Shepherd's Bush Green: yes to trees no to cafe

Shepherd’s Bush Green will lose some trees but will not have a new café following large scale objections from local residents and business owners, in what seems to me to be a reasonable adjudication from the Planning Inspectorate. You can read the adjudication in full below.

H&F Council wanted to completely redevelop the Green involving the felling of several of the larger trees and the construction of a new café, along with landscaping features as well. Following objections from locals an inquiry was called which met over a series of days at HammersmithTown Hall and which heard deputations from both the Council and those opposed to elements of the scheme who feared the rubbish that the café would generate and disputed the need for the trees to be felled. 

One thing both sides did agree on, however, was that this communal space needs to be invested in and I think there is something in this judgement for everyone. The Council will be disappointed that the café is not going to happen while some will feel aggrieved that some of the trees are to go (but be replaced), but it seems to me that a sensible compromise has been reached.

It does mean that there will be two new play areas for children, more trees overall and improved routes across the Green for pedestrians and cyclists - that can only be good news.

Hopefully all sides can work together to make the most of this space.

1350 UPDATE: H&F Council have given me this reaction: Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for resident's services, said:

"I am delighted that we can finally move ahead with this scheme which will undoubtedly benefit everyone who lives near, visits or works in and around Shepherds Bush, as well as rejuvenating a green space that needs a boost. It is frustrating that an expensive and lengthy public hearing was deemed necessary but we now look forward to starting on this exciting scheme."

But the local MP Andy Slaughter has a different take on affairs, he says this:

"Yes to trees and no to unwanted building – a victory for the big society over big government, I think. Perhaps they can spend the half a million they were going to waste on the cafe on proper toilets in the area now. Well done to everyone who took part in the Inquiry".

1420 UPDATE - Local resident and chair of the macfarlae Road Residents Assn Viv James has added her welcome to the report, calling it a:

"victory for common sense and I imagine that both residents and the Council are relatively satisfied with the outcome"

Shepherds Bush COM 193.Decision 09-06-11.Final

Cable car ride across the Thames!

A perfect friday one, this - enjoy, and have a good week-end!

Have your say on plans to deal with drunks

Shepherds Bush residents have only till midnight tomorrow to comment on plans that should enable the council to clamp down on the late night scenes of vomit and violence we regularly experience courtesy of some of the dodgier pubs in our midst, such as the Walkabout on the Green. 

H&F Council wants to know what people think about introducing a "saturation zone" in Shepherds Bush that will give residents more power to stop anti-social behaviour on their doorstep.

The special licensing policy will help the Council put a stop to some of the worst anti-social behaviour by preventing town-centre outlets from opening later, or new venues being granted a licence at all.

Venues such as pubs, bars, off-licences and takeaways will not be able to extend their opening hours or change any of their licensing conditions if residents say it will have a negative impact on an area that already has lots of pubs, clubs and bars.

The Council hopes the zone, which stretches from Uxbridge Road and Goldhawk Road, around Shepherds Bush Green and to Askew Road in the west, will slash the amount of street crime and anti-social behaviour commited by late-night drinkers.

Councillor Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said the policy would put residents back in charge because the onus is on pubs and bars to prove a late license would not harm the area. Currently any person wishing to object to an application would need to prove how a new licence or licence for extended hours would have a detrimental effect on the area.

Cllr Smith said: 

"Residents should not have to put up with aggressive, drunken yobs marauding through our town centre. This policy shows we are determined to do something about late-night anti-social behaviour that has caused enough misery."

The scheme has been in place in Fulham since January 2010 and residents have already seen its powers put into force.

Late night venue Havana's in Fulham Road put in an application to stay open for an extra half an hour each night, until 2.30am, and to sell alcohol until 1.45am rather than its current 1am cut-off. The bar also wanted to remove a condition that no football shirts could be worn in the bar.

But a dozen residents wrote to the licensing sub-committee stating their lives had been made hell by drunken thugs urinating through her letter box, people having sex in the road and fighting in the middle of the street.

If residents or the police tell the licensing sub-committee that they believe a new licence will cause trouble in the area, then the potential licensee would have to explain how they would prevent that problem from happening in the first place.

Existing licences for premises within the zone would not be affected by the policy but applications to vary their licences, for example a pub wanting permission to open later into the night, would have to be made taking into account the new policy.

Full credit to the council for taking these measures, which I know many of you from what you send me from time to time feel are long overdue.

* To have your say on the proposed saturation zone visit http://www.citizenspace.com/local/lbhf/saturationpolicy2 or call Adrian Overton at H&F Council on 020 8753 3081.

Bush Theatre presents: Where's my seat?

As part of the Bush Theatre’s 32 Degrees West Season – the angle from the front door of the company’s current home of 39 years, to the new home at the old Library in Shepherd’s Bush where they will relocate this autumn – the company is set to stage Where’s My Seat. Ahead of the building’s inaugural season later this year, the company is throwing open the doors of the new venue and inviting the public to play a part in the transformation of the space, from library to theatre.

Tamara Harvey directs Francesca Annis, Debbie Chazen, Richard Cordery, Hugo Speer, Hugh Skinner and Nina Sosanya across three plays penned using stage directions by Alan Ayckbourn, Michael Grandage and the Bush Theatre’s Artistic Director Josie Rourke, who is shortly to leave. The playwrights, Deirdre Kinahan, Jack Thorne and Tom Wells have taken the stage directions of the theatre practitioners - which were inspired by nine props chosen by the National Theatre – and written a play especially for the event, each to be staged in a different layout.

Over the course of the evening, the audience will see the three short plays. During the first interval, as the stage is reconfigured, the audience will be invited to examine the front of house area and bar in more detail and feed back their thoughts; and during the second the company will open up the backstage areas, rehearsal room, garden and invite the audience to test these areas, and comment on the use of space within the new building. The feedback gathered will be collated and utilised for the first stage of the conversion into a working theatre this autumn. 

The props donated by the National Theatre are two stuffed hares, a 30cm strawberry, a mask, a coal scuttle, basketball, dog with moving head, glass cabinet, a necklace made of human fingers and a blue wooden aeroplane.

And if that doesn't get you going my friends, nothing will. 

Shepherd's Bush to see 6 month violent crime clampdown

A major new crackdown by the Metropolitan Police Service against  robbers, burglars and violent criminals begins today, Wednesday 8th  June, and centres on Shepherd's Bush. We have, of course, recently borne the brunt of violent crime in the Borough including the shooting dead of a man in Lakeside Road and just yesterday we heard that a drunken man carrying a sub-machine gun had been arrested in W12. The local debate which raged on this blog following the Lakeside Road incident prompted the Borough Commander to post a guest article on this site in response to what the community appeared to be saying - and now we are seeing more action.

Operation Target, which is one of the most significant initiatives of  its kind ever conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service is a renewed drive to tackle crime  against people and property in London leading to significant, long term  reductions.

The sustained campaign, which kicks off today with a series of  operational activities, increased patrols and enforcements, brings  together all the Met's specialist resources, skills and people to  support local police tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, allowing  the public to go about their daily lives feeling more confident and  safe.

Specialist MPS teams, such as the Flying Squad, Traffic and Mounted  Branch will be supporting borough policing units to deliver the  operation. Covert and overt tactics, and intelligence-led interventions  will be used. Specialist investigation teams will help trace and arrest  wanted or suspected robbers and burglars, while increased presence on  the streets will be achieved through extra uniformed patrols at key  areas.

As well as achieving immediate crime reductions, the operation intends  to embed a number of effective long term crime prevention strategies to  ensure there is sustained crime reduction in these areas. The overall  result will be an improvement in public confidence and feelings of  safety in the targeted areas.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Smith from Hammersmith & Fulham Police said:

"The focus for Op Target on this Borough will be Shepherds Bush Green Ward as  this, historically, has been an area with higher levels of recorded crime. Over the coming months resources from this Borough, other Borough's and  Specialist Units, will be deployed to tackle crimes of violence, burglary,  Robbery, car crime and anti-social behaviour by targeting those relatively few people  who commit the bulk of crime.

As always, this task is always easier when the community support us and work with us.  I would ask them to always consider basic levels of security; make sure doors and windows  are locked when you leave your home, don't leave any items on display inside your car and  please remember to check you have locked the door when you walk away from it; if you are travelling  on the bus or having a nice evening out with friends make sure your bag is closed  and within view.

We want to make Hammersmith & Fulham one of the safest and most crime free Borough's in London.  If anyone has any information they wish to share with us regarding individuals involved in crime,  I would encourage them to do so by speaking with their local Safer Neighbourhoods officers  or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

As always, this task is always easier when the community support us and work with us.  I would ask them to always consider basic levels of security; make sure doors and windows  are locked when you leave your home, don't leave any items on display inside your car and  please remember to check you have locked the door when you walk away from it; if you are travelling  on the bus or having a nice evening out with friends make sure your bag is closed  and within view. 

We want to make Hammersmith & Fulham one of the safest and most crime free Borough's in London.  If anyone has any information they wish to share with us regarding individuals involved in crime,  I would encourage them to do so by speaking with their local Safer Neighbourhoods officers  or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of Territorial Policing for  the MPS said: 

"The MPS is here for London, and to help keep communities  safe we are enhancing our efforts to tackle crimes against people and
property 

"Operation Target is to be the largest and sustained crackdown against  crimes such as robbery, burglary and violence ever conducted by the MPS. While robbery and burglary are still relatively low in comparison to  previous years we are determined to cut these offences further. 

"The public can support this operation and help themselves from becoming  a victim of crime by taking some basic prevention measures. 

"By bringing together borough based knowledge and expertise with the  skills of our specialist units we will make a real and sustainable  difference, allowing people to go about their daily lives feeling more  confident and safe."

The officer leading Operation Target, Commander Maxine de Brunner added:  

"Target is a long-term drive to reduce crime and keep it down. The  operation is due to last for at least six months and will see the  relentless deployment of our specialist assets, resources, tactics and  skills in areas which suffer disproportionate levels of crime and  anti-social behaviour."

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: 

"We're cracking down on the  perilous criminality that can devastate people's everyday lives and  there is no room for complacency. Burglars, robbers and drug dealers  should take heed as their crime funded life styles may soon be ending.  I've seen first hand today the immense hard work that goes into carrying  out policing operations and I have every confidence that Target will be  a complete success. The raids this morning will have an immediate effect  on the hundreds of local residents who have been living under a cloud of  fear."

The public can find out more and get crime prevention advice by  contacting their local Safer Neighbourhood Team or visiting  http://www.met.police.uk.

If you have information about crime you can call Crimestoppers on 0800  555 111.

Police Commander in message to residents over murder

Following yet another murder, this time in Fulham at Lillie Road, the Borough Commander has repeated a tactic she first adopted on this blog in the wake of the Lakeside Road shooting in Shepherd's Bush by sending out the below message to residents. I reproduce it below in full: 

"The Metropolitan Police is currently investigating the recent tragic death of male in his 30's at a park off Lillie Road, Fulham, SW6. My thoughts are with family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. 

My officers are supporting the Homicide and Serious Crime Command officers who are investigating this matter and liaising with next of kin. 

I understand this must be of great concern to the local community but I would like to reassure you that Hammersmith & Fulham Police continue to take a pro-active approach towards reducing violent crime and knife crime across the borough, which includes a range of local police enforcement, education and prevention interventions have recently been implemented. 

A number of local operations are currently being run to tackle violent crime and knife crime. We continue to position knife arches at specific locations across the borough, such as transport hubs and will arrest anyone found carrying a knife unlawfully. 

The criminal use of knives invariably leads to serious violence, our pro-active and reactive investigations help to protect our community and deter criminals from committing crime on the borough. 

We also work closely with local schools across Hammersmith & Fulham to deliver key messages to the pupils about the dangers of knife crime. 

Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams have directed patrols outside schools across the borough at opening and closing times and our Safer Transport Teams cover the bus network across the borough. 

I would urge anyone who may have information to come forward, if you wish to remain anonymous call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

I am committed to the safety of the people of Hammersmith and Fulham and will do all that I can to improve the quality of life within the area".

Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham Police.

Fulham Chronicle censors local MP

The Chronicle has revealed how much it is now in the pay of the local Council press office by starting to censor Andy Slaughter's regular column in the paper, stripping it of anything that they don't want you to know or read.

In an extraordinary move, which will only serve to confirm the view of many that the newspaper has now given up any pretence of being independent following it's six year £75,000 a year political propaganda deal with the council, the Chronicle printed Mr Slaughter's regular column minus one particular paragraph.

So what could this be, this contentious piece of text, this outrageous heresy that they would rather you not see? In the spirit of providing you the reader with the unvarnished truth I can reveal that the burning nugget, the earth shattering sentence of sin that fell foul of the Fulham Chronicle censors'-pen was thus:

"Sadly, this newspaper is also prey too such tactics, reporting the White City and Shepherd's Bush Market schemes without any critical commentary, and of course carrying the council's propaganda pages, paid for from our council tax."

Why on earth would the Chronicle not want you to read that? I can't imagine. And who is the Chief Censor at the Chronicle? Surely not "talented hack with a passion for turf" Adam Courtney? I think we should be told.

Speaking to me yesterday Mr Slaughter said of the paper's censorship: 

"it proves the point I was making that the paper is no longer independent of the council and they are understandably sensitive about that"

This does continue a worrying trend that used to regularly charecterise H&F News, the propaganda paper which the Government called a "Town Halll Pravda" and forced the council too close down. Even in its last issue it was taking money for advertisements, such as from the Parents Alliance for Community Schools, and then censoring the adverts. We now see this practice has followed seamlessly through into the Fulham Chronicle, and is also reflected in their coverage of several large scale stories. The White City regeneration project is a case in point - I wrote it up as a "row" reflecting the conflicting opinions among residents and politicians of different parties. The Chronicle merely described a "major development" as having been "unveiled", quoting only the Council and Boris Johnson. They must have run out of space to quote anyone else.

Perhaps this is the Chronicle's way of responding to Private Eye's description of the Chronicle as not being a "proper paper" anymore, now that they are in the pay of the spin doctors. 

Whether you agree with Andy Slaughter and what he has to say or not - and I frequently don't - surely censoring an elected representative like this is a worrying sign for how this propaganda deal they have signed up to with our council is affecting the local media and therefore our democracy. And that's bad for all of us - remember we are now paying for this censored version of the truth.

1430 UPDATE - Well this has caused quite a stir in amongst the national media it would seem. One seasoned journalist on a national newspaper simply said of the Chronicle's actions "this is extraordinary". While another, media commentator Roy Greenslade of the Guardian has posted this article about the Chronicle's bias following my article. In it he notes that the previous protestations of innocence by self-styled 'talented hack with a passion for turf' Adam Courtney all predated the propaganda contract and were therefore "irrelevant". He goes on to ask simply:

"Can the paper show that it is still an independent publication holding local power to account? 

I have pulled up several stories on its website from May and June and can find nothing in the least bit critical of the council. 

That's not conclusive proof that it is a propaganda organ. But it is surprising, is it not"?

Er, yes. Patsy articles that ask softly softly questions about how democratic the council is, while ignoring opinions that run counter to the Council on the big issues of the day just won't wash. So let's see a little less propaganda Fulham Chronicle and a bit more 'proper paper' - or have we passed the point of no return?

THURSDAY UPDATE - The propagandists at the Chronicle have been furiously tweeting a Press Gazette article that has been published today denouncing my claims and those of other journalists who question the Chronicle's independence. Though the article quotes extensively from the Council and the Chronicle it strangely has nothing to say about

• how the paper censors the local MP;
• why the paper doesn't seek views other than the councils on the big issues of the day such as the White City regeneration, or;
• the fact that both Private Eye and the Guardian have questioned the paper's neutrality

Funny, that.

Shepherd's Bush machine gun man gets 6 years

A man was sentenced today to six and a half years at Isleworth Crown Court for firearms offences.

Kyron James, aged 24 years and of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to possession of a converted MAC 10 sub machine gun and a quantity of ammunition.

James was believed to be in possession of the weapon whilst intoxicated at a house party attended by around 40 to 50 people on the 31st January 2011 along St Stephens Avenue, Shepherds Bush, W12. The weapon was found loaded with 7 rounds of ammunition in a magazine and 16 rounds of ammunition were discovered in a holdall when James was detained by police.

James was sentenced to 6 and a half years for possession of the firearm and 30 months for possession of the ammunition that will run concurrently.

Detective Constable Phil Cotter based in the Violent Crime Unit at Hammersmith Police Station said

‘This is a pleasing result as James is a dangerous individual with an extensive criminal history. I hope this sentence sends out a clear message to people involved in gun crime that it will not be tolerated in our justice system. Furthermore, I hope this sentence reassures the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham that offenders like this are dealt with swiftly and robustly’.

 Well, yes .. but it also sends out a pretty clear signal that there continue to be some pretty damned dangerous people on our streets!

Police open day raises £1,600 for charity

Officers in Hammersmith & Fulham opened their doors to the local community on Sunday 5th June with a Family Open Day at Fulham Police Station. I went along with the brood, despite Transport for London's best efforts to stop us, and can confirm it was a great day. Having been preceded by two days of scorching sunshine Murphy's Law came into full effect and it belted down with rain for some of the day, which made the determination of the officers and volunteers to give everyone a fun day out all the more impressive.

I'm told more than 700 people were welcomed by various police stalls and displays, demonstrating the different departments within the police service including a fly over show from the Police Helicopter, Police Horses, Police Dogs, Firearms Unit with jenkle and guns; and the Marine Police Unit with a boat. Crime Prevention Officers and local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams were available to offer advice. 

So quite a range, although why the guns were on show was a bit lost on me. I actually saw an officer explaining the 'kick' a machine gun gives when it fires to a 10 year old boy and as you can see from the gun toting granny this stall was the subject of much attention. I deal with the effects of guns in my day job and I felt more than a bit uncomfortable at the sight of this. 

Some officers dressed in historic uniforms and a historic vehicle collection was on display. A public order demonstration took place and members of the public were given a custody tour with prisoners and fingerprint stickers were offered. Never, ever, get taken to the cells at Fulham Police station - they are grimmer than grim!

Hammersmith's Volunteer Police Cadets and Special Constabulary helped run the event throughout the day, meeting guests, talking to people and help run stands. This involved putting up with hours of kids like mine making full use of the sirens, which I can confirm were in full working order. 

£1,600 was raised for charity on the day which, from the sign outside a cell door in which a fundraising "prisoner" was sat, was for the same charity I ran a half marathon for not so long ago, BLESMA - the British Limbless Ex Servicemans Association - they are an amazing charity doing vital work, and that money will change lives.  

The open day gave the local community an insight and greater understanding into the work of the police, which will hopefully assist in breaking down barriers between the police and local community and encourage the local community to become more involved in initiatives to reduce crime in their area. 

Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham Police, Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi said: 

"Policing is very much part of the community in Hammersmith and Fulham. The open day at Fulham Police Station was an opportunity for us to open our doors and let the community meet officers and see the type of specialist support services that we use to reduce crime and make the Borough safe. It was also an opportunity for people to receive crime prevention advice which will help them to keep safe and help us to reduce crime even further. It was a lovely fun family occasion.”

Sergeant Christopher Penman, who organised the event said:

"Our guests created a great community atmosphere and were generous to the charities. They were also a deadly shot at the stocks. I'm still dislodging bits of wet sponge. There are so many people to express my gratitude to, so thank you to each guest, the companies who contributed and the whole police team".