Groundhog Day Talks on HS2 revisited!

Copyright of (c) 2012 Ham & High, Cartoonist Ken Pyne

This cartoon about the stupidity of so-called HS2 Consultation was created by cartoonist Ken Pyne of Ham & High back in 2012 to accompany a letter that of mine that the paper had published about the craziness of HS2 and the "Deja Vu" effect that I later coined the phrase "Groundhog Day Talks"

This is the letter I wrote back in 2012 at yet again another HS2 Community forum. Not much progress has been made from 2010 to 2012 and little if any progress has been made to the present Day with now the consultation over and "only" the petition which is a very specific legal instrument that must be formatted and written in a very precise way, delivered to Portcullis House, House of Parliament by 23rd May 2014 and a submission fee of £20 to boot!

Just in case you are wondering "Deep Piles" is a technical expression and not actually a medical condition from sitting in so many consultation meetings, but one could easily think both was true!

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As I reported several weeks ago after attending a HS2 Primrose Hill to Kilburn route consultation HS2 Community Forum on 28th March 2012 at Swiss Cottage Library. I made several points.

Which the HS2 meeting chair / facilitator agreed with me;

1. Consultation is not making progress and learning in what has previously been gained from previous consultations.

2. The route has endless "wriggle room" possibilities with no real drive to create an effective and minimal impacting route.

3. Engineering uncertainties skewing route on risks based on "Deep Piles" and "Boggy Pockets" along the route, creating much uncertainty for the residents Gloucester Avenue and King Henrys Road, Primrose Hill.

A few days ago circulated to all meeting participants, I received a draft "Primrose Hill to Kilburn Notes" by email.

Where I was compelled to make this reply:

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"Dear HS2 Community Forum Chair HS2 Ltd.

If this is an example of a quality document (I am taking draft edition into consideration when I say this) capturing the views and opinions expressed at this highly activated and mobilised meeting then I am now compelled to revisit all my copious notes from the said meeting.

What has been attempted here is a distillation of thoughts and real concerns into a bubble diagram of key tag words.

'Boggy Pockets', 'Deep Piles' and numerous other concerns are there but statements from representatives on the almost unanimous consensual view that no one felt that this consultation process came anywhere close to being a meaningful actual consultation process is notable by its exclusion.

Please also note you have me listed as representing a Co-Op Housing Association at Camden Council!

I am a co-opted member of Camden Council Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

Clearly, it appears that there is a cohesive luck of focus with attention to details on all HS2 Limited consultation processes this far. Which let me remind is essential to the of 'Duty of Care' and Due Diligence of HS2 consultation as stipulated in legal framework of consultative law.

Regards

Nigel Rumble
Co-Opted member of
Camden Council Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee."
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I received this statement from the HS2 Community Forum secretariat by email.

"I have amended the notes to cover members’ scepticism around the overall forums process."

So I have achieved a victory of sorts as I have managed to get recorded that there was members scepticism at the HS2 consultation meeting!

I will not pass judgement here of the response but just go back to my opening line "Groundhog Day Talks" you may have seen the movie, imagine every day starting again over and over. That's HS2 Consultation.

I was going to use the Möbius Loop as another metaphor, but settled on "Groundhog Day" due to its more closely fitting the point I was articulating.
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My "HAPPY in BELSIZE" film for Belsize concept taking seed

A lot of interest is being shared with me whilst campaigning with you since my announcement last week on my idea to do a HAPPY Pharrell Williams film through the streets of Belsize, especially from the students of The Royal Central School of Speeches and Drama based at Eton Avenue here in Belsize.

I have meet a number of students expressing a real interest to do this with me if I can put together the film crew .....

..... Guess what whilst calling on door steps I have meet several local Belsize based film makers so this is now beginning to look as if this project that started as one of my many concept films may grow wings during the summer, hey we need the sun right! 

I am also exploring getting sponsorship for this from film companies so we can get access to a RED epic or BlackMagic with there brand new 4K systems to do this in super crisp cinema quality.

Much to do after the elections, but most important will be the street performers and that's YOU! Calling all the youth from Belsize that have interest in dance, break-dancing and singers. You have seen the multitude of Pharrell Williams Happy music videos, so you know what the look is. 

I am looking to create something hopefully unique for Belsize, something that is a statement of all that is cool in this area of Belsize and especially our treasure of having the world famous "Central" as our neighbours. Perhaps the disused Fire Station and especially that fireman's pole may feature in this film! If I can get filming permission for this Grade II listed building and also the setting tenant still living there.

Just to get all of you thinking here is a great high end example from Berlin that is the sort of take I have in mind, but naturally scaled down for Belsize!

Media links included are copyrighted with original "embedded" website owners

Battersea Power station and re-generation of the UK

As Conservatives have chosen to launch the Manifesto and symbolic vision for the re-generation of the UK in the late 1960's iconic Battersea Power station. It is has been used for more backdops in the Music and film industry than virtually any other old building. Pink Floyd used this as a backdrop to their famous album "Animals" released in 1977 Jubilee year.

Lets hope that the manifesto launch will be as succesful!

Below is a series of photographs taken at the event on Tuesday 13th April by Nigel Rumble, photographer, activist, businessman and leading campaigner in Belsize, Camden.

Photographs taken by and copyright of Nigel Rumble

Dramatic arrest in connection with gun muggings

In todays' Ham & High reporter Ben McPartland writes;

"POLICE made a dramatic arrest this morning believed to be in connection with the recent spate of gun muggings on women in the area.

The swoop came the morning after the mugger was believed to have struck for a fifth time. A woman was robbed on her doorstep in Lambolle Road, Belsize Park, last night (April 14), and although no gun was produced, police believe it was the same suspect who carried out four armed muggings in the space of five days last month.

The latest victim was also an Oriental woman - as was the case in three of the four previous attacks.

There was a heavy police presence around King Henry's Road this morning, near the site of the arrest and close to Burnham tower, where the first mugging took place on March Sunday March 14.

Women were also targeted in Chalcot Gardens, Lisburne Road and Tudor Close. One of the victims, a business analyst, was mugged for just £15 and has since left the country because she was so traumatised.

Officially police say it is too early to confirm whether the arrested man is the suspect in the muggings but sources say they remain "optimistic" about the developments. The Ham&High understands the arrested man was not known to police and may have been sleeping rough in the area. He is still being questioned at a police station in the borough."

For latest read Ham & High article here

Copyright of hamhigh.co.uk.

Belsize library hosted another successful Area Forum meeting

Belsize library hosted another very successful Area Forum meeting last night. It proves that a community event can and does generate truly collaborative ideas.

In this case brainstorming ways to not only keep Belsize library open longer hours but also to explore revenue-generating schemes to partly self fund longer hours.

Most key activists from Belsize were present at this energy charged event. This really serves to show that on all matters of environmental, conservation and business and social cohesion really works in Belsize. Even though activists present were from all the major political parties. The sense of community demonstrates true power of such collaborative approach. Big thanks to all who attended and until the next Area Forum, which will probably be, post Local Council elections May 6th.

Author: Nigel Rumble

Haiti need our help Now.

Whether you can afford to give £5 or £500, it all makes a difference, says David Cameron in his latest blog.

On Tuesday, the poorest country in the western hemisphere was hit head-on by an enormous earthquake.
I’m sure you’ve seen the heart-wrenching images of Haiti. The full impact of the earthquake is still emerging, but it’s clear that hundreds of thousands of people have either been killed or left homeless.
It’s essential that this small nation gets the help it needs as quickly as possible.
Britain is an incredibly compassionate and generous nation. We showed that five years ago when the British public raised £350m in the wake of the Boxing Day Tsunami, and I’ve no doubt we will show it again.
The best way for you to help, if you haven’t already, is to donate directly to the Disaster Emergency Committee. Whether you can afford to give £5 or £500, it all makes a difference.
Call 0370 60 60 900 or visit the DEC website now to make your contribution.
In the meantime, I know our thoughts and prayers are with all those people who have suffered so much in that country over the last few days.

Posted by David Cameron, MP for Witney, January 15th, 2010

Snow again in Belsize- worst for 30 years!

In what is set to be the worst winter conditions for 30 years, here again in Camden, Belsize we have the crazy situation published today in Ham & High that Brent and Camden have RUN OUT OF GRIT.

This is a disgraceful situation, with weather predictions now able to achieve long term viable reporting weeks in advance, this simply is unacceptable.

It is notable that in other countries such as in the USA this apparent luck of grit never occurs, the US government is totally proactive in dealing with sever winter extremes. For example in anticipation of certain states currently being hit hard by sub-zero extreme temperature, energy supply companies that have "cut off" people due to failure of being able to pay utility bills have been ordered to re-connect the most needy in advance of worsening conditions.

Clearly lessons can be learned from across the other side of the Atlantic in the USA of how to deal with bad weather.

Closer to home however, I have been informed by local Belsize residents that the luck of grit is not only causing big delays in moving around but is very dangerous.

One local resident has narrowly escaped serious injury or worst when slipping and falling in Fellows Road with an oncoming car out of control unable to break or stop sliding towards the unfortunate pedestrian shouting "Get out of the road I can't stop the car"!

Another resident slipping on ice outside Budgens in Haverstock Hill falling and hitting her head in the process, but escaped serious injury.

We need the gritters out 24/7 NOW and not talk about it as a post review for 2011!

Author: Nigel Rumble (currently on New Year's vacation in USA NOLA)

HAPPY NEW YEAR BELSIZE 2010

This New Year politically promises to be the most exciting in at least 10 years, we have not only a general election to decide the future of our country and is expected to see-in the Conservatives lead by David Cameron but also we have the prospect of the local council elections which is scheduled for May 6th 2010.

As selected candidate and prospective Conservative Councilor it is both an honor and privilege to have been selected and put forward to serve my community of Belsize, an area that I have lived the best part of 40 years.

I will be planning on holding street stalls and making personal door to door canvassing through the upcoming weeks and months.

This is your chance to decide both the future of out great country and also decide on how you would like the wonderful ward of Belsize to be governed at local council level.

The one thing that I have learned in these past “four” years is that strong community driven by good local leadership is key to a thriving local and national sense of well being which drives a strong economy.

So once again may I wish all residents of Belsize a Happy New Year 2010.

Author: Nigel Rumble - New Year at midnight in Jackson Square USA NOLA

Airplot, Greenpeace and the Conservatives in Belsize

It is not often that mainstream political and environmentalist groups can work together but on the 31st October our Belsize "street stall" event become host to a unique signing event.

The extract below is a re-post of Jenna Lane's Blog at Greenpeace on 8th Nov diary

"Airplot - Glenda was never going to sign up so we contacted Chris Philp Con PPC instead"

















Chris Philp becomes beneficial airplot owner and signs up to the campaign"Last Saturday morning things were finer than we could have hoped for. Laura, Rex and I sacrificed a lie-in and rocked up at Belsize Village to catch Chris Philp who was out and about.
Rex delivered a purposeful intro to the Airplot campaign, we handed over 100 petitions from local constituents and Chris promptly agreed on 2 counts; he signed up as a beneficial owner to Airplot and signed the petition. We exchanged glances - Fastest signature we've ever got! I wish street campaigning was that easy!! Chris' balancing skills were quite impressive - clipboard missing in action.
Chris also agreed to attend the tree planting in Camden. Our cox tree will be twinned with one at the actual airplot site - I hope the land is softer now than it was when I was last there!
What a great team effort. "

This clearly demonstrates that the Conservatives both at a national and local level are switched on to the importance of the environment and the need to be critical of schemes like the "third runway" at Heathrow.

I hope that especially here in Belsize we can join forces again on other local conservation schemes, which plays an important part in Belsize life.


Author: Nigel Rumble

Lib Dem attacks brings a new low to Politics in "Is Jackson laziest MP in London"

In a recent front-page article "Is Jackson laziest MP in London?" published in the local press and carried on Lib Dem H&K media publicity. The Lib Dem PPC for Hampstead and Kilburn has lowered the level of politics to a new low in the new constituency of H & K in an un-provoked spat of mud slinging towards his Labour opposition and setting Glenda Jackson MP for Hampstead and Highgate.

Without going into the rights or wrongs of Glenda Jackson MP record with Hansard. I was dismayed to read the venomous personal attacks in the local press by the Hampstead and Kilburn Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate. Clearly this illustrates the desperation and frustration he's party is experiencing in this key marginal seat.

If he was to concentrate instead on sound policies and engaging with the real needs of the electorate as demonstrated by the Conservative Parliamentary candidate Cllr Chris Philp with his successful campaign to save the local Hampstead Police station and ongoing campaign to save the critical admissions "stroke unit" at the Hampstead Royal Free Hospital from closure, which the Lib Dems have voted to support closure at a recent Camden Council meeting.

But this is no real surprise as the Lib Dems distort and manipulate information when it suits them at every turn in politics. They fight with statistics, because that is the easiest of all methods to make distortions of reality; hence they’re playing with the Hansard statistics, which proves a particular point they wish to make.

Lets hope that the race to win the new seat of Hampstead and Kilburn does not resort to more venomous mud slinging contests at this low level by the Lib Dem PPC as exhibited in the local press last week.

Author: Nigel Rumble

The BIG Question about BBC's "Question Time"

On the eve of hearing the economic GDP figures, what does the BBC do but host a BNP special "Question Time".

Whilst some may argue that hearing how BNP leader Nick Griffin conducted himself on the show may think that it was a good thing, no doubt MEP Nick Griffen will continue his line that he had faced a "lynch mob" on prime time TV.

What is clear to me is that NOT one single question was asked about the dire state of the UK economy and recession that the current Government has brought us virtually to our knees and how the opposition parties would attempt recovery when it is highly expected that the Conservatives under the leadership of David Cameron will have to face this problem in office next year.

There was no question either of why the UK continues today in the longest recession in history but yet France and Germany have successfully moved out of recession!

What particularly concerns me is that here in Camden alone 1300 people voted for the BNP in the European Elections 2009, that was about 2.76% of the vote. Yet again this important question of “why” does a seemingly non-raciest electorate decide to vote BNP on matters of Europe. It is clear that to most commentators these votes are mostly a protest vote against the Government and “MP Expenses”. But to think that is perhaps missing the point that nationally and here locally in Camden we do have a lot of people that now feel totally disconnected from main steam politics to verge off to a far right Neo-Nazi party.

The questions that the BBC flagship "Question Time" as presented by David Dimbleby put should have been more balanced in its range of questions rather than creating the much talked about, super high ratings, platform for a BNP "Nick Griffen" special.

However, it was only through the audience apparent unscripted participation that we actually got to see the real side of Nick Griffen and how the BNP publicity machine works. Sadly, the BBC hijacked itself to be part of that machine!

Author: Nigel Rumble

Consultation on Belsize, Hampstead and Swiss Cottage conservation areas

NEW Important information about Consultation on Belsize, Hampstead and Swiss Cottage conservation areas is now availible. I provide the key links below:

Introduction

What is an Article 4(1) Direction?

What is special about the Belsize Conservation Area?

The case of the missing “MeLoveSushi” scooters in Belsize!

Corporate responsibilities of Business and Belsize

Having chaired the recent Belsize SNT Police panel public meeting of 16 Sep’09. A rather surprising fact emerged that the small chain of “MeLoveSushi” restaurants has had rather a lot of delivery scooters stolen by joy riders and being dumped in and around the Belsize area, causing considerable concern for local public safety in the Belsize area.

What is particularly concerning is that the restaurant appears not to be taking either the problem or the security of these vehicles seriously.

It was of the opinion of all those who attended the "SNT Public" meeting that there is a "duty of care" by all business such as “MeLoveSushi” towards the local community to secure and make safe their delivery vehicles. Incidentally the driving and parking of these vehicles in what is a public "walk way" at Swiss Cottage Market is rather suspect too.

Therefore, I like to remind the chain that corporate responsibility means exactly that, having a "duty of care" towards the local community and minimising Health and Safety risks to the public caused by operational delivery vehicles.

Author: Nigel Rumble

Hampstead Police Station today is (was!) safe from threat of closure.

The Metropolitan Police Authority has withdrawn its closure plans for nearly all London boroughs.

Through the tireless efforts and support of local residents and leading campaigner and Parliamentary candidate Cllr Chris Philp for Hampstead and Kilburn. It is great to report that all the hard work that Chris and the local team of Conservatives have helped to bring about this victory.

It is now hoped that the Police station will be developed again to form a cornerstone part of the local community here in Hampstead and Belsize. This is a very welcome item of news in this month of August.

Author: Nigel Rumble

Advisory to all residents in high rise properties like Chalcots

The Secretary of State has asked the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, Sir Ken Knight, to provide an independent overview of progress with the fire investigations at Lakanal House, Havil Street, Camberwell on Friday 3 July. Sir Ken will report back to the Secretary of State on progress and emerging findings as a matter of urgency.

Sir Ken’s Terms of Reference for his report include the fire safety matters applicable to this building and operational procedures and practices undertaken by London Fire Brigade at this incident.

Until this work is complete I would appreciate your authority offering some reassurance to tenants.

There are practical measures that you could take such as reminding tenants how to protect themselves from fire, this includes having a working smoke alarm and regularly testing it. If tenants are concerned they can contact their local FRA and the Fire Kills website http://firekills.direct.gov.uk has plenty of up to date fire safety information.

Primary School "Working Group" UPDATE 8th July '09

NEW SCHOOL provision of up to 90 Children for 2 years.

A new school site has been located in the Gospel Oak area. Reported by Richard Lewin "that the Council is proposing to lease and adopt an existing school classrooms in Courthope Road, NW3 for a 2 year period. The building can provide places for a maximum of 90 children and meets the required standards for school classrooms".

During this "Working Group" meeting all these proposals were discussed, although some concern was indicated at this provision possibility, the general feeling was of positive progress.

It was noted that a more hopeful air was present with these developments.
Some discussions were made on subject of policy and process in the admissions criteria. The waiting list has reduced somewhat but there are still a large number of parents with children totally "unplaced".

I am to provide a more thorough update later next week, but I thought I blog this wonderful news, which should give a lot of hope now for parents in the Belsize, Swiss Cottage and Hampstead areas.

Schools in Belsize

There are currently no LEA nursery or primary schools in the Belsize ward, all local schools in the ward are "private" and places are in BIG demand. In neighbouring wards ALL LEA primary schools have a never ending waiting list. The Belsize ward has around 8000+ population of which the Chalcots alone represents nearly a "quarter". This is a major issue for all residents. There are good "Independent Private Schools " but with places also being in high demand and fees ranging upto £3795 per term, clearly is not an option for all residents.

Primary School "Working Group" UPDATE 23rd June'09

We are now into week 7 since the opening "public” meeting and have held 3 fortnightly "working group" meetings.

So the question is what has so far been achieved. Active discussions are still in progress with two schools for use of available site space for temporary classrooms, this would provide a potential of around 60 additional school places. But negotiations are still not complete. It was reported that a further number of schools have expressed a pototential longer term interest of expansion, most likely for the September 2010 intake.

There was a very emotional debate of the policies surrounding admissions criteria of what it is to be considered "unplaced", especially a request to allow "unplaced" status to be applied to Belsize and Swiss Cottage children early rather than wait until the over 5 and into the first academic term rule.

All parents actively discussed option C, which is the provision of a "new" school that could be "fast tracked" for example in an already available location site or facility. I asked Richard Lewin if his department can explore this high priority to enable a possible September 2009 real help, he has given his assurance that this will be so. But I have always stated and believe strongly that the focus must stay on Option A to create expansion to available schools as this is the only viable short-term approach with any hope of making the September 2009 intake requirements facing parents.

Dr Liz Taylor presented a "black hole" map of Camden, which I found to be very useful at seeing the graphic of the problem. She presented a heartfelt appeal for the officers to find a solution, whilst Cllr Alexis Rowell continued his "attacks" on the officers Richard Lewin, Ann Baxter and Louise Trewavas. For the record Rowell has repeated at every "working group" that nothing is being done, and asks "what's the point of coming to these meeting?" and fails to acknowledge other parents or myself reminding him at every fortnightly meeting that these meetings are in fact a "Working Group" and therefore, is not only a "reporting" but a "joint working task force" meeting.

It was observed during the meeting that a rift is now growing between the hard line ECO Champion of Camden and other meeting participants, parents as a collective are now taking the lead together with spokesperson Dr Liz Taylor.

The next “Working Group” meeting will take place Tuesday 7th July 2009 at 7pm at same venue TBC.

Author: Nigel Rumble

Primary School "Working Group" UPDATE 10th June'09

The "Working Group" met last Wednesday 10th June at 7pm

The meeting was facilitated by Louise Trewavas, Communications & Consultation Manager, Finance and Schools Support, Children Schools and Families (CSF) and Chaired by Sarah Bourne, Head of Property and Contracts at Camden Council. Cllr Andrew Mennear reported progress as Richard Lewin was unavailable due to health reasons.

Louise Trewavas reported that the number of unplaced children has decreased from the 133 to 127 (latest figures from Louise as of 12th June indicates that the figure has fallen now to 107).

Cllr Andrew Mennear reported that CSF were "in talks" with five schools in North / North West Camden about the possibility of having temporary "portacabin" classrooms to be installed ready for September. Currently, it is believed that all of these "five" schools are community schools. The names of the schools will be confidential until negotiations have been completed.

The Council estimate that 2-3 temporary classrooms of 30 children will be needed. The purchase order for the "portacabins" classrooms needs to be placed within the next 2 weeks, even though the sites may not been confirmed. The Council intends to feedback further progress and the names of schools electing to take part in the "portacabin" scheme when the "Working Group" meets again on 23rd June at Swiss Cottage Community Centre at 7pm, TBC. But it must be emphasized that only the governing body (the School Governors) of the local schools can make that decision.

The overall feeling by all present with a notable exception from Cllr Alexis Rowell was that some welcome progress had been made.

Author: Nigel Rumble

The Chalcots "Where Are We"

CHALCOTS: With all what has been going on in Belsize with 133+ children in Camden without primary school places and the near collapse of the Government one may wonder what is happening to the Chalcots with "mould" and other serious problems reported in previous blogs.

So here is a timely update. After many high level meetings with Camden who still has yet to officially report back on all of the concerns raised by representatives of residents through the Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny and Hampstead DMC. Through the Operational Forum meeting, which meets monthly with representatives from all sides, it was stated by the PFIC CEO that on the question of “mould” that samples would be taken from THREE flats only and then for the rest of the 717 properties it would be up to the residents to report any re-occurring “mould” for a “TWELVE” month period.

This is in my opinion a disgrace, as I have stated in my previous blogs on “mould” and the problem of the “windows”, I feel that residents deserve better treatment.
I will continue to campaign for this better treatment and to receive acknowledgement that a serious problem exists.

I have received further news that I cannot yet blog about which is as vital and carries a significant H&S risk if unchecked. However, the implications of this particular matter which for legal reasons I cannot go into fully here presents a picture of a Camden Housing department which I have already stated for its failure to deliver "value for money", let alone quality of provision and adding to this an inability to monitor the capital works in the “regeneration” projects on matters of vital H&S standards. As soon as I am legally free to discuss these matters I will inform here in my blog fully the details. Rest assured however, that I will continue to actively campaign to get to the “truth” on these serious matters involving H&S standards.

Author: Nigel Rumble