The Bristow Blog

Slaughter against 24/7 Policing in Shepherds Bush

On Wednesday night at the state of the borough address the Labour MP for Ealing Acton and Shepherds Bush accused the Conservative council of wasting money on 24/7 policing in Shepherds Bush.  He said he had anecdotal evidence crime was rising and that the money spent on extra police officers should have been spent on other projects. 

I think Mr Slaughter is absolutely wrong and if he were to talk to local residents about the extra police officers in the area, he would realise how popular and reassuring they were.  The council should never apologise for putting more police on the streets!

Indeed, a local resident from Shepherds Bush interupted the MP saying that she had already noticed the difference extra police were making to her community.

Every ward in London has what they call a safer neighbourhood team that patrols local streets.  However as the team consists of just 1 Seargent, 2 PCs, and 3 PCSOs, and work in shifts, they are only on patrol for a proportion of the week.  24/7 policing is what it says on the tin.  It means a team of 1 Inspector, 5 Seargents, 10 PCs and 15 PCSOs are on the beat covering the ward all day every day.  This is what is needed in places like Shepherds Bush which has a 24/7 economy.  Criminals do not operate in shifts, so why should the police?

The theory of 24/7 and high visbility policing is very simple.  You make the streets safer by deterring criminals with a big police presence that reassures the public.

The battlegrounds are being drawn for the next election in Hammersmith.  Shaun Bailey and the Conservatives who support the council initiative in Shepherds Bush and want to see it extended if proved successful; and Andrew Slaughter and Labour who think the money should be spent elsewhere.

Boris is our man

It was pretty much a foregone conclusion if you ask me but Boris Johnson has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Mayor of London race beating Victoria Borwick, Warwick Lightfoot and the excellent Andrew Boff.

I am course thrilled about this because the Conservatives need a heavyweight candidate and Boris is the best bet of ridding London of Livingstone.  This is despite the fact that Andrew Boff is a very good candidate (as they all were in their own way) who I know would have relished the chance to fight Ken.

Boris won with 79% of the vote in a contest where all Londoners were given a chance to vote - I wish a few more had and that the primary campaign was the one envisaged by Conservative headquarters when the idea was mooted a year or so ago.

Anyway onwards and upwards with Boris.  I encourage readers to back Boris and visit his website - http://www.backboris.com/

State of the Borough address

Last night saw the council leader, Stephen Greenhalgh, give his annual 'state of the borough' address.  Ccommunity groups, neighbourhood watches, resident associations and local based voluntary groups/charities had a chance to talk with the leader about our priorities in the coming months and years and for us to hear their interests and concerns

It was an excellent event and was hosted by the BBC in the White City.  There were tough questions from representatives and a lively debate followed.  It is this sort of event which is very healthy for democracy and keeps the council in check.  This has been pioneered by Stephen who takes this very seriously.  It is an important opportunity for the council and for these groups to talk.

Notably, the presentation centred on regeneration plans for the borough.  In W12 and the White City, the Westfield development is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop this area for the best.  It is important that we get this right.

In central Hammersmith, King Street could do with a lift to bring more jobs and homes for local people.

Finally, in North Fulham there are opportunities to regenerate North End Road, extend the opportunities provided by Earls Court and Olympia, and create a vibrant high street. 

The potential on offer in H&F is very exciting.  The best is yet to come in our borough and the council has a key role in partnership with community groups and business to build a better future.

Finally, I thought the failed attempts by the Labour group and Andrew Slaughter MP to hijack the meeting were undignified.  Labour councillors and the MP complained they were not invited; they were offered an invite at the last minute as the council did not wish to put the BBC in a difficult position.  Nevertheless, we have plenty of chances to have the 'Punch and Judy' politics that Labour seem to be so keen on at the Town Hall or in public debates.  This was an opportunity for local groups to talk to the council.  A Labour MP trying to handout Party political literature (compromising the BBC's neutrality) at this type of an event is unacceptable.  This was the time to leave politics at the door, and for open and frank discussion with the local community.

This is not the sort of way an MP should behave.  Andrew Slaughter owes the BBC and local community groups a big apology!

Looking out for Grotspots

On Sunday myself and the other Conservative councillors in Fulham Reach ward (Cllr Andy Johnson & Cllr Gavin Donovan), along with a handful of local residents, walked through the streets of the ward identifying grot spots.

Grot spots are incidences of graffiti, flytips and general litter and disrepair.  I have arranged for street cleansing to pay particular attention to Fulham Reach ward next month.  We want to ensure they are focusing on the right areas and cleaning up the places that are repeatedly plagued by grot and vandals.

We found 11 high profile grot areas and many more individual examples.  The street cleaners were actually out while we were touring the ward.  I have to say the area did look quite good.  However, there is plenty of work that can be done.  The major grot spots were: 

1. The corner of Larnach Road and Fulham Palace Road (there are alley ways connecting Larnarch Road with Nella Road on one side and Ellaline Road on the other).  It is constantly affected by flytips and litter.

2. The footpath from Claxton Grove to the gate from Field Road to Margravine Cemetary.  The entrance on Claxton Grove is often covered in litter as is the patch of grass by Horton House.

3. Frank Banfield Park.  There are several grot spot issues associated with this park.  Where Winslow Road curves road and meets Frank Banfield Park is a hot spot for flytips and litter.  Glass is often found in the park around benches.  Finally the other side opposite number 8 Chancellors Road is often used for dumping.

4. The stretch of Greyhound Road closest Fulham Palace Road - this area can often look dirty with Sainsbury's unloading and takeaways selling fast food until late a night. 

5. Recycling area on St Albans Terrace close to St Mathews Church Hall (always a flytip hot spot)

6. The very top of Claybrook Terrace where it meets Margravine Road - close to the phone box.  There is often graffiti on that wall and sometimes flytips.

7. The River Walk - this sometimes get ignored by street cleansing and you can often see graffiti.

8. Where Beryl Road meets St Dunstans Road - litter is often strewn across the road and Beryl Road itself can sometimes look quite dirty due to litter.

9. Outside Bayonne Nursery - the grassy verge close to the basketball courts have often appeared unkept and the pavement often has cracks and holes.

10. Lintaine Court - the communal area in between the flats is often a hotspot for flytips.

11. Flats on Rainville Road - the bottom of the communal entrance to the flats opposite number 32 (next to the paladin bin area)

If you think I have missed any serious repeated grot spot areas please do email me at paul.bristow@lbhf.gov.uk or comment on this post.

The 53rd best Conservative Blog in the UK

In the 'Guide to UK Blogging' written by Iain Dale, a panel of bloggers has created a list of the top 100 centre right/conservative blogs in the UK.  This reflects the top 500 blogs which were voted for on Iain Dale's website sometime ago.  See http://iaindale.blogspot.com/

I am very suprised to see that this blog has been selected as the 53rd best centre right/Conservative blog on the internet.  As I can see it is also the 2nd best Conservative councillor blog behind http://www.tonysharp.blogspot.com/ - Cllr Tony Sharp from Wellingborough.  This might be wrong but it is what I can establish from checking out some of the other blogs.

I am very pleased about this - I never knew that local politics in Hammersmith & Fulham was so interesting to the wider blogger community.  I shall be eagerly checking to see if the several labour blogs operating in H&F make it into the top centre left blogs.  I am really pleased that people seem to enjoy this blog - I just hope it is being read by ward residents as well as political hacks across the country!

A couple of honourable mentions in the top 100:

Donal Blaney at number 15 (http://donalblaney.blogspot.com/) a former councillor here in Hammersmith & Fulham.

Caroline Hunt at number 20 (http://www.carolinehunt.blogspot.com/) Caroline used to be the caseworker for the local MP Greg Hands.

Richard Spring MP at 48 (http://richardspring.mpblogs.com/) I used to work for Richard in Parliament a few years ago.

Ed Clarke at 50 (http://edclarke.blogspot.com/) Conservative candidate in Hammersmith Broadway at the last election and came within 9 votes of defeating Stephen Cowan, the Labour leader.

UPDATE - Just checked the top 100 left leaning blogs - Stephen Cowan and Stephen Burke have been overlooked!

Labour "dirty tricks" against black Tory

A "dirty tricks" campaign by the Labour Party against the Conservative candidate in Hammersmith - Shaun Bailey - has been exposed on the website 'Black Information Link' - an independent website for black communities.  See here - http://www.blink.org.uk/pdescription.asp?key=15438&grp=66&cat=221

Tha article states that the Labour Party have produced a "dodgy dossier" that tries to smear Shaun Bailey.  The dossier tries to to dig dirt on Shaun and the charity he founded "My Generation" which works with young people in inner city London.  Shaun was born and raised in North Kensington and has tried to positively influence the community in which he grew up.  The Labour Party try to claim that the local Conservatives has no support in these communities.  The selection of Shaun has really worried the local Labour Party.

To undergo this sort of muck racking exercise is very low.  The former Labour leader of the council Stephen Burke has tried to smear Shaun on his blog in the past.  We should be beyond this personal dirty politics which puts voters off.

I rather agree with Shaun - instead of trying to call him names and mis-represent his views, the local Labour Party should engage in an open debate about the issues that matter to local Hammersmith residents. 

Premises Licenses for our Parks

I am aware that the recent notice regarding the application by the Council for Premises' Licences for Bishops Park and Ravenscourt Park has caused concern to local residents and I wish to clarify the position.  I have done this in the form of frequently asked questions with answers:

Question

Why has the Council applied for the Premises Licence?

Answer

The Government’s Licensing Act 2003 requires that a park must have a premises licence if any event is to take place there.  As a result many of the parks across London now have a premises licence.

In advance of the annual Fireworks/Bonfire events, the Resident Services Department has applied for licences in Bishops Park and Ravenscourt Park.  These cannot take place without a licence. 

This will avoid the need to re-apply individually for every event held there, which would not be a good use of council taxpayers’ money.  All this licence application will do is regularise the status quo.

Question

What activities does the Council plan for these Parks?

Answer

This application should not be seen as an indication that we have plans for all the categories of events covered by the notice of the application. 

The council already organises events such as the annual Fireworks night, and screening of the boat race.  The local community might also benefit from the park being a venue for events of a similar nature such as a craft/food fair or perhaps a classical music performance (as occurred recently in Ravenscourt Park) i.e. the sort of events which have from time to time taken place in these parks.

The council recognises that both parks are for the enjoyment of local residents and their guests and understands that they are not suitable for large-scale events. 

Question

Will alcohol be available in the Parks?

Answer

The Licence Application mentions the occasional sale of alcohol.  This is intended to cover the possibility of only very limited and strictly monitored sale at appropriate events.

Question

How will local people be protected from excessive noise levels?

Answer

Again there are no plans to hold events which would generate excessive noise in the parks.  There is already a noise limit of a maximum of 90 decibels and this restriction is enforced by the Council’s Environment Protection Officers.

Question

What will happen about cleaning the Parks after an event has taken place or if the grounds were damaged?

Answer

As always, the council will ensure the Parks is cleaned up after an event such as the Fireworks.

It is a condition of use of the boroughs' Parks that any damage to the grounds will be re-instated.

Question

How can local people input into decisions about events that take place in the Parks?

Answer

As before, the council have the final say on what events are allowed to take place in the borough’s parks.  Paramount in our mind will be the protection of the parks and the impact of an event on neighbouring residents. 

To this end, the council will ensure that there is good and ongoing communication with local people and community groups to ensure they are consulted with and kept informed of event applications.

Local residents will still be protected by the Council’s strict requirements for the safe management of all events and the Health & Safety of everyone, those using the Parks, as well as those attending an event or display.

Question

What is happening with the Heritage Lottery Fund Bid?

Answer

The restoration of Bishop’s park is one of the top priorities of the new administration.  We are in the process of applying for a multi-million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to help with this aim.

To ensure the Bishops Park project has the best chance of success, and after discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund, the council will submit a proposal in March 2008.

Question

How can I/we formally voice concerns about this Premises Licence Application.

Answer

Any representations you might wish to make about these applications should be put in writing to:

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

FAO: Licensing Section

5^th Floor, Town Hall Extension

King Street

London W6 9JU

To be received by 2nd October 2007.

Cutting through Labour's spin, not Police numbers

The local Labour Party have attacked the Conservative administration on several occasions on police numbers - despite the fact that the new council is piloting the first 24/7 policing schemes in the country and across the borough we have increased police numbers considerably.

My colleague Cllr Greg Smith responsible for crime and anti social behaviour at the Town Hall hits back at Labour's campaign.

The Labour Party in Hammersmith & Fulham are becoming increasingly desperate.  Ignoring Gordon Brown's call for an end to spin, it seems all they are interested in locally is repeating a set number of tired nuggets of spin.  To make things worse, they are the sort of nuggets you find in the 'value' section of low-end supermarkets, that don't actually have any chicken in them.  Take for example the 'tories 18% pay increase' line.  A clerical error in the Council agenda.  Embarrassing yes - but quickly
corrected at the earliest opportunity, with not one Councillor receiving any such increase at all.  Yet, Labour continue to claim the increase did happen, with no regard for the facts.

Another line parroted by Labour at every opportunity is their bizarre claim that Police numbers in Hammersmith Broadway have decreased by 25%.  This simply isn't true - and I pointed this out to them at our Council meeting in June.  It would appear from their campaigning since that they either completely failed to listen - or more to the point, didn't want to listen because the truth would spoil their scaremongering.  For the sake of clarity, let me set out the truth of this matter in as clear a way as possible:

* Fact 1: The Metropolitan Police have rolled a Safer Neighbourhood Team out in every ward in London.  The structure of these teams consists of six people - one Sergeant, two Police Constables (PCs) and three Police and Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

* Fact 2: When Labour lost control of Hammersmith & Fulham Council in 2006, the Hammersmith Broadway Safer Neighbourhood Team had 9 officers and PCSOs working on it.

* Fact 3: Today, the Hammersmith Broadway Safer Neighbourhood Team consists of 15 officers and PCSOs. That makes Hammersmith Broadway one of the largest Safer Neighbourhood Teams in London - two and a half times the
size of the normal SNT structure.

* Fact 4: A team that starts with 9 people, that goes up to 15 people, means they have increased by 66.6%.

It is also worth pointing out that local councils are not the masters of the Police.  The Police are governed from Government, through the Home Office and Metropolitan Police Authority.  All decisions on deployment and staffing are made at Scotland Yard.  H&F Council works closely with the Police - but
everything is on a 'working together' basis.   For example, through working together with the Police, we have launched our 24/7 neighbourhood beat policing pilots in Shepherds Bush Green and Fulham Broadway wards, funded by the Conservative Council, along with local businesses and the North Fulham
NDC, putting 50, yes FIFTY, extra officers onto the streets - and are making a real difference to the way our borough and London is policed.

Of course, I don't blame Labour for trying.  The Leader of the Opposition sits on a majority of just 9 in his own ward and the Labour MP for Ealing (who as Leader of H&F Council created a £300 million debt) wants to take on Hammersmith at the next General Election and seems likely to see an end to his political career.   

Whilst the Labour spin machine marches on - we will continue to deliver value for money, cut Council Tax, put more police on the streets and create a borough of opportunity.  Things 30 years of Labour control of Hammersmith & Fulham never achieved. 

How the Labour Party is funded

I read an article last night on ConservativeHome about how the Trade Unions fund the Labour Party - see the bottom of the post for a link to the article. The author is right.  I can not understand why people are not more concerned about this.  To be honest, I think it is just that people do not know about it.

Gordon Brown revealed at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference that the Government will be giving a further £2.8 million to the Unions as part of the 'Union Modernisation Fund'.  This increases the pot to £10 million.  It was also revealed at the conference that the Unions will 'donate' £9 million to their comrades in the Labour Party this year and also give a further £8 million in affliation fees - £17 million in total.

We have the perverse situation where a Labour Government gives taxpayers money to the Unions so that they can ' improve communication with their members'.  In turn the Unions give money to the Labour Party which they spend in order to campaign for the re-election of a Labour Government.

Perhaps the Unions would be better placed spending the money they donate to the Labour Party on communicating with their members instead of wasting taxpayers money?  Sounds like beer and sandwiches are back on the menu!

In Hammersmith & Fulham, the local Labour Party have recieved £28,000 in donations from Trade Unions in the past couple of years.

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/torydiary/2007/09/the-unions-give.html - 

Boris says Fulham is a model for London

Boris came to Fulham last week on a routemaster bus as part of his campaign to be London Mayor.  This one visit to our borough is the same number as Ken Livingstone has managed since 2004!

He stated during his visit that he will make Fulham a model for London if he becomes Mayor of London.  He spent a long time meeting local residents and went on patrol with the local police.  He got to see the area's 24/7 police team (the only one in Capital other than S Bush) that has is in place due to council funding and is looking at it as a model for the rest of London.  The zero tolerance 24/7 policies of H&F should be extended across the London!

I am a big supporter of Boris Johnson's run for Mayor.  If I were a betting man I would put money on Boris winning next year.  He has certainly got the Labour Party worried with everyone from Ken, think tanks, and senior Government figures blasting him as a cross between a racist ringwinger and a comedy act not be taken seriously.

In fact Boris is a very clever man who will be breath of fresh air for London.  We need an alternative to the 'spend more and need more power' approach of Livingstone.  I do not think Labour would be criticising him with such vitriol if they did not know the threat he poses.

The Conservative candidate will be selected on September 26th.