To report dumped rubbish please call our

www.islington.gov.uk
Issue 14, 2003
Don’t dump on us!
That’s the message from Islington’s crack team
of eight dedicated waste watchers who are
fighting the flytippers who use our borough as
a dump. They’ve got their eye on a number of
infamous dumping spots with a view to getting
rid of them by surveillance and prosecution.
Head of the hotspot team Dave Rawlings says “We
are after the dumpers, those antisocial
envirocriminals will be prosecuted. Residents and
businesses can help keep your streets free of
rubbish. Please put your refuse out as near to
collection times as possible.”
Do you want to get rid of
large items like carpets,
furniture, mattresses and
fridges or cookers?
Well, Islington Council
provides a free collection
✆
To report dumped rubbish
please call our enviroline on
020 7527 5000 or email
enviroline@islington.gov.uk
✆
service for household waste
like this.
Each domestic street property
can have up to five bulky items
collected three times in any
one year.
For further details or to book a collection please
call enviroline on 020 7527 5000. Council estate
residents please contact your estate office for
details of estate waste collection services.
Look inside for more about what’s happening in and around Islington…
Decent homes
Early years
Education week
Learning online
Toy story
Welcome
Welcome to
Issue 14
of Islington
Decent homes for Islington
Fact
Council tenants’ legal rights are not
affected by becoming an ALMO. All
rights such as the right to buy and
a secure tenancy are retained.
From Helen Bailey,
Chief Executive
ALMO
An Arms Length Management Organisation
or ALMO keeps tenants’ rights intact,
involves them in key decisions about the
services they need and brings millions of
pounds of extra government money to
invest in their
homes. It is the
best possible
option for the
future of council
homes in Islington.
It is an exciting time for investment in
Islington.
This month we can celebrate extra
funding to replace our streetlighting
over the next five years. From June,
we will replace over 8,500 lamp
columns, traffic signs and pedestrian
crossing lights, making Islington
brighter, more attractive and more
importantly safer, for everyone.
Over 1500 council homes, which are
street properties (rather than estates)
will be renovated in an innovative
funding scheme that is the first in the
country to get up and running. We are
also looking at ways in which we can
bring in enough money to bring all of
our housing up to a decent standard.
We will now look to provide affordable
housing as a part of every new
development in the borough.
We’re also investing in the quality of
life of the most vulnerable people in
our community. Under the “supporting
people” programme, more than
£16 million will be available to help
older people live independently in their
own homes.
We are trying to make Islington a great
place for people to live, work and do
business. Do get in touch and let us
know what you think should be
happening in Islington.
All Islington council homes have to
reach the government set “decent
home standard” by 2010. Because
Islington does not have enough money
to pay for the work needed, the council
asked tenants for their views on options
that could bring in extra money.
Council tenants identified their priorities as
● keeping their rights and remaining secure
tenants
● investing to make homes reach the decent
homes standard
● improving services to tenants
A shadow
ALMO
management
board will be set
up this summer
and some tenants
have already been
selected for it.
What is an ALMO?
An ALMO is not
● an ALMO is a company owned entirely
by the council that operates at ‘arms
length’ from the council
● a transfer to another landlord
● tenants keep their rights including the
right to buy and their secure tenancy
● the council continues to own the
buildings and is still the legal landlord.
The council also continues to set rents
● it is a ‘not for profit’ organisation
● housing services to tenants and
leaseholders are provided under a
management agreement
● an ALMO is run by a management
board with tenants, leaseholders,
councillors and independent people on
the board
2
Islington
Council has put
in a bid to the
government to
establish an
Islington ALMO.
● a contract with a private company like
Caxtons or ITNet
● the same as a housing association
● the same as a Private Finance
Initiative – PFI
You can also tell the council what you think
of an ALMO. Please see ‘Your Views’ on the
opposite page.
✆
For more information please
contact your local housing
office. Council tenants and
leaseholders can look out
for their ALMO newsletter.
And there is information on
our website
www.islington.gov.uk
Your Shout
Below are some of the letters, e-mails and phone calls we received in response to the last issue
Area committees online
@
I am very keen to go to my area
committee and tell the councillors what I
think about their plans and keep up to
date with what’s happening on my
doorstep. Unfortunately I just haven’t the
time to get to the meetings, what can I
do?
Good news. Area committees are now
online. As you know they take decision
making out of the Town Hall and into
local communities. The council
understands that many people want to
comment on the issues that affect
them at a time and in a way that is
convenient. Anyone can register online
and once you’ve done that you can
read and respond to information and
initiate discussions. The borough’s
libraries all have internet access and
they’ll give you a hand, so if you don’t
have internet access at home give
them a try.
The address to log onto is
www.islington.gov.uk/areacommittees
online
How does your garden
grow? @
I have a small garden that I am really
proud of. I’ve always wanted to make my
own compost – how can I go about it?
The council is currently working with
an organisation called Straights
Recycling to offer residents compost
bins, kitchen bins and rain catching
kits at substantially discounted
prices. For example, you can get a
compost machine worth £39.99 for
just £8.95 + £4 delivery. This comes
with 6 months money back
guarantee. If you want to order one,
or would like more information,
please contact Straights Recycling on
0845 130 60 90.
The Islington Council website also
has a composting page that provides
direct and easy links to composting
information and organisations that
may be of interest
www.islington.gov.uk
Blooming Marvellous
@
I have spruced up my garden and
window boxes for summer and they are
looking really good. What a pity that the
council doesn’t run a flower competition
like they did in the old days? Other
London boroughs do. Why isn’t there a
competition in Islington?
This year sees the revival of with the
‘Islington in Bloom’ awards. You don’t
even need a front garden to take
part.
Borders, tubs, window boxes and
more innovative materials can all be
used. As long as your blooms can be
seen from the street, you can take
part in the competition. There will be
categories for best container, front
garden, estate, business, pub,
restaurant, school and hotel.
Judges will make their inspections in
early July and awards will be made in
September.
Look out for entry forms in the local
press, contact Greenspace on
020 7527 4953 or make your
nomination(s) online, see ‘What’s
new’ under the Environment section
of our website: www.islington.gov.uk
All forms must be returned
by 5 June.
Clamp down
@
I am getting really annoyed by the number
of cars that are double parked on my
street. Where are the clampers when we
actually need them?
Islington has a five year contract with
National Car Parks to clamp wheels
and remove vehicles from the
borough’s streets. This excludes the
red routes which are enforced by the
police.
Illegal parking can cause dangerous
obstruction to emergency vehicles,
buses and other road users, as well
Payment methods include debit and
credit cards, a personal cheque with
valid guarantee card or cash which
can be paid at the payment centre,
83-105 Clifton Street EC2.
A payment via telephone (debit or
credit card) can be made by calling
020 7527 1381. Or by iPay
www.islington.gov.uk/ipay
Your Views…
Do you think we are doing the
right things?
Is there anything you think we
have done well?
How could we improve our service
to you?
What do you want to see in this
newsletter?
We want to hear what you have to say.
So, if you want to make a comment
about any aspect of the services we
provide, please
Phone 020 7527 3416
Email residents.news@islington.gov.uk
Write to Helen Bailey, Chief Executive
Islington Council, Town Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
Tell us what you think. After all, if you
don’t tell us something is wrong we can’t
do anything about it…
We look forward to your feedback.
as blocking access and taking up
permit parking and pay and display
spaces.
The penalty charge notice and
vehicle release fee must be paid
before the vehicle can be released.
The penalty charge notice is £100,
£50 if paid within 14 days, wheel
clamp release fee £65, removal
release fee £150 and the daily
storage charge is £25.
If the wheel clamp is not released
within 4 hours, the release fee will
be refunded, but not the penalty
charge.
Drivers whose vehicles may have
been removed can check their
whereabouts by calling the
Association for London
Government’s trace service on
020 7747 4747.
3
Early years
excellence – it’s
official – again
Making a difference
community and local
groups and businesses.
They also check on the
welfare of elderly, disabled
or vulnerable tenants and
report vandalism.
New River Green early years
centre and family project have
been given a big thumbs up by
the government. They are to
become a national Early
Excellence Centre – one of just
over 100 in the country and the
second in Islington – and staff
and parents are delighted.
Crucially this means extra cash and the
centre will get £60,000 to improve the
building and £125,000 a year until
March 2006.
With extra funding the centre will be
able to share its good practice with
other providers and contribute
significantly to raising standards in early
education and care and family support
services across the borough.
Garden growing
The centre garden will get a face-lift and
use by all families with young children
will be encouraged at weekends and on
summer evenings. Extra staff will allow
an outreach programme to be
developed, particularly for parents with
children under two. The centre will also
be linking with programmes such as
New Deal for Lone Parents to help
parents who want to prepare for future
employment.
National leaders
Islington is at the forefront of national
developments in early years. The quality
of services is now recognised by the
government in a number of ways. Not
only are there two early excellence
centres – Fortune Park is already an
Early Excellence Centre – but also a
“beacon” nursery school at Margaret
McMillan, one of the first in the country.
wardens left to right Paul, Steven and Paul
making a difference
Three neighbourhood wardens are out
and about on the Elthorne, Grovedale
and Miranda estates. They are
covering a total of 1116 properties
thanks to funding from the Islington
Strategic Partnership. In a pilot
project that will run until March 2004
the wardens are doing their bit to
help tackle crime, anti social
behaviour and youth disorder.
They are not police officers but they are a
visible uniformed presence concentrating on
building good daily working relationships with
the police, housing management, the
“Residents have said that it is now much
quieter at night and damage and graffiti in
these areas is far less frequent. Also they
have struck up a good relationship with the
elderly, who feel more secure within their
homes whilst the wardens are patrolling at
night.”
“It’s been really nice to see familiar friendly
faces on the estate who are interested in
what’s going on and are vigilant to any
problems. The wardens are definitely a great
asset to the Miranda estate and the
surrounding area and we hope they are here
to stay.”
Neighbourhood renewal
The Islington Strategic Partnership
(ISP) will be spending £12million in
the borough over the next three
years. The ISP is made up of
representatives of all the major
public bodies, local business,
voluntary and community groups.
This money will help the police, fire service,
the council, the health service, other local
organisations and community groups to
tackle the pockets of deprivation scattered
across the borough.
£8 million
The ISP has already allocated more than
✆
4
Stacey Wright of
the Miranda estate
tenant management
organisation is
delighted “Since the
wardens have arrived on
the Miranda Estate, there
has been a definite
improvement with youths
causing fewer anti-social problems on the
stairwells.”
£8 million of the neighbourhood
renewal funds to over 150 local projects.
They aim to improve the environment,
address crime and safety concerns,
tackle housing problems, improve
educational opportunities and encourage
the involvement of local people in the life
of the borough. See above.
Other priorities include a commitment to
improving the quality of mainstream
services, promoting the health and
wellbeing of local residents, boosting
opportunities for local business and
enhancing jobs and training for Islington
people.
You can find out more about the ISP by calling 020 7527 3488, or
browse through the section on the Community pages on the council’s
web site www.islington.gov.uk
Saluting the unsung heroes
This year the Mayor of Islington’s civic
awards went to 12 local people who
really make a difference to the life of
the borough. They all show the wealth
of goodwill, community spirit and
downright helpfulness that is too often
unrecognised. Thank you.
Mathew Bull has been actively involved with
the Martin Luther King People’s Partnership
since 1998. He initially ran the MLK adventure
playground as a volunteer and also works
with people in the Caledonian Road area
taking them on various trips.
Roy Duligall has worked as a dustman for
42 years. He is friendly, helpful and polite and
is highly thought of by the public and his
colleagues. He has emptied the bins of Tony
Blair, Angus Deayton, Michael Aspel and Tom
Courtenay.
Lorraine Gibson has worked at the Thornhill
Neighbourhood Project since 1990 and has
single handedly raised more than £1million.
She has successfully set up and continuously
develops projects, many of them may not
have survived without her support.
Shirley Haxel has been an outstanding
volunteer at the New Park day centre for the
last 15 years. She escorts the transport bus,
assists service users with personal care and
helps visitors. She’s also been involved with
the St John’s Ambulance service for more
than 40 years.
Drs Kwok Kan and Paul Matewele have
organised the CREST science awards for
secondary school students for the past three
years. This gives pupils a top experience of
working to high standards in a university lab.
Simon Marsh is more than the headteacher
Cash boost
Twenty Islington schools are getting
a cash bonus for improved test
results. The payout – around £5,700
to primaries and and £25,700 to
secondaries is for excellent exam
grades in 2002.
The money – which is paid by the
government under the School Achievement
Awards – goes to schools where pupil
performance in 2002 was better than most
schools in similiar circumstances and those
that have come out of special measures in
2001/2002.
Left to right back: Simon Marsh, Matthew Bull, Frank Smith, Roy Duligall, Dr Kwok Kan, Dr Paul
Matewele, David Ryan, and front: Shirley Haxell, Alyson Ruddick, Tom Quantrill, Lorraine Gibson and
Jessie White.
of St Mary Magdalene school. He always
has time to speak with children and parents
and has also built a playhouse for the
playground along with running many after
school activities including a gardening club.
Tom Quantrill has dedicated many years of
his life to helping the elderly, friendless and
homeless people at St Mary’s church on a
voluntary basis. He has also helped keep the
church open on Saturdays.
Alyson Ruddick has worked on behalf of
Centre 404 for more than 30 years and is
totally committed to helping people with
learning difficulties. A mother of two boys
with learning difficulties she is able to
welcome new parents to the world of
disability.
David Ryan was instrumental in saving the
Free rubbish
skips! coming to
a street near you
At the weekend the council provides skips at
selected sites close to where people live, so
residents can conveniently get rid of
household rubbish.
✆
Please call enviroline on
020 7527 5000 for details
of when and where.
Times boxing club from extinction 30 years
ago. He currently trains around 60 boys and
girls at the club and aims to give them self
discipline and respect for others.
Frank Smith helped to start the Islington
senior citizens Christmas Day party fund, for
people who would otherwise be on their own.
He has compered and entertained at the party
for 37 years. He also begins fundraising for
the big day in June every year.
Jessie White carries out a tremendous
amount of work for children and the local
community. She is also chairwoman of the
Federation of Islington Tenants Associations
and the Hawthorne Close tenants and
residents association.
Watch out for next year’s awards to nominate
your hero.
Did you know?
The council gets an average 600
reports per month of rubbish dumped
in the borough. There are 12 cases
pending prosecution of traders
dumping commercial waste. The
council has secured two cautions for
the same offence and issued
numerous warnings. Recently the
hotspot team found evidence against
four people flytipping in a particular
location that was under observation.
These offenders will be called in for
questioning and may well be
prosecuted.
5
Creating success – Islington’s ed
✆
For more information please contact Fotene Georgiou on
020 7527 5563 or email educationweek@islington.gov.uk or
look on our website www.islington.gov.uk/educationweek2003
Events are open to everyone who lives,
works or goes to school in Islington.
Children, parents, staff, anyone connected
with Islington has the opportunity to see
for themselves how much there is to
celebrate about education in our borough.
Islington's third education week looks set to be
even better than last year. This is a showcase
for the many good things that are happening in
Islington and we have a packed programme
focusing on this year’s theme of 'Creative Arts'.
Something for everyone
Whether it is music on Islington Green, theatre
performances, art exhibitions in our libraries and
galleries, or creating a tree out of recycled bottles
we have something for everyone. There’s a fancy
dress carnival of colour for children under 5,
performances by the London Symphony
Orchestra, and you can learn how to use the
internet and design programmes too at the
Islington Online centres.
“
In 2002 Islington secondary schools had
their best ever GCSE results
Groove on the green
“”
We launch the week on Monday
June 30 from 12.30pm with a
fantastic array of musical events
on Islington Green by pupils from
around the borough. Join us and
be amazed by the creative
talents of local students.
Live music, song and dance for all the
community will be performed daily
on Islington Green. From
12 – 2pm our local schools’ will
jazz up your lunchtime with
traditional orchestras, choirs
and quartets. From 5 – 7pm
‘Rhythm for Life’ will get you in
the groove with contemporary
song, dance and band music.
6
ucation week – 30 June to 6 July
“
£20 million has
been invested
in new buildings
and facilities
over the last
two years
“”
Let learneasy
launch your
learning
Check us out on
Tuesday 1 July.
Feel like learning something new?
Look no further! Learneasy has the
answers. www.learneasy.net is a
new website aimed at promoting
learning in Islington.
From art to fashion, science to yoga,
learneasy.net is the easiest way to find out
about courses, advice, training, work,
activities and community services in the
borough. Learneasy lets you find
everything you need in one place.
“
At key stage 2
Islington’s results
were the 10th
most improved
in the country
last year
You can access learneasy for free at any of
the new Islington Online centres (see page
9), or wherever you have access to the
internet. Just type www.learneasy.net in
the address box and away you go.
“”
Showtime
Check out Islington Youth Theatre’s
production of “Guys and Dolls” at
Sadlers Wells.
Do you have a creative streak and enjoy
helping the environment too? Join the
Crafts Council in Pentonville Road and help
them build a tree out of recycled bottles.
Join Islington Boat Club to try canoeing,
kayaking and bellboating. A full programme
of the week’s events is available from June
1 at all council buildings, the Town Hall,
some local businesses and book shops and
at www.islington.gov.uk
✆
“
For more information please
contact the Learneasy web
editor on 020 7527 8785 or
by emailing
learneasy@islington.gov.uk
An extra £9.8 million
is being invested in
our schools in 2003/4
“”
7
Road humps, controlled parking zones,
cycle lanes, 20mph limit, walkways…
what would you spend money on?
Money for these projects comes from grants from Transport for London and
central government, developer funding, regeneration grants and the council’s own
funds.
Although the council is becoming increasingly successful in bidding for money, we do not
have enough money to do everything. We therefore try to ensure that money is spent where
it’s most needed. In addition, new schemes must meet the priorities of those organisations
that provide the funding. And many traffic and transport schemes start off as a suggestion
from a local resident or business. Tell us what you think.
We will look into every idea that is sent to us and try to match them with any funding
opportunities that come up.
✃
Please complete, cut out and return the form below by 13 June 2003 or
respond online at www.islington.gov.uk/areacommitteesonline
1. Where do you think there is most need
for investment in traffic and transport
schemes?
Street name or area ....................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
2. What are the key issues in this street
or area?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
3. Please give us your ideas for tackling
these issues
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Please answer the following questions:
Name ...........................................................
......................................................................
Address .......................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Postcode .....................................................
8
Age
under 18
35-44
over 65
Gender
Male
18-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
Female
Ethnic origin
White
Black/Black British
Asian/Asian British
Mixed
Other
£25m making
Islington streets
brighter and safer
From June 2003,
Islington Council will be
spending £25m improving
lighting standards by
replacing up to 8,500 lamp
columns, traffic signs and
pedestrian crossing lights
over a period of five years.
The first new street lights
will be appearing from the
summer onwards.
This is possible because of a
partnership with SEEBOARD in a
Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
Transport for London will continue
to be responsible for lighting on
main routes.
The council will be writing to the
70% of householders whose
streets are affected by the
improvements – which will be
phased over five years – advising
them of the schedule.
Most of our streets and parks will
benefit over the next five years,
lights in the worst state will be
dealt with first.
If you selected the `other’ categories, please
could you specify how you would further
describe yourself below:
......................................................................
......................................................................
Do you consider yourself or a member of
your household to have a disability?
Yes
No
If yes, please tick one or more of the
following:
Sight
Hearing
Mobility
Other
If other, please specify
......................................................................
......................................................................
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of the
questionnaire is 13 June 2003.
We regret that we will not be able to respond to
all individual queries. We will look at every idea
sent in and we will publish the results.
Return the questionnaire to Pip Howson,
Islington Council, Freepost LON 18450, Third
Floor, 222 Upper Street, London N1 1BR
Or, you can fill in the form online at
www.islington.gov.uk/areacommitteesonline
STOP PRESS
Paul Fox, Hillrise ward councillor and
Ian Powney, Barnsbury, have both
resigned as councillors. Elections to fill
the vacancies will be held in both
wards on Thursday 26 June.
Poll cards will be sent out to all registered
voters in the wards in early June. If any
resident of the wards does not receive a poll
card they can check if they are able to vote by
calling the electoral services team on
020 7527 3110. Details of candidates and
polling stations will be available on the web
site www.islington.gov.uk/voting and then
in the wards, as soon as they become
available.
Anyone wanting a postal vote should apply by
5pm on 18 June. Polling stations will be open
on 26 June from 8am to 9pm.
Weekend cleanups
Freedom of the borough
Residents joining forces with the
council’s cleansing service to tackle
environmental problems on their
doorstep is proving a great success.
As well as collecting bulk items like fridges, TVs
and furniture, the council team also give a
demonstration of graffiti removing equipment
and they sweep ‘hard to reach places.’
Islington Council provide a caged van for bulk
items, a dustcart for collecting bin bags – as well
as handing out brooms, litter picks, and gloves.
✆
If you want a weekend
cleanup please contact
enviroline 020 7527 5000
enviroline@islington.gov.uk
Abandoned
Vehicle Update
Help reduce the number of
abandoned vehicles on our
streets.
If you are an Islington resident and
own a car you no longer need,
Islington Council will scrap it for you
for free.
✆
Phone hotline
020 7527 4814
or email
abandoned.vehicles@islington.gov.uk
Proof of ownership is required.
The Morris Family (left), Ann Mullins
(middle) and Anna Scher (right) have
been awarded the Freedom of the
Borough for outstanding service to the
people of Islington.
They have all made a distinctive and unique
contribution to Islington in very different ways
over many years.
Anna Scher created and ran the Anna Scher
drama school where she has taught drama to
many young people who have gone on to
became household name TV stars. It has
engaged very closely with the community, and
has helped many young Islington people to
make the most of their talents.
Ann Mullins has recently retired as
headteacher of Highbury Fields school,
Islington’s most successful secondary school.
She joined Highbury Fields in 1988 and has
been headteacher since 1994. Under her
leadership the school has twice been awarded
‘Beacon’ status.
The Morris family have for a long time
been prominent members of the business
community in Islington, and run the Business
Design Centre on Upper Street. Jack Morris is
an active member of the Islington Strategic
Partnership. Paul Morris is Chair of the
Finsbury Park Partnership. Other members
of the family are active through the
Morris Trust.
Free and easy learning online
All 20 neighbourhood online centres and the mobile computer bus
are open for business.
The centres particularly welcome local residents who have no previous
knowledge of computers and who are interested in learning both for fun and
qualifications. You can also update your skills and improve your job prospects.
The centres provide a range of facilities and courses including an introduction to
the use of computers, free internet access, use of email facilities and email
addresses.
Sample online
There are also courses in web design. You can sample digital arts like
photography and video, use Learndirect, ESOL and check out local history
online.
All are sited in convenient locations.
✆
To find out where they are please call
020 7527 5936 or visit our community
learning website www.learneasy.net
9
Aquaterra Leisure is a charity that runs the seven leisure centres
in Islington with financial assistance from Islington Council.
Happy EverActive
✆
Visit the website
www.aquaterra.org or
call 020 7253 5365
for more information
Save it like
Seaman
Want to become the next David
Seaman? Gunners in Islington are
running goalkeeping courses for 7-14
year olds at Finsbury Leisure Centre.
The courses aim to develop and
improve the specialist skills required
for a goalkeeper, whose performance
can often significantly affect a game.
Football development manager, Michael
MacNeill said: “We are able to run
goalkeeping courses because of the superior
and softer surface at Finsbury. It’s hard to
practice shot stopping on concrete. This is a
specialist football role that is rarely catered for
elsewhere.”
The new EverActive magazine is
produced by Aquaterra Leisure in
partnership with Islington Council, it
gives you a guide to stepping up your
healthy lifestyle, meeting new people
of the same age or just unwinding.
Aquaterra Leisure’s Niamh Friel said: “You are
never too old to feel the benefits of exercise.
EverActive might inspire you to dive in and do
water aerobics, relax the exotic way with Tai
Chi, try ballroom dancing or even bowling.”
EverActive provides information on transport,
disability access and discounted activities so
older people showed that fitness is for
everyone during a water aerobics class at
Ironmonger Row Baths. With hundreds of
similar activities available in Islington,
retirement can be healthy and fun!
✆
For more information, please
contact Michael MacNeill on
020 7686 8810 or email
michael.macneill@aquaterra.org
you can make the most of your local leisure
and community centres. The magazine is now
available in libraries and leisure centres in
Islington.
✆
For further information
please contact
niamh.friel@aquaterra.org
or phone 020 7686 8811
Getting ready for summer
Now is a good time to get into shape
for the summer but good intentions
often disappear. Aquaterra Leisure has
launched the Premier One programme
designed for people who don’t make
the most out of their gym membership.
The service involves four one-to-one
appointments and the option of two free
personal training sessions. And attendance is
10
rewarded with a Premier One towel, water
bottle and t-shirt.
The programme is specifically tuned to meet
individual needs and provide all the knowledge
and motivation to help you achieve your
fitness goals. With so much support and
advice at hand, there are no excuses for not
attending the gym all year round. After all the
gym is for life, not just for summer.
Toy story
Handy contacts
in this issue
Abandoned vehicle hotline
020 7527 4814
abandoned.vehicles@islington.gov.uk
Aquaterra
020 7253 5365
www.aquaterra.org
Crime prevention officer
020 7421 0226
Electoral services team
020 7527 3110
www.islington.gov.uk/voting
Enviroline
020 7527 5000
enviroline@islington.gov.uk
There’s a new toy library at Mildmay
Library. At the official opening children
enjoyed storytelling by Phil McDermott
before choosing three new toys to take
home along with their usual quota of
books and tapes. Parents were
delighted with the new library and the
children were delighted with the goody
bags they received as they left.
Islington now has ten council and voluntary
run toy libraries packed full of toys, equipment
and musical instruments giving young children
in all parts of the borough an opportunity to
enjoy safe toys that are fun, help their
development and they’re free!
✆
Mildmay library, 21-23
Mildmay Park, N1 4NA
020 7527 7880
Greenspace
020 7527 4953
Islington education week
020 7527 5563
educationweek@islington.gov.uk
Islington police station
020 7704 1212
Islington strategic partnership
020 7527 3488
Islington’s first – improving homes
Islington victim support
020 7272 0784
Over £70 million is to be spent on
major improvements to council street
properties. This will mean more
affordable housing in the borough for
those in need.
Learneasy web editor
020 7527 8785
learneasy@islington.gov.uk
Islington Council is the first local
authority in the country to begin a
pioneering Private Finance Initiative
(PFI) contract for managing council
housing.
‘Partners for Improvement in Islington’ are now
responsible for the management and
improvement of around 1,000 street properties
– containing some 1,800 council and 550
leasehold homes in Islington.
It is really good news for council tenants and
leaseholders in street properties who can now
look forward to more money invested in the
properties and real improvements to their
homes.
Through this PFI and another one
planned some 7,500 tenants and leaseholders
will benefit from home improvements.
Neighbourhood watch office
020 7421 0330
leila.morley@met.police.uk
Parking ticket payment
020 7527 1381
www.islington.gov.uk/ipay
Police community advice
020 7421 0260 (Islington)
020 7421 3901 (Holloway)
Straight recycling
0845 130 60 90
Vehicle trace service
020 7747 4747
Your Views
020 7527 3416
residents.news@islington.gov.uk
11
Cops on bikes
Police chief
retires...
After 30 years as a police officer,
thanks and all the best to Chief
Superintendent Ron Hope the
outgoing borough commander who
retires from the police force with
these words...
“
“I’ve been privileged to lead a great
team and other organisations in the
community have worked with us to
make the streets safer. I know it
sounds corny, but it is all about
teamwork.”
... new
commander
arrives
”
A dedicated team of 35 police officers
are out to clear our streets. “Street
robbers are nasty bullies and it’s my
intention to make their lives a misery”
says their leader Inspector Bruce Martin.
Islington Police have a new street crime unit
based at Holloway Police Station. Their aim is
to make sure that those few individuals who
are responsible for street crime in the borough
have no hiding place.
Inspector Martin explained that all of the officers
were volunteers dedicated to combating
robberies and snatches of property. “We have
more than tripled the number of officers tackling
street crime. We will seek to disrupt the
activities of street robbers by adopting a raft of
measures intended to make it difficult for them
to operate. These will include intelligence led
patrols, proactive operations and in some cases
seeking anti social behaviour orders which, if
broken could mean them losing their homes.”
Chief superintendent Barry Norman, Islington’s
police commander added: “I want Bruce to
knock on people’s doors. They will be in no
doubt whatsoever that we know who they are.
It’s about getting into the faces of people we
know commit these offences.”
Contacting Islington police
Always dial 999 if you see a crime being committed or a suspect is present or
nearby. It’s an ‘emergency only’ number – for other enquiries please see below.
And welcome to Chief
Superintendent Barry Norman who
says..
“
“I’m especially delighted to be in
Islington. I was offered other
boroughs but this is the one I really
wanted to lead. I’m looking forward
to building on Ron Hope’s legacy,
particularly as Islington was the best
in London at tackling burglary last
year. What is vitally important is that
we have similar success fighting
street crime and that will be our
focus this year.”
12
”
Islington is printed on environmentally friendly paper
Islington Police Station
020 7704 1212
Use this number to report a crime, which
has already occurred or for other instances
where you need a police officer to attend.
Community advice
Islington 020 7421 0260
Holloway 020 7421 3901
Dial these numbers if you need advice or
would like to speak to a community contact
officer.
Crime Prevention Officer
020 7421 0226
Islington Victim Support
020 7272 0784
Neighbourhood Watch Office
020 7421 0330
This number has an answer-phone, which
is on at any time the office is not staffed.
Or you can email:
leila.morley@met.police.uk
The next meeting of the Islington
Police and Community Consultative
group is on Thursday 5 June at 7pm.
It is in the London Voluntary Sector
Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road,
Islington, N7. All are welcome.
✆
For further details please
call 020 7527 3434