Recent Successes

Residents expressed concerns about the proposal to use the Leyton ‘National School’ site as a Storesafe site, which would entail using the site for businesses to hire containers for storage. Residents concerned at lack of benefit to local area and movement of vehicles in a residential area.

Storesafe representatives attended the Community Council meeting. Residents explained at the meeting that the development would not benefit the local area, as there will be no interaction with residents and would only increase traffic and noise. As such they would not be welcomed to the site by the local community. Storesafe acknowledged local concern and decided not to submit a planning application. Plans are now in progress to for the site to be developed by the Police Service.

2006-2007

Sergeant Leigh Galilee of the Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) gave a presentation introducing the members of the three wards teams. At future meetings residents will hear regular updates on the work of the SNTs and their impact on the local area. There will also be opportunities for people to meet with officers on an individual basis to discuss issues of local concern.

Martin Esom, the new Executive Director of Environmental Services, attended a meeting shortly after being appointed to discuss his priorities and vision for improving the environment of the borough. Later, at the same meeting, Councillors joined with residents in small ward groups to discuss environmental issues, giving Martin the opportunity to hear first hand some of the problems experienced by people living in the Leyton and Whipps Cross area.

Following a suggestion from a Leyton resident, at a recent Community Council meeting, Gina Harkell Principal Transport Officer re-instated payment of a subscription to the Barking Gospel Oak Line Users' Group which will enable them to continue campaigning for improvements to the running of this line that serves the people of Leyton, as well as the rest of Waltham Forest.

Spend 2006-2007: Project Successes

From the many suggestions put forward by residents the following projects were successful in their bid for funding:

  • Branches Nightshelter
  • Age Concern ‘Help Where It Matters’