London Underground staff who are part of the RMT and TSSA unions will be staging strike action which will affect London Underground services from around 5pm on Monday 6 September, and throughout Tuesday 7 September.

Transport for London intend to try to operate some sort of underground service but disruption is likely on most journeys.

You are recommended to check before you intend to travel, and use alternative routes where available. Bus services are being boosted during the strike action.

The latest information can be found on the Transport for London website.

There are fears that Lib Dem/Tory Coalition Government may refuse to honour the previous commitment to providing social housing providers in Lambeth to the sum of £233 million to help improve stock for families often living in poor conditions.

Weir Estate Residents Association supports this epetition and asks our residents to sign the epetition which can be found here.

The closing date is fast approaching, make sure you sign the petition before it closes on Monday 6th September.

In addition to increasing the number of Trustees to match planned growth in the Centre’s activities, we are planning for the future succession of the Chair of Trustees.

In particular, we are seeking up to 4 individuals with the following experience, knowledge and/or professional skills:

• Community involvement and leadership
• Strategic leadership in the charity or not for profit sector
• Financial planning and stewardship
• Supporting the well-being of Children and Young people
• Community health-care provision
• Service Level Agreements and Contracts
• Business Development and Fund-raising

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – full training and support will be provided. It is important to us that the Trustee body fully represents the diversity, cultures, experience, and skills from across the borough of Lambeth. We are therefore seeking applications from local residents, parents/carers and community groups, as well those with relevant professional or voluntary experience and skills.

There is no longer a closing date, for further information and to request an application pack, contact Rachel Bellini at Abbeville Associates tel 020 7720 1830 e-mail: admin@abbevilleassociates.co.uk

Please can you introduce yourself, and explain what your role involves.

What motivates you to do this role?
My motivation is simple, to improve our community and make it a better place to live for those living on Weir Estate and myself.

What do you most enjoy about representing the residents of Weir Estate?
It’s the satisfaction of knowing your making a difference to people’s way of living and quality of life. I most enjoy seeing the efforts that I put into what I do and making things happen and what I hope our positive results.

Do you think Lambeth council and Lambeth Living engage with residents and the association enough?
I think they do a pretty good job in engaging with us as an association as one of the main things I have tried to establish is good relations and communication between Lambeth, Lambeth Living and all our other community partners. Part of this is also maintaining those relations. More can always be done to engage and work together but Weir Estate doesn’t do too badly. As for one on one, yes I am sure many residents would like to at least feel there is more communication and sharing of information, thankfully this is where WERA comes in.

If you had the power to change any law, what would you change and why?
Being an ex police officer, I can think of many, but I think rather than changing the laws, I would like to see the law come down harder on criminals and give appropriate sentences and be consistent with it. The police do a pretty difficult job but it’s the laws themselves that let us down. I would definitely change sentencing laws.

What does community mean to you?
Community means being part of a place where everyone can live together to improve and share. By taking care of the more vulnerable and elderly as well as engaging with those who live around you and taking responsibility for the place in which you live no matter their age or background.

What aspects of society would you most like to see changed?
This would have to be more people getting out there to make positive changes in the area where they live and not being frightened of what is beyond the doorstep. Many voices are far louder than a few. I would like to see society taking charge of the place in which they live and getting taking more of a stand to demand change and improvements.

What is your vision for the future of Weir Estate?
I am recently quoted in the press as saying I want other Residents Associations to aspire to be like us, this is because I want Weir Estate to be the best model there is for leading the community by continuing to find ways to improve our estate and make it a cleaner, safer, friendlier and attractive place to live for many more generations to come.

What advice can you give to residents about improving their community?
We can all make a difference in many different ways from attending meetings and having a say to taking part in events. The best advice I can give is don’t be afraid to get stuck in, many hands make light work and by being a collective voice we can all make a huge difference, the simplest way is to take part in your association.

What is your most memorable moment in your role?
My most memorable must be securing getting the new windows and doors on Weir Estate. This was a long running issue that had blighted our estate for many years, getting them would make a enormous difference to residents, their families and their homes. This took a lot of hard work over a long period and involved some dedicated people who supported me and this association; it shows what difference WERA can make.

What does WERA do to communicate and inform residents?
Over the past couple of years we have continued to develop many new ways of keeping residents informed from wera.org.uk which has gone from strength to strength. This of course has run the latest news and updates for what has been happening on and around Weir Estate. Our website has a wealth of information and exclusive interviews constantly being updated. However, as we know that we have slightly older residents and those without internet access, we have also put together a bulletin sent to every property on the estate and many people in Lambeth such as housing and the police. Alongside this, we have also embraced social networking sites, using such websites as twitter, where we have quite a following across the whole country and further afield which raises the profile of WERA and we post regular up to the minute developments, news and information. We also have our email system which we always welcome residents to contact myself or the other executive officers or general inquires on.
I am always keen to get feedback and views from residents as at the end of the day, it’s us the residents who matter most. Last but by no means least we have our monthly meetings which are a great forum to keep residents informed and I am always sure to update on what we have achieved and what’s happening at the start of the meeting.

Do you feel you have managed to accomplish what you initially set out to do?
I think we are getting there, however there is still a long way to go before I can say I have accomplished what I set out to. I believe we made a good start and I do feel I have achieved success in many of the areas I set out to improve with WERA. Sadly however, the work is never done as change is progressive.

What is your favourite area in Lambeth?
Of course it’s where I live, right here, home and Weir Estate is my favourite place in Lambeth. I am a very proud Lambethian, being born and bred in Lambeth for most of my life and it’s actually a great borough. My favourite place to visit has to be South Bank on a sunny day, I love the atmosphere and some great things to see and do!

What are the main successes WERA has had recently?
I am proud and pleased to say we continue to see much success with appointing a new great vice chair in Rohema along with my other Executive Colleagues Sue and Mags. We have seen success in continuing to improve the estate with long over due repair works to our estate railings which has in turn enabled us to establish a new relationship with the Youth Offending Service who are re-painting the old tired and tatty railings. We have made good progress on developing a new community Garden in the corner of Anfield Close which is very exciting, of course seeing the end to the windows and doors work and lastly we have managed to help individual residents with long standing issues in their homes.

If you could change one thing about this country what would it be?
For me personally and this will probably be quite controversial but the Coalition Government. However I would also like to see a better quality of living and better standard of homes.

How would you encourage an area without a residents association to set one up?
Talk to your neighbours and members of your local community and you will surely find many will have the same concerns and fears as you. By getting together you can start making change happen. Its not as difficult as you may think and by forming one voice you really can make things happen and change for the better.

Describe yourself in a short sentence.
I am a caring, compassionate and sensitive person who believes in making change happen.

Who is the most influential person you have ever met and why?
The biggest influence on my life has to be my Mum, as she has been through so much and has battled in the face of severe illness, never giving up and always still managing to be there for everyone else showing courage unlike I have ever known. I am the youngest of eight brothers and sisters and despite her own challenges she has still remained strong to us all. I like to think this influence somehow rubs off on me!

What is ahead for WERA, residents and Weir Estate now?
We will continue to ensure Weir Estate is served well by Lambeth Living, contractors and the local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). We have many great things ahead with the new Community Garden to look forward to and enjoy. We also have some great new WERA Asks to come on the website (I don’t want to give too much away but we have some BIG ones ahead), Weir Estate will continue to see differences unlike it has ever seen before and residents will of course be able to be proud of living as part of this community.

Explain how residents can contact, and be part of WERA.

There are many ways to contact WERA as we want to make our association as accessible as possible. We have email info@wera.org.uk.  We can be contacted through the website www.wera.org.uk. You can drop messages or notes off at The Weir Link, 33 Weir Road) and also by attending meetings which take place at the Weir Link every second Tuesday of the month from 7pm. Also I am often around the estate so please don’t hesitate to stop and say hi.

Personal Safety Tips

•         When you’re out and about look purposeful. Assertiveness in the way you behave reduces perceived vulnerability.
•         Avoid using your phone or iPod in public, especially immediately after leaving railway/bus stations.
•         Loud personal music affects your awareness of your surroundings.
•         Don’t draw attention to your valuables. Out of sight is safer.
•         It is easier for wallets and purses to be removed from back pockets.
•         Avoid short cuts down alley ways and across parks.  Move away from suspicious people. Trust your instincts.
•         Use a pre-booked minicab or licensed taxi.  Know what you are getting into.
•         Report non emergency incidents to the police on 0300 123 1212.
•         In an emergency always ring 999.

Summer Time Burglary Prevention Tips

•         When you leave your home please lock it up. This means all windows and doors. Several of the new windows allow for ventilation – Don’t just put the handle down in this position make sure you lock it as well.
•         When you are not in the room with a window/door that is open ensure it is secure – don’t think because you are in you will hear what’s going on.
•         Don’t leave expensive property in view of passer-by’s and don’t leave house keys or car keys on a table near the door or window.
•         Secure bicycles to a permanent fixture even if leaving in communal hallways or sheds.

You can always contact Thornton Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2622 or email Thornton.SNT@met.police.uk. 

Independent health watchdog, the Health Protection Agency has ruled the output from mobile phone masts are well below international agreed limits set by International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and pose no threat to residents living on Weir Estate.

Based on a report carried out by telecommunication regulator, Ofcom of the signals being omitted from the masts in key areas around Weir Estate have confirmed that the signal is so minimal that there is no risk to resident’s health and that they are safe.

Weir Estate Residents Association sent the Ofcom findings to the Health Protection Agency, as so they can evaluate the data and provide an expert analysis. The HPA which protects the UK publics health through the provision of support and advice to the NHS, local authorities, emergency services, other Arms Length Bodies, the Department of Health and the Devolved Administrations. The Agency was established as a special health authority (SpHA) in 2003. The HPA Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards comprises the Radiation Protection Division (formerly the National Radiological Protection Board) and the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division who studied the Ofcom report. The headquarters for the Centre is based at Chilton in Oxfordshire.   As part of their work they have access to radiation scientists and experts. It is these experts who have ruled that the signal poses such minimal risk that there is no threat to those living close to the masts or the general public on Weir Estate.

These findings and other evidence will be collated into a report compiled by WERA and presented to residents, at a public meeting in order to decide the future of the masts.
A handful of residents have raised concerns about the long term effects of exposure to the ‘radiation’ levels coming from the mobile phone masts and base stations operated by operators T-Mobile and Orange. These fears have been based on what are not believed to be unfounded speculation.  The signal is also weakened by obstacles such as brick, metal and glass.

Though there are always studies into the affects from mobile phone masts particularly with the media stating there is a link to cancer, there has been no evidence to support this and all current scientific and medical studies available contradict this. This is further supported by no reports of any reports of residents complaining of ill effects despite the masts being in place for ten years.

In their statement to WERA, the HPA said ‘We have looked at the Ofcom survey report and can confirm that the radio signal field strengths that Ofcom are quoting are well below the health guidelines of the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These are the recognised guidelines in the UK that all the mobile phone operators have adopted and adhere to. The balance of scientific evidence to date suggests that exposures to radiofrequency (radio signals) below ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to the general population.’

The masts and base stations on two blocks on Weir Estate have provided an income for estate improvements following efforts by previous association administrations that the income goes towards improving Weir Estate for residents and not just into Lambeth Council. Though WERA assure residents this is not the catalyst to the masts remaining.

WERA’s new Vice Chair Rohema Khanom said of the findings “I have always found the notion that mobile masts are detrimental to health absolutely absurd. The Ofcom report clearly illustrate that the levels are far lower than the agreed level of radiation that may possibly cause harm.’

She added to reassure residents “I am pleased the report clearly shows that WERA would not knowingly put the health of residents before any financial gain, and that we have always tried to reassure some of our weary residents that we are indeed trying to do the best we can for Weir estate.’

WERA will present its findings to residents at an open meeting and seek to reach a conclusive decision on whether the masts can stay but have stated previously this must be based on facts and evidence not speculation or scare mongering. WERA has also invited anyone with any evidence for or against the masts to contact the Association and this will be considered as part of the final report.

The conclusion by the Health protection Agency and the data obtained from the estate Ofcom Survey will now form a cornerstone of the final report set to be published later this year as WERA continues to gather as much facts and data as possible.

As part of plans to cut public spending, the coalition government have recently announced that the HPA could be scrapped and form part of a new commissioning board.

Youth offenders serving a community punishment court order have begun giving  Weir Estate’s newly repaired railings a fresh coat of paint, as part of the Lambeth Youth Offending Service (YOS) reparation program.

The youngsters aged between ten and sixteen are giving back to the community by repainting the fencing across the entire estate which got underway this month.
The program which is run by Lambeth Council serves to show young people convicted in a court the errors of their ways.

The works to refresh the metal fences will be an on-going relationship between Weir Estate Residents Association and the Youth Offending Service.

A group of up to ten youngsters are overseen by officers from Lambeth YOS. The paint and materials have been donated by major works contractor Breyer Group plc and Gunites Decorators which has enabled the project to take place.
WERA contacted the Youth Offending Service to try to brighten up the estate following works to improve resident’s homes and the exterior of the blocks.

With massive budget cuts on the horizon for both Lambeth Living and Lambeth Council, following the coalition’s spending cuts, both organisations don’t have the money available to carry out the work so WERA approached the Youth Offending Service to help rehabilitate young people through the community payback scheme.

Reparation Coordinator for Lambeth’s Youth Offending Service, Kate Mirimo  explains “Lambeth Youth Offending Service are committed to ensuring young people are made aware of the consequences of their actions and that they show remorse, make amends and sign up to a plan for their restoration in the community.  Working with WERA has enabled young people from our service to reflect on their actions and complete practical work which helps visibly improve their local area”.

Work has already got underway to repair the 1970’s railings after a three way agreement between WERA, Breyer Group plc and Lambeth Living. The repainting works is taking place alongside that program, which is also currently underway.

WERA spokesperson, Kieran Casey said of the partnership with YOS “It’s a great scheme whereby youths who have been given community punishment orders can come out, and work in the community, to make the area a better place”.

The program of works has been carried out during the summer holidays and will then continue during weekends and school holidays as the main focus of rehabilitating young people after being convicted is to ensure they continue in education. Kieran added “We are delighted to be working with the Youth Offending Scheme, and to be able to help the youth’s in their reparation. WERA strives to work with the community, and this is another project which shows this”.

Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Peter Robbins praised the efforts of WERA and the work of YOS “Giving young offenders the chance to contribute positively to their local community is an important part of their rehabilitation. It’s great that the Weir estate is benefiting from the scheme – hopefully painting the railings will show the young people that helping other people is much more rewarding than crime.”

This is first project of its type on this side of Lambeth proving that the community can benefit from such schemes.

Residents on Weir Estate are calling for the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson to intervene in the delayed 255 bus route extension delays, as the proposals hit stalemate between Lambeth and Wandsworth Council’s.

At a recent association meeting, residents called for WERA to lobby the Mayor in order to get bus route implemented along Weir Road. The plans to extend the single Decker 255 bus from Streatham Hill station down to Balham Station has hit the buffers as a handful of residents in Wandsworth submitted a petition against the bus running along their road, this has been backed by Wandsworth Council who have confirmed they have passed on their objections to Transport for London.

Weir residents are furious that the extension has been delayed despite the fact the route would run along more of Lambeth’s streets than Wandsworth and that in the consultation published at the end of 2009, 68% of local people voted in favour of the extension.

WERA is now calling on the Mayor of London to step in to resolve the hold up of the plan which has been supported by the association, The Weir Link and even a builder’s merchant along the route in Wandsworth.  Weir Estate has also recruited the support of Greater London Assembly member, Valerie Shawcross who will now ensure that TfL and Mayor Johnson tackle the issue.

The stalemate has occurred with Lambeth in favour of the proposed route and Wandsworth against it.

The Chair of Weir Estate Residents Association said of the situation “Many residents are angry at the lack of transport links in this area, particularly in Thornton Ward which is a no man’s land when it comes to public Transport. At our meeting residents made it clear they do not think it is fair that on council can have such control of the extension plans and that as the route takes in far more of Lambeth than in Wandsworth, greater consideration should be given to Lambeth residents. We support the extension and believe it will bring a much needed transport link to this community.”

Following this, WERA is now writing a letter to City Hall to highlight the issue in the hope Boris Johnson can push through the proposals.

Val Shawcross, Lambeth and Southwark’s Assembly member has given her backing to the campaign to settle the dispute “I’ll do whatever I can to support this.   I will ask some Questions of the Mayor, I will also talk to TfL and throw what weight I have behind it.”

The consultation to extend the route from Streatham Hill station across Thornton Ward, taking in some of the area’s main housing estates, and terminating at Balham Station, was carried out by Transport for London back in July 2009 and the report was published a few months later.

Residents have waited since to see the bus run along Weir Road. Many residents have stated how they feel cut off from the two shopping districts and other transport links due to having walk fair distance to shops, train and tube stations.

It is not expected the single decker will commence running along the route this year as TfL seeks to find a solution. WERA now feels the best way forward is to ask the Mayor to step in.

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said:  “We have passed on our observations to TfL and have asked them to consider the concerns raised by our residents. We are now waiting to hear the outcome of their deliberations.”

You can read the Transport for London Consultation document HERE

You can also read the open letter sent by WERA to Mayor Johnson HERE

Can you please tell us who you are and what you do?

How long have you been doing this role?
I have been in post doing similar role since May 2008

What does community mean to you?
A place where we support and cherish the goodness in each other.

How do you feel Lambeth Living is helping to improve estates?
A number of initiatives and projects have been introduced on estates across the borough on finer things which residents have asked for. For each of these initiatives and projects officer have had to work with residents to implement them. Example of these will include building such things as new play area in Tulse Hill Estate, Refurbishment of community hall in Poynders Garden, or new bin sheds in Notre dame estate, etc.

Who would you most like to meet?
Nelson Mandela

Describe yourself in 5 words
Caring, sensitive, patient, honest and truthful.

How did you do before the position you are currently in?
I was in accountancy and banking prior to Life in Lambeth, In fact I came to Lambeth as an accountant.

What aspects would you most like to change?
It will please me more if I have the freedom to do more to change people’s living standard which is my motivation in remaining in Housing Management.

Who inspires you, and why?
My late uncle Cornelius, was a very great influence in my life. He very lovingly took on ten of us little children (none his own) then after the Nigerian civil war and saw us through Secondary School and University. He never asked for anything back but hoped that we too will grow up and take on the responsibility of caring for others who are less fortunate that we had been.

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be, and why?
It would have liked to be a medical doctor, Nurse or some job in the medical field. I would enjoy the satisfaction in helping to make a person well or comfortable no matter their individual situation.

What is the best aspect of your role?
When a person writes back to say thanks you when they move into their new home.

In what way do you work directly with Weir Estate Residents Association?
I will like to think that I have a very good working relationship with the leadership of TRA, and will want to support them in ensuring that life on the estate is as good at it can be.

How do you think Weir Estate has improved?
It is early days yet, but being as inclusive as possible will be of great benefit for all.

How often do you visit estates? And would you like to do this more often?
Depends, some things it could be one a month. I will usually take a walk around on my own just to see what my staff are doing on the estate or to see things for myself.

Do you speak any foreign languages, if so what languages?
My native language is Ibo, and I also speak Hausa, which is another major language spoken in Nigeria.

How do you think Housing within Lambeth has changed with the introduction of the ALMO, Lambeth Living?
It this we are getting there. The ALMO is still very young and we are yet to be inspected. We have a very big challenge on our hands with the inspection were we aspire to get a minimum, of two star rating. I believe there is enough commitment on the staff and management side to make sure that this objective as achieved.

What one item could you not leave home without?
My mobile phone.

What aspects of society would you most like to see changed?
The lack of care or respect for community assets which some members of the public seem to lack.

How and when should residents contact you?
I can easily be reached on the phone of by Lambeth email. My direct line number is 0207 926 1740 email pmokogwu@lambethliving.org.uk. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Long anticipated plans to extend a single decker bus linking Streatham and Balham shopping districts have run into delays following concerns raised by Wandsworth Council and objections from residents on one road in the area.

Residents will now have to wait even longer while talks with both Lambeth and Wandsworth Council’s are ongoing with Transport for London (TfL) who carried out a consultation throughout both council districts with a large number in favour of the extension of the 255 bus which currently terminates at Streatham Hill Station.

The extension would run along Weir Road and terminate at Balham Station under the plans. Residents on a road in Wandsworth which would also form part of the new route submitted a petition to TFL against the proposals amid safety and loss of parking fears.

TfL are currently in talks with both London Councils to see the find a solution to having the bus route implemented though there is no indication as to when this is likely to be.

In a statement TfL said ‘We are still planning to introduce the service but the scheme has been delayed, however we are working closely with both local authorities to progress the scheme to implementation. Once we can release further information, we will do.’

The new route would run from its current terminus at Streatham along Hydethorpe Road, Radbourne Road, Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road, into Balham High Street and terminate at Balham Station.

With concerns by residents in Wandsworth and the council has stalled the plans which local Lambeth ward councillors campaigned for following appeals by residents particularly in the Lambeth Ward of Thornton which sits in between both shopping areas with practically no transport links immediately close by. Many elderly and disabled residents have told how they are cut off from local town centres due to the lack of accessible public transport.

Weir Estate Residents Association has backed the plans along with a vast number of local residents along the proposed route. TfL published its findings into the plans earlier this year.

Thornton Ward Councillor and Lambeth Cabinet Member for Housing, Lib Peck who had lobbied for the extension spoke of her dismay at the delays “As local Lambeth councillors we are dismayed by the delay to this service. As a borough we have been supportive of the scheme and we hope that Wandsworth will resolve its problems soon so that the bus project can get back on track and a new service can come to Thornton Ward soon.”

The route which has been extensively tested by Transport for London and alterations to traffic flow along the route has already taken place.

Many Weir Estate and local residents had hoped that the bus would be introduced this summer as earlier indications suggested. Following the talks with Lambeth and Wandsworth officials there is no sign of the bus route being extended in the near future and its anticipated will now not be until next year at the earliest.

Wera.org.uk will continue to monitor this story and bring you the latest developments on this story.