Our blog is dedicated to making Mill Hill a better place. We hope you like it. Written and produced by Roger Tichborne, Richard Logue and Donna Pickup
Promoted by Sean Hooker 5 Ibsley Way Barnet EN4 9EY
Showing posts with label MIll Hill Focus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MIll Hill Focus. Show all posts
Our last newsletter was back in April 2020. We said that it was the time for our community to come together and support the efforts of Barnet Council, our key workers and our amazing community groups to get us through the pandemic. We felt that this was the sensible and responsible thing to do. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Many of have been disappointed that whilst we made sensible sacrifices, those at the heart of power were not leading by example. Our remit has always been to focus on our community in Mill Hill, but we cannot ignore the fact that the amazing community response we saw locally was not reflected by our national leaders. We note that our local MP, Doctor Matthew Offord took time to criticise the Metropolitan Police yesterday, but has not said a word about the parties in No 10. Whilst we also deplore the appalling culture of racism and misogyny that has been exposed in the Met, we are disappointed that our MP seems to think anything goes in Downing Street and that the rules don't apply to the Prime Minister and his friends. In Mill Hill, people were on their doorsteps clapping NHS workers, whilst the Prime Minister partied away. Surely Dr Offord has something to say on the matter?
What has happened in Mill Hill since our last newsletter?
Closures and openings.
Abbey National and Barclays bank have closed, leaving The Nationwide as the only financial institution left on the Broadway.
Several well loved restaurants and food outlets have been lost, including Cannons Fish and Chip Shop, Bob's Cafe and Leyla's. Gails bakery has opened on the site of Bob's Cafe and appears very popular.
Mill Hill Park.
A large wooded area has been planted on the Flower Lane part of Mill Hill Park. We raised concerns that the drainage issues in the park may damage the new trees as part of our feedback to the Council when they were consulting about the scheme. We were assurred that this was being addressed. As you can see from this tweet today, there are still serious problems.
We are concerned that @BarnetCouncil did not address the drainage issues in Mill Hill park before planting the memorial woodland. This may result in damage to the new trees. We raised this as a concern and we’re told it was in hand before planting started pic.twitter.com/m3UdhfFrqc
We were disappointed that our feedback that Barnet Council should also address the issue of neglect of other wooded areas and parks in Mill Hill has been ignored. Whilst it is good to plant new trees, these have to be managed and maintained. The council has only committed to managing the area for five years. Regular park users well know how a previous planting further up has been left to get overgrown with brambles and briars.
We are sorry to report that there has been a spate of vandalism and window smashing. Our team have been campaigning for years now to get Barnet Council to properly monitor the CCTV footage and work with police to address anti social behaviour. Sadly this is 'not a priority'.
Thameslink.
Despite various promises, we still have no step free access at Mill Hill. Our team has pointed out for over a decade that there is no reason that the entrance on Bunns Lane Car Park could not be opened and a bridge installed with lifts. Although this is not perfect, it would at least mean that people with access issues could use the station, as a precursor to a full lift option from the bus station. The platform bridge will be required.Team Member Richard is an expert on Public Transport and has helped draft many of the local requests to get funding for the project. Once Richard has the status of councillor, we expect that we will see real progress. Having an expert in the role will make a huge difference.
Mill Hill East.
This now has a lift, however the platform is not fully wheelchair accessible. It is a shame that The Mayor of London spent millions on a project and wheelchair users still need assistance to board trains.
Congratulations and best wishes.
Long standing GLA member Andrew Dismore retired and was replaced at the elections last year by Labour's Anne Clarke. We congratulate Anne on her success and look forward to holding her to account on behalf of the people of Mill Hill. We also wish Andrew a long and healthy retirement. We also congratulate Sadiq Khan on his victory in the Mayoral elections. We sincerely hope that in his second term, he is more sympathetic to the residents of Mill Hill and less sympathetic to the big developers!
And finally, congratulations to team member Richard who has been made a Freeman of the City of London in recognition of his work for the community.
Congratulations to my good mate @logueys who is now a Freeman of the City of London and today marched his sheep through the city pic.twitter.com/n9IhD89KTa
There will be forthcoming council elections on Thursday May 6th. Winning in Mill Hill is the No1 priority for the Mill Hill Liberal Democrats. We urgently need new members and help with our campaign. If you are interested please email team Member Roger BY CLICKING HERE - We will be organising a social event locally, later this month, let us know if you'd like to join us.
The Barnet Conservatives are making a promise not to raise council tax their key election strategy. Back in 2018, they took out big adverts in the press to publicise their pledges. This is what they said.
Lets have a look at how they have done on their own key priorities.
1. Council tax.
Taxpayers in Barnet have seen rises of up to 14% since then.
They promised to keep taxes low, but they have failed. Not only that but they've introduced parking charges at many sites and increased them at many others. In short, they have not kept their promises to keep taxes low.
2. They promised to keep your weekly bin collection.
They broke this promise and now not only don't collect green bins on a weekly basis, but they charge you for the privelige. Another broken promise.
3. They promised to fight the Labour Mayors Police Cuts.
I don't think anyone who has had their catalytic converter stolen, their house broken into or seen anti social behaviour in Mill Hill will think that policing has improved. This has been a huge fail.
4. They promised to stop overdevelopment.
Anyone who has lived in Mill Hill, seen the developments on the Ridgeway and elsewhere, will know they have failed miserably. In fact the Barnet Conservatives have huge plans for developments all over Barnet. Another fail.
5. They promised to invest in roads and pavements.
Sadly once again, our roads are pocked with potholes. The council ripped up many perfectly good paving slabs and replaced them with cheaper asphalt surfaces. This will require far more costly maintenance in the long run and was a false economy.
One of the most upsetting failures of the regime was to let Hendon Cemetery go to rack and ruin. It got so bad that team member Roger had to arrange a meeting with Council bosses at the cemetery and get commitments to make the numerous pot holes safe and cut back overgrown grass. These are some of the pictures Roger shared with the council in May.
We pointed out to the council that large potholes filled with water were a health and safety risk, especially to elderly residents who may have impared eyesight.
Following the meeting, much of the worst of the neglect was addressed, but it is clear that Mill Hill needs councillors who are prepared to keep a pro-active eye on our area and not be fobbed off by officials.
We believe that looking after such precious sites is a key civic duty and not a nice to have. It is our opinion that outsourcing the maintenance of the cemetery to Capita was a big mistake and has caused many Mill Hill residents a lot of pain and grief.
The last week has been perhaps the darkest time for decades in Mill Hill. The horrific killing of Vijay Patel after an argument over the sale of a packet of cigarette papers by a group of teenage boys has left many local people feeling numb. The focus team felt that it was inappropriate to publish our normal newsletter last week. Since then, there have been several developments. The Police have apprehended all of the culprits, two have been released on bail and one has been remanded in custody. The local community has rallied around in a way that is perhaps unprecedented.
Two crowdfunding pages have been set up, raising a large and much needed sum for the family
The Mill Hill Shul has also has organised a donations pagethe response to both has been truly amazing with over £30,000 raised so far.
The local community also organised a vigil outside of Rota Express last night, followed with refreshments at St Michaels Church. The Bishop of Edmonton came down to assist Fr Stephen. A large crowd gathered and lit candles.
Candlelight Vigil for Vijay Patel tragically killed in MILL HILL. Coming TOGETHER like this as a Community
can make US stronger. Strength of Community whatever the common interest should NEVER be underestimated. Stronger communities, working together = safer communities. #978SXpic.twitter.com/GBmrw9Z6lb
Thank you to all those who attended last night and thank you to the organiser too. The #MillHill spirit is alive and we will not be beaten! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Erf1XkfaId
The compassion, kindness, generosity & community spirit shown after the tragic killing of Vijay Patel in MILL HILL is truly inspiring. Thank you to all those who have raised/given money for the family of Vijay and to the member of @InsideEdgware for organising the Vigil. #978SXpic.twitter.com/fIQv6tXjcg
Vijay Patel's brother was in attendence. I spoke to members and friends of the family. Mr Patels wife is still in India, trying to get a Visa. The family are shocked and devastataed by the events, but are also touched by the community spirit and generosity of the people of Mill Hill. I was heartened to learn just how much warmth has been shown and how the family have appreciated it.
Leaders of the various communities will be present and there will be a finger buffet afterwards with refreshments. The event will start at 8pm, but the church will be open from 7pm. There will be the opportunity to donate to the appeal for the family. We will keep the community informed of the plans as the details emerge.
Other Mill Hill News
It is important for the community that we keep the events of last weekend in perspective. We have demonstrated that we are a caring and resilient community. It is important to be respectful following such events, but it is also important to carry on and ensure that we continue with our lives.
We had planned that last weeks focus lead story would be the community litter pick in Mill Hill Park and Daws Lane Car Park. A of fifteen volunteers turned up, spending an hour clearing rubbish and litter. Over 22 bags were collected in total. A further litter pick is planned for February. Well done to all who attended.
Mill Hill Residents turn out in force to clean up Mill Hill Park. Full story tomorrow pic.twitter.com/gln3RGCuGP
It has been a bad week for our ice cream and frozen yogurt bars. It appears that The Creamery has closed and there was an armed robbery at Yogopink. We urge all locals to keep an eye out for our local traders and shop keepers. If you see something suspicious let the local Police know. Transport News
Local Train operator Govia Thameslink were slammed
Govia Thameslink franchise 'not providing value for money' no wonder @TLRailUK have been slammed in the news. Their trains are consistently delayed, cancelled or too full to get on. What do I pay for?#thameslinkhttps://t.co/a49TrJU6Dm
The Chris Allard Band - 17th Jan - 2018 - from 8.30pm - Plucky Chris Allard - 1st time at MHJC this guitar-led contemporary jazz group, formed by Chris in 2002 is rooted in jazz tradition, yet encompassing elements of rock, world, classical, blues & folk influences - PLEASE RT.
Join us on the 20th of Jan at 7pm for an evening, singing along to this classic movie and remember that in 2018 St Michael's is sure to be one of your favourite things! pic.twitter.com/ZPbbQAy9zj
Reaction | Director of Rugby Mark McCall spoke to the press following yesterday night's 15-15 draw against Ospreys at The Liberty Stadium in the European Rugby Champions Cup 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/MtgN4dt5pj
Mill Hill is back to normal over all the fun of last weeks blizzard. This time last week, we awoke to a picture book view. As the snow cleared, it emerged that the council gritting operation across Mill Hill and more generally in the Borough of Barnet left a lot to be desired. A 240 bus got stuck on Hammers Hill on Sunday. Clearly bus routes and main roads should be the first priority for gritting and we'd expect steep hills such as Hammers Lane to be the top priority of all, as a bus route.
We've also been contacted by parents of St Pauls School unhappy that the pavements outside the school were very slippery and unsafe. Public buildings such as schools, Doctors Surgeries, Train Stations and Hospitals should be made a priority for pavement treatment.
The excuses from the council that the weather took them by surprise are simply not good enough. If there is a snow forecast, they should have staff on standby and should be monitoring the situation 24 x 7 until the weather has cleared. We'd like to see some action from our local councillors in Mill Hill. Between our three Mill Hill Councillors, they receive over £30,000 in allowances a year, so they should be out and about inspecting the key roads and paved areas, making sure that council staff are on the case and that local residents get the services from the council they pay for in Council Tax.
On a happier note, Mill Hill Rugby Club, our fantastic local grass roots team, won the prestigious Barnet Eye Community Awards Sports Club of the Year for 2017. This is awarded to the sports club that has put most into the Community in the Borough of Barnet. Just to demonstrate what a great club they are, they immediately organised a special food collection for Colindale Foodbank, who won the Barnet Charity of The Year Awards.
This time tomorrow...
Mill Hill RFC Christmas Party!!!
It's a family affair!
Santa lands @ 6pm, bring the kids!
We're also collecting for @ColindaleFB so bring what you can!
Are you joining us?! pic.twitter.com/buXOrngKOX
"We would like to see more of a contribution for developers of large scale projects. We would like to see a fair levy on those who get benefits from projects. If your house price doubles, because a rail service is improved, surely a percentage of that profit should go into the pot to fund future infrastructure projects. Likewise some of it should be given to residents who get no benefit and suffer a degree of property blight. Crossrail is a prime example, with huge winners and losers. We believe if some of the gains could be shared, we'd see less of the interminable public enquiry culture that has developed with all large schemes. It seems highly unreasonable that some win and some lose at the whim of a civil servant in the Ministry of Transport.
Another aspect that deserves some investigation is whether road users should have to contribute to rail schemes that alleviate congestion. If a rail scheme decreases journey times for road users and presumably reduces fuel costs, maybe a percentage of this cash could be funnelled back int future schemes. "
For Thameslink users, there are some major service disruptions over the Xmas Period. Here are a summary. Click the link for the relevant day
Overview of Thameslink service alterations
Christmas Eve
Christmas and Boxing Day
New Year’s Day
.
Other news
This week we had the Leader of Barnet Council, Richard Cornelius doing a Q&A session about council services at Hartley Hall. Here is a report of the activities.
Cllr Cornelius reported that 9,000 new school primary school places had been created, to support Barnets expanding population. He said the next challenge is to ensure that the places are available at secondary schools as these children grow up.
These have been created to support 7 major regeneration schemes. Of these Stonegrove is nearly completed. The council will generate £895 million in revenue as a result of the developments. Brent Cross Shopping centre double in size. The business rates will pay back money to build Brent Cross West Railway station.
Cllr Cornelius then looked at the downside. He sated that traffic will be a nightmare. All major roads around Brent Cross will be reworked (A1, A406, A41). Three local schools will be rebuilt.
With regards to regeneration across the Borough, 27,000 new homes are in the pipeline. 20,000 have planning permission. Cllr Cornelius confessed that he is terrified by this, especially as the Mayor of London wants more. He felt this could destroy the nature of Barnet.
On a more postive note, he listed some developments for younger people. New youth zone in Burnt Oak. He said young people have to pay to get in a nominal fee to get in to ensure they understand that the service has value. The Council are also rebuilding Copthall leisure centre in2018. A new pool in Victoria recreation ground is being built.
With regards to road maintenance, he detailed how a rectangular road repair machine has been purchased. This does "semi permanent repairs", which means that they last longer apparently. It seems square repairs are better than round ones. He detailed how street cleaning could be improved by New York style parking restrictions to clean one side of road at a time.
He finished off with by stating "We are a family friendly borough!".
Then the questions (in italics)
Why has MH Broadway. Why has it been allowed to degenerate into an eyesore?
RC. We need to be harder on people who put waste out. Whetstone and North Finchley are worse. He stated that businesses can only be fined small amounts, so we need to work with them.
A question about The Railway pub in Edgware. There is a sold sign, and it is now a car wash. Huge coaches turn up and drop off immigrants what is happening?
RC: Tfl and Broadwalk are looking at redeveloping Edgware, but it is hard to police local private property.
Richard Logue. Less difficult question first. Need more open comprehensive places. What options if Compton don't come.
RC. Due to law and govt policy, there are limited options, however Council supportive of Compton move to Mill Hill. He noted that Saracens academy is opening and that all councillors voted to give Saracens freedom of Borough. for their community participation.
Pentavia. The busy retail park was popular, local wish to see retail on the site. Will council enforce design brief.
RC. Noted that the scheme had the same developer as Barnet House, which has been refused. However Barnet needs 1,200 homes a year, so it is hard to oppose schemes.
A local residents stated that the council were looking for savings. He said that step free access to Mill Hill Broadway had been estimated as costing £12 million. He had received a quote for £2 million, from a recognised engineering company when running a campaign two yers ago. Why not use that company?
RC: We will check that out. I'd be mad not to.
A resident queried proposed budget savings. He said £70 million spent on policy and resources. with £1 million of proposeed savings, however Council spent £60 million on children s services and were proposing £2 million on savings. Why are children being targeted.
RC: They are not, Policy and Resources is a bucket for all costs that don't fit other budgets easily. Huge savings made there already.
Then it was my turn, what are Barnet doing to address the funding crises being faced by local schools? Especially when the Education chair is not prepared to lobby the Secretary of State
RC we have not given up on changing the governments mind. We believe that it is better to do this quietly behind the scenes.
A Burnt Oak resident stated that there are serious issues with Menorah school in Abbotts Road and parents parking inconsiderately.
The local Police were present and agreed to address with school
Jon Klaff, a local cycling activists asked a series of questions about cycling policy. 60 % of Barnet journeys by car. What is being done to promote other modes of transport.
RC. It is difficult to address the "Mr Toad" views of many Barnet drivers (who could he have been referring to?), action needed to be taken, but it is hard to re-engineer already busy roads. I suggested that maybe a dedicated cycle way between Mill Hill and Edgware on the disused rail line may be a start. RC stated that he'd prefer to see the railway rebuilt.
Mr Klaff also asked about the number of charging points for electric cars. He mentioned that the council only had plans for 100 and asked if this was suitable.
RC was adamant that the council is putting in more than 100 car charging points (highlighting the ones in lampposts). This rather contradicted his statement that he didn’t know where the AQPS was (“It’s progressing”). Indeed he felt more upset at the Mayor’s attack on Barnet (in the London Air Quality Plan) than Barnet’s efforts. (NB: The AQPS states 100 charging points over next three years, a cut and paste from the previous AQPS)
A worried resident asked Would less well off parents have to contribute to upkeep and maintenance of schools?
RC replied No, funds come from central govt.
Another resident raised the issue of Pavements, which are disgusting in certain areas. Raised with councillors, nothing done. Hale ward.
RC. Stated that he'd investigate and get something done about it.
A lady from Colindale Foodbank reported Addressing safeguarding is difficult. There are Serious issues in getting support.
RC. "Email me privately. There are dedicated teams and we need to sort issues out if it isn't working"
A resident, concerned with the issues at Apex Corner asked "TFL responsible for major roads, can council influence them. "
RC. Yes, TFL have to consult the council. He also admitted to not knowing where TFL and Barnet were with Mill Hill Circus. Although he felt it could be stopped.
The foodbank lady reported that "Increasing number of homeless people and people taking drugs near fishmonger in Burnt oak. Can this be addressed as people do not feel safe"
Police. "We have Operation Tungsten to deal with Burnt Oak issue. We have dispersal orders available, we go into area and deal with issues. Safeguarding issues top priority"
RC: Barnet have instituted a Borough wide street drinking ban.
The lady from the West Hendon campaign asked Can we have a nice hall like Hartley Hall?
RC: We will try, I'll will come back on that.
She then asked about the Compulsory purchase orders and how the price had been low.
Regarding CPO valuations on maisonettes. Initially £130k up to £220k. Are there examples of such increases? She was concerned by the role of Capita.
RC "I am pleased higher values were reached when it was revisited"
RC "I can't justify what happened".
She then asked about the inherent unfairness of the council tax system, where poorest residents pay proportionally far more than people in mansions. She noted that it is far quicker to empty bins in blocks of flats than in mansions.
RC: I am happy to be able to double charge council tax on empty properties
Richard Logue asked about the fairness of issues around the adoption of Millbrook Park. Residents pay twice for the same services, in a service charge and council tax.
RC. Doesn't seem fair.
There was a question about pollution due to congested roads
RC, shame not in low emissions zone. A resident was concerned about the use of dangerous pesticides on pavements. Noted other councils use steam.
RC: The EU has changed its stance on this, but if you have details of better systems let me know. I got in the last question. RC said "Have you been waiting to set this trap. I said no and asked for him to brief the audience on the West London Orbital Railway.
RC stated that he was enthusiastic and the council had put money in. He said that when he'd addressed the West London Partnership, he'd been cheered to the rafters by Momentum for his support! He explained how it is a no brainer to use under used rail lines for passenger services. He also said that he'd love to see the service extended to Mill Hill. The line runs from Cricklewood to Old Oak Common. I suspect that Richard is a bit of trainspotter on the quiet as he really seems genuinely excited by the plan. He said that he was extremely pleased that the scheme had cross party support and that the Deputy Mayor had adopted it.
Don't miss the Carols by 🕯 Candlelight this Sunday at 6pm ♥️ bring the family for this special evening in our beautiful local church ⛪ All welcome 🎄❄️♥️🕯️⛪🐧🎵🎼 https://t.co/s6JoIiQXqw
Finally, here is our round up of events etc this week
We have a wonderful seasonal week lined up at St Michael's. Don't miss Christmas Carols on Mill Hill Broadway on 21st of Dec at 12noon! pic.twitter.com/uoiMYAYK3D
Seems like our award winning local Rugby team is doing it both on and off the field.
#FridayFeeling for y'all !
With one game remaining before the Christmas break both Mill Hill RFC sides go into 2018 in great positions! pic.twitter.com/bG571CB6Mq
That's all folks. Our next newsletter will be in the new year, unless there is a mega breaking news story in Mill Hill! We wish you all a very merry Xmas.
Welcome to our second edition of our Mill Hill Focus. Over the coming weeks and months, our team will be bringing a weekly round up of all the news from Mill Hill. Keep an eye on our Twitter Account and send us a message of copy us into a Tweet if there is something you thing we should know.
Mill Hill Environment and Campaigns
Police and Council need to work together
Roger Tichborne and the Mill Hill Lib Dems have started a petition calling for the council and the local police to work together to address the recent spate of vandalism in Mill Hill Broadway. Roger told us 'In recent months we've seen repeated acts of vandalism in Mill Hill Broadway. Shop windows have been smashed, banners for the Mill Hill Music festival were slashed and we've seen all manner of other anti social behaviour. I was shocked to learn that the Council and the Police do not work together to use the CCTV footage to catch the perpetrators. We decided to start a petition and spent an hour in the Broadway talking to residents about it. Dozens of people came up to sign it. We spoke to Natasha at The Creamery, who has had her shop window smashed three times. She told us that the Council and Police told her that the could only help if she could give them a 20 minute time frame for the attack. This is ridiculous, I know from my own business that it takes five minutes to work out when such an incident happened. One of our music festival committee members was told that it was not a police priority to address vandalism. When he pointed out that the slashing of banners had been done by vandals armed with blades, he was told it was still only considered as vandalism'. Local Lib Dem organiser Richard Logue added 'It is hard enough for businessesin the Broadway as things are. These mindless attacks simply add to the stresses and costs of running a business. We believe that the council should take vandalism seriously. Stamping it out is a win win, because everywhere is nicer, businesses have less hassle and people feel safer walking the streets. Richard added 'You don't have to be a Lib Dem to sign the petition, we are just getting the ball rolling on behalf of local residents and business owners, who asked us if there was anything that could be done'.
We've also seen more unsightly bin bags around the Broadway. We urge the council and shop keepers to sort this issue out. It makes Mill Hill Broadway feel like a most unpleasant place.
