with the purchase of sports and music equipment, provided funding for residential programmes away form Islington, enabled organisations to run new programmes and provided specific support to excluded groups in the community including disabled young people. 

Cllr Laura Willoughby, who set up Listen Up, the project that young people lead to improve services in Islington said:  “This is an excellent fund - get your imagination going, consult with friends and make sure you get what you need for your club or group.”

The YOF is not suitable for individual sponsorship or major capital works to premises.  A separate process will run for capital based projects that will take into account the new resources for the borough from the Youth Capital Fund (£100,000), new council capital resources (£250,000), Youth Capital Fund Plus (£450,000) and an as yet unspecified amount through the Myspace programme. 

This year there is a central application process that will manage £200,000 of the money available.  Applications can be made now and at any time through the year as the young people’s panel will meet every month.  A further £60,000 will be available through schools and an additional £40,000 in the 3 priority areas identified in the strategy: Barnsbury/Copenhagen, Finsbury Park/Tollington/Hillrise and Junction/St George’s.  

Groups of young people can apply for as much money as they think they will need for their project.  There is a DVD to explain and promote the scheme which has been widely distributed.  The application form that needs to be completed is attached along with some FAQs.  Further advice, support and information is available through Listen Up and the key contacts are rita.burrows@islington.gov.uk and anna.spivack@islington.gov.uk alternatively Rita or Anna are contactable on 0207 527 4511.

Dear Jules

 

Re:  Post Offices

 

You will be aware of the widespread public opposition to the post office closure programme being promoted by the Labour Government.

 

Islington Council has campaigned strongly against post office closures.  Although we have won the campaign to keep open

Essex Road

post office, other post offices are about to close – including one in

Blackstock Road

which is in your borough but is used by Islington residents.

 

I am aware that the Labour Group in Islington has intimated that you wish to step in to save the post office.  I would be very pleased to meet to discuss any plans which you may have to preserve post office services in the area and to see if there is anything that we in Islington can do to help.

 

Yours sincerely

Councillor

James Kempton

 

cc Cllr Lucy Watt, Cllr

Terry Stacy, Cllr

John Gilbert, Cllr Laura Willoughby, Kevin Lloyd

 

Many of you will know the council has taken enforcement action againts the above property.  It, in the councils view, does not comply with the planning permission it has been given.

The Appeal is regarding: Enforcement Notice: The insertion of three pairs of windows into the flank wall.

A hearing dates has now been seet for:

10.00am in Room 2, 4^th Floor, Islington’s Municipal Offices, 222 Upper Street, London, N1 on Wednesday 15 October 2008. 

You are welcome to attend the Inquiry and to have your views heard by the Inspector and can do so by contacting Lisa Topliss on 020 7527 2731 or email: lisa.topliss@islington.gov.uk