Planning application for Finchley N3 – mammoth rebuilding, deadline 13th July.

The editor has received a letter from a concerned neighbour concerning 13 Dollis Avenue, London N3 1UD:

There is an application to redevelop this building from 5 x two bedroom apartments building of style and character  into a seven apartments modern block, five being three bedroom including a penthouse.

Its a massive redevelopment of the site with a 100% increase in floor space and although not exceeding the current height, it will involve sinking a part below ground level floor allowing four floors at the rear.

Two thirds of the land area will now be occupied compared to 50% today and the sheer mass of the project including the roof is complete;ly disproportionate and unsuitable in a premier road consisting in the main of detatched homes, many of which lately have been improved and renovated.

The increase in occupancy of potentially some 100% will require addutional car parking but only the same number as currently available is being provided so street parking will increase significantly as well as visitor traffic.

Apart from the danger of subsidence to adjacent buildings caused by sinking a lowered garden and 4 rear floors, the hyrdrological disturbance in a clay area is likely to spread up and down the road.

Renovating the existing building would be a far more attractive option in keeping with the street and neighborhood and in keeping with the declared policy of the council in not allowing further apartment development oin Dollis Avenue 

For those who know their way around the labyrinth of the Barnet Council website can see the documents using the reference F/02433/11. Submissions on this application have to be received by 13th July.

New planning application – update

The following new planning applications have been received:

202 Nether Street, London, N3 1JD (F/02727/11)

Three storey rear/side extension with a rear patio.  Provision of 3no off-street car parking spaces and associated alterations to facilitate conversion of existing single dwelling house into 4 self contained units.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=277155

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This press release from Barnet Council explains a lot

Finchley Carnival goes with a bang

Barnet Council is all set to help Finchley Carnival go with a bang this weekend.

The popular carnival, which has been running for more than 100 years, will feature a funfair and run from Thursday 7th July to Sunday 10th July at Victoria Park, Finchley.

The Carnival’s highlight will come on Saturday night with a spectacular free firework display for residents paid for by the Council with proceeds from the funfair.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Lisa Rutter, will set off the first firework for the display from 9.30pm.

Councillor Brian Coleman, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I am delighted that Barnet Council has been able to keep the traditions of the Carnival going and include a firework display which so many people have enjoyed over the years.

“I hope that next year we can restore many of the other traditional features of the Carnival which our residents have looked forward to so much in the past.”

The editor comments

The Finchley Festival committee were trying to turn the festival away from the idea of a carnival which tended to attract the wrong sort of people to the festivities, but a certain member of the council – no names-no pack drill as they say – told me that he didn’t approve of dispensing with the carnival. I understand that the owners of the fun-fair pay many thousands of pounds to hold their fair in Victoria Park so I guess, sadly, it was really all about money.

I did feel the council was very mean to wait until the Festival Committee had put in hours and hours of their time and probably a lot of money as well, before putting up the rent for Victorial Park from around £145 to many thousands of pounds.

I do understand the need to make the best of the Council’s resources but can’t help feeling that a little forethought and a little compassion wouldn’t have gone amiss.

New Planning Application in Finchley N3. extra storey and house changed into four flats.

The following new planning applications have been received:

202 Nether Street, London, N3 1JD (F/02701/11)

Non-material minor amendments to planning permission reference F/04777/10 dated 21/01/11 for, ‘Conversion of existing single dwellinghouse into 4 self contained residential units. Single storey side extension to be formed together with an extension to the existing lightwell on the side elevation and associated balcony and staircase. Insertion of ‘letterbox’ style lightwells to front elevation and erection of a bin storage area to the side.’ Amendments include relocation of front door to flat 1 lower ground floor on side elevation.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=277128

The following new planning applications have been received in N3

The following new planning applications have been received:

23 Courthouse Gardens, London, N3 1PU (F/02619/11)

Extension to roof including hip to gable and rear dormer window, with roof lights to the front and sides elevation to facilitate a loft conversion. Part single, part two-storey side extension.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=277044

Two Planning Applications, one for N3 and one for N12.

The following new planning applications have been received:

 26 Ballards Lane, London, N3 2BJ (F/01435/11)

Retention of temporary container at rear of 26 Ballards Lane.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=275797

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11 Argyle Road, London, N12 8JA (F/02555/11)

Submission of details of conditions 3 (Refuse), 6 (Landscaping), 10 (Contaminated Land), 12 (Education / Library / Health / Monitoring SPDs), 17 (Boundary Treatment – details) and 21 (Ventilation and Extraction Equipment – Details Required) pursuant to planning permission F/00461/11 dated 28/03/11.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=276978

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Please note that planning documents can take up to 5 working days to become available online. To access the documents relating to an application, you will need to supply the username ‘barnet’ and password ‘barnet’.

Finchley (N3) Planning Application for an extension.

The following new planning applications have been received:

54 Grosvenor Road, London, N3 1EX (F/02567/11)

Single storey rear extension.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=276990

Planning Application in N12

The following new planning applications have been received:

3 Alexandra Grove, London, N12 8NU (F/02491/11)

Erection of a mansard roof with front and rear dormer windows to the bungalow in the rear garden to facilitate additional rooms to the dwelling.

More information: http://planningcases.barnet.gov.uk/planning-cases/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=276912

The Big Society is Alive in Barnet – at the launch in the arts depot.

Paul Binks

By Paul Binks

The Launch of Barnet’s Big Society Innovation Bank .

‘Barnet will be one of the fastest growing areas in London over the coming years. With reductions in public spending to tackle the deficit mean that times will be tough for the next few years, for both those who depend on good public services and those who provide them.’ Councillor Robert Rams.

The Barnet Big Society Innovation Bank has been launched so that we in Barnet get the biggest bang for our buck. This works by ensuring that the public are primarily involved in the decision-making process of where our money is spent.

From the revenue budget allocated to the Borough of Barnet, the council has set aside £600K to be invested in community-minded projects proposed and delivered by the local populace over the next 3 years.

As the Government’s Big Society agenda gains momentum, local citizens and communities will have more opportunities to take the reins in addressing local issues. Cynics would say that this is just another example of how the Government are transferring costs to the voluntary sector and alleviating themselves of responsibility should anything go wrong. The Government argue that at a time of financial constraint in the public sector, ‘business as usual’ is not an option. Nationwide polls show that the people largely accept this sentiment and which is why we are seeing a great shift in the landscape of public services.

Nick Hurd MP

The Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner patroned the scheme with an appearance and furthered the Big Society notion stating “too much power has been taken away from local Government and centralised. The transference of power back to the community is a big weapon every MP knows about.” He continued to eulogise the principles of the Big Society before changing focus to the people within the room, “Seize the opportunity in the challenge to test the notion that local communities know best.” This statement seemed to underpin the scheme’s true value to us in Barnet. For time immemorial many have exalted their wisdom in criticising the ‘powers that be’ in the administration of taxes with countless schemes suggested as superior models to those implemented. Not because of intellectual superiority but of local knowledge.

Well this is our opportunity to prove this, one never given to our forefathers and like our recent vote on the Alternative Vote, one which may never see again for generations if at all.

Councillor Andrew Harper

The Interim Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Harper stated that the introduction of the bank was part of the ongoing realignment in the relationships between the Council and the people and Not-for-profit organisations and charities. He stated ‘the council is not the single depository of wisdom in the borough’ which requires no convincing on my part. He continued by saying ‘you are better at judging the effectiveness of grants and so it is your ideas not ours which will drive the scheme, ideas which will be properly supported by the Council and turned into practical solutions.’ In a similar vein to Nick Herd he challenged the audience by saying “go on, surprise me”.

Ultimately the new scheme is to galvanise creativity from all sectors of the borough so that local people can innovate and find new solutions for old problems. Ideas which have previously been overlooked are very much on the table should we have the aptitude and the conviction to push them forward.

To summarise how the scheme will work a key initiative outlined in the Big Society Innovation Bank Prospectus is SUSTAINABILITY. ‘We are using grants to kick-start community-led activities that can sustain themselves through new income streams such as charges to clients, trading income and corporate giving, as well as public sector and charitable income.’

The first theme is for new projects that strengthen the bonds within the community or reduce the need for public sector support or intervention.

The second theme is to enable groups or individuals to seize control of existing projects that currently rely on public sector support and run them in such a way they will no longer rely on that support.

The funds are allocated in the form of grants which are available to any individual or group. Unconstituted groups are eligible for grants from £500-£5K and constituted groups are eligible for grants ranging from £500-£50K. A project or scheme must be submitted to the council to be assessed and if successful the funds will appear in a one-off payment devoid of any conditions or external arrangements with the council. If a scheme fails in the application process it can be resubmitted to a later round of assessment.

“Have you ever got together with someone to make Barnet a better place?” Councillor Andrew Harper. If you have or haven’t but would like to, the opportunity is there for anyone to put forward the suggestions they believe will make this a stronger and more cohesive community.

Question from audience

For more information – http://www.barnet.gov.uk/highlights/highlights-big-society-innovation.htm

New Council Cabinet in Barnet

This may interest people as it does show who to write to. All “puff” removed.

New Barnet Council Leader welcomes two new faces to his cabinet

The Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, has announced his new Cabinet.

The nine-strong team will work alongside the Leader to set and implement policy over the coming months.

Councillor Cornelius will take on responsibility for Strategy, Communications, Corporate Governance and the Mayoralty alongside his position as Leader.

Councillor Andrew Harper currently continues as Deputy Leader as well as overseeing the portfolio for Education, Children and Families.

The two new faces to Cabinet are Councillor David Longstaff, who will take on Safety and Resident Engagement, and Councillor Tom Davey will take over Housing.

Councillor Joanna Tambourides will move to a new portfolio of Planning.

Those continuing with their current portfolios are

+  Councillor Brian Coleman as Cabinet Member for Environment

+  Councillor Daniel Thomas for Resources and Performance

+  Councillor Sachin Rajput for Adults

+  Councillor Helena Hart for Public Health

+  Councillor Robert Rams becomes the Cabinet Member for Customer Access and Partnerships

Barnet Council cancels the Finchley Carnival this year.

We are sad that Brian Coleman has cancelled the carnival at the very last moment.

We suspected he was thinking of it as far back as last July so, surely, he could have cancelled it earlier before the committee had put so much work in this year’s festival.

I am sure he wasn’t being mean, and small minded and vindictive, and that there was a legitimate reason for waiting so long, so it would be nice if he could explain what this reason is. We would hate our readership to get the wrong idea about him.

Here is an open invitation, write in and tell us why and we will print it in full.

There is also a story in the Finchley Times – but we can’t write about it ourselves as we strive to be non-political and won’t take sides.

The Barnet Junior Citizens scheme at Avenue house for a month has 2,500 children attending

The Barnet Junior Citizens scheme is in full swing again with nearly two and a half thousand children learning how to stay safe at home, at school and out and about. 

The Barnet Junior Citizens scheme is in full swing again with nearly two and a half thousand children learning how to stay safe at home, at school and out and about.

The four week long event, lead by Barnet Police, held at Avenue House on East End Road started on Monday June 6 and runs until Friday July 1, 2011 and 52 primary schools from the borough have confirmed their attendance. 

 Approximately 2500 Year 6 pupils will take part in several scenarios revolving around personal safety including:

• how to prevent fires in the home, and what to do when discovering a fire 
• basic first aid, 
• stranger danger 
• use of public transport, buses and underground 
• taking down details as a witness 
• correct use of crossings  

The sessions are finished off with an interactive play presented by Jigsaw Art in which the pupils get a chance to ask three characters about why they carry a knife in the given scenario, and they learn about the repercussions of carrying offensive weapons.

Barnet Councillor Joanna Tambourides , cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: ““It was such a varied, action-packed day for the kids, with lots of different things to learn about, and a few surprises along the way too.  

“It certainly made them think about how to keep themselves safe at home, at school, in the street and on public transport. I  even learned quite a few new things too!”   

Safer Schools Sergeant Andy Taylor said: “In this day and age it is vital that children learn how to stay safe at home, travelling to and from school and when out alone or with friends”.

“Barnet Police join with our colleagues from the London Fire Service, London Ambulance Service and Transport for London to deliver our safety messages to the children and this year we have been joined by Amey who are delivering the safety message around the correct way in which to use crossings at the roadside

“We make all the scenarios as interactive as possible so that the information provides them with the skills and confidence to keep themselves and others safe and from speaking to older children in Secondary Schools and even those who have left school, who did attend Junior Citizen it always seems that they do remember their day at Avenue House.”

Resignation letter of Lynne Hillan, leader of Barnet Council

Leader of the Barnet Council steps down

At the last council meeting on the 17th May, Councillor Lynne Hillan, Leader of Barnet Council, announced she was stepping down as Leader with immediate effect – but you all knew this! However, you may be interested in reading her resignation letter which was read out in full at the meeting.

The Chief Executive of the Council read out the following statement from Cllr Hillan.

“As many of you will know I have been receiving treatment for cancer for some time. Over recent weeks my condition has worsened and I have had to reconsider my role in the Leadership of the council.

“Each and every day I have represented the people of Barnet as a councillor has been a great privilege and I feel particularly honoured to have served as Leader over the last year and a half. Rather to my surprise, I have also enjoyed it.

“The last few decades have seen dramatic changes in the borough, particularly with Barnet becoming a far more family orientated place. I’ve seen these changes in my own street. In part this is down to the work the council has done in supporting its residents, particularly through our excellent schools.

“When I first took up my post as Cabinet member in children’s service we had 11 schools deemed inadequate by Ofsted. During my time in the council we have developed the best state schools in London and I was thrilled that during my Leadership the children’s service received the highest possible rating from Ofsted. And having fought to keep special schools open at a time when other councils were closing theirs, I am delighted that all of our special schools have during the last year been rated as outstanding.

“It’s a sign of how well the council now serves its residents that I can also look back on my time as Leader and see that adults social services – the portfolio for which I have greatest affection – also received the highest possible rating from its regulator.

“During my time as Leader I have seen Barnet Council find its place firmly on the national stage. We have a reputation as a pioneering and innovative council, not afraid to challenge the status quo or push the boundaries.

“We have paved the way for national pilots such as Right to Control and community budgets and we have constantly looked at new ways to involve residents in the running of their services.

“This has not just been down to the willingness of the council to put its residents at the heart of everything we do. It is because Barnet is a place where community really matters, where people care for their neighbours and where there is already a Big Society. In some ways I feel the national mood is catching up with Barnet, rather than the other way round.

“My son Ben constantly complains that I and my friends talk about nothing other than politics. And I’m afraid I can’t think of any time when this has been more true than over the last 12 months when we have worked to establish a three year budget that leaves us well prepared to face the future.

“I am proud that we’ve been able to set a budget that will continue to protect services for those who most need the council’s help and support.

“As one might expect, the people of Barnet have understood the challenge we face and our budget meeting, the last I have been able to attend as Leader, took place without the histrionics we saw in some other places.

“I know we have got a very strong Cabinet and my colleagues will be more than able to provide the Leadership the council will need over the coming years.

“I am immensely grateful for the advice and support that Cabinet and group colleagues have given me during my Leadership.

“I am sure that the manifesto on which we ran and won in the last local elections will provide a clear agenda for the borough in the future.

“There has been a growth in cynicism about politicians and their aims. But I have been proud to have worked with both colleagues and opponents who have a deep commitment to public service and an ambition to better the lot of all of Barnet’s residents.

“In all my time at the council I hope you will agree I have been a fighter; fighting for my ward, fighting for better services for residents and fighting for a better deal for Barnet.

“I now have other, more personal battles to fight, and I cannot fight these while holding the responsibilities that Leadership of the Council brings. I am therefore announcing that I am standing down as Leader of the Council.

“I wish you well.”

The caretaker, Councillor Andrew Harper (current Deputy Leader) will look after matters until a new leader is elected.

Barnet Council is to become one of the first local authorities to establish a ‘trading company’ deliver adult social services.

Will this be a good move or not? What do you think? We would welcome any impressions for or against such a move in the comments box below.

New trading company set to provide greater choice

Barnet Council is to become one of the first local authorities in the country to establish a ‘trading company’ to help deliver adult social services.

Last night (24 May 2011) Cabinet Resources Committee agreed that the council should look to set up a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) in conjunction with Barnet Homes.

The move is a key step as adults with disabilities are transferred to a system of direct payments which they can use to pay for their care.

These cash payments are intended to give residents greater choice and control over how their needs are met and where money is spent – but the system does not allow residents to buy the services they need directly from the council.

Once set up, the new trading company will provide a point from which to purchase those services.

In the process more people will benefit from greater choice and control over their care.

The LATC will be wholly owned by Barnet Council but will have its own board of directors and manage its own operations.

The staff who will run the new LATC will be drawn from both the council and Barnet Homes, the organisation responsible for managing the borough’s social housing stock.

In future, other local authorities or individuals outside the borough could approach the trading company to purchase services, helping generate income.

Cllr Sachin Rajput, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “I appreciate that it may not be obvious to residents how this relates to them, but it is an important change to the way the council works and will make sure that we can continue to meet the needs of disabled people.

“This is about forging a new relationship with citizens by giving people greater control over the services they use.”

Tracey Lees, Barnet Homes’ Chief Executive, added: “I’m delighted that we could now have the opportunity to extend our expertise to support the delivery of adult social care services.

“We are determined to build on our success as a social landlord while offering excellent support to drive service quality and efficiency within adult social services.”

The disappointing case of Barnet Council, HADAS and the Church Farmhouse Museum.

The following letter has come to our attention and as we believe that the recipient would like to remain anonymous, We have omitted his name, otherwise the letter is exactly as it it, other than we have emboldened certain parts for your attention.

Dear xxxxxx

Hendon and District Archaeological Society (HADAS) has since its foundation in 1961 had close association with the Museum in Greyhound Hill. We have had displays at the museum and have donated a display case. One of our collections was lodged at the museum. In addition, we have on a number of occasions had excavations in the museum grounds and have involved local schools in some of these. In 2010, we dug in the grounds and also, with council permission, opened up two second world war air raid shelters in Sunnyhill Park at the back of the museum. The Hendon Times published information on this and included encouraging and complimentary comments from Councillor Rams.

On 3^rd December 2010, the council started a consultation period of 6 weeks on a proposal to close the museum, a period covering Christmas and the New Year, and the school holidays. The documents for this were not published until 17^th December. It was stated that local organisations connected to the museum were notified. Somewhat surprisingly this did not include HADAS. Once we discovered the situation, we consulted a number of other groups and contacted the council to declare an interest in taking over the running of the museum.

However, in order to do this we needed information on what we were taking over. Details of the rent that would be charged (a piece of vital information) was not forthcoming, there was no inventory of fixtures and fittings, no inventory of the collection either in the form of up-to-date accession lists or identification marks on the objects. The use of the building for other purposes as well as a museum proved problematical with issues around disability access and toilet facilities. Solving these issues needed a lot more time.

We sought meetings with the council staff to discuss these points, and this meeting took place on  3^rd March. Details of recent museum operating costs were sent to us on 14^th March, but no information regarding the possible rental arrangements. On 14^th April, we were advised that the council would give us three months starting from 1^st April to develop a business case, but that we should submit our proposals by 31^st May. This period included 5 bank holidays. No information regarding rents was provided. We again requested that information but as at 27^th April, it was still not available.

Meanwhile, the museum had closed on 31^st March, and the Curator made redundant. Visiting the site, we found that a number of items had been consigned to a skip, and we then discovered that items were being offered to another museum without our knowledge.

In order to get the necessary volunteer and financial support we needed to be able to tell residents and potential supporters, at a minimum, how much it was going to cost per annum and then we needed an adequate timeframe to prepare an acceptable proposal. The lack of relevant information made this an impossible task. As a result we have reluctantly and sadly come to the view that we were unable to proceed with preparing a proposal to run the museum.

We have been extremely disappointed by the apparent lack of interest, co-operation and urgency displayed by the Council and its staff. HADAS hope that that despite our withdrawal the museum and, more particularly, the Grade II* listed building will be maintained and kept safe in the care of the London Borough of Barnet as it has for over 60 years.

Don Cooper
HADAS – Chairman

We are trying hard to be non-political but in the case of the Church Farmhouse Museum, of which one of our volunteers is/was honorary secretary of the Friends of the Church Farmhouse Museum, and is very unhappy at the way the museum has been forced to close, even though a voluntary body was willing to take it over.

Final chance to comment on waste plan for North London

The following may not be of interest to everyone but we felt it should be included.

The North London Waste Plan is being published for final comments by the seven North London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest. The plan identifies the sites which the seven councils consider to be the most suitable for new waste facilities and sets out planning policies to guide all future waste developments. The plan protects all existing waste facilities.

Communities are now required to take more responsibility for their waste, and this means managing, recycling and treating more waste in the areas where it is produced. As a result, new waste facilities are needed in North London. The plan suggests that most but not all of the new facilities needed can be accommodated on sites which are currently used for dealing with waste, including the Edmonton EcoPark in Enfield. However, some additional sites will be needed and the plan identifies two new sites for waste facilities, which has been chosen following a rigorous assessment process. These are:

Site description Borough Site area (hectares)
Site on Edgware Road and Geron Way Barnet 3.28
Friern Barnet STW (Pinkham Way) Haringey 5.95

Speaking generally about the North London Waste Plan, Cllr Richard Cornelius, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration recognises the scale of the challenge which the plan faces: “Waste facilities have, historically, been unpopular but modern well-designed facilities can bring many benefits and opportunities.

“We think we have found the right sites and put in place the right policies to help ensure that the new waste facilities we need will be well designed, good neighbours, fit for purpose and create opportunities for new jobs, new types of green industries and for local heat and energy systems that can help in the fight against climate change.”

Turning to the Pinkham Way site, Councillor Cornelius said:

“Waste has to be dealt with and processed somewhere. The Pinkham way site is very close to the North Circular and used to be a sewage works. As a group of North London councils, we have been required to find land that can be used to handle the rubbish that our residents chuck out. My concerns are to make sure that this facility minimises traffic impact and controls pollution as promised. These and other matters raised by local residents must govern what the Haringey Planning Committee allows to be built so close to Barnet and Enfield.”

The plan (the proposed submission version) will be available to download from the project website (www.nlwp.net) from 11 May 2011. Copies of the waste plan will be available to view in the Council’s planning offices and in local libraries.

Comments need to be returned by 22nd June.

For more information visit www.nlwp.net or contact Archie Onslow on feedback@nlwp.net or 020 7974 5916

Council cuts red tape to help residents join in the Big Lunch on the 5th June

Tim Smit has style and is a very able man. He, single handedly, took from concept to reality, the famous Eden Project in the West Country where my wife and  I spent a full and enjoyable day a few years ago. I say style as everything was to the fullest specification and it all looked stylishm which in turn made it a joy to be there. Even in the cafeteria the tables and chairs had style and were well made.

Tim has now started on a new project which is expanding each year. This is to hold a street party all over the United Kingdom once a year. The following has been taken directly from their website:

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. This year it’s happening on Sunday 5th June and a record number of people are expected to take part – why not be one of them?

A Big Lunch can be anything from a few neighbours getting together in the garden or on the street, to a full blown party with food, music and decoration that quite literally stops the traffic.

Since starting in 2009, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all kinds of communities across the UK and the best part of a million people get involved each year.

The West Finchley Residents Association held one last year but there was so much red tape from the Council that we decided to hold it in the park by Dollis Brook (the right hand side in Fursby Avenue) and about eighty people turned up for a most enjoyable picnic. It seems, for this year, the Council may be having a change of heart with red tape as the following press release arrived in my email box:

Hot on the heels of the success of the Royal Wedding celebrations, Barnet Council is inviting its residents to get together again – this time courtesy of the Big Lunch.

The Big Lunch is a one day get-together for neighbours and communities across the UK. The idea is to encourage as many of the 61 million people in the UK as possible to join their neighbours for a few hours of friendship and fun on 5 June.

The Big Lunch has been running for two years, with at least one million people taking part last year. The event can be as big or as small as you want it to be – from inviting a few friends over, to throwing a street party or large picnic.

Barnet Council used its new community initiative PledgeBank to successfully arrange 54 Royal Wedding street parties in the borough on 29 April. In return for three or more households signing up to its PledgeBank site, the council arranged public liability insurance and street closure notices free of charge.

The council will once again be using the PledgeBank site to play its part in supporting residents wishing to host another bash by cutting through the red tape involved. Anyone wishing to host a small-scale event can contact the council for an information pack via barnet.pledgebank@barnet.gov.uk or call 020 8359 7293. Those wanting to put together a bigger bash are invited to visit the PledgeBank pages of the council’s website http://www.barnet.gov.uk/biglunch.

Residents wanting to close their road for an event will then need to complete a straightforward application form letting the council know what they are planning.

Councillor Kate Salinger, Barnet Council’s Big Lunch champion, said: “I am hoping that the wonderful community spirit we saw on the day of the Royal Wedding can be matched in Barnet by the Big Lunch.

“This event is another perfect excuse for friends and neighbours to enjoy spending an afternoon together and provides a wonderful opportunity for those who missed out on the fun the first time round to join in.”

Those wanting to know more about The Big Lunch should visit: www.thebiglunch.com where they will learn that a million people have already attended a “big lunch” in 2009 and 2010.

AV Referendum result: How Barnet voted

Here are the results for Barnet UK

Residents in Barnet have voted against the Alternative Vote during the 5 May Referendum.

55,451 of residents, or 64.7 per cent, voted against the Alternative Vote with 30,153 residents, or 35.2 per cent voting in favour of electoral reform.

85,738 residents cast their votes in total, equivalent to 38.9 per cent of those registered to vote in the first UK-wide referendum in over 30 years.

27,789 postal votes were returned, which equates to 68.7 per cent of postal ballot votes sent out – amongst the highest in London.

The question being put to voters on 5 May was:

“At present, the UK uses the ’first past the post’ system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the ’alternative vote’ system be used instead?”

Seems very similar to the National Average.

Henleys Corner – no right turn from the 9th May – huge diversions via Hendon for Southbound traffic.

I have been informed by Tarmac of their following diversions at Henleys Corner from Monday coming (9th May) until further notice. The following is an extract of their letter to residents, together with a map showing the diversions.

Henlys Corner Improvement Scheme Carriageway Construction

As you may already be aware Tarmac National Contracting working on behalf of Transport for London (TfL) and London Borough of Barnet are carrying out carriageway construction work at Henlys Corner as part of an Improvement Scheme. The project is due for completion in December 2011 and the scheme will provide new signalised crossing facilities for pedestrians, high friction road surfacing and improved junction design to ease traffic congestion.

From 9 May 2011 carriageway construction work will be carried out 7 days a week from 07.00hrs – 19.00hrs and will require some additional night time works. We will send you additional notification in advance of any night time works. During carriageway construction, traffic management will be operational and carriageway closures will vary. Vehicles will not be able to turn right from any approach to the junction and vehicle diversions will be used to redirect right turning traffic, all diversion routes are shown on the enclosed diversion map. Please note that diversions will be operational from 9 May until further notice.

Bus numbers 82, 460 and 232 will not be affected by the diversions. Bus number 102 will use the green diversion route and bus number 611 will use an alternative diversion. For more information about bus route 611 please visit tfl.gov.uk.

Please also be aware that during construction of the scheme footpaths around Henlys Corner are closed and pedestrians should use the pedestrian diversion route which is displayed on maps along the footpaths around the junction. If you would like a copy of the pedestrian diversion map or If you have any concerns or questions about the scheme please contact me on free phone 0800 756 1406, mobile 07999 489357 or by email at nicola.corrigan@tarmac.co.uk.

We will do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum wherever possible and will continue to keep you up-to-date with the progress of the scheme. For more information about the scheme you can also visit tfl.gov.uk/henlyscorner.

And here is the map showing the diversions for right turning traffic.

Map of diverted traffic

The Finchley Society’s public meeting in North Finchley and slide show of photographs over 100 years old

By Pam Taylor

There was a good turn-out of visitors to the Finchley Society meeting on the evening of the 28^th April. Scattered around the sides of the hall were various objects and old photographs for us to look at (poster of Woodside Park station describing the achievement of the Finchley Society).

An attentive Audience for Peter Pickerings talk

Spike Milligan, who was President at the time, suggested to London Transport that Woodside Park station was worthy of a special redecoration scheme; various leaflets promoting the Society and even a continuous screen show of local photographs.

The meeting was opened by the society’s chairman, David Smith, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. He described the Finchley Society as a coming together of people who like living in Finchley. There are changes taking place all the time, and they like to think that they are acting on behalf of the people of this area, by looking with some considerable scrutiny at planning applications to make sure they are acceptable to the community as a whole.

The chairman then introduced Peter Pickering who talked to us about various planning issues with a particular emphasis on North Finchley which was the theme for the evening. He told us that Barnet Council publish all the planning applications every week. There are three clauses to which they pay particular attention:

1. Converting a family house with garden into a purpose built block of flats outside the town area (Holden Road and Courthouse Gardens)
2. What is proposed if it is too dense a redevelopment
3. Threatens retail diversity and the vitality of the town centre

Barnet Council have a planning strategy to improve North Finchley’s town centre, but they appear not to be moving forward. There could be a new super library at the artsdepot which will combine both the Friern Barnet and North Finchley libraries.

One of the old photographs taken of the screen

Derek Warren then gave a very interesting slide show of old photographs of the Finchley area. Lots of people joined in commenting on the various photographs and telling us what had been built there since, with Derek telling us the date of the various photographs. We had a refreshment break and then continued a little longer with the slide show.

A very enjoyable evening if you have a sense of belonging in the area.

Mayor of Barnet’s Charity Apeal raised £4,500

These are photographs from the recent Mayor of Barnet’s Charity Appeal event at the House of Commons.  The reception was hosted by Mike Freer, MP for Finchley & Golders Green on behalf of the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Anthony Finn.

 

L to R – Mike Freer MP, Mayor of Richmond, Mayoress of Richmond, Mayor of Barnet

 

Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, Francis Maude, MP welcomed guests and dignitaries to the reception and spoke about the ‘Big Society’ and its importance in our communities and praised the work of the two charities supported by the Mayor of Barnet (Camp Simcha and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice).

The event raised in excess of £4,500 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

L to R - Mayor of Barnet, Francis Maude Mp, Gill Dodge CEO Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Neville Goldschneider, CEO Camp Simcha

 

This is £500 more than the £4,000 the Friends of Avenue House raised the other afternoon but as a well known supermarket keeps telling us, every little helps!

Civic Awards ceremony recognises residents’ dedication to others

Barnet residents who have made a significant contribution to borough life have been honoured at the council’s annual Civic Awards Ceremony.

A total of 57 nominees were recognised at a special ceremony at Hendon Town Hall, in The Burroughs, on Wednesday 23 March. All of those nominated were presented with certificates by the Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Anthony Finn.

Eight of the nominees (including Catherine Loveday – N12) were judged to have made an outstanding contribution and were presented with a framed vellum in recognition of their achievements.

The Mayor said: “Once again, the borough’s Civic Awards give us a glimpse of some of the tremendous contributions our residents continue to make to borough life. It also allows us an opportunity to give a little something back and recognise the hard work of those who give up their time selflessly for the good of others and for worthwhile causes. It is heartening to know that we can count on so many wonderful people.”

More information on the CPZ action Group

Barnet Council are to increase Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) charges from 18th April this year. A residents’ car permit would increase from £40 per year to £100 (for the first car). Visitors’ vouchers would increase from £1 each to £4 each. The impact of the proposed visitor voucher charges will be particularly harsh on CPZ residents in East Finchley with all day restrictions. For example, a daily child-minder or carer alone will amount to over £1000 in visitors voucher charges per annum.

The aim of the new charges is to increase revenue from CPZ residents to help pay for road maintenance across the borough of Barnet. As most people in Barnet do not live in CPZs, this means East Finchley CPZ residents are being targeted to fund road repairs across the borough.

Despite strong local opposition to the charges at the Barnet Council Cabinet Meeting on 14^th February, the charges were approved by the committee. Subsequently the story received media attention, including BBC London Regional news and various newspapers and radio shows. As a result, residents havey formed a new committee, the Barnet CPZ Action Group.

The first public meeting was held on 9^th March and got off to a flying start with approximately 60 residents attending. Over £2000 was raised to start the legal proceedings and everyone offered either their expertise and support take the legal action forward. David Attfield, a solicitorm is acting as Chairman and said; “we have tried all other avenues and have been left with no alternative other than to legally challenge the new charges in the High Court. We have sought independent advice from a barrister and believe we have a good case to apply for Judicial Review”.

Treasurer Nigel Linton also explained; “the increases in charges are driven by the need to raise revenue and not by the need to regulate parking. This is not what CPZs have been established for and we have the evidence and the law to prove this”.

Local resident Philippa Worke adds; “if these new charges are approved it will set a very bad precedent for CPZ residents all over the country. We have a race against time now”.

The Barnet CPZ Action Group are fundraising with some urgency given that the court rules mean that, by the time you read this, the claim will have had to be issued. In total £15,000 needs to be raised if there is to be a good chance of successfully taking this case through to trial. The action group are calling on all residents who are affected, and those who see that this should be fought on principle, to give generously or to act as fundraiser along their road.

If the case is a success the action group expect to return the bulk of money donated. Cheques made payable to ‘Barnet CPZ Action’ can be sent to 88 Summerlee Avenue, East Finchley, London N2 9QH.

The group also has a website www.barnetcpz.blogspot.com and they can be contacted via email barnetcpz@gmail.com

“Trees, Tours and Teas” – Open day at Avenue House

Finchley residents show support for Avenue House at Open Day

Mostly by David Baker with a small contribution by Andrew Taylor and photographs by Andrew Taylor

Rear of Avenue House from the gardens

Strolling through Avenue House gardens

The two children in the front are Angelina Sparksman and Chloe Reed (both from St Mary’s Primary School)
In the main row are Claire Sparksman (slightly to the rear), Sandra Rebak, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter and Jack Ellis
We are awaiting confirmation of the people in the back row.

In a strong show of support, just over 400 people attended “Trees, Tours and Teas”, the Open Day at Avenue House on Sunday 20 March and raised over £4,000. This was the first event staged by the recently formed New Friends of Avenue House, a group of local residents working to help save the House and Grounds from the threat of closure.

Visitors to the Open Day took part in tours of the house, Bothy Gardens and main gardens, with its wonderful collection of rare trees. They also enjoyed tea and cakes provided by local supporters, (including Parkway Patisserie of Regents Park Road, who were especially generous). The Open Day was organized to raise awareness of the problems facing Avenue House, and during the afternoon many visitors signed up to support the work of the New Friends of Avenue House.

Tea and cakes at the Open Day

Among the many people who attended the event were some famous faces. Actors Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter tour joined the tours of the house and gardens. Ms Staunton, whose childhood family home was in Vines Avenue, Finchley, said the Avenue House Estate was a hugely important part of the area, and deserved everyone’s support. ‘The house and gardens are so wonderfully maintained, and are clearly enjoyed by so many people. It would be very sad indeed if they were not kept as a resource for local people.’ Actor Jack Ellis, who is a Finchley resident and an active member and supporter of the new Friends of Avenue House added, “This is an extraordinarily beautiful place, full of hidden treasures. It would be an absolute tragedy if people couldn’t continue to enjoy it in the way Henry Stephens intended when he left it to the people of Finchley.”

The small intimate museum for Stephens Inks was also open and attracted a lot of visits.It is housed in the conservatory of Avenue House and shows the aspects of Dr Charles Stephens (1796-1864) life – he was the inventor of the famous blue-black writing fluid. It also covers the life of his son and the development of the Stephens Ink Company and the story of writing materials from ancient times. Finally it shows the history of Avenue House from 1859 to the present day.

Teaching them young at the Stephens Museum

Sandra Rebak, chair of the Friends said, “The support that local people have shown has been wonderful. We are so grateful to the many people who came to find out more about the Avenue House Estate. We are especially pleased to see so many children here; we know that – thanks in part to the the children’s playground – Avenue House is every bit as important to children as it is to adults.

“Our committee was only re-formed two weeks ago, and this has been a great opportunity to launch the New Friends of Avenue House. We are delighted to make contact with so many people and to receive so many suggstions and offers of support for our fundraising work.’

“Although the main aim of the day was to increase awareness of the problems facing Avenue House, people attending the Open Day were extremely generous, and we also managed to raise over £4000 on the day, with further pledges of support. This is an important first step in our immediate objective of raising £25,000 by the end of April, to cover short-term needs and help ensure the Estate’s survival. The recession has reduced commercial bookings, especially over the past six to eight months. Also, Avenue House’s charity tenants have suffered cutbacks which mean they can no longer afford to rent offices. Because of this, we have to find a way to plug the gap.

“There is cause for optimism. Bookings for spring and summer are better, so if we can get through the short-term crisis, the situation should improve. In the longer term, we aim to to continue to support the financial sustainability of Avenue House through increased community support and involvement.”

The New Friends of Avenue House are working hard to keep people informed of developments. We are developing an improved website and a Facebook page, and will soon be announcing a number of events and initiatives. In the meantime, people can join us or find out more about our activities by emailing: info@friendsofavenuehouse.org

In a recent letter to the Editor, Stewart Wild came up with an idea for the council to move the public Library into Avenue House, the Council could then sell the library building in Hendon Lane. The council could then pay rent which would be cheaper than the upkeep of the old library building.

Note: The Avenue House Estate was left in perpetuity to the people of Finchley by “Inky Stephens”. In 2002 Barnet Council leased the Estate to the Avenue House Estate Trust, a registered charity which now administers and runs it. The Friends are aiming to raise at least £10,000 this month to help with the ongoing running of the Estate and about £3,000 to £4,000 a month afterwards when the savings which have been introduced cut in.

In the Bothy grounds of Avenue House

Group of friends in the Avenue House courtyard

People in the Avenue House courtyard booking a tour of the gardens.

Legal action taken against Barnet Council

By Ifé Fatunase

Many of us have so much going on in our lives these days, it is no wonder that we often choose the easier, quieter option of doing nothing.

Prices at the fuel pumps rocket, we shrug our shoulders and fill up our cars. Someone lights a cigarette on the upper deck of a bus, we simply move downstairs. We pay out more for lunch at the work canteen, but say nothing about the smaller potions we receive.

If that’s what Barnet Council hoped its residents would do when it announced plans to increase Control Parking Zone (CPZ) fees, then it was very much mistaken.

A group of residents, called Barnet CPZ Action, plan to take legal action against the council to stop the increases which come into force on March 21.

Barnet Council want to raise resident parking permits in CPZs from £40 to £100 a year. However, what’s incensed the Barnet residents even more, is the increase of the one day visitors permit from £1 to £4.

Jeanne Wray, a 79-year-old, who lives in one of the areas affected, is furious. She said: “I quite often have friends round during the day, but they are not going to be able to afford to come if the visitor vouchers increase from £1 to £4.”

When she raised the issue at a council meeting last month, she was told that she would simply have to have her friends over in the evening. She says that’s impractical as her friends are also pensioners and cannot travel in the dark.

Last week, on March 11, Barnet CPZ Action started the legal proceedings, serving the council with formal notice of the court challenge. David Attfield, a lawyer leading the group said: “We have tried all other avenues and have been left with no alternative other than to legally challenge the new charges in the High Court. We have sought independent advice from a barrister and believe we have a good case to apply for Judicial Review.”

Barnet council now has over a week to consider its position.

The basis for Barnet CPZ Action’s legal challenge is the issue of whether any council can put up parking charges solely for the purpose of increasing its revenue.

The group points to a report by the RAC which states: “It is illegal (however) for local authorities to set charges in order to provide a source of revenue for other activities, even if the money raised is used to fund transport provision. The level of charges must be based solely on the need to manage parking.

“Any local authority that sets its parking charges or penalties in order to raise funds is acting ultra vires (i.e. illegally) and may be challenged in the Courts.”

The action group believes it can win because Barnet Council’s financial plans for next year, shows it wants to reduce its Highways Maintenance budget by £1.5 million but expects to raise £1.42 million from the CPZ charges increase to spend on roads.

The members of Barnet CPZ Action say they are fired up and confident of winning this ‘David versus Goliath’ battle, but they do face an obstacle. They believe they need to raise £15,000 to stand a good chance of taking the case all the way to trial.

A meeting last week of over 70 residents raised £3,000 in donations in a single evening. Barnet CPZ Action is now appealing to all residents in the borough to help them reach their target, and say most of the donations will be returned to donors if the case is successful.

This Saturday, March 19, Barnet CPZ Action will have a stall in East Finchley outside Budgens on the High Street from 10am to 2pm to talk to Barnet residents and answer questions.

If you want support the legal action by making a donation, get involved or just to find out more information about Barnet CPZ Action, you can visit their website on www.barnetcpz.blogspot.com , email barnetcpz@gmail.com or follow them on Twitter @barnetcpzaction

RAC report can be viewed at http://www.racfoundation.org/research/mobility/on-street-parking

Avenue House – unknown meeting

As mentioned yesterday, I received a leaflet handed out to one of our journalists in his local pub last evening.

For some reason my scanner is down, so I have typed in the leaflet exactly as it appears, errors as well.

============================================

STOP THE CLOSING,

OF AVENUE HOUSE

PARK

Avenue House & Grounds are destined to be shut

to the public, and handed over to a school from

St.Johns wood.

If you do not come to show your report, all will

be lost, please come a long on Sunday 20th march

2011 at 2pm for a protest and petition signing.

There will be Tea & Cakes at the park for

fundraising (cake donations after 10am)

Please spread the word to your neighbours as we

can only distribute one leaflet per five houses.

If you cannot make the protest, please send a

letter to your MP or ‘Brian Coleman (Barnet

councillor)’

ACT NOW!!

============================================

The newspaper has no knowledge of who is behind this and if anyone knows, would you please ask them to contact the editor so he may use the newspaper to publish this widely as we, at the Finchley Arrow, are fully behind the newly resurrected official group, The Friends of Avenue House.

West Finchley Residents Association

The following is an extract from a recent meeting of the newly formed West Finchley Residents Association. If you live in the area of West Finchley (local to the West Finchley station) please contact the editor and we will put you in touch with the association.

Dates for your Diary

• As the national “Big Lunch” is scheduled to take place during the half term holiday this year the WFRA will be holding an alternative event – a Midsummer Picnic in the Park – on Sunday, 26^th June, as last year, by the play area at Dollis Brook Park. Details to follow later in the year!

• The first AGM of the WFRA will take on Sunday, 18^th September in the Gordon Hall – we hope this will be a social occasion as well as a meeting.

• Following on from views expressed by members, over the weekend of 7^th / 8^th May all local residents will be canvassed – and signatures collected – regarding Conservation Status. A Sub-Committee is currently producing a leaflet for all residents, giving information about the impact of Conservation Status and explaining the processes involved. Volunteers will be needed to help with the canvassing – please let us know if you are able to help.

Wheelie Bins permanently blocking pavements

In order to take up this issue with the Council it would be helpful to have photographic evidence. If wheelie bins block the pavements in your street (on days other than the refuse collection day) you are advised to take a photograph and send it to us.

Dollis Valley Green Walk

Some time ago, Barnet Council was awarded £400,000 by the Mayor of London to make improvements to the Dollis Valley Green Walk. Work is due to start in Spring 2011 and be completed by early 2012. One of the first areas to be repaired is the path in Windsor Open Space. Use this link for more information: http://www.barnet.gov.uk/index/environment-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/dollis-valley-green-walk.htm

Recent Burglaries

There have been 2 burglaries recently in Courthouse Road – on each side of the road. In the most recent case, last week, having climbed over the fence, the burglars forced the back door and stole cash and jewellery.

Security

The “Safer Neighbourhoods Team” will be invited to attend a WFRA Committee meeting to give advice about security issues raised by residents for example, one resident is concerned about the need for lighting on the path to the allotments from Nethercourt Ave (leading to the rear of houses on Fursby Avenue).

Parking

A member wants to alert residents to over-zealous traffic wardens. He cited a personal incident where a fine was issued for parking partly on the kerb where this was deliberately and regularly done to give consideration for other road users. In this particular case, our local MP, Mike Freer, has taken up his complaint. However, residents are reminded that parking on kerbs or across the pavement, even slightly, can lead to a fine.

Damage to Grass Verges

In response to concerns raised by a local resident in Nether Street, Cllr Jim Tierney has written to the Council asking for a solution to be found to the problem of the grass verges along Nether Street (between Howcroft Cresent and the mini roundabout at Finchley Way) being significantly damaged by car drivers mounting kerbs to pass on-coming traffic. The WFRA will also follow this up with the Highways Department.

1 Courthouse Gardens

Having won their appeal we await the developers’ commencement of work on the demolition of this feature building. It is recognised that there is a need to closely monitor the building works once they begin, to ensure the developers build to the agreed plans and in accordance with the conditions, such as consideration of local residents as required by the inspector.

General Planning issues

The WFRA Committee has proposed working with our Ward Councillors to bring about a meeting with the Council Planning Officers to explore their perspective on planning for the West Finchley area in advance of further applications.

Safe Electrical Earthing of Homes

Many residents are aware of the recent scheme replacing domestic lead water pipes with plastic pipes. A concern has been raised which has caused a number of residents to worry that their homes would not now be electrically earthed since, in the past, lead pipes were used for earthing.

It has proved difficult to get to the bottom of this issue – very little expert help or knowledge has been forthcoming!

However, following some advice from an electrician and a little research, it seems that for nearly 40 years it has been required that electrical earthing should not be through the water pipes. So it is likely that anyone who has had any significant electrical work carried out in their home in recent years will have a modern electrical system which is properly earthed.

If residents are still concerned here are a few tips from information we have gathered:

UK Power Networks is the local energy distribution company responsible for London:
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/products-services/networks/index.shtml

It is their responsibility to ensure that PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) is in place; it is the householder’s responsibility to ensure that their property is properly connected to the PME; it is the Supplier’s responsibility (ie the company to whom the householder pays their bills) to provide this connection.

An appointment can be booked (free of charge) with UK Power Networks to inspect a property and to check that the PME is in place – phone 0845 6014516 (select Option 4, then Option 3). However, this could take 8-10 weeks! If a problem with the earthing was revealed, the householder would then have to book their Supplier to come and sort out the connection.

In the meantime, an electrician could be employed to fix up a temporary earthing stake.

Alternatively, an electrician could be employed to do the whole job…. which saves time but involves a cost to the householder.

UK Power Networks will only work on a house by house basis so it would not be possible to organize anything collectively.

We cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of any of the above information but we hope it will be helpful. In the end, it seems that each householder should take steps to check that their own house is safely earthed.

Henleys Corner exhibition

Transport for London are carrying out major improvements to the busy Henlys Corner junction, at the intersection of the A406 North Circular Road and A598 Finchley Road/Regents Park Road.

View a map of the Henlys Corner scheme (PDF 203KB)

The scheme will improve crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and ease traffic congestion. There will be new signal-controlled pedestrian- and cyclist-crossing facilities as well as a new junction design to improve traffic flow.

Exhibition

We’re holding an exhibition to inform local people about the construction impacts and benefits of the scheme. Engineers, designers and contractors will be on hand to explain the project in more detail.

The exhibition will take place from 16 to 20 March at Chalgrove Primary School, Chalgrove Gardens, Finchley N3 3PL.

Opening times are:

• Wednesday 16 March  17:30 – 20:00
• Thursday  17 March  17:30 – 20:00
• Saturday  19 March  12:00 – 15:00
• Sunday  20 March  11:00 – 15:00

If you can’t manage to get there, we’ll go down there and report back after the 20th.

New planning alerts service helps residents keep in touch with their neighbourhood

A new service aimed at giving residents the chance to find out about new planning applications in their area has been launched by Barnet Council.

Barnet Planning Alerts is the latest in a series of developments to the council’s website aimed at making services more targeted and easier to access.

Residents keen to keep in touch with what is happening in their neighbourhood can opt-in to the service by simply visiting the planning alerts page on the council’s website.

Those wishing to receive email alerts are asked to provide their email address along with either their postcode or the ward of the borough they are interested in.

Residents choosing to enter their postcode are then asked to specify whether they would like details of applications within 200 yards, half a mile or a mile of their home.

An automatic email is then sent out to the resident asking them to confirm that they wish to sign up for the service.

They will then receive alerts by email giving them updates on applications which have been lodged for properties in their street or local area.

Barnet Planning Alerts has been designed in conjunction with MySociety, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for public involvement websites such as the Number 10 petitions site.

The alerts service will join the FixmyStreet and Barnet PledgeBank websites already being used by Barnet residents.

Cllr Robert Rams, Cabinet Member for Customer Access and Partnerships, said: “This is just one of a number of innovations we have developed to improve services by using our website in new and imaginative ways. Barnet Planning Alerts give residents the chance to opt-in to receiving information which will directly interest them.

“There is a huge difference from saying that information is available to making it as easy as possible to come by. The joy of the planning alerts service is that it couldn’t be any easier to get regular updates about what is happening in your area.

“It’s important we are much more transparent about the work of the council and we’ve been ahead of the curve in publishing things like expenditure over £500 and performance data on the website. This is another example of Barnet being among the first to open up the work of the council.

“I’m delighted this service will now join other aspects of our website such as FixmyStreet and Barnet PledgeBank which are already benefiting Barnet residents.”

Cllr Richard Cornelius, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, added: “The public’s involvement in the planning process is incredibly important and anything that contributes to more people becoming involved, and potentially making their views known, is something to be welcomed.”

To sign up for Barnet Planning Alerts click the link in the ‘highlights’ section on the homepage of the council’s website at www.barnet.gov.uk

Barnet Council comes clean

All expenditure over £500

The following copy is on the Barnet Website at: www.barnet.gov.uk/barnet-expenditure

Spending over £500 is published as part of a drive to improve openness and transparency.

During the financial quarter July to September 2010 £ 95 million was paid to vendors on a huge variety of items including care homes, agency staff and utility bills.

For reasons of privacy payments to individuals including foster carers, children’s and adult carers are not included in the list. Payments made via CHAPS e.g. repayment of loans, funding to schools, housing benefit payments and payments taken directly from our bank account (excluding agency costs) are not included either.

The spreadsheet listed below is shown in a fairly raw format. Although it may seem easy to produce, this document was pulled together using information from over 1,000 different cost centres, 11 service areas and 1,000 capital projects and a number of different systems. We will aim to present this information in a more useful way as we go forward.

If you have suggestions as to how the council can best present this information please email us at: expenditure@barnet.gov.uk The council will continue to publish data quarterly in arrears.

The paragraph in italics has been emphasised by the Finchley Arrow.

I suggest readers might like to respond to Barnet’s email address (above) asking them to include this omitted information with the legend “Details withheld under our standard procedure” so we can at least see what the payments are?.