Updates from your Belsize ward Councillors Claire-Louise Leyland, Jonny Bucknell and Leila Roy
@BelsizeBulletin
This e-newsletter goes to over 560 homes in the Belsize area.
Results of the May 2015 General Election
We wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Hampstead and Kilburn campaign last month. As you know, we didn't quite make it over the line this time, but we did win 5,000 more votes than we did in 2010: increasing our vote share by 10% to over 42%. Nationally the result was quite different though, with our party gaining an overall majority! We were also very pleased to have a new Conservative councillor elected in Hampstead Town ward. Cllr Oliver Cooper has now joined our team and is already making a valuable contribution to our shared work across Camden.
Our work
We continue to do casework for residents all across the ward, looking at problems that have arisen with council services, such as rubbish and recycling, parking, housing issues, planning applications and enforcement issues. We also attend local meetings of tenants' and residents' asssociations and other community groups. Please do get in touch if you need any assistance, or if you'd just like us to pop by to visit your street.
Waste and Recycling
We are very concerned about proposed changes to waste and recycling collections - “Alternative Weekly Collection” - which in plain language is fortnightly black bag/non recyclable bin collections, while keeping weekly recyclable bin collections. Camden had a consultation up online about this last month, but this has now been removed. A resident has contacted us with another questionnaire that he has put together online, as he felt that the questions asked by Camden were leading, mainly about recycling, and did not allow residents to articulate their concerns properly. We'd encourage you to complete this questionnaire now, so that we can use the results to fight these proposed cuts to weekly collections on your behalf: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FJVGPWG
We are also organizing an Area Action Group with Council Officers so they can hear and answer your concerns about these proposed changes.
Thames Water
Thames water are going to carry out a leakage programme in the area and undertaking major works to improve the leakage issues. As you know, there are ongoing problems with water pressures and it is necessary for them to improve their service provision as a matter of urgency. It is inevitable that there will be some disruption though, during the course of the works. You can find out more by going to one of the drop-in sessions in their exhibition vehicle on:
· Monday 8 June from 4pm until 8pm along Eton Avenue, Camden
· Wednesday 10 June from 4pm until 8pm along Belsize Park, Camden
You can also look on the website: www.thameswater.co.uk/camden. Or call the Thames Water customer centre on 0800 316 9800, quoting your address and reference number: BB820173630 .
Sir Richard Steele's Pub
We are delighted that the nomination of the Sir Richard Steele pub on Haverstock Hill to be designated as an “asset of community value” was successful - ACV status was finally granted last month! So many local people have told us how much this pub is valued by the community and we have all been to many functions in the pub and in the beautiful garden area. Having “asset of community value” status granted, means that full planning permission will be required for changes and thus, that the community will have an oportunity to object to proposals. We were delighted that the BRA took up this cause and as ward councillors, have supported them through the process.
100 Avenue Road: BRA Appeal for Funds
Last September after a strong local campaign, Camden's Planning committee rejected Essential Living’s planning application to build a 24-storey tower alongside Swiss Cottage open space. The developer, Essential Living, appealed this decision and the case will be heard at a planning inquiry before an independent inspector in July 2015. Essential Living has hired an expensive and strong legal team and Camden will defend their decision as the main party. The BRA and several other lcoal groups have been granted Rule 6 status and need to put forward a strong, expert-led case.
We are encouraging all residents who are able to do so, to make a financial contribution to the BRA Fund to fight the 100 Ave Rd appeal. The cost to get the reports and guidance needed will be in the region of £15,000, so every donation will help enormously. Please make cheques payable to the Belsize Residents’ Association and send them to: BRA c/o Anne Stevens Flat 1, 20 Netherhall Gardens, NW3 5TH. Online payments can be made to Belsize Residents’ Association, Santander Bank, Account number: 19524004 Sort Code: 09-01-55. Please ensure you include the reference “Donation”. To find out more please contact BRA: [email protected] or telephone 0207 794 0874.
Have a say on the future of Camden’s libraries
Camden will be formally consulting again on the future of our libraries over the summer. They want to hear your ideas and views on "how we can save money, where we might prioritise our resources or how we could get better value from our libraries by attracting more people to visit". We know how important libraries are to local people so please do give your ideas at: www.camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries
Belsize Neighbourhood Development Forum
We continuing to work with the BRA on developing a Belsize Neighbourhood Development Forum. If you'd like to be involved but haven't had achance to get in touch yet, please do email: [email protected]
All the best,
Claire-Louise, Jonny and Leila
Our ‘surgeries’ offer residents the opportunity to drop by and speak to us about issues or concerns. We'll also be offering a 'roving' street surgery for residents in different parts of the ward, so call us if you'd like to arrange this!
Cllr Claire-Louise Leyland
M: 07798846240
[email protected]