Shepherd's Bush Market: Meeting with traders, MP & Council

On Monday a meeting took place between traders, the shopkeepers of the Goldhawk Road, MP Andy Slaughter, Council Leader Stephen Greenhalgh and one or two Council planning officers. The aim was to air some of the issues relating to the plan to allow Orion to redevelop the Market ahead of what will doubtless be a boisterous and largely farcical planning committee meeting this evening, where Conservative councillors will nod the scheme through despite the widespread opposition that exists. It's by now a time-honoured practice of our Council.

One of the residents at the meeting has written an account of it which I reproduce below. I understand from an impeccable source that the Council's press team have been working closely with Orion for a number of months now to promote the scheme (even while it is still in theory subject to "consultation") and you can expect there to be a positive spin put out just after tonight's meeting about how wonderful it all is and how everyone agrees with it, really. Like they did after the planning committee meeting on King Street. They clearly didn't persuade Boris.

So to balance things out here is a perspective from an ordinary resident who cares about their Market and their area, and wouldn't normally have their voice heard through the Council/Developer spin machine:

"Yesterday a group of the Goldhawk Road Shopkeepers & their legal counsel Michael Webster; James Horada Shepherds Bush Market Traders Association; Rosemary Petit Save our Skyline/ Resident and myself (Shepherds Bush Green Ward resident) attended a meeting that was arranged by labour MP Andy Slaughter with Stephen Greenhalgh about the regeneration project".
 
I would like to extend a big Thank You to those who managed to take the time from their day to represent the various groups and express our grave misgivings of the development project. Despite the arguments presented against the project it was clear the LBHF Planning Officers have every intention of pushing this project through. 

The group of representatives expressed that whilst they were happy with the idea of regenerating Shepherds Bush Market and the surrounding area they are very uncomfortable with allowing the development of a 9 storey 212 unit private apartment at the expense of the local community. Following are examples of the points made.

When asked why the Goldhawk Road shops were included in the Market Regeneration Project despite never being part of the market Matt Butler (LBHF planning) explained the Shepherds Bush Market site is somewhat awkward therefore a group of council planners sat around a table and decided as the Goldhawk Road shops are not listed and of no architectural value it was logical to include them in the development footprint.

When asked if they had considered what impact losing the shops would have on the community he said no. Consequently our community is under threat because a group of council people who most probably do not live in the area decided including the Homeless Shelter and 30 - 52 Goldhawk Road made logical sense in creating a site worthy of development. 

Once again the question was posed as to why no other developers were invited to tender or considered for the Shepherds Bush Market Regeneration development project? Yet again the council failed to provide an answer. 

Despite the relatively high level of objection the public have submitted against this Shepherds Bush Market Regeneration planning application and the Supplementary Planning Document facing a Judicial Review on May 15th - 16th 2012 the council planning officers have recommended its approval. 

That is why I am putting out a CALL FOR ACTION!

1. LBHF planning committee are meeting tomorrow 8th February 2012, 19:00pm at the Hammersmith Town Hall on Kings Street to decide Orion Shepherds Bush Limited's planning application for the Shepherds Bush Market Regeneration. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE RALLY AS MANY OBJECTORS AS POSSIBLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND ENSURE OUR CONERNS ARE PROPERLY REPRESENTED AS THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CONSIST OF A MAJORITY OF CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS WHO ARE LIKELY TO TOW THE PARTY LINE REGARDLESS OF PUBLIC OPINION.

2. The Council planning officers report on the Shepherds Bush Market Regeneration Programme planning (LBHF Planning Committee Public Report scroll down to page 121) seeks to disregard the Supplementary Planning Document which is the subject of a Judicial Review and the only opportunity the Market Traders and Residents (i.e. only Lime Grove & Pennard Road) were afforded to provide recorded feedback at the beginning of this project proposal. Additionally despite the unusually high number of objections received against the planning application (majority in support of the Goldhawk Road shops) the council are recommending the planning application be approved. This to me is a clear indication LBHF council do not have the interest of the community at heart and as such it is left to us (i.e. local tax payers) to let the authorities and the rest of the country know exactly how we feel. THEREFORE I AM ASKING YOU TO BLOG & TWEET TO THE VARIOUS COMMUNITIES INVITING THEM TO JOIN US AND MAKE PEOPLE AWARE THEY TOO COULD BE FACING THE SAME SITUATION.

3. It is conservatively projected the developers may make a clear profit of £30- £40 Million from this project. However

a. The development will not include 40% affordable housing as previously stated;

b. the commercial space provided in the proposed plan is significantly smaller than the existing shops which means it would be impossible to re-house the Goldhawk Road shops in the new development as indicated at the public meetings;

c. The compensation package being offered for loss of business during the construction period (8-10 years) is £500,000 for over 150 market traders (note: it is unclear whether the Shopkeepers are included in this package as well). That is approximately £3300 per trader over a significant period, which is woefully low and is likely to lead to the stalls having to shut despite serving this community for 98 years.

MODERN BRITAIN AND OUR COMMUNITY REPRESENTS A DIVERSE SOCIETY THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON TOLERANCE, INCLUSION AND OPPORTUNITY AT ALL LEVELS, WE NEED TO LET THE AUTHORITIES KNOW WE WILL DEFEND OUR HERITAGE. PLEASE WRITE THE MAYOR OF LONDON OBJECTING TO THE WAY PUBLIC FEELING IS BEING DISREGARDED BY HAMMESMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL.

THURSDAY UPDATE - As expected the Conservative members of the planning committee ignored local opposition and nodded the scheme through last night. 

Swimathon to support H&F disabled

Disabled people in H&F, as with the rest of the country, have had the rough end of the stick recently. With services being cut back locally and rhetoric being put out nationally suggesting that they are somehow benefits scroungers, they need all the support they can get at the moment.

Hammersmith And Fulham Action on Disability, HAFAD, are aiming to do just that by organising a swimathon which has become an annual occurence since it started several years ago. This year on Sunday 20th May swimmers will be gathering at Fulham Pools on Lillie Road to complete a distance that they set themselves in order to raise funds.

The whole event is set to cover a minimum of 26 miles swum in 12 hours - a marathon in a day, in other words, and is well worth considering if you fancy generating some much needed funds for people who could very much do with your support.

The organisers point out that there are 11 million disabled people in the UK, and only 17% of them were actually born with their disability. That means in your lifetime either you or people very close to you will become disabled. A cause worthy indeed. To find out more about how HAFAD plan to use the funds to support local disabled people click here and for more information about the swimathon contact James Coke by emailing info@hafad.org.uk

Queen Jubilee provokes local cyber-row

Andy Slaughter found himself in the centre of a media maelstrom yesterday as comments from his staffer Matt Zarb, who works in his parliamentary office, threatened to erupt into a full scale political row.

Mr Zarb, using Twitter, had marked the day of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, by tweeting: “"Congratulations this morning to Queen Elizabeth II. 60 years of scrounging benefits off the taxpayer without being caught."

Cue much retweeting and barbed comments by local Conservatives, who immediately tried to infer that Mr Zarb’s comments reflected the views of his boss, who as well as being our MP is also Labour’s frontbench spokesman for Justice.

Initially Mr Zarb was unrepentant, tweeting: “Oh I insulted the Queen. How very dare I.” But after both the Evening Standard and Sky News started running pieces on the affair, while increasingly prominent Conservative figures started weighing in to the argument, his boss was forced to intervene on behalf of his increasingly beleaguered staffer.

Mr Slaughter issued a statement saying: "The Queen has given great service to our country and these comments are totally unacceptable. I've spoken to the member of staff in the strongest terms and he has apologised for his comments."

And soon enough a chastened Mr Zarb tweeted his last for that day with the customary post-interview-without-coffee retraction which you can see below.

All a bit of political football which had little to do with the big issues people really want their politicians to be arguing about, but a lesson in the dangers of social media, as if we needed another one, for politicians and wannabe politicians alike.

Oh, and for the record, I’m a Republican.

H&F Circle: Action to prevent 'Early Winter Death' in W12

H&F has the highest number of people killed by the cold in London. A shocking statistic and one which I only came across today as a result of an offer of help by the excellent H&F Circle, an organisation for the over 50s which I reported on in January last year. 

Hammersmith & Fulham Circle are working with other leading organisations in the borough on a scheme to help prevent Early Winter Deaths (EWDs). Common causes of EWDs are heart attacks, stroke, influenza, respiratory disease, falls/injuries and hypothermia, and Hammersmith & Fulham have the 4th highest rate of EWDs in the country and the highest in London! These deaths can be prevented. The Council has provided funding for a variety of help from each of the different organisations.

If you are over 65, have a disability, a long-term health condition or have children under the age of 5, then this severe cold can be a real challenge. Hammersmith & Fulham Circle are offering to grit or shovel the path outside your door, measure the temperature inside your home and give you a blanket or a storage heater if it's too cold. They can help buy some shopping, pick up medications or do errands if it's too cold or slippery. And they can accompany you to a hospital appointment, the doctors, or the shops.

All of this is absolutely free until the 31st of March - so if you would like some help or advice, or if you know of a friend or neighbour that could benefit, then call 0800 112 3448 or email info@hfcircle.org.uk for more information

And do for goodness sakes check on your elderly neighbours. Go on, don't be shy!

2012: Should I stay or should I go?

A frozen Ginglik

As you picked your way gingerly to work through slush spattered streets this morning, you may have thought that summer is farther away than it's ever been. But this is actually the fag end of what has been until very recently an exceptionally mild winter, and before long the rays of Spring will be upon us. So what to do, in this momentus year?

There is certainly a lot happening in London in the months ahead.

For a start there will be an extended range of events relating to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which centre around an extended weekend on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th June. We even get an extra Bank Holiday to mark the event.

And then of course there are the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, with  the Olympics starting on the 27th July and the Paralympic Games on the 29th  August. Over the Summer there will also be range of events connected to  the Cultural Olympiad.

For some people London might be the best place in the world to be this Spring and Summer. Even if you haven't got tickets to any of the events there will be free live coverage on huge screens in Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and Victoria Park, and other places such as Blackheath. The road  cycling and marathon events are also open to everyone, with no tickets  required.

And surely just being in the capital, savouring the atmosphere by perhaps  watching the events with friends in a pub in the Bush will be special?

Well, this is exactly the message that the organisers of the Games wish to send out - London will be buzzing this Summer.

In fact on Friday night I listened to a speech at a City Hall reception where we were told just how exciting it will be across the capital, starting in the weeks running up to Games with the Olympic torch coming through every borough, and  then during 'Games Time' itself.

To get us into the mood they even allowed us to hold the Olympic torch - yes  that is the real thing - quite what they were doing letting me hold it is anyone's guess.

I personally hope the Games are a great success. It will be the only time  it will happen in London in most people's lifetimes and let's face it,  London's economy needs a shot in the arm. An influx of visitors spending a  lot of money can only be a good thing. And if the Games are well run that  will send out an amazing image of London to literally billions of people.

Again that can only be a great thing.

However for some Londoners perhaps the events this Spring and Summer are  exactly just the time to get away. Afterall we can cheer on Tom Daley, our  cyclists, rowers and other athletes wherever we are.

And then there is the issue of London's transport network

There is now a raging debate as to whether London's transport system will  cope, or whether there will be gridlock due to the disruption caused by so  many heads of state suddenly visiting and the Olympic Route Network reducing  road space throughout the Games - not to mention millions of extra people  who wish to travel on our tube and train networks.

For some people the prospect of weeks of longer and more crowded journeys just getting to work and then back home is exactly why getting out of London  might be a good idea.

If you are one of those people who simply can't wait to get out of London I have  a suggestion of one place for a holiday this Spring or Summer.

Last Autumn I stayed at a wonderful farmstead in Normandy called La  Hamberie. I would thoroughly recommend it, especially for families.

La Hamberie, Normandy

It has five self catering houses and flats- called gites, all with their own  gardens. The place is incredibly family friendly, including even a massive  barn that kids can play in if the weather isn't that great. Most of the  gites have excellent facilities for disabled people. During the Summer  there is an outdoor pool for everyone to enjoy and throughout the whole year  there is a huge number of places to visit - from Mont St. Michel to Monet's  Garden, to Falaise Castle to race horsing at Deauville. And for foodies  there is no shortage of excellent restaurants literally everywhere.

It might also seem a small thing but if you live in London you will soon  notice the lack of light pollution at nightime.

Of course this part of France is also a powerful reminder of the huge  sacrifices that were made during the Second World War, starting with the  Normandy landings and then the intense fighting that took place in the first  few weeks of liberating Europe from Nazi tyranny. The war cemeteries, the  landing beaches and places such as Pointe du Hoc and Pegasus Bridge are all  nearby and well worth visiting.

After the 1936 Berlin Games the Olympics had to be cancelled on two separate  occasions as war raged around the world. During this period we came close  to being invaded by a Nazi regime. A trip to Normandy brings home just what  so many peple went through just four years before London last hosted the  Olympics.

So if you are staying in London this Spring and Summer I hope you have an  incredible time. There will be much to enjoy, and if you enjoy crowds you will be spoilt for choice.

But if you want to get away and escape from the bustle I hope I have given  just one idea of where to head to.

For more information about the facilities at La Hamberie and the Normandy  area just check out this website

Bush in the snow - tubes down gritters out

Last week Boris Johnson had this to say to the BBC: "Across all our roads and rails, hundreds of workers are on standby to ensure that, should we receive a mega deposit of snow, we are in a position to keep the capital moving."

Well, that went well didn't it.

On the home front, however, our Council seem to be making a much better fist of it with pent-up gritting machines, who've been chomping at the bit all winter to spray their grit, have been unleashed. By all accounts things seem to be OK at the moment across H&F.

I have to say this weird weather (a very mild winter with a Siberian snap just at the end) continues a trend that saw October's autumnal leaves fall to the super-heated ground of 32C heat. Which is why I never cease to be amazed that the global warming deniers on the lunatic fringes always seize on any cold weather as conclusive proof that the theory is bunkum.

No IQ test required to be an MEP

So enjoy the snow and be careful on the roads. And good luck to you all on Monday...

Shepherd's Bush Market: Council steamroller on

A meeting took place earlier this week between property developers Orion and the traders of our Market.

I wasn't able to attend but our MP Andy Slaughter did, and wrote this on his website today.

The meeting took place on Monday at Bush Hall.


Speaking on his website he said:

"Last Monday’s meeting with Orion did very little to clear up the uncertainty in relation to the development of the market itself. The loss of affordable residential accommodation in the area and the demolition of an historic row of shops are not given enough weight in the report to the planning committee. In addition to the implications of the development on the livelihoods of the market traders, there is the scandal of losing 27 flats for homeless people, the Daycentre and the shops on Goldhawk Road – all for the sake of 212 mainly luxury high-rise flats".

Aside from the detail of the meeting it is clear, as it always has been and despite promises made to the contrary by Council Leader Stephen Greenhalgh, that the infamous planning committee will - shock horror - approve the plans despite the reservations of residents. Remind you of anything? At all?

The real realities of this situation seem to me to be twofold - Firstly, and away from the theatre of what will be another farcical planning committee next Wednesday, the real power decision is actually going to be made in the Courts during May 15-16 as a result of the judicial review brought by the shopowners who stand to lose their buildings on Goldhawk Road over abuse of process by our Council.

Secondly, and several weeks before that Court date, a certain Mr Boris Johnson has an appointment with the electors of London. If Ken Livingstone keeps his slender lead and wins that election, these plans in their entirety will be binned because the Mayor's approval is needed for them under the terms of the London Plan.

You can bet your bottom brick that Orion is hoping for a Tory victory...

Hetley Road assault

A man was assaulted at the young people’s half-way house based in Hetley Road on monday night, ending with him being taken to hospital with minor injuries. Several of you contacted me to find out what had gone on after witnessing the commotion.

Here’s the police entry for the incident:

Police were called to an address in Hetley Road, W12 at 22:16 on the 30th January to a disturbance. A male had attended the location to visit an acquaintance and was told by one of the residents to desist in ringing the bell. The victim was then met on the doorstep by the two suspects who allegedly pushed him to the ground and assaulted him. The victim was conveyed to hospital with a broken nose and cuts and bruising.

The first suspect was described as a Black male in his late teens, approximately 5’05” tall with short black hair.

The second suspect was described as a male in his late teens, approximately 5’10” tall.

Any witnesses can contact DC Coral McGhan at the Priority Crime Unit - Hammersmith Police Station on 02082462655, via 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800555111

Shepherd's Bush Market drugs bust

On Wednesday 2nd November 2011 officers from our very own Safer Neighbourhood Team arrested seven people following a joint operation to disrupt drug dealing in Shepherds Bush Market.

The SNT, supported by officers from across London, descended upon various locations within the market where drugs were openly being stored and supplied.

During the search of six market stalls predominantly selling West Indian artifacts and fast food police recovered a Kilo of Herbal Cannabis & £2000 in cash.

Drug dealing paraphernalia in the form of digital scales, bags and other packaging were also seized.

• Selwyn Brown 45 yrs - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply Cannabis
• Leonard Andall 50 yrs - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply & Possession of Cannabis
• 35 year old man - No Further Action
• Emmanuel Andrew 40 yrs - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply Cannabis
• Milton Richardson 50 yrs - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply & Possession of Cannabis
• Emmanual Eboka 45 yrs - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply & Possession of Cannabis
• Roy Lewis 52 years - Charged with Possession With Intent To Supply Cannabis

All are due to appear at Hammersmith Magistrates Court on Friday 2nd March 2012

Detective Sergeant Simon Rogers from Hammersmith & Fulham's Drugs Squad said:

“This operation highlights the Drug Squad's commitment to removing drug dealers from the streets of Hammersmith & Fulham. We will continue to work with local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and Partner Agencies in a bid to remove the dealers from the streets of Shepherds Bush."

Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi Hammersmith & Fulham's Borough Commander said:

“My officers are committed to disrupting criminal activity and are actively targeting those involved in crime in Hammersmith and Fulham. The Borough Drugs Squad led operation was a result of intelligence gathered by officers and I would urge the community to let us know, in confidence, where criminality is taking place so that we can provide the most appropriate response."