'Plain Jaine' sent in a comment in response to Viv Stein's letter in the Kilburn Times regarding Brent Council's environmental cuts and the FoE submission on the budget. LINK In her letter Viv asked readers to imagine what Brent might be like after the cuts. Jaine's article was too long to publish as a comment so I publish it below as a Guest Blog.
Viv, thank you for comments.
But for us Residents, this is something I don't need to imagine, this is not a figment of my imagination, this is happening right now. In the street where I live, it is not cleaned regularly although when it is the regular guy does do a good job, however it's getting less and less frequent. Getting regular fly-tipping removed a constant battle, at least a few emails, photographs and threats of embarrassment normally does the trick, but hey they're REACTIVE not PROACTIVE.
Brent Council are actively engaging with developers to build on our parks to hell with the residents and their needs and desires for accessible Green Open Space, ( which in Wembley is less than 50% of what should be provided) their slogan " a better cleaner, environmentally friendly Brent".
Get real! this is just PR on behalf of the LB Brent. They have already implemented many of the cuts already, I have the photographic evidence. We have consultations to engage the public, but WE the public never find out about them until the last minute, because, Hey! they are not actually publicised. How does that work? A recent FOI request was refused, although to the prior to the request the majority of information was on LB Brent system and readily available has become extremely difficult for them to retrieve and we were informed, that should we be serious in our request please pay £480.00 we may be able to supply this information?
The Welsh Harp Area hold's a special place in my heart. Somewhere I could go and feel at one with nature, tranquillity, walk, feed the Ducks, Swans, see Frog Spawn , to get away from the rubbish that is happening on my doorstep. Beautiful landscape that has now been defiled by Barratt Homes and Barnet Council, who have flatly refused to accept the findings of the West Hendon Residents , the original residents who resided in the location only to discover they have been consistently been mislead, fraudulently represented, , abused, and betrayed by the Planning System and have a real case to fight under Human Rights legislation.
Surely there must be a way forward, With regard to the Nature Reserve ant Teaching Facility, I recall that Carey's Group supported this as part of their Charitable Trust and giving back to the community surely we can engage more business partners in Brent to help keep this afloat?
Is there no way back?
Should we align ourselves with the self proclaimed saviours of LB Brent, QUINTAIN PLC , who are developing Wembley with so called prestigious housing developments, the new North West Village?
Poetic Licence has gone mad!!, 1 acre of green space, with a lot of nice landscaping and plants, some which are far from the definition of a Village, I hereto explain:-
To be a Village a settlement must list the following of amenities have:-
1 a church,
2 a village hall or community centre,
3 a school(though not necessarily),
4 some shops, usually including a post office,
5 a village green,
6 allotments,
7 places to work,
8 a public house,
9 Houses etc.,usually to include Private, Council rented and Privately rented to give a mixed community.
10 a Parish Council or Parish Meeting.
Nice concept shame about the delivery.
Hey who am I?
Having grown up in a Real Village with a Duck pond, Social club/Community centre, Church with Warden, Women's Institute, Social Club etc.
Are LB Brent climbing in bed with "The Devil's Advocate?"
Are we, the residents of Brent going to continue to endorse this alliance or are we going to a take a stand, reject the council's austerity measures, be proactive and support anyone or organisation, irrespective of our sympathetic allegiance to any political party.
We need to protect Our Future, Our Children's Future, Sustain our Community and Green Space to ensure all of us grow up in the best natural environment we are able to experience, embrace and appreciate everything that nature has to offer from now to infinity 3.14.
Martin, my apologies if I am thought to be shouting
regards
Plain Jaine