Posts

George Tomlinson Primary School, Leytonstone, again

A previous post (see link below) looked briefly at George Tomlinson primary school in Leytonstone, and the fears of some that it was surreptitiously being prepared for academisation. Since then, much has changed. The school has new governors, and a new management team, the latter led by Executive Head Lynne Harrowell. However, the sense of general unease seems if anything to have increased. Various alterations to the school’s everyday life have proved unsettling. Some teachers have left, apparently because they feared redundancy. A union representative has publicly complained of bullying. That said, it is the transformation at the top which has provoked the most comment. Ms. Harrowell has a ... »

Cllr. Liaquat Ali boobs again

The Waltham Forest Guardian today quotes Cllr. Liaquat Ali pontificating about community safety: ‘“Our sense of community and of belonging, and the need to always treat others with respect, helps to make Waltham Forest such a great place to call home. We’ve been shocked and saddened to see the various news reports that have emerged in the aftermath of the EU Referendum result, indicating a rise in incidents of hate crime in some areas.This is not a trend we’ve experienced in Waltham Forest. But, we remain vigilant and continue to actively promote community cohesion, signpost support services and work with local partners, including Waltham Forest Police, to ensure our streets are safe f... »

Selwyn Primary School in Highams Park: now heritage experts SAVE makes the case for a re-think

A previous post (see link below) raises concerns about LBWF’s plans to rebuild Selwyn Primary School in Highams Park. Now SAVE Britain’s Heritage (‘a group of architectural historians, writers, journalists and planners’ which aims to provide ‘a strong, independent voice in conservation, free to respond rapidly to emergencies and to speak out loud for the historic built environment’) has entered the fray, and written to LBWF with a forceful and considered case for a re-think. The accompanying press release is as follows: ‘SAVE…[objects] to the demolition of a charming Edwardian primary school in Waltham Forest, for replacement with a new school ... »

The Evening Standard publishes new revelations about the Cllr. Ahsan Khan affair UPDATED

The Evening Standard yesterday rendered a public service by publishing further information about Cllr. Ahsan Khan’s proclivity for surepticiously handing out community ‘awards’ (as he describes them), using the Mayor’s Parlour, with the Mayor of course present. The full story is here: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/east-london-council-gives-award-to-leader-of-extreme-islamist-party-a3284671.html The headline and first paragraph give a flavour: So the full truth is gradually beginning to emerge. Cllr. Khan’s beneficiaries included the repulsive, the undeserving, and on occasion people who were simply his friends. However, we now learn that, though Cllr. Kh... »

Waltham Forest Labour and democratic debate in the neighbourhoods

Some years ago, the average resident of Cann Hall (where I live) who aspired to have a say in how the neighbourhood developed could do so via the local ward forum, and also the Leytonstone Community Council (which embraced Cathall and Leytonstone wards, as well). Both bodies had official status, were serviced by LBWF officers, and received finance from the Town Hall to support modest measures of amelioration. But, crucially, they were also independently chaired, and not in thrall to councillors; had agendas which were determined bi-laterally (i.e. fashioned by the chair, vice-chair, and officers); offered plenty of opportunity for residents with particular concerns to raise them; and control... »

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