Recent succeses
2007-2008
A resident from a local social housing estate in Walthamstow raised concerns about the anti-social behaviour of local young people who were congregating in the communal gardens drinking, smoking and swearing. Despite contacting Ascham Homes nothing had been done to address the situation, the Police always arrived at the estate too late and the resident had been unable to get through to the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
The Police presence at the Community Council meeting provided an opportunity for the issue to be raised directly with the Safer Neighbourhood Team sergeant. He reported back to the subsequent meeting that his team now made regular patrols to the estate at all hours and have reprimanded a number of individuals for anti-social behaviour, including the use of cannabis.
Also the team, in the company of Ascham Homes and a ward councillor, issued several Anti-Social Behaviour Agreements (ABAs) to a number of residents on the estate and the behaviour of these residents was now being closely monitored. Ascham Homes also reported that following the intervention the anti-social behaviour had ceased but that the situation would be monitored to ensure problems did not reoccur.
2006-2007
Inspector Jane Connors of the Metropolitan Police gave a presentation introducing the Safer Neighbourhood Teams for each of the four wards. 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 Environment and Regeneration, 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 Walthamstow and Lea Bridge area.
In February 2007, schools from the Walthamstow and Lea Bridge Community council area visited the Town Hall to see democracy in action. Students from the Lammas School and Holy Family Technology College, together with the Community Council Chairs and ward Councillors, took part in the event, which included a talk about citizenship and local democracy, a quiz with prizes and group discussions about how the young people felt about the environment around their schools.
Spend Project Successes in 2006-2007
From the many suggestions put forward by residents the following projects were successful in their bid for funding:
- Cameron Athan Youth Club to purchase a membership security system and sports equipment
- Group setting up a community garden on Church Hill Road E17
- Tree planting in Markhouse, Lea Bridge, Hoe Street and Wood Street to include replacement of cherry trees in Avon Road and a tree at the junction of Wood Street and Vallentin Road.
