Harlesden town web site

Town Team February meeting, and planning exhibitions

2012-01-19T17:21:00.003Z

UPDATE:

The next meeting is:

Monday 6 February, 6pm to 9pm, at Salvation Army Hall

Dear Members,

After discussion at the December general meeting, the February’s general meeting will take place at one of the following:

Monday 6 February, 6pm to 9pm, at Salvation Army Hall
Wednesday 8 February, 6pm to 9pm, at The Methodist Church
Saturday 11 February, 2pm to 5pm, at the Royal Oak.

Please make a decision on where you would like February’s meeting to be held. Email info@harlesdentownteam.org by Wednesday, 25 January. If there is not enough response, we will use the original arrangement of the Salvation Army Hall, on Monday 6 February, 6pm to 9pm

The Harlesden Town Team Advisory team are having a membership drive on Saturday the 21st January 2012 between 11 am to 2pm in the forecourt of the Methodist Church. This will enable for more residents in Harlesden to join the team. We will be also promoting the consultation on options A and B.

There will be 5 sessions at the Salvation Army Hall, on the following days and times:

Monday 23 January, 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 25 January, 4pm- 8pm
Saturday 28 January, 10am-2pm
Monday 30 January, 1:30 pm – 5pm
Tuesday 31 January, 6pm – 9pm.

Council officers and members of the Town Team will be available at the exhibitions to discuss options and answer questions.

Leroy Simpson, Chairman

Harlesden Town Team 2010-

Saturday 21 Jan: 'Promote HTT'!

2012-01-19T17:09:00.000Z

HTT Promotional Event
Date: Saturday 21st January 2012
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Methodist Church, High Street Harlesden
Theme: Cool Harlesden

The aim of the event is to give the Town Team a higher profile with Saturday shoppers in the town centre.

In order to differentiate ourselves from the usual Saturday we should dress Cool. We shall introduce HTT to the widest audience, tell them about future plans and events such as the street improvement consultation, Love Harlesden event and Heart's Streetclean.

We shall also seek to collect names and addresses and to visually represent residents on a map. We can also solicit views in the way on usual post-it wall

Dress Code: Cool. Think Blues Brothers sharp suits, hats and shades. Dress for impact.

Activities:

Engage shoppers with idea of Harlesden Town Team. Get names and addresses for free draw and put location pin in map.
Tell shoppers/local residents about the plans for the high street and forthcoming consultation. In particular events at the Salvation Army. Provide information leaflet.
Note any concerns or novel ideas, either particular or in general, raised by local residents.
Shops survey. Introduce HTT/High Street Project and Consultation. Establish key contact for every Harlesden retailer. Mention Harlesden Directory 2012.

Brent & Kilburn Times

2012-01-19T16:59:00.002Z

Question to the Mayor on air quality in Harlesden

2012-01-11T16:58:00.000Z

A404 in Harlesden

Question No: 3960 / 2011

Navin Shah

TfL may approve a new gyratory for the A404 in Harlesden. In deciding whether to return the commercial Craven Park Road to two-way traffic, and remove A404 through-traffic from the parallel, residential part of Manor Park Road, why has no consideration been made of air quality issues?

More generally, will the Mayor ensure that air quality issues are a quoted consideration in all relevant TfL road and infrastructure projects?

Written response from the Mayor

Written answer received on 11 January 2012:

It is not true that no consideration has been given to air quality.

The London Borough of Brent is seeking to transform Harlesden Town Centre by reducing the dominance of traffic, improving conditions for residents and visitors and significantly enhancing the public realm. The two scheme options currently being considered include proposals to improve air quality, through widened footways and simplifying crossing arrangements, enhanced landscaping, encouraging a modal shift to more walking and cycling and altering the road lay-out to improve traffic flows thereby reducing emissions.

At the initial project development stage, a number of options were considered. The final two options selected for public consultation were deemed to have positive impacts for air quality. An impact assessment document will be produced at the preferred option selection stage which will provide baseline information to monitor the long term impacts of the scheme, including air quality.More generally, any major project in receipt of TfL funding over £2m is subject to a standard business case appraisal procedure. This includes ensuring a sufficient air quality impact assessment has been undertaken by the scheme promoter. Similarly, all borough Local Implementation Plan submissions are assessed against my objectives, including improving air quality.

January Consultation on Harlesden Traffic Scheme

2012-01-09T17:21:00.004Z

Brent Council, in partnership with Harlesden Town Team 2010, will be putting on exhibitions on the Harlesden Town Centre Project.

There will be 5 sessions, held at the Salvation Army Hall, 32 Manor Park Road, Harlesden NW10 4JJ, on the following days and times:

Mon 23 Jan, 4pm - 8pm

Wed 25 Jan, 4pm - 8pm

Sat 28 Jan, 10am - 2pm

Mon 30 Jan, 1:30 pm - 5pm

Tues 31 Jan, 6pm - 9pm

Council officers and members of the Town Team will be available at the exhibitions to discuss options and answer questions.For more information check out our website www.harlesdentownteam.org or contact us at info@harlesdentown.orgThe exhibition will display:

The background to the scheme
Plan of the Option A and Option B
Plan of the proposed changes to the Controlled Parking Zones
Information on traffic flows
Details of changes to bus routes and stops
Leaflets of Frequently Asked Questions for people to take away
Copies of the leaflet and questionnaires
Copies of the Harlesden Charter.

Town Team Brain-Storm at meeting of 5 December

2012-01-09T17:13:00.001Z

"Meeting of the Minds" event

2011-2012

More trees and flowers around town centre
Cycle friendly measures
Open-air cinema
Fewer betting shops
Farmers market
Info about social enterprise
Directory of community spaces (available for hire)
Garden-sharing project
Book shop and cafe
HTT to become charity status
Shops good overspill
Arts and crafts fair
Explore grants for shops to maintain their frontages
Activities for all age groups
WJ station campaigning (extra platforms, easier access)
HVG ban (bridge strengthening)
Hire main car park for funfair / market / open-air cinema, craft and food stalls
Keep jubilee clock where it is
Education initiatives (Grand Union Canal – walks/wildlife/canoeing/canal boats)
Comedy week
Funding for nurseries
Pensioners' event.

2013 - 2015

Bypass (Scrubs Lane to NCR)
Pedestrian and cycle access to Wormwood Scrubs area
Full-time cinema
Activities facilities for 6-14 yr olds
Funding for community centre / groups / events
Better use of existing facilities
More school holiday events funding
Community garden site
Community activity volunteering for befriending / mentoring
Home ownership for local people
Re-open main line platforms at Willesden Junction
Reduce heavy traffic
HTT 2010- permanent space
More restaurants (with good food)
Underground car park.

The Guardian: "Boris Johnson and the 'invisible crisis' of air pollution"

2012-01-05T13:18:00.001Z

Link to Dave Hill, The Guardian

"Cleaner air: I think we can agree that we need more of it. It is therefore good news is that phase 3 and, indeed, phase 4 of the capital's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) programme came into effect yesterday.

"... Simon Birkett, director of the Campaign for Clean Air in London (CAL), compares Boris's reaction to all this with the more vigorous public health response of the authorities to London's Great Smog of 1952, which is believed to have led to the same number of deaths in a shorter space of time."

Tuesday 10 January: Harlesden Forum

2011-12-29T13:36:00.001Z

HARLESDEN AREA CONSULTATIVE FORUM

AGENDA

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 from 7pm

All Souls Parish Church, Station Road, Harlesden NW10

Welcome and introductions (7.00pm)
Matters arising from previous meeting and updates (7.05pm)
Soapbox (7.10pm)
Council Budget update – Q and A session: Cllr Ann John (Council Leader), Cllr Muhammed Butt (Deputy Leader) (7.20pm)

Refreshment break (8.00 – 8.10pm)

Digital Switch Over Liam McKay, BBC (8.10pm)
Housing Benefit Changes Laurence Coaker, Housing and Community Care, Brent Council (8.25pm)
Housing Reforms Val Barnes / Tony Hirsch, Strategy Partnerships Improvement, Brent Council (8.40pm)
Close (9.00pm)

For further information, please call 020 8937 1073 or email consultation@brent.gov.uk

Action notes from previous meetings are available on the Brent website: www.brent.gov.uk/consultation

Future meeting: Tuesday, 10 April 2012

London Overground new timetables

2011-12-21T16:10:00.004Z

Timetables valid from 11 December 2011

Highbury & Islington to West Croydon

Watford Junction to Euston

Richmond/Clapham Junction to Stratford

Gospel Oak to Barking

South London

An extension of the Overground network from Dalston Junction to Clapham Junction via Surrey Quays will open in late 2012 (see video). This will complete the London Overground orbital railway around the Capital.

Clapham Junction works

"Network Rail is also carrying out works at Clapham Junction to convert Platform 2 into two separate platforms to accommodate the existing London Overground services to/from Willesden Junction and Stratford (to be renamed Platform 1) and the new services to/from Dalston Junction (to be renamed Platform 2).

"They will also be renewing some parts of the track and moving one of the big equipment cabins.This work started in October 2011 and will continue into early 2012. Existing London Overground and Southern services are now stopping slightly further down the platform.

"We will be working in the Grant Road ticket hall in the first quarter of 2012 to bring a disused staircase from Platform 2 back into use, and to install a lift to provide step-free access from the ticket hall to the platforms."

Metric measure

2011-12-21T16:01:00.001Z

Link to BBC web site

"It is 200 years since Napoleon backtracked on his grand scheme to make his empire metric, but today the British remain unique in Europe by holding onto imperial weights and measures. With the UK's relationship with its neighbours under scrutiny, can it ever adopt the metric mindset?

"If the French eventually learned to think in units of 10, the UK, so far, has not. All the evidence suggests that, despite more than decade-and-a-half of goods being labelled in both metric and imperial, the British remain defiantly out of step with their counterparts across the channel."

9 Jan - 4 Feb: Harlesden Gallery Exhibition

2011-12-19T16:35:00.004Z

Harlesden Gallery Artist Group Exhibition @ The Tricycle - Kilburn

9 January – 4 February 2012 | Private View – 12 January, 6.30 - 9pm

Harlesden Gallery presents:

A Graphically Illustrative Concept…

The Harlesden Gallery artists are back at the Tricycle, with an exhibition of digital, illustrative and graphic art.

This exciting exhibition will feature works ranging from the conceptual and iconic to the ironic and bizarre.The show combines the dreamlike illustrations of Alex Stewart, Cos Ahmet and Stuart Alexander, with theiconic imagery of Ben Oakley and the digital composites of urban artist ‘PIKY’. Meanwhile, the humoroussubtlety of Gabriel Parfitt and Will Parker’s pieces are a non-confrontational poke at the ordinary andeveryday.

Harlesden Gallery was borne out of a project called the Harlesden Town Charter, compiled by local residentsas a means to deliver regeneration of the area, with funding from various sources. The charter identifies theabsence of cultural space. So, as there is no actual gallery, we've created a virtual one instead, resulting in the recruitment of a group of talented artists that wishes to promote Harlesden and the NW10 area.

Harlesden Gallery represents a talented mix of artists, both from NW10 and elsewhere, creating a fascinatingnetwork of talented individuals, and providing a comprehensive artist resource, using the combinedknowledge, links and contacts of those featured, to promote the group under the 'Harlesden Gallery' banner.Our aim is to exhibit all over the London area and beyond, creating a commercially successful art group, whilealso being a great benefit for the Harlesden locality and community.

Harlesden Gallery serves the purpose ofcreating an interest and awareness of the area, and our aim is to secure the funding for a cultural space that Harlesden so desperately needs and deserves.

Gabriel Parfitt:
Gallery creator and coordinator

Featured Harlesden Gallery Artists

Contacts and Links

Website: www.harlesdengallery.co.uk

Curator: Gabriel Parfitt | gabrielparfitt@hotmail.com | 077 8686 5356

Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlesdengallery/

Venue

The Tricycle Theatre | 269 Kilburn High Road | London NW6 7JR | 020 7372 6611 | www.tricycle.co.uk

December Newsletter

2011-12-18T20:24:00.000Z

Harlesden Town Team 2010-

Newsletter

December 2011

The Station Road project is on schedule, and the snagging list has been agreed with BrentCouncil and the contractors. This work will be done on completion of the project.

There ourtwo issues around the bins, and the chairman will sort these out, before posting hiscasting vote. (He will seek advice from members, before make this final decision.)

Consultation on the main Harlesden Town Centre project will begin on 16 January 2012, and last until 10thFebruary.

There will be five exhibitions in the Salvation Army Hall, and the firstone will be on the

Monday 23 January

4pm to 8pm

The Harlesden Town Team 2010- will be holding three events, to support the consultation, on dates to be confirmed.

Please check website for more details: www.harlesdentownteam.org

There will be also a display at Harlesden Library throughout the consultation period. If you need moreinformation on key points on option A and option B, please attend the exhibition or look at thewebsite for details.

There's no bus articles for ages, then two come along together: The 266 route

2011-12-18T14:38:00.001Z

Link to 'One Bus at a Time' web site:
266: Brent Cross Shopping Centre to Hammersmith

Boris's new bus in Trafalgar Square

2011-12-18T13:50:00.001Z

Mary Portas Review: She wants "TOWN TEAMS"!

2011-12-13T19:26:00.006Z

Link to BBC web site

"A report into how to revive the High Street by retail expert Mary Portas recommends getting town centres to run more like businesses.

"The government has also published research on High Streets' performance, which shows that a third of them are 'degenerating or failing'.

Read the Portas Review.

Extra Town Team Meeting!

2011-12-12T19:44:00.001Z

Harlesden Town Team 2010
Meeting

Thursday 15 December

12.15pm to 2.00pm

Salvation Army Hall, Manor Park Road, Harlesden NW10 4JJ

Kids are welcome attend

Agenda

Greetings from the Chairman and the Advisory Team
Update on Station Road by the project leader
John Dryden to explain aims for the day
Aspirations for the future (examples)

Short term 2012 – open air event
Medium term 2013 – Charity Status
Long term 2015 – Social Enterprise

Return to the team setting, and feedback
Confirm contents of options A and B
Discuss February’s meeting
Closing statement from the Chairman

The following meeting will be on Monday 9 January 2012, at the Salvation Army Hall, 6.30pm-9pm.

Future dates for Team Meetings

2011-12-12T19:44:00.000Z

Report back at the October 2011 AGM

NEXT 'BUSINESS' MEETING:

MONDAY 9 JANUARY 2012

6.30 for 7pm, Salvation Army Hall

Brent Recycling Figures

2011-11-18T12:47:00.001Z

Statement from Councillor James Powney, Cabinet Member for, well, Recycling:

"We now have some recycling figures for our new collection system, and they look very good. Two major facts stand out:

"Dry recycling (i.e. the blue topped bin) has gone up to 25% in October from 14% in September. Together with garden/food waste going up from 18% to 20%, that gives us a combined recycling rate of 45% for the first month of the new system. That should improve more as people get used to the new system, and we further extend the services to include blocks of flats.

"The other noticeable figure is that landfill has dropped from 6,574 tons in September to 3,890 tons in October, a drop of 41%.

"There is obviously a lot more to do, but this is a very encouraging start."

The Guardian: "Air pollution in Britain: state-sanctioned mass poisoning"

2011-11-15T15:03:00.001Z

Link to The Guardian

"Successive governments have found that the simplest way to end urban poverty is to encourage poor people to live near congested roads. Apart from war and fags, nothing is more certain to shorten human life than to make people breathe a daily dose of poisons, especially sooty particles known as PM10s and nitrogen oxides that largely come from traffic and factories.

"The minute particles of partially burned diesel fuel and tyres travel deep into lungs, and the gases trigger respiratory diseases. If you already have heart disease or asthma, then just living near a main road can be a death sentence."

Parliament: "Environmental Audit Committee publishes report on air quality"

2011-11-14T15:13:00.001Z

Link to parliament.uk

"The Government is putting thousands of lives at risk by trying to water down EU air quality rules instead of prioritising action to cut pollution on UK roads – according to Parliament's green watchdog (the Commons Environmental Audit Committee).

"Chair of the Committee, Joan Walley MP, said:

"It is a national scandal that thousands of people are still dying from air pollution in the UK in 2011 – and the government is taking no responsibility for this.

It is often the poorest people in our cities who live near the busiest roads and breath in diesel fumes, dangerous chemicals and bits of tyre every day."

Potential railway routes on Harlesden's doorstep!

2011-11-13T17:26:00.001Z

(Click to enlarge this 'Transport for London' image)

Link to more Proposals for Old Oak Common.

Thursday 17 November: Harvest Festival!

2011-11-07T16:56:00.001Z

Questions to Boris the Mayor from Greater London Assembly members

2011-10-31T12:54:00.000Z

Navin Shah AM

Harlesden Traffic (1)

Question No: 2892 / 2011

Navin Shah

Thank you for your reply to 2706 and for your efforts in expediting the work of reinforcing the [Scrubs Lane] bridge. Could you instruct TfL to undertake a traffic survey for this area, so we can get a better picture of the volume of traffic, and the times of day it travels through Harlesden Town Centre?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL and the London Borough of Brent are currently working in partnership to develop and deliver the Harlesden Town Centre Major Scheme. This £4.2m scheme will significantly improve the public realm, pedestrian and cyclist facilities and address safety and traffic concerns for those living and working in Harlesden. Traffic models have been developed, to inform the scheme design, that include extensive traffic survey data for the local area. This information is held by LB Brent and I have asked TfL to let you know the contact details for the relevant Brent officer.

Harlesden Traffic (2)

Question No: 2893 / 2011

Navin Shah

When the bridge on Scrubs Lane is eventually reinforced, would TfL be able to make it a mandatory route for HGVs? Could a ban on HGVs in Harlesden Town Centre be imposed?

Written response from the Mayor

Written answer received on 24 October 2011:

With regard to Scrubs Lane and an HGV ban in Harlesden Town Centre, the London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent are the local highway authorities respectively. In my answer to 2892/2011, I have advised that TfL and Brent are currently working in partnership to develop and deliver the Harlesden Town Centre Major Scheme, a key element of which is tackling the current dominance of traffic and reducing congestion to support economic, environmental and social improvements. It would be for Brent to consider whether to ban HGVs from the town centre, although it is important to recognise that there are, of course, delivery and servicing needs for businesses and shops in the town centre.

Brent Council and what Eric Pickles thinks is an evil fortnightly plan

2011-10-26T17:03:00.000+01:00

Saturday 29 October: 'Make a Difference Day'

2011-10-26T14:59:00.000+01:00

"Brent Council is encouraging residents to support this year’s Make a Difference Day on Saturday 29 October by joining an event to clear up and brighten the Brent River Park.

"The day will be marked in the borough with a river clean-up and planting of daffodils organised by Brent Council, Groundwork London, Brent Youth Volunteers, Thames 21 and the Friends of Brent River Park. The event is being held to encourage residents and users of the open space in Wembley to help improve their community.

"Councillor Lesley Jones, Brent Council’s Lead Member for Customers and Citizens, said:

"The day is an excellent way for Brent residents to try volunteering and help improve their local area, and to make a different in their community. The Brent River Park in Wembley is a fantastic open space for everyone in the borough to enjoy. I would encourage as many local residents to get involved in the big clean-up this Saturday."

Gillian DeSoyres, Groundwork London said:

"This volunteering day will give people in the local community an opportunity to make a real, sustained difference to the environment of the River Brent. We hope that many people will participate and bring about changes to their area."

Volunteers should meet at 10:30am at the children’s play area off Vivian Avenue, Wembley, by the river park. Rubbish sacks, litter pickers and gloves will be provided and volunteers are advised to wear old clothes. Children must be accompanied by adults. In addition, there will be a health and safety briefing. Participants will be split into two teams: one to clear rubbish in the park and the river and the other to plant wild daffodils in the open spaces surrounding the river. They will switch activities halfway through. After the clean up, there will be light refreshments at 12:30pm.

The event is supported by Brent Council, Thames 21, and funded by C-Change, a trans-national cooperation project funded by the European Union. The 'C-Change Partnership' is delivering a network of climate change projects across north-west Europe, with three themes:

community engagement and behaviour change
creating multi functional open spaces, and
adapting city spatial planning strategies to respond to the challenges of climate change.

Groundwork London has a long-standing tradition of supporting volunteering and undertaking activities that help to nurture community pride, enabling people to make a difference to where they live, and this is one of many London events that the organisation has planned for Make a Difference Day.

The Friends of Brent River Park was set up in 2003, to keep the local community involved after the river park had been developed. The group acts as custodians of the park, promotes it as a valuable and enjoyable community green space, and ensures the river park and wildlife which depend on it are protected and respected.

To get involved, contact Gillian on 020 8762 0354 or email gillian.desoyres@groundwork.org.uk.

London Overground upgrade named project of the year at Rail Awards

2011-10-14T13:37:00.002+01:00

Link to Transport for London

(pic: Railway Herald)

"The recently upgraded and expanded North London railway, part of the London Overground network, has been awarded the prestigious Project of the Year gong at the National Rail Awards 2011.

"The new timetable introduced in May 2011 is the result of the first major revamp of the line since 1869, which saw intensive civil engineering and complex signalling work take place in more than half of London's boroughs."

More material on 'Park Royal City' just south of Harlesden

2011-10-13T17:35:00.000+01:00

Click any of the above to enlarge, or link to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham document, here.

All Aboard the 'Harlesden High Street Flyer'!

2011-10-12T23:08:00.004+01:00

Link to 'Park Royal City' video

on 'London Reconnections' web site

(links there to Brent Cross light-rail proposals as well)

"The run-down area will see 12,000 new homes and 40,000 jobs in Hammersmith and Fulham, if the Department for Transport (DfT) approve its high-speed rail (HS2) plans in December.

"It would result in a new transport hub and major interchange station linking Great Western and West Coast mainlines, Crossrail, Bakerloo and Central underground lines and Heathrow Express, and HS2 trains travel from London to Birmingham in just 49 minutes.

"A major regeneration of the area, dubbed 'Park Royal City', designed by world-renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell would revolutionise one of London’s poorest areas."

Proposed changes to 'Brent Central'

2011-10-07T13:29:00.000+01:00

Click above for web site

London Reconnections: Starting on Crossrail

2011-09-25T19:11:00.000+01:00

The future tunnelling site, looking east at Royal Oak.
(The Westway viaduct is top left.)
Click above for 'London Reconnections' web site

"Sandwiched between the Westway and the Hammersmith & City Line is Crossrail’s Royal Oak Portal – the point from which central section tunnelling will start in the west, and the point at which trains will enter or leave the tunnelled section.

Plus: Revamp of Euston Station.

Proposed new 'Willesden' Parliamentary Constituency

2011-09-14T00:12:00.000+01:00

(Click to enlarge)

The Boundary Commission's draft proposals for changes in parliamentary seats have been published. The proposed 'Willesden' constituency, replacing 'Brent Central', is shown above.

The public consultation period is now open, and closes on 5 December. Consultation meetings will be held at Brent Town Hall, on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st October.

Full details are on the Brent web site, HERE.

Tuesday, 20 September: Residents Forum

2011-09-12T18:55:00.000+01:00

(Click on picture for a map.)

HARLESDEN AREA CONSULTATIVE FORUM

Tuesday, 20 September - Start time 7.00pm

All Souls Parish Church, Station Road, Harlesden, NW10 4UJ

The council’s Regeneration and Major Projects team will deliver an update and invite your comments and questions on the Community Infrastructure Levy which came into force in April 2010. The levy allows local authorities to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in the local area.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and introductions at 7.00pm

2. Matters arising from previous meeting and updates; to 7.10

3. Soapboxes; to 7.20

4. Policing update - issues for public safety; to 7.40

5. Harlesden town centre – progress so far; to 8.00

Interaction Break (from 8.00 - 8.20)

6. Community Infrastructure Levy to 9pm

The levy allows local authorities to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in the local area.
Laura Jenkinson - Regeneration and Major Projects, Brent Council

7. Close

Dates of next meetings – Tuesday, 10 January and Tuesday, 10 April 2012.

For further information please call 020 8937 1073, or email consultation@brent.gov.uk. Action notes from previous meetings are available on the Brent website: www.brent.gov.uk/consultation

bdonline: "Vision for west London’s Old Oak Common area"

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000+01:00

Link to bdonline web site

"Terry Farrell & Partners has unveiled its futuristic vision for the transformation of Park Royal City in west London.

"The area around Old Oak Common is earmarked to become Britain’s first 'high-speed rail super hub', together with 12,000 new homes and a waterside park."

Harlesden Bus Changes

2011-08-05T19:21:00.000+01:00

Click to enlarge, but see the TfL web site as well

Proposed bus route changes

05/08/2011

"PR2, 206, and 224 London Buses, part of TfL (Transport for London), is proposing certain changes in the Wembley Park, Park Royal and Harlesden areas, from October 2011:

Route PR2, currently running between Willesden Junction and Wembley Park The Paddocks via St. Raphael's, would be entirely withdrawn.
Route 206, currently running between Kilburn Park station to St. Raphael's estate via Willesden and Harlesden, would be re-routed from Brent Park to run to and from Wembley Park The Paddocks.
Route 224, currently running between Wembley Stadium station and Willesden Junction, would be re-routed from Harlesden station to run along Brentfield Road to terminate in St. Raphael's estate.

"Brent Council broadly supports these changes, as an improvement on the present arrangements, particularly with regard to improving links to the new Civic Centre and surrounding developments, but has certain reservations and will continue to work with London Buses to enhance connections to the area in the future.

"Further details and an opportunity to respond personally to the consultation are possible through the consultation on the TfL website."

Willesden & Brent Times

2011-08-04T16:14:00.000+01:00

Click above to enlarge

Something stirring...

2011-07-25T20:17:00.001+01:00

30 July: 'World Favours Market'

2011-07-25T17:51:00.000+01:00

30 July 2011 10am – 5pm, outside Willesden Green Library

World Flavours Market is a new international market offering open-air stalls, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, and arts and craft from around the world, including Thailand, Africa, Brazil. Also on offer are mouth-watering hot food, drinks, and beautifully-crafted high-end fashion and accessories, sold at affordable prices.

It is part of Brent Arts and Libraries summer ‘Temporary Animation and Cultural Programme’ for Willesden Green Library, by animating the under-utilised public space outside the library.

The market will trade Saturday fortnightly until 24 September. Market dates are as follows:

July 30
August 13, 27
September 10, 24.

Osita Udenson, founder and organiser of World Flavours Market said:

“World Flavours Market is a direct response to residents demand for a market in Willesden.”

For more information contact Osita Udenson on 07875 588 107.

Completing the 'London Overground' circle around London

2011-07-14T13:38:00.000+01:00

Link to 'Transport for London'

Link to 'London Reconnections'

Work is underway to build the final phase of the orbital London Overground railway around London. The new section will be from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction, opening by the end of 2012.

The relaid track here passes under the railway viaduct into London Bridge station, near the south-east London domestic waste incinerator.

Wednesday, 29 June, 7pm: Brent Consultative Forum

2011-06-29T12:01:00.000+01:00

"You’re invited to the next Harlesden Area Consultative Forum, which will take place on Wednesday, 29 June at the All Souls Church, Station Road, Harlesden NW10. Start time is 7pm prompt.

Click above for newsletter

"The main item on the agenda at this meeting is an update on Brent’s new civic centre.

"Councillor Ann John, Leader of the Council, Aktar Choudhury, Assistant Director Civic Centre project and representatives of the centre’s construction company – SKANSKA will be present to answer your questions.

"A full agenda will be available at the meeting, where you will also be able to complete a soapbox request form should you wish to do so."

'Wembley Matters': "There's money in muck"

2011-06-26T15:39:00.000+01:00

Link to 'Wembley Matters'

"The West London Waste Authority, covering Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Richmond is in the process of awarding a 25-year contract for waste management.

"There has been controversy, because, during public consultation, potential waste processing sites were selected, many in Park Royal, without any details of the processes that would take place, raising fears about possible pollution from incinerators."

Dept. for Transport: Road Safety Strategy, and 'Easier 20mph Zones"

2011-06-17T13:25:00.001+01:00

Link to PDF file

"The 'Strategic Framework for Road Safety' sets out our approach to continuing to reduce killed and seriously injured casualties on Britain's roads.

"Our focus is on increasing the range of educational options for the drivers who make genuine mistakes and can be helped to improve while improving enforcement against the most dangerous and deliberate offenders. Additionally, at the local level, we will be increasing the road safety information that is available to local citizens."

Link to press release

Ministers cut traffic signs red tape for local councils

"Measures to reduce time-consuming and costly bureaucracy for councils wanting to use 20 mph schemes have been announced by Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.

"The changes - the first to be announced as part of the 'Traffic Signs Policy Review' - will mean that councils can use signs painted on roads as an alternative to expensive upright signs, cutting street clutter, as well as costs.

"In addition, the Government will reduce the need for councils to use speed humps in 20 mph zones, and make it cheaper and easier for councils to put in place variable speed limits outside schools, when local residents want these schemes."

Brent Council shows off new Harlesden Web Page

2011-06-15T20:07:00.000+01:00

Link to Harlesden Town web page

"In summer 2010 the Harlesden Town Charter was published. The Charter sets out a five to ten year vision for the community and local environment, and was developed through a series of community meetings and workshops.

"We are currently working alongside the Harlesden Town Team, which is made up of local people who the group to provide a way of obtaining ideas, interest and support from the local community to improve Harlesden."

Read the 'Harlesden Town Charter'
in Brent's Publication Reader.

Station Road Public Consultation open! Return questionaire by Tuesday 21 June 2011

2011-06-10T19:50:00.000+01:00

Click above for 'Station Road Public Realm' documents

'In Short' at the Lexi: Celebrating local video talent

2011-06-10T18:38:00.000+01:00

Link above to web site

'No Voyeurs Inc.' is inviting submissions for the 'In Short Digital Festival' at The Lexi cinema, Kensal Rise, on Sunday 20 November 2011.

This festival offers a unique opportunity for local professionals, enthusiasts and newcomers of all backgrounds and ages to showcase work in one of London’s leading independent cinemas.

Submissions should be between 1 and 10 minutes long. The only requirement is that you either live, work or study in Queen's Park, Kensal Rise, Kensal Green, Kilburn, Willesden or Harlesden.

Short-listed work will be judged on the day, by a panel of experts from the filmmaking world, and the winning piece will be shown at the Lexi cinema for one week. The deadline for submissions is 20 September 2011.

Website: www.inshort.org.uk
Email: info@inshort.org.uk

'Love Harlesden' Day, 5 June

2011-06-10T13:05:00.000+01:00

The Guardian: "UK cities may ban heavily polluting traffic to avoid EU fines"

2011-06-10T13:03:00.001+01:00

Link to The Guardian

"The government may act to force local authorities to ban heavily polluting traffic in most British cities, to try to control deadly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, and avoid unlimited fines from Europe.

"Funding must be prioritised for measures to help people walk, cycle and use public transport more. Schemes that increase the amount of traffic must be abandoned," said Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth's London campaigner.

"Britain's air quality record is among the worst in Europe, and is already breaking European law for particulate, or PM10, pollution and nitrogen dioxide. According to a Mayor of London-commissioned study, poor air quality causes around 4,300 premature deaths in London every year, and studies show that poor air quality increases risks of heart attacks, asthma attacks and respiratory illness."

Evening Standard: "Killer pollution in London is coming from the continent"

2011-06-08T19:05:00.000+01:00

Link to Evening Standard

"Toxic pollution is blowing across the Channel and harming Londoners' health, MPs were told today.

"On unusually high pollution days, up to four fifths of a dangerous pollutant seeping into parts of the capital and the South-East may be from overseas.

"Environmental health expert Professor Frank Kelly, of King's College, London estimates that between 3,000 and 5,000 people a year in the capital die early, because of pollution. Some will have had their life cut short by up to 10 years. The worst particulate pollution is normally from traffic in London, especially diesel-run vehicles, or from heating homes."

Evening Standard: "We'll create green spaces for all Londoners, says minister"

2011-06-07T20:45:00.001+01:00

Link to Evening Standard

"Communities in London were today promised powers to protect or restore green spaces for recreation and wildlife.

"Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:

"We want children to get out into the natural world. It's good for their health, and it helps them to learn. So we'll be removing the barriers to schools taking children on school trips and teaching them outdoors."

"Today's White Paper is the first on the natural environment in 20 years. But critics will argue that the plans come as councils are slashing funding for parks, and some introduce charging for recreation areas."

Harlesden Salvation Army Hall welcomes visitors!

2011-06-07T19:27:00.000+01:00

"Harlesden Salvation Army is a group of people learning what it means to follow Jesus and serve our community. There has been a Salvation Army serving the community in Harlesden since 1903. The area and the corps have changed considerably in that time.

"We meet every Sunday for an informal and friendly worship service at 10.30a.m at our hall at the address below. Everyone is welcome!

The Salvation Army
Harlesden Corps
32 Manor Park Road
London
NW10 4JJ

Territorial Envoys: Mark & Julia Cozens

Tel: 020 8961 8033

Email: harlesden@salvationarmy.org.uk "

Brent Council asks for your help over waste

2011-06-07T16:52:00.000+01:00

Link to Brent Council survey

"Brent must continue to increase the amount of waste we recycle. More recycling means less waste goes into landfill sites. This is cheaper and better for the environment.

"Brent Council is introducing a new and improved waste collection service in October 2011 and is currently developing new messages to ensure that everyone in Brent understands the benefits of the new service and uses it correctly.

"It's important that we develop the right messages. Here are some sample messages, which will form the basis for future communications with residents (e.g. leaflets, adverts, posters and online publicity)."

Louis Theroux's letter to 'Love Harlesden' Day visitors

2011-06-07T16:05:00.000+01:00

I'd like to welcome everyone to the first 'Love Harlesden' Day.

I'm sorry I can't be with you. I'm in jail in Miami, but the police have told me it's a routine enquiry and I should be free any day now.

It's been an exciting and full year for the Town Team and for Harlesden. It's been a lot of work for those involved. But around us we see that work starting to pay off, with this celebration of all the talent and community spirit that we have here.

Congratulations to all of you who are here, for being part of this and part of the Harlesden Renaissance. Massive thanks to all the businesses and volunteers, the schools and the Brent council staff and, of course, the Town Team members who've worked so hard to make today a reality.

This is just the beginning.

Place West London: " Harlesden community wins backing from Transport for London"

2011-06-07T15:56:00.000+01:00

Link to web site

"Transport for London have allocated nearly £4 million to improve Harlesden town centre, in response to the efforts of local people.

"Leroy Simpson, chair of the Harlesden Town Team which drew up the charter, said:

"This is brilliant news from Transport for London. Decision after decision over the years has led to increases in high street traffic, and an unhealthy environment. No-one would design a town centre this way. The charter sets out our priorities, and the people of Harlesden are working together to achieve them."

Jonathan Edwards hands the 2012 Olympic flag to Brent

2011-06-05T17:58:00.000+01:00

"Jonathan Edwards visits Brent to hand over the official 2012 Olympic Flag to Brent, as host borough for the London Games next year. The ceremony took place at Willesden Sports Centre on 2 June. Young people took part in the Sports Ability programme during the visit, playing games such as polybat, table cricket and new age kurling."

Sunday 5 June: 'Love Harlesden' Event!

2011-06-01T21:31:00.000+01:00

Join us for lots of family fun - everybody welcome

Please contact us for all the latest news and updates on the event:
Telephone: 020 8963 0596 or 07884043281, E-mail: info@harlesdentownteam.org
Facebook: search 'Harlesden Town Team 2010'

Link to 'Talent Wanted'.

Link to 'Advertise the Fun Day!'.

Town Team Newsletter, 1 June 2011

2011-06-01T21:24:00.000+01:00

Harlesden Town Team – NEWSLETTER

Dear Team Members,

The advisory team would like to update you on the process we have made and what the whole team is working on.

The Harlesden Town Centre Project

On Monday 9 May 2011, the members looked at the three options of the traffic flow though the town centre. These options were based on the minutes of the team's past minutes, and Brent Council's thoughts and professional opinions.

The information gathered in the meeting has been recorded, and the plans taken away for updating. All the new options will be presented at the next meeting on Monday 4 July. However, there will be an email update before the next meeting.

The Station Road consultation letter has been sent out to the residents.

Willesden Junction Station: Phase Two and Three

Due to the poor response to the time slot email, we have to re-think the plan for when we collect the data we need for Phase Two. The plan is now to carry out the survey on:

Thursday 23 June, between 7-30am and 11-30am, and
Saturday 25 June, between 10am and 2pm.

The research questions will be finalized this week and sent out to you ASAP.

The advisory team will be meeting with the councillors who have an interest in Willesden Junction Station, to get them on board our campaign; we have spoken to them all on the phone and have their support.

The 'Love Harlesden' Event Day

The event will take place on Sunday 5th June 2011; we have booked a lot of talent for the day. The main event will be at Salvation Army Hall, between 1pm and 5pm, with an after party event held at the Misty Moon Pub between 5pm and 10pm.

Keep your eyes open for artwork placed in shops, some done by pupils from John Keble School.

The team looks forward to seeing you on the day and enjoying your company.

Mr L.D. Simpson

Chair of the Harlesden Town Team 2010

Brent Green Fair - the sun shone

2011-05-24T12:49:00.001+01:00


Sarah Teather MP answers questions from residents posed by Ian Saville

Barry Gardiner MP meets a polar bear threatened by loss of habitat
(Barry is the one on the right)

Photos: Jon Goldberg

Closure of Tubbs Road for new water pipes

2011-05-22T18:37:00.000+01:00

Link to James Powney web site

"The bottom of Tubbs Road has been blocked off. ... The effect on the rest of the Town Centre does not strike me as especially severe. Is it worth permanently pedestrianising that short stretch at the bottom?"

More Overground trains from Sunday 22 May

2011-05-20T16:41:00.000+01:00

A new Overground timetable from 22 May will further improve train frequencies on many routes.

The service from Clapham Junction and Richmond to Stratford in the peak will rise to every 15 minutes. This means eight trains per hour between Willesden Junction and Stratford.

The improvements build on the January timetable changes, which extended operating hours on the east London route, and moved the Gospel Oak to Barking route to a 15-minute frequency, Mondays to Saturdays (and on Sundays from May).

London Overground trains through Willesden Junction, until 10 Dec 2011

Watford Junction – Euston

Richmond/Clapham Junction to Stratford

Lambeth Council: "Earn rewards for recycling with Recyclebank"

2011-05-20T14:52:00.000+01:00

Click for Lambeth web site

"Lambeth residents are the first in London to be able to participate in the Recyclebank scheme, which has been introduced by the council to boost recycling levels and reduce the amount the borough spends disposing of waste.

"Residents who sign up earn points every time they recycle. The points can then be used for a fantastic selection of rewards."

New book shows Brent’s transformation over 140 years

2011-05-19T14:16:00.000+01:00

Link to book details

"The superb collection of over 200 historic photographs shows the distinctive character of each district within Brent, the development of both the community and the built environment and the changing local government of the area."

Ten Quirky London Locations

2011-05-10T13:03:00.000+01:00

New Harlesden Town Team web site

2011-05-09T21:59:00.000+01:00

Link to web site

Saturday 21 May: Willesden Green Fair

2011-05-09T15:19:00.000+01:00

BBC: "Should 'play streets' be brought back?"

2011-05-08T17:04:00.000+01:00

Link to BBC web site

"Health Minister Anne Milton has said that some residential streets should be closed to vehicles for periods of time, to allow children to play in them. The idea could tackle the problem of childhood obesity, she said. Richard Westcott reports."

Saturday 11 June: HEART's 'Harlesden Clean-Up Day'

2011-05-06T19:34:00.000+01:00

2009's anniversary cake!

"The HEART Clean-Up Day will be on Saturday 11 June, 2011, at 12-noon, on the forecourt of the Methodist Church in Harlesden High Street.

"Hope you can make it!"

London Transport Awards 2011: Harlesden Town Team is "Highly Commended"

2011-05-06T13:17:00.000+01:00

Award submission summary

(click to enlarge, and usually again to magnify)

Station Road design for consultation

2011-05-06T00:57:00.000+01:00

Click to enlarge, and usually again to magnify

Lee Valley White Water Centre (it's on a bus route)

2011-05-05T20:57:00.000+01:00

Click above for web site

Sunday 5 June 'Talent Day' sponsor

2011-05-05T17:13:00.000+01:00

Hi Team Member,

'Harlesden Heights Estate Agents' has agreed to sponsor 'Harlesden Town Team 2010' for up to 60 boards, That means we urgently need SIXTY members to sign up to have a board outside their property, promoting our Talent Day on Sunday 5 June.

You can give us your address at Monday’s meeting, or you can email teamharlesden@yahoo.co.uk and strakerclan@hotmail.co.uk

This is great news, since we get £10.00 a board, but we really need the addresses no later than 15 May. We can raise £600 for the Team's social events!

Mr Leroy Simpson, Chairman.

Link to 'Talent Wanted'.
Link to Latest News from Town Team.
Link to Schedule of the Day.

10-24 June: 'Clean Up Campaign'

2011-05-04T20:14:00.000+01:00

Link to details at 'Sustainable Brent'

"Each year Brent Council supports the work of the Mayor of London by taking part in the ‘Clean Up Campaign’. Last year over 200 clean ups took place in the borough.

"We are looking for individuals, groups, community groups, schools and local businesses to register to take part and organise a clean-up in their area. Contact John Rymer (StreetCare Team Leader) and he will be able to register your plans and provide you with support from Brent Council."

Road closures, due to water main replacement

2011-05-04T10:44:00.000+01:00

16 May to 25 June

Closure of Tubbs Road

Westbound, traffic to be diverted around the Craven Park Road/Manor Park Road triangle. Eastbound, it will be diverted up Harlesden High Street along to Station Road.

Click to enlarge

16 May until 3 September

Closure of Park Parade

Traffic to be diverted down to Harrow Road and back up Wrottesley Road, westbound, and in the opposite direction for eastbound traffic.

Click to enlarge

Latest News from the Harlesden Town Team

2011-05-03T21:18:00.000+01:00

Hi Team Members,

This is an update on the Harlesden Town Team's campaigns in improving life in Harlesden.

We have shortlisted the following Street Furniture for the Station Road Project:

HARTECAST HC 2026 SEAT, BENCH &TABLE RANGE

HARTECAST HC 2026 SEAT, BENCH &TABLE RANGE
HARTECAST HC 202 PLANTERS

HARTECAST HC 2026 SEAT, BENCH &TABLE RANGE

BROXAP BXMW/AUS/DS AUSTRIAN DOUBLE CYCLE STAND

FURNITUBES LAMBETH LITTER BIN

FURNITUBES PORTMAN LITTER BIN

THE FACTORY FURNITURE SERPENT IN BENCH WITH AND WITHOUT BACK

Send your comments to teamharlesden@yahoo.co.uk

The paving stone selected is 'Marshalls Conservation' in Silver Grey.

We will be carrying out a survey at Willesden Junction Station, See details below. The team need to gather more information and support from users of the station.

We will having a Big Lunch and Talent Day, on Sunday 5 June. Please do your best to attend. Do you have a talent you would like to share with the residents of Harlesden?

Please feel free to contact us by email with any concerns, comments or issues you may have or join Leeroy Simpson on Facebook and join the Harlesden Town Team group there.

The next Town Team meeting will be on Monday 9th May 2011, at the Salvation Army Church Hall, starting at 6-30pm with hot drinks and snacks.

WE NEED MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND PARTNERS TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING DATA AT WILLESDEN JUNCTION STATION.

THESE ARE THE DAYS WE OUR PLANNING TO CARRY OUT THIS RESEARCH.

WE NEED TO KNOW WHICH DAY AND TIME YOU CAN SHARE...

Tuesday 10 May: