Redbridge's first larger scale London Peace Week Celebration!

Wilson handing out free panic alarm to an Eastern European gentleman who had previously been mugged in a purported racially aggravated incident.

Rick from the ELCF checking out the food that his organisation provided for eating.

Rick loved the food so much he came back for more!

Scores of people kept us busy

This homeless man with a bruised and cut face joined us in our peace meal and took a panic alarm.  He advised us of the bullying and persecution he is often subjected to.

Redbridge Carnival Queen Kajul Pahl and Princess Anum Anaib encouraged people to join us in Town centre.

"This is how you prime the Panic alarm"

Rick loves photos!

Carnival Queen Kajul encourages those in Ilford's "Mall" to join us.

A most accessible and diverse event.

Rick from ECLF and Mal from the RNWA enjoying the event with visitors.

Young and old mourn the loss of a young life.

The memorial was crammed with well wishers sharing the pain of the Mahmood Family.

Parvin Mahmood lays a new wreath for her lost son.

People form up as we set up for the memorial speeches.

Superintendent John Sweeney joins Parvin Mahmood and Anne Oakes-odger in setting up a memorial.

Anne Oakes-lodger read a poem written by Kashif's sister Zainab Mahmood

A 1 minutes silence allows people to reflect on the futility of knife crime.

John Sweeney talks of the needless waste of such crime, he was the chief officer involved in the murder case of Kashif Mahmood.

Riffat Rizvi - the mother of Sabina Rizvi lost to gun crime spoke of the hurt it caused her family.

Alex Chowdhry from the British Pakistani Christian Association talked on community cohesion, togetherness and the need to bring change from within ourselves.

Elizabeth from Sizanani Africa spoke of the need for peace.

Elizabeth really stirred young people hearts and encouraged them to join her group.

Wilson reminds young people that there is much they can do to help in the fight against violent crime. 

Whilst Parvin Mahmood spoke the Carnival Queen and court at our event were great ambassadors for our Borough.

Young and Old, Black, White and Asian - united against crime.

Father Ackroyd from Vine United Reform Church joins the Redbridge Carnival Queens after a successful event.

Rick has been busy all day trying to get in pictures - this time we got his banner in!

Rick with Karen Campbell (RNWA) and Elizabeth (Sizanani Africa)

Our thanks to ECLF for funding this project they deserve the profile - well done Rick!

The unsung heroes - Juliet my wife cooked for people all day and Ash Chowdhry did most of the setting up.  These two members of the BPCA were committed to make the RNWA event a real success!

The Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association is a group dedicated to reducing crime and supporting Neighbourhood Watches in the London Borough of Redbridge.  This year on the 5th Anniversary of the demise of 'Kashif Mahmood' in youth knife attack, they held a peace barbecue. 

The barbcue took place in the Car park of Vine United Reform Church opposite the notorious subway in which the fatal knife crime attack took place.  Father Ackroyd from the church supported the vent by providing free drinks, while the East London Community Foundation paid for the food and the flyers after a funding application was successful.

The mother of Parvin Mahmood held a memorial at 16:30 that as hosted by Wilson Chowdhry of the RNWA.  Guest speakers included:

• 
  
  Parvin Mahmood (mother of Kashif Mahmood stabbed to death in 2005)
• 
  
  Anne Oakes-Odger (Chairperson for KnifeCrimes.org - her son was stabbed to death in 2004)
• 
  
  Riffat Rizvi (her daughter Sabina was shot outside Croydon police station in 2003)
• 
  
  Superintendent John Sweeney (Chief officer involved in murder case for Kashif Mahmood)
• 
  
  Alex Chowdhry (Chairman BPCA)
• 
  
  Elizabeth Kayembe (Sizanani Africa - a group focused on building the capacity and skills of minority groups)
• 
  
  Bushra Tahir (Awaaz)
• 
  
  Rick Pataky (East London Community Foundation)

Our thanks to Mal and Karen Campbell of the RNWA, Juliet Chowdhry, Ash Chowdhry from the BPCA, Father Ackroyd from Vine United Reform Church for their help.

Over 400 people attended the barbecue and at least 100 people joined us for the memorial.  The event had a rich diversity with people of many faiths, creeds, cultures and other diversities.  Over 10 individuals put their names forward for initiating Neighbourhood Watches and we handed out free crime prevention devices to all visitors.  Gifts included:

• 
  
  Multifunction Panic alarms with torches
• 
  
  UV pens to label property
• 
  
  Tamper proof stickers for vehicle tax discs
• 
  
  Leaflets on crime prevention
• 
  
  All good removed from vehicle stickers

Over 25 homeless people came and they joined in conversation with other visitors.  It was pleasantly surprising, to see how welcoming everyone was to this vulnerable community.  One gentleman with bruises on his face talked of the bullying and persecution he is subjected to on a daily basis.  All the homeless visitors expressed concerns about theirs safety following the two murders in one year within the Buckingham Road cemetery.  It was small solace but we gave all of them panic alarms, which they gratefully received and many of them shed tears of gratitude, which was a really touching moment for all concerned with the organising.

The event was brought to a close at 18:00 and our group returned to their homes tired but exhilarated at having held and participated in a wonderful event that served great purpose. 

Finally the moment you have all been waiting for the poem written by Zainab Mahmood (sic):

If you think missing me is hard, then you should try

missing you.

Missing you could turn from pain to pleasure, if I knew

you were missing me too

They say when you are missing someone that they are

probably feeling the same, but  I don’t think it’s possible

for you to miss me as much as I’m missing you right

now.

Within you I lose myself….

Without you I find myself

Wanting to be lost again.

Love is missing someone whenever you’re apart,

But some how feeling warm inside because you’re close

in heart.

If I never met you, I wouldn’t like you. If I didn’t like you

I wouldn’t love you. If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t miss

you. But I did, I do, and I will.

Love Zennie

Wilson receives Peace Award from Boris Johnson!

Father Francis Ackroyd, Wilson Chowdhry, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Pastor Nims Obunge of the Peace Alliance.

In a packed arena on Wednesday 22nd September 2010, Wilson Chowdhry Vice Chairman of the BPCA was awarded the "Bridging Communities" Category in the London Peace Awards. 

The Peace Alliance introduced the awards with the following statement:

"The Award winner has been a proactive leader in his community inspiring many with his courage and bravery. Acting as an interface between communities and the Police and ASBO teams his work has helped address issues of anti social behaviour and helped foster community cohesion in his Borough. He is Chairman of the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association and Founder of the Redbridge Carnival."

If you want to see a video of the award ceremony just click on the link below:

http://www.weekofpeace.org.uk/Peace_Awards_and_Nominations_After.htm

Look out for Prowlers!

Whilst delivering letters on Freshwell Gardens this week I was informed by two residents that a young black man in his early 20's was seen searching in front gardens and checking to see if vehicles were left unlocked. The matter has been reported to the Police and they have made contact with the witnesses.

Some Residents of Canon Avenue have informed me that a bike has been stolen from their garden and that they have also seen Eastern Europeans delving through some waste in their side alley.  A bike has also been stolen form a property at Fields Park Crescent.

I have also received several reports (Donald Drive/Freshwell Avenue/Canon Avenue/Somerville Road) of rummaging through charity clothing bags. Please ensure you put your bags out on the day of collection to prevent such abuse/theft.

On Inverclyde Gardens a house was burgled whilst the homeowner was away for just 20 minutes. The owner was aware of the need to ensure that UPVC Doors should be closed by lifting his door handle and twisting his key but did not do so. It is believed that the perpetrator used a hard plastic card to open the lock and I would urge local residents to make burglary more difficult by ensuring the multi-lock facility on these doors is utilised.

Please be vigilant as burglaries and robberies have increased in recent times.

Curbing fox population

Practical advice for controlling fox ingress (received from Redbridge Council):


• put your rubbish out in closed containers, not plastic bags (dustbins available to purchase from the Customer Contact Centre on 0208 554 5000 )
• only put refuse out on the morning of collection
• do not leave food out for other animals, e.g. cats
• make sure food left out for birds is in an approved container
• make sure there are no areas where foxes can shelter, e.g. neglected areas, access under buildings etc
• use an animal repellent (available from DIY centres)

An advice line on dealing with foxes: 01933 411996

Wheel Clampers charging extortionate prices!

Many residents have expressed concern at the extortionate rates charged by LBS Enforcement the wheel clampers commissioned to regulate parking on South Road. Complaints received include:

• Allegations that residents are being charged for a tow truck despite no vehicle being towed away -Residents are uniformly advised that the tow truck has already been called and hence the additional charge is thrust upon them.

• 9 properties on Chadwell Heath Lane have an alleyway to the rear of their properties that can only be accessed via South Road. They have access rights as per their local property deeds.

• The wheel clampers are allegedly intentionally blocking vehicles in the road when they see a driver in the vehicle, so that they can apply a clamp.

With respect to your complaints we have contacted the Security Industry Authority the regulatory body responsible for Wheel clampers they have provided the following advice:

"Wilson, The current role of the SIA in this is quite narrow and does not cover e.g. behaviour of operatives or level of fees. We do require individuals to hold an SIA licence and there are conditions attached to the licence – in brief;


For Vehicle Immobilisers


In addition to holding a valid SIA licence, vehicle immobilisers must observe the following requirements:


A vehicle must not be clamped / blocked / towed if:


• a valid disabled badge is displayed on the vehicle.
• it is a marked emergency service vehicle which is in use as such.


Any licence holder who collects a release fee must provide a receipt, which must include the following:


• the location where the vehicle was clamped or towed.
• their own name and signature
• their licence number.
• the date.


Any failure to meet these conditions should be reported to the SIA through our website. If the company is an approved contractor then we can consider other sanctions but I assume that this is not the case.


New legislation was passed just before the general election which, in due course, can allow the SIA to licence vehicle immobiliser businesses and impose new conditions that could include scale of fees etc. However, this is still more than a year off. In the meantime Trading Standards may be able to help.”

Your Chadwell Green Team has produced an electronic petition for all residents of Redbridge to sign, that highlights these concerns and asks the SIA for a review of existing regulation. Please sign it by viewing:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stop-diabolical-development/

A call has been made to Grove Primary and we have asked that they repeat warnings in their school newsletter in future editions. They have agreed to do so for the foreseeable future.

We have also spoken to South Road residents and held a meeting with them. They are not willing to change the existing wheel clamping company as they believe that the company has been very effective in reducing their local parking burden. They have agreed to allow the 9 affected residents of Chadwell Heath Lane - with an alleyway to the rear of their properties accessed via South Road - the opportunity to unload and load their vehicle with deliveries to and from the rear of the properties. This will not allow permanent parking but will facilitate the access required under the property entitlement deeds.

“The right to drive their cattle, sheep or oxcart for access”

I can confirm that the South Road holds un-adopted status and as such is a private road. Hence the residents are well within their rights to sanction wheel clampers. I can also confirm that the residents do not earn a penny from the clampers and that they mean no malice to local residents. Please refrain from parking on South Road and find alternative locations to park your vehicles.

Meanwhile, your ridiculous Local Labour Councillors are seeking to install larger signs indicating the road is Private despite the fact that Highways Officers do not believe this will have any affect.

More money down the pan much like the ridiculous by-election that is costing tax payers in excess of £20,000!

Moreover, the request to the highways for the new sign to inform local residents that they will be charged for unauthorised parking is not permissible under law???!!  Besides it would result in a huge influx of unnecessary calls to the Highways Team, who will not be responsible for wheel clamping.

Some mothers do have them!

Wilson to the rescue!

Whilst our canvassing today Wilson noticed this bin was on fire. On closer inspection, Wilson noticed paper had been set alight and shoved into this Chadwell Heath Lane bin.

Whilst over onlookers and residents carried out about their business, oblivious to the fact that the noxious fumes were unhealthy to humans and the ecosphere, Wilson decided to put the fire out.  He rushed into the local convenience store and the storekeeper kindly filled a bucket of water.  Wilson duly poured this over the fore putting it out, salvaging the very bin he had worked hard to attain for the area.  Whilst also preserving our atmosphere from more pollution.

Wilson ensured the fire was completely stemmed before leaving.  The fire seemed intentional and is close in proximity to Chadwell Allotments, that was subjected to 7 arson attacks last year.  Someone must have seen who created this fire as the pictures were taken around 17:00 in broad daylight.  Many cars and people were travelling at the time. 

If you did see anything suspicious please inform us or your Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Another Neighbourhood Watch

Gresham Drive NHW meeting 29th April 2010.
9 People in attendance. Police could not make it but have expressed interest in attending a follow up meeting.

Wilson introduced the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association as a support and guidance body to all local NHW's. He advised residents that we had recently secured a grant of £10.000 and had used £1000 to contribute towards a more secure fence at Park Villa's to prevent the prevalence of antisocial behaviour in the area. He also advised that we were in the process of purchasing Crime Prevention devices that we would distribute to local residents. Wilson in formed the group that Isla and he had been responsible for the introduction of 19 new Neighbourhood Watches.

The meeting was opened up for people to speak about local issues.

A Neighbour complained that he does not see police officers patrolling regularly. Wilson advised that a Safer Neighbourhood Team was now in operation that consisted of a Sergeant, 2 Police Constables and 3 Police community Support Officers and that police visibility had increased significantly since the addition of these local teams. Wilson also commended the work of the local SNT's and most residents agreed that their was a better level of policing since the Safer Neighbourhood programme.

Residents complained about the safety of the alleyways on their streets. They were aware of antisocial behaviour in the alleyways and expressed concern that their homes were more vulnerable to burglary as a result of ease of access. Residents asked if gates could be implemented at the entrance to the alleyways. Wilson explained that he had attempted to gain a grant for that very purpose 3 years ago after a shooting incident. The application was denied by the existing Labour and Liberal Councillor at the time. Moreover, a few residents were opposed to the idea. Wilson had knocked on every door in the area to curry favour for the project. He would not be willing to do that again, however if residents wished to apply he would support the scheme and would provide advice on how to go about applying.

Residents informed the meeting of drug dealing and usage on all the roads and in particular the alleyways. Wilson queried whether Police had been informed and was advised that only a few occasions had the Police been advised. Wilson expressed the need to provide more comprehensive data to the Police to ensure that spotted crime could become a local policing priority.

Wilson expressed the need to call 999 for emergencies and 0300 123 1212 for local crime of a less urgent nature.

A local man raised concern regarding antisocial behaviour in Crucible Park and surrounding roads. Wilson explained that Redbridge Council operated a dedicated Antisocial Behaviour Team that has delegated local powers to tackle crimes of this nature. They have covert and overt CCTV vehicles and temporary lamp post affixable CCTV equipment that they can use to help with investigations and their team of investigators are experienced and competent. The ASBO team can also sanction Dispersal notices preventing young people conglomerating in one are at certain times or Acceptable Behaviour contracts with miscreant who persistently cause nuisance. Wilson also highlighted the fact we have a Parks Police Team in Redbridge that are responsible for crimes in the Park.

The Antisocial behaviour team Telephone number is 020 8478 4679.

The Parks Police telephone number is 020 8454 5986.

A resident complained about noisy neighbours (especially their dogs). Wilson advised that the antisocial behaviour Team also has sound equipment that can be left on permanently and starts recording when activated by loud noise. This can be used to prosecute noisy neighbours. They can enact a variety of noise abatement orders too for larger issues.

Wilson reminded local people that he had worked hard with the Chadwell SNT and the Redbridge Youth Service to introduce a Youth Bus Service to Chadwell. This is available to 11 – 19 year olds every Thursday on Millhaven Close. The bus has a variety of computer games, decks of cards, internet facility, DJ training sessions and much more available. Wilson is seeking funding to increase the level of service during the summer to a supervised sports park event, every Thursday. The detached Youth workers involved with the bus are very keen to introduce this to the area.

A resident wanted our local police to undertake a speed check on Gresham Drive. It was felt by all that, despite pinch points, traffic speed was still very fast.

Complaints were raised about parking to the fore of resident drives, despite drop down kerbs. Residents wanted to know what the Police could do about it. Wilson advised that Police would be willing to call owners if a vehicle was parked inside the drive and that vehicles could be towed away if a vehicle was needed in an emergency. Moreover, he reminded residents that a government statute had been implemented in Redbridge after a 7 man deputation to a full Council meeting [item 7] in 2004, led by Wilson. This meant that vehicles could receive a fixed penalty notice of £80 if parked in front of a drive.

The number to call for a mobile Parking enforcement officer is 020 8708 5211.

Residents spoke about parking congestion on their roads since the King George Hospital decision to charge for staff parking. Wilson agreed to challenge for the implementation of double yellow lines on all corners of local roads.

The proposed chairman that requested the NHW failed to attend. Wilson asked if any other person would be willing to take the role. All agreed to support the group if a chairman was found although no attendee could commit to the coordinator role. Wilson agreed to hold one more meeting and to approach the initial volunteer again.

The next meeting date is proposed for 15 July 2010