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Free Oct 2020, No. 67 WALTHAM Email [email protected] Facebook /WalthamForestEcho Instagram @walthamforestecho Tweet @WFEcho FOREST ECHO Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk News Features News Arts & Culture Sport Merger of primary care A platform has been Walthamstow resident How a Walthamstow choir The cricket club that groups in East London could set up to help local told to travel 562 miles has met the challenge of rebounded from lockdown see NHS treatments cut people find local jobs for Covid-19 test social-distanced singing to play a curtailed season P . 3 P . 5 P . 7 P . 12 P . 18

arents concerned about air pollution around local schools Fresh air last month launched a Pnew 'Ditch Pollution' campaign. Environmental group Mums for Lungs Walthamstow launched the three-week anti-pollution campaign on Car Free Day, a national day of action when parents are encouraged to leave their cars at home and walk or use public transport for the school run instead. Kay Ali and Ruth Board (pictured) helped put up 250 posters covering more than 30 primary schools and nurs- eries in both Walthamstow and Leyton, to encourage parents to ditch their cars. They are also celebrating the creation of five local 'school streets' which ban traffic during peak hours – some- thing made possible by Waltham Forest Council. Kay said: “Mums for Lungs are a group of parents across London, campaigning for cleaner air and reductions of emissions for everyone, Mums for Lungs Walthamstow campaigners Ruth Board (left, with son George) and Kay Ali (right, with son Eisa) Credit Patricia Board and in particular for children and babies.”

The Echo is free for everyone. As a Fewer beds in new Whipps Cross plan not-for-profit, we need your support to stay that way. If you would like to support our publisher WFWellComm Report confirms intention to reduce bed numbers at rebuilt hospital with a one-off donation scan this QR code with your PayPal app: by Victoria Munro, Local manages the hospital, has pub- trust says it has now “adopted Cross’s disused nursing accom- Democracy Reporter, lished its vision for the “once- an assumption of 525 beds”. The modation, allowing usual service and James Cracknell in-a-lifetime” redevelopment. local population is expected to to continue unaffected in the It forms the first part of the ‘busi- grow by 10% over the next decade existing building throughout. By ewly-released plans ness case’ which has now been but the trust expects improved reducing the size of the current for the proposed approved by government, with a care out of hospital and faster “sprawling” site – parts of which Whipps Cross Uni- more detailed submission due to treatment will reduce the num- predate the founding of the NHS versity Hospital be drawn up next year. ber of beds needed. It also insists itself – the trust will make room Nrebuild explain why bed numbers The current Whipps Cross site the new hospital will be able to for around 1,500 homes, half could be cut by around 50 – despite in Leytonstone had 576 beds increase capacity when required. of which will be ‘affordable’, to a growing local population. available on average in 2018/19, The new hospital will be con- Barts Health NHS Trust, which while for the new hospital the structed on the site of Whipps Continued on Page 9 2 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO COMMENT Our quest for justice continues Walthamstow activist Mel Strickland is appealing her conviction respond would be reduced. They argued that we momen- FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE tarily put the pilot into a state of fear when he spotted our group OCTOBER 2020 – No. 67 coming towards the plane, and Waltham Forest Echo is noted that a police officer slipped the borough's free and “nearly” fell over during a community newspaper. ten-second chase of a defendant We publish monthly and who hadn’t yet managed to lock distribute 10,000 free copies themselves to the plane. of each issue – and we will continue to do so Our lawyers refuted every one of during the ongoing these arguments; police resources public health crisis would be diverted by any protest Publisher David Floyd "She had been Editor James Cracknell a victim of sex Designer trafficking" Jonathan Duncan

Head of Advertising The Stansted 15 protesters, including Mel Strickland (front row, far right) and, even if the pilot was fearful, it Klaudia Kiss does not constitute “endangering”. Head of Operations was one of 15 people who airport was not closed, and still waiting for their cases to be In its closing speech the prosecu- peacefully blocked a depor- no-one’s life was endangered. determined. At least one person tion stressed how we descended Paige Ballmi tation plane at Stansted The action was a direct challenge has been granted asylum; she had “in the darkness of the night” Engagement Manager Airport in March 2017. to the Home Office’s brutal and been a victim of sex trafficking and “like a swarm” – the latter Penny Dampier IWe dressed in bright pink hats racist deportation policy. We lives- and is now safely settled here. Her an echo of US President Donald and hi-vis jackets and walked treamed the protest on Facebook life would have been at risk had Trump’s racist description of Contributors directly on to the runway apron and were ecstatic the action was a she been deported. migrants crossing the border. In Mel Strickland, Victoria where the plane was being pre- success; we stopped all deportations The law we were accused of December 2018 the Chelmsford Munro, Mike Grimshaw, John pared. The coaches had just to Nigeria and Ghana that night. breaking was intended to pre- Crown Court jury unanimously Talbot, Quentin Drain, Letizia arrived but no passengers had Fast-forward 18 months and vent terrorism at airports. But the found us guilty on, of all days, Ghisletta, Anne Strudwick, boarded. We wore jumpers say- we were beginning a trial – for specific allegation of “endanger- International Human Rights Day. Vasu Sellamuthu, Jo Sealy, ing “mass deportations kill” and “endangering the safety of an ing” was not mentioned by pros- We are now appealing that deci- Michelle Edwards, James Fenn erected a tripod and banner aerodrome” – that would last ecutors until four months later, sion and are awaiting our case at The member organisations saying “no-one is illegal”. several weeks. In true Orwel- after our initial court hearing the Court of Appeal on 24th–26th of WFWellComm CIC are: I locked on around the nose lian style, the government had for aggravated trespass, a much November. We hope the court will Community Transport Waltham wheel of the plane, with three responded by charging us with lesser offence. clear our names and that this will Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET. others. We had trained and knew the very thing it was itself guilty In our trial the prosecution be a victory against an increas- WFWellComm CIC Board: what we had to do. We refused of; endangering people's safety. argued that we had endangered ingly repressive state. David Floyd (Social Spider CIC) to leave until the police cut us Out of the 60 people scheduled safety at the airport by divert- Meanwhile, the government is Tom Ruxton (HEET) out. The only damage was to for that deportation flight, eleven ing police resources – so that if guilty of 'terrorism' in the literal Helen Tredoux the perimeter fence, which the remain in the UK and, of these, a terrorist attack had coinciden- sense; its detention and forc- (Community Transport WF) airport estimated to cost £150 six have won their immigration tally occurred at the same time as ible deportation policy is based to repair. No-one was hurt, the appeals. The remaining five are our action, the police's ability to around terrorising people. Contact Call 020 8521 7956 Email [email protected] Post The Mill, 7 - 11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA Coping with Covid-19 Advertising It's certainly no surprise that we might print in this edition 20 pages rather than our usual Call 07732 000 430 An introduction from Covid-19 cases are rising again, about case numbers, for 16. This comes after a successful Email [email protected] editor James Cracknell but it's also not unreasonable to example, will be out of date 'V-shaped' recovery in our adver- expect a national government to before the ink has dried. If tising revenue over the last six ello and welcome to fulfil the most basic of its roles you do want to get the latest months. I'd like to thank local Issue 67 of Waltham by providing clear, consistent information on exactly how businesses and organisations that Forest Echo. As we public health advice for the the virus is spreading in our have placed their trust in us and Hgo to press, at the end of Sep- whole population. Sadly, such community, I suggest using continue to support us – it really tember, the prime minister simple demands remain unmet. the Waltham Forest Council means a lot! has just announced a new set The nature of Covid-19 – in website, while for any significant In the paper this month, on Page 7,

Waltham Forest Echo is a member of of measures restricting social addition to the government's local updates do of course visit a Walthamstow resident is told IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The Press. For more information activity, in a bid to minimise regular U-turns – present a walthamforestecho.co.uk. to travel 562 miles for a Covid- on the Echo’s complaints policy and the impact of a “second wave” significant challenge for us as a You may notice that the paper 19 test amid confusion over the how to make a complaint visit: walthamforestecho.co.uk/complaints of coronavirus. monthly newspaper. Anything this month is slightly larger – government's testing regime. No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 3 NEWS Anti-violence group could leave borough Health hub altham Forest Council “BKSL is desperately wanted has agreed to directly by James Cracknell in many areas nationwide, but Wfund the construction strangely not by Waltham Forest of a new GP surgery, after a private grassroots anti-violence Council. This is making residents finance partner pulled out of a campaign that has question what the council's pri- previously-agreed deal. persuaded residents orities actually are. The council The long-awaited new health to give up hundreds claims to have spent £2.2million hub will replace ageing facilities Aof knives is threatening to leave last year on reducing knife crime at the existing St James Medical the borough – because of a in the borough, so residents are Practice and increase capacity lack of support from Waltham continually questioning where in an area where hundreds of Forest Council. the money's spent, and why there new homes are currently being Binning Knives Saves Lives are no meaningful results.” built. The new surgery will be (BKSL) was launched in May 2019 The latest data from the Met- in Brunner Road. The council's and quickly amassed a following ropolitan Police shows that knife £16million scheme, to be built locally, with volunteers asking crime offences fell by 23% in by council-owned developer residents to give up their knives Waltham Forest between April Sixty Bricks Ltd, will include 83 by placing them in a large wheelie 2019 and March 2020, compared homes in a 12-storey building, bin. The organisation is led by to a smaller 13% drop across with the new surgery occupying Leytonstone motorbike dealer London. Courtney believes the ground floor. Courtney Barrett, who says the BKSL had been a big factor group has won praise from local behind the fall in knife crime. police officers, but that a lack of “This is an amazing achieve- Fewer students support from the council may ment, which police and many ore than half of a large force them to move elsewhere. other agencies nationally are student housing block The Echo reported last year totally impressed with, so why is being built opposite that the council had issued the council trying to stop a com- MBlackhorse Road Station could BKSL with fixed penalty notices munity organisation from tak- be rented as studio flats for for erecting banners. Now ing knives out of circulation?” Binning Knives Saves Lives volunteers try to persuade residents to drop any non-students over the next year, Courtney says he has struck Ahsan Khan, the council's knives they have into their 'amnesty bin' – they say they have collected more reports Victoria Munro, Local up potential partnerships with cabinet member for commu- than 1,000 knives to date Democracy Reporter. other London boroughs includ- nity safety, said: “In November community organisations are persistent absence in our schools. Developer Watkin Jones, which ing Redbridge and Havering, 2018 we launched the violence part of the VRP and it has helped We are not just tackling incidents is building 353 student homes, has which could become the new reduction partnership (VRP) 30 projects get off the ground. of violence but are working to applied for permission to change focus of the campaign. that sees the council work closely “It is partly thanks to the address its root causes.” how the finished building is used. “The council has gone to with partners including police, efforts of the VRP that we saw Binning Knives Saves Lives If granted it would allow 180 of extraordinary lengths to try and teachers, charities, housing asso- a 28% reduction in knife crime is planning a special event the homes to be rented as studio stop BKSL operating,” Court- ciations and community groups, offences between November at 2.30pm on Saturday 19th flats for a year. A spokesperson for ney told the Echo. “This has to identify opportunities for 2018 and August 2020. We had December, in Walthamstow the company said that “given the proved detrimental to the safety early intervention and tackle the the highest number of joint Town Square, to remember uncertain trajectory of the Covid- of Waltham Forests residents, factors that cause some young operations with police partners Jaden Moodie and Joseph Cul- 19 pandemic” it was working as BKSL cannot operate to its people to become exploited by in London and have also seen limore – local residents both to “maximise the options for maximum potential. criminal gangs. Over 50 local an almost 20% reduction in stabbed to death. properties that are being built”. Land locked NHS treatments to reduce after merger compulsory purchase order (CPO) could be issued by by Victoria Munro, Local Democracy to the same range of treatments. be limited – these are surgeries GP surgeries and community ser- Waltham Forest Council Reporter, and James Cracknell A Plans published by the CCGs for breast reduction, to stop ears vices will not be impacted. The to help redevelop Lea Bridge. propose that certain treatments sticking out, and to aid breathing CCGs have indicated, however, The council has been negotiating altham Forest currently offered in some boroughs through the nose; Dupuytren’s that the merger will likely result with third-party land owners in the residents may no but not others should no longer be contracture release for when in some redundancies – but that area around Lea Bridge Station longer be offered offered at all on the NHS after the fingers will not uncurl; trigger these will be “minimal”. so it can build new homes and three NHS pro- merger, on grounds that they are finger treatment for those who Dr Ken Aswani, chair of commercial space. Most land, Wcedures deemed “a poor use “not a good use of limited NHS struggle to bend finger or thumb; Waltham Forest CCG, is back- which includes Orient Way Pocket of money” if a merger of local resources”. They plan to change and grommets to help children ing the merger and said that Park, is already under council services takes place next year. the rules for other procedures so with 'glue ear' hear properly. he was hoping the move will ownership, but some must be Across north-east London, seven that “only people who are likely In exceptional cases, a doctor improve quality of care “within bought. A spokesperson said: clinical commissioning groups to benefit” will receive them. will be able fill out an individual our existing acute and commu- “When bringing council-owned (CCGs) are due to merge in April The new larger NHS body, likely funding request in an attempt nity services”. The merger is land forward for development 2021. These are the organisations to be called North East London to have the NHS pay for a ser- still subject to approval by NHS that benefits the community, that decide how NHS funds for CCG, will no longer offer three vice it normally does not fund. England and residents are now it can also involve assembling primary care should be spent procedures that are currently And in a document setting out being invited to have their say smaller surrounding land parcels locally, and it means all residents available in Waltham Forest; how the CCGs will merge, they and contribute to the plans. to deliver that development. in Waltham Forest, Redbridge, laser surgery for short-sighted- claim the move will not affect Have your say on the CCG merger: The council aims to achieve this Havering, Hackney, Newham, ness, injections for non-specific the amount of money spent on Email [email protected] through negotiation, however, it Barking and Dagenham and the lower back pain, and surgery for primary care locally and that Visit eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk is sometimes necessary to ensure Write NELCA, 4th floor Unex Tower, City of London will have access snorers. Six other procedures will existing hospitals, NHS trusts, Station Street, Stratford, E15 1DA there are contingency options.” 4 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO FEATURES Businesses adapting to life after lockdown Mike Grimshaw visits some local businesses to find out how they're faring ollowing the front-page existing customers to go out for business completely, she told me. Finally, I spoke to Torquil Mor- welcomed is the live-streaming of report in August's Echo their meals earlier in the week – She had been about to stage a gan, the business manager at Alfred services; allowing loved ones to virtu- about the impact of with the scheme only applying on public display of her work in English & Sons, a long-running ally attend funerals when they can’t coronavirus on the local Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednes- Walthamstow High Street during funeral directors in St James Street, physically be there themselves.” Feconomy (Businesses struggle as days – rather than at the weekend. March, but of course the lock- Walthamstow. He told me about Book an Indian meal at Dhaka Tandoori: economy opens up, Issue 65) There has of course been an extra down put paid to that. some of the changes they have had Call 020 8520 5151 I decided to visit Syed Monsur, problem for restaurants created Around the same time, she fell to put in place and said: “Services Visit dhakatandoorie17.co.uk Contact Humeera Dar for manager of Dhaka Tandoori in by demands for social distancing, ill. Perhaps it was from Covid-19 have become smaller and we’ve all your sewing needs: Hoe Street, Walthamstow, to fol- which creates further financial loss. – that was never ascertained – but had to change some of the ways we Call 07399 154 006 low up on the restaurant's progress. During the period of the Eat Out during her self-isolation, because do things, such as putting perspex Email [email protected] Instagram @humeera_dar In particular, I wanted to know scheme, Dhaka Tandoori could not her normal trade had dried up, screens into our limousines. One Book a funeral with Alfred English & Sons: how the chancellor’s popular always accomodate every customer, she started making washable face innovation that many people have Call 020 3411 4960 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme with some asking to come back masks. Later on, when it became Advertisement offering government-subsidised later, while on the Thursday that I viable, Humeera took on nannying discounts on meals had helped visited, the first customers did not and did a lot of Zoom meetings THE OLD STATION YARD CAFE the business. He told me that arrive until after 8pm. with the charity Forgotten Women, before the Covid-19 outbreak Syed also told me that the days for which she is a trustee. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, EVENTS & CATERING he had employed seven staff, of “going for an Indian” after a Conversely, Humeera also said including some part-timers, but visit to the cinema or pub seem the lockdown had brought her Open Thursday–Sun- that this had now been reduced to have gone – there just isn’t any into contact with more people, to three full-timers, plus help trade after 11pm. including two students who wish day for table bookings from family members when Last year I interviewed some to collaborate with her. Just before & takeaway deliveries needed. The remaining staff enterprising people from commu- lockdown, Humeera had been via Uber Eats, Just Eat were still on furlough. nity space The Common Room at working with a brand, and now & Deliveroo Syed told me that Eat Out to Leyton Green. I recently went back hopes this work can recommence. Help Out had indeed helped to find out how life after lockdown Individual customers are gradually E [email protected] but, judging by the numbers, the was for one of them, Humeera Dar. increasing again too and she contin- A 186 Wood St, Walthamstow E17 3NA main effect had been to persuade The lockdown had stopped her ues to carry out repairs on clothes. W oldstationyardcafe.co.uk Advertisement A new way A new way toOver a cutmillion people it are estimated to have quitto smoking cut since itthe COVID-19 pandemic hit. A new way Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to out?COVID-19 and could be at greater risk of more severeout? complications if contracting this virus. to cut it There’s never been a better time to quit smoking than right now! At Everyone Health Stop Smoking Service we out? 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become furloughed from their start of July with the help of jobs or have their hours reduced. some local photography, a logo Even worse, I saw some people courtesy of local graphic designer Up to the jobs lose their livelihoods completely. Mark Harrison, and a first pile It seemed obvious to me that as of vacancies. Since then we’ve our collective world shrank, even shared countless jobs from all John Talbot has set up a platform to help local people if only temporarily, there was a manner of industries, including drastic need to help people find charities, health services and the find work amid the sudden economic downturn jobs and career opportunities on arts, to thousands of Waltham- their doorstep, whether full-time, stow residents through our Face- part-time or on a flexible basis. book page. The initiative has also One of the rare silver linings of been given a seal of approval this experience by MP Stella is that we’ve Creasy, who all connected "I’ve discovered is fully behind so much more organisations doing the idea! deeply with Running the our local com- wonderful work that initiative has munities. This, I was completely given me a combined with sense of pur- the fact that unaware of before" pose and a people want fantastic to commute less in the Covid-19 insight into the vibrancy of world, meant it was only natural Walthamstow’s local businesses. that those looking for work would I’ve discovered organisations be searching closer to home. doing wonderful work that I was Equally, the borough is a hot- completely unaware of before. bed of established and fledg- We share our favourite job ling businesses, which would every Friday under our 'gig of benefit from a direct chan- the week' headline – these have nel that reaches the talented included amazing roles going and dynamic job hunters of at businesses such as renewable Walthamstow. While there are energy company Ripple and valuable outlets such as tra- humanitarian tech charity Jan- Recruit Local founder John Talbot lives in the Blackhorse Road area, a hub for local businesses ditional recruitment agents, gala. It’s been a great eye opener ’ve never worked in the sive, time-consuming activity myself in a period of downtime LinkedIn and Jobs Go Public, and it’s satisfying to know that recruitment industry, but for employers. Usually I work in as the virus and its accompanying I was surprised there wasn’t a we’ve helped get some of E17’s I have applied for plenty the live music industry and have restrictions paused the events and central localised noticeboard residents back into work. of jobs over the years. done for many years, but when interactions we know and love. regularly announcing jobs open It’s a gruelling process for the Covid-19 pandemic struck I watched many experienced, for applicants in Walthamstow. Find out more about Recruit Local: I Facebook bit.ly/recruite17 applicants and it’s an expen- and lockdown kicked in, I found hard-working people around me Recruit Local was born at the Twitter @recruitlocale17 More space to stretch Leyton Yoga co-founders Quentin Drain and Letizia Ghisletta introduce their new studio, specially made for social distancing e have just opened a second our original studio in Leyton, we realised and larger space for our yoga that with appropriate physical distancing studio in a community- we could have a maximum of six people inspired, down-to-earth per class, and many people would miss Wlocation in Leytonstone. out on their favourite classes. This made This modern and accessible space, with it even more important to open a second, the ground-floor practice room providing bigger space. capacity for 15 people spread two metres Covid-secure yoga classes are exempt apart, is also very quiet and calm – perfect [at time of writing] from the 'rule of six' for yoga and Pilates. It's a way for us to and, while further rules might yet be intro- say thank you for the trust and support duced, we prefer to be on the front foot and you've shown us during the pandemic. You provide the best environment we can. We showed up, you connected and shared, and see a regular yoga and Pilates practice as a you inspired us to strengthen our commit- great way for us all to improve our mental ment to the community. and physical health, and strengthen our Certainly, like everyone else, we didn't resilience during these times. expect this year to unfold in the way it has. We’re starting with seven classes per week Back in February, before the coronavirus, and will introduce more to meet demand. Leyton Yoga was growing and we were Leyton Yoga's new studio is at 38 Trinity Close, already thinking we would need a bigger Leytonstone E11 4RP. For more information: space. Since opening up again in August at Visit leytonyoga.com The new yoga studio is very close to Leytonstone High Road Station 6 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Advertisement No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 7 NEWS

The Covid-19 test centre in Stanley Road Car Park, Bakers Arms Credit Penny Dampier Leyton man jailed for killing girlfriend man has been handed a lifetime jail sentence after he admitted stabbing Ahis girlfriend to death in Ley- ton earlier this year. Yi Xing Song, 54, stabbed 35-year-old Li-Qing Wang 21 times at the couple's home in Magnolia Close on Tuesday 25th February. He pleaded guilty to murder at the Old Ki ng Bailey on Tuesday 1st Septem- ller Yi Xing So ber and was sentenced to life have lost their mother, and her imprisonment with a minimum family in China are left with the term of 19 years. Song had ear- most horrific final image of her lier passed a psychiatric assess- due to the callous actions of Yi ment and was declared sane. Xing Song in sending a picture Li-Qing was a widow and of her body to her family chat mother of two children at the group, which included her father. time of her death. On the day “Song stabbed Li-Qing 21 of the murder, Song had posted times in a frenzied and over- an image of Li-Qing’s body whelming attack. Such was on a family social media chat his own disgust at what he Resident told to travel 562 group which was seen by her had done he could not bring sister in China, who immedi- himself to open his eyes. ately contacted friends in the “This has been a long and miles for Covid-19 test UK asking them to check on traumatic investigation, with her sister’s welfare. much evidence in Chinese by Victoria Munro, hour to see how many people were “I would urge residents that Two family friends found Mandarin being provided by Local Democracy Reporter using it. Five people turned up. have symptoms to continue to Li-Qing motionless on the devastated family members “Meanwhile my inbox is full attempt to book tests through floor of her bedroom cov- through an interpreter. Walthamstow resi- of people being told to go to the government website and ered by a duvet. She had been “The sentence clearly demon- dent “was directed places like Oldham, Coventry, self-isolate while they are stabbed multiple times and a strates that suffering from alco- to Inverness for a Luton, Brighton, Newport, awaiting results. I share peo- bloodied knife lay at her feet. hol addiction is not a defence Covid test” despite places that are actually already ple’s frustration that it is taking When police officers arrived a for causing harm to others, thereA being a testing centre in under lockdown, to get a test by time to get a test but it is still short time later, Song was lying particularly, as in this case, the the borough. the national system.” the right course of action.” on the floor next to Li-Qing’s most grievous harm possible. Other residents said there were Cllr Coghill told the Local A DHSC spokesperson said: body refusing to move, pre- “My thoughts are with no tests available on the gov- Democracy Reporting Service she “NHS Test and Trace is working tending to be unconscious. Li-Qing’s loved ones, her chil- ernment website as the testing had written to health secretary and our capacity is the highest it Li-Qing was pronounced dead dren and her extended family, system struggled last month to Matt Hancock about the lack has ever been but we are seeing by medics at the scene. and I thank them for their self- cope with rising demand. The of tests and urged residents to a significant demand for tests In custody Song was asked less efforts to assist the investiga- leader of Waltham Forest Coun- keep trying. She said: “We have including from people who do by the custody sergeant how tion despite the language barrier cil, Clare Coghill, described worked with DHSC to open a not have symptoms and are not he was feeling and replied he and their distance from the UK. the lack of tests – apparently walk-in centre in Stanley Road otherwise eligible. was upset as he had killed his “I sincerely hope that they caused by limited lab capacity to increase testing capacity but it “New booking slots and home “wife”. In interview, with eyes find some peace in knowing – as “hugely frustrating”. has become clear that it is the lab testing kits are made available remaining mostly closed, he that the man who took her life A walk-in testing centre opened capacity sitting behind this that daily for those who need them then said that he did not know will now pay for that callous in August at Stanley Road Car is not keeping up with demand. and we are targeting testing if he had killed Li-Qing but act with his own freedom.” Park, in Bakers Arms, but “At a time when we are seeing capacity at the areas that need had had an argument with Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy a significant increase in cases it most, including those where her. Subsequent police enqui- revealed on Twitter that one across the UK and local authori- there is an outbreak, and prior- ries uncovered a history of of her constituents had been ties are working hard to promote itising at-risk groups. alcohol dependency. It was directed to get a test in Inverness, the need for testing to stop the “If you do not have symptoms later learned that Li-Qing 562 miles away. The Depart- spread of the virus it is hugely and are not eligible to get a test had attempted to leave Song ment of Health and Social Care frustrating that the system itself you can continue to protect in October 2018 because of his (DHSC) later said it was making isn’t meeting demand. yourself if you wash your hands, drinking, jealously, and con- improvements to the system so “If we are to control the virus wear a face covering and follow trolling behaviour. no-one would be directed to a and save lives these responses social distancing rules.” Detective Chief Inspector Paul centre more than 75 miles away. to people that are worried and Considine said: “This incident Stella said: “I went and stood concerned whether they have the has left a large number of victims For more information about how to get tested: V ict g outside [Stanley Road] for an virus aren’t good enough. Visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test in its wake, Li-Qing’s children im Li-Qing Wan DISTRIBUTION

We distribute the Echo as widely as possible across the borough. The paper is free and is delivered at the start of each month to libraries, community centres, cafes, pubs, coffee shops, GP surgeries, hair and beauty salons, and through people’s doors in select areas. 1 We also now stock the paper at news stands outside Crate in St James Street, the Hornbeam in Bakers Arms, Waltham Forest Community Hub in Walthamstow Village, Ziggy Played Guitar in Highams Park, and the Co-operative Supermarket in Wood Street.

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1 Chingford Library 2 The Harvester 3 3 Hale End Library 4 Royal Oak Pub 4 5 Whipps Cross University Hospital 6 Leytonstone Library 7 Leytonstone Mini Market 13 NEWS STAND: Ziggy Played Guitar 9 Stow Brothers 12 10 Chequers Pub 14 NEWS STAND: WF Community Hub 9 12 YMCA East London 10 15 13 Higham Hill Library 14 Gnome House 5 15 The Mill 20 NEWS STAND: Crate

17 Wood Street Library 6 NEWS STAND: Co-op Food 7 21 NEWS STAND: Hornbeam Café 24 20 William The Fourth Pub 23 25 21 Kukoolala Café 22 22 Leyton Library 23 The Coach and Horses 24 Albert and Francis 25 Northcote Arms

* This map is not an exhaustive list and we cannot guarantee each If you would like to become a stockist location will always stock the paper or help distribute papers in your area: Email [email protected] No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 9 NEWS 'We are absolutely determined to get this right' Continued from Page 1 contribute towards the cost of the rebuild. Work could begin as soon as 2022 and finish in 2026, if all funding is secured and planning permission obtained. Dem- olition of the old nursing block is set to begin before the end of this year, with permission for the work already granted. Barts chief executive Alwen Williams said: “I’m delighted the government has endorsed our strategic outline case. This means we have the ‘green light’ to develop our proposals in more detail. It means we are one step closer to our goal – a brand new state-of-the-art hospital situated within a wider health and wellbeing setting alongside much-needed new homes, bring- ing real benefits to the local community.” A sketch giving an idea of how a redeveloped Whipps Cross Hospital site may look, with a new central 'high street' included The trust expects that by speeding up and treated on the same day rather than gets picked up, but if an elderly person future for generations to come.” treatment and reducing the number of peo- admitted, thanks to doubling the capac- dies at home because they did not have the A spokesperson for Barts said that there ple who become sick enough to be admitted ity for tests with more CT (computerised treatment they needed, the responsibility would be flexibility in the Whipps Cross to hospital, it can cope with fewer beds. tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance for, it can become much more complex. plans to enable them to “expand and adapt” The new report, ‘Building a Brighter Future imaging) scanners. The report adds: “We “We need a new hospital but if we get one services in future. They added: “In the hos- for Whipps Cross – Moving to the Next would anticipate the overall amount of days with not enough beds, we will still have pital we plan to increase access to senior Stage’, reads: “Our local partners plan to that patients spend in a hospital bed could people waiting on trolleys to be admitted.” clinicians and nearly double the number improve care and support outside of hos- fall by 10% over the next ten years.” Barts is set to receive around £350mil- of diagnostic tests, meaning more patients pital, so we expect more people will avoid A petition launched earlier this year called lion from the government over five years will be seen and discharged on the same day. having to come to A&E than would have for the trust to include more beds in the to fund the rebuild of Whipps Cross, “We also expect to increase our theatre been the case, because they will be better rebuilt hospital and received more than 5,700 one of six hospitals in the country to capacity with longer operating hours, supported in or closer to their homes. signatures. Waltham Forest Save Our NHS receive extra funding as part of a package more operations done as day cases and “For example, our partners in Waltham campaigner Mary Burnett said: “There is announced before last year's general elec- more outpatient appointments under- Forest and Redbridge are working to a mantra that we do not need more beds tion. Further government funding will taken remotely, improving quality and improve care for people with long-term because everything can be done in the com- likely be needed, however. Chief exec- access to services and reducing the amount conditions such as diabetes, multiple scle- munity, which is outrageous actually. utive Alwen Williams said: “We have a of time that people spend in hospital beds, rosis or chronic asthma. “You can’t get an appointment with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build which we know is better for patients.”

“The effect will be less people reaching GP because we do not have enough. Social a new hospital at Whipps Cross for our Barts is hosting a series of public events this autumn to gather people's views. The first is on Thursday 15th October, from the stage where they need hospital and services are on their knees and staff in patients, our staff and our communities. 6.30pm – sign up at futurewx.eventbrite.co.uk those already there will be able to be more social care are not nursing staff. “Working with our health and local For more information about the Whipps quickly discharged safely.” “What’s really concerning about this is government partners, we are absolutely Cross redevelopment in general: Email [email protected] Barts also expects more patients to be seen when things go wrong in the hospital it determined to get this right and secure the Visit bartshealth.nhs.uk/future-whipps Tree warnings 'ignored' prior to storm

by Victoria Munro, ing the council why this has hap- for any distress and inconve- Local Democracy Reporter pened. When I emailed they said nience caused by this incident. ‘we are doing something about it’ The tree lost a branch in May this Leytonstone man but nothing was done at all. For- year, after which it was made safe who says he warned tunately no-one was harmed. This and inspected fully with some the council for years could have easily killed a family pruning being recommended to about a “dangerous” member or, if it toppled over the reduce the remaining branches Atree near his home wants com- other way, killed innocent children in the best interests of the tree. pensation after an enormous in Henry Reynolds Park. “This work required road branch destroyed his garden. “I'm no tree expert but even closure permits to be arranged During a storm in late August, a through the naked eye it’s evi- so that it could be carried out large tree branch fell into Azmat dent that the tree was not in safely, and because the inspec- Khan’s garden in John Drink- fit condition.” tion showed the tree to be safe water Road, damaging a marble Azmat said he was disap- other urgent works were carried table, a brick wall, benches and a pointed Cllr Loakes had seemed out first. fence, only ten minutes after chil- “dismissive” of his concerns, “Unfortunately, the unseason- dren had been playing outside. and added he expected compen- ably strong Storm Ellen caused In May, a branch broke off the same The huge tree branch fell down directly on top of a residential garden sation from the council for the further damage and we arranged tree and damaged his car. Azmat about it over the years. council intended to prune the repairs that would be needed on immediate action. Officers said he first told Waltham Forest Clyde Loakes, a Leytonstone tree but “other urgent works his garden wall and gutters on cleared the damage and re- Council the tree seemed unhealthy councillor and cabinet member were carried out first”. the second floor of his house. inspected the tree, pruning the in 2017 and sent more than 30 emails for environment, admitted the Azmat said: “I have been ask- Cllr Loakes said: “We are sorry remaining branches.” 10 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO LETTERS

So, it was astounding to see the which had been created since our might end up in British shops as a case, backed-up drains that sent Perspective prime minister recently admit to original tour in June and July result of the proposed trade deal. raw sewage streaming down the not knowing anything about it. His (Leading from the front garden, These products are not yet available outside of a residential building. in poetry government must now get to grips Page 5, Issue 65). By the next day in the UK, but they could be after We also fear that these new flats with the bleak reality that hundreds we were receiving messages of a trade deal with [US president] – only 54 of which are slated as Dear Waltham Forest Echo of thousands of people, many of appreciation by proud residents! Trump. And that’s no joke. 'affordable' – will increase social My book, The Empath, was whom are children, are facing with Do get in touch if you'd like to get tensions by bringing in dispropor- published as lockdown began NRPF. It’s vital they are given the involved as well – email me via David Hamilton tionately moneyed residents while at the start of year and now it state support they desperately need [email protected] Walthamstow failing to address existing issues. seems to have more meaning in these difficult times. According to the most recent than ever. Poetry is described as Ros Kane publicly available designs, the new Jennette Arnold Leytonstone Estate row the ‘universal language’ because London Assembly member flats will occupy the space currently it can act as an aid for reflection for Waltham Forest Dear Waltham Forest Echo allocated to the estate's community and spiritual exploration. I believe Waltham Forest Council continues centre, community garden, nursery, that to create change we must feel Bad trade to push its redevelopment agenda and small park. While the designs more empathy, which connects us People power Dear Waltham Forest Echo for Priory Court Estate (Estate do include a new community centre with one another and our earth. Secret UK-US negotiations, homes plan modified, Page 3, and facility for the beloved nursery, I began writing to process Dear Waltham Forest Echo which got under way last month, Issue 58). Council-owned developer few residents feel that these designs my thoughts and feelings When I saw the state of the tennis could undermine animal welfare Sixty Bricks has already started account for their usage, and no plan while studying ecology and the courts at Memorial Park in Ching- standards, environmental registering interest in the 118 new has been made to create alternative environment in Liverpool three ford, my heart sunk. The courts and climate protections and residences it intends to build on green space for residents. years ago. My studies there had been neglected, tree roots employment rights, while pushing the estate and its website claims For all our objections, however, influenced my writing style were growing through the court up medicine prices. British the scheme “will make a valuable we do want change at Priory Court and perspective. I use poetry to surfaces, the nets were broken and farmers are also highly wary of contribution to the local area”. Estate. Those who have lived question the state of the world and the fences were full of holes. Some- the trade deal, fearing it could But the council has yet to meet here long enough to remember how we can create change through thing clearly needed to be done. damage food standards, which are residents' demands for refurbish- the estate's early days mourn the a revolution of consciousness. I launched a petition and, with often higher here than in the US. ment of existing properties and loss of community. Unfortunately I find the process of writing the help of local residents, we In Walthamstow Town Square, better infrastructure – school the council has thus far shown no meditative and hope that feeling were able to submit more than 300 Global Justice Now campaigners places and GP surgeries – for the interest in our counter-proposals is transferred to the reader. signatures to Waltham Forest recently displayed spoof packaging area. Meanwhile, estate residents for regeneration aimed at fostering Inspired by nature, relationships Council for review. Since the peti- of the kind of products – such as like myself submit complaints a community ethos. and society, I believe my words tion was submitted I have learned chlorine-washed chicken, hormone- about rodents in the flats, damp can resonate with everyone that Memorial Park is in fact one treated beef and pesticide- and black mould, lifts out of order Constance McIntosh Smith on some level. Especially now of seven so-called 'premier parks' contaminated baby food – that for months at a time and, in one Priory Court Estate, Walthamstow when reflection feels even more in the borough, but yet it had not Advertisement necessary. I spent time walking in had the same investment as the Epping Forest during lockdown other six. Thanks to a close work- and I find the forest a beautiful ing relationship with the Waltham place to be immersed in, to Forest parks team, changes have ARONA quieten my mind, to sit and write. now been made, and we have just St Walthamstow Wetlands also secured an investment of £88,000. JAMESOLICITORS S allows me to reflect, the water The park is now getting a new has a very calming influence outdoor gym and the tennis which definitely aids the flow of courts have been repaired. A lot my writing. of residents ask me if there is any Your local solicitors where family matters The Empath is available to order merit in signing our petitions – I through most big online retailers say yes! If residents had not signed and high street shops. the Memorial Park petition I am sure the money would have gone Aimée King elsewhere. Thank you to everyone • Family Law and children matters (Judges Walthamstow who signed it, we would not have have moved to remote hearings), • We remain open got this investment without you. Wills and Probate, Immigration EU and are happy to act, End unfairness Selina Seesunkur Conservative councillor, applications and Nationality law and we can carry out Dear Waltham Forest Echo Larkswood ward remote appointments. The government cannot afford to • Discount for all Wills and Lasting powers ignore the growing chorus of calls of attorney drafting for all NHS workers from politicians and charities to Cann-do 5* star google abolish No Recourse to Public Funds • Arona St James are dropping off (NRPF). Blocking access to welfare attitude reviews support for those with the wrong supplies to the local food bank and immigration status has plunged fam- Dear Waltham Forest Echo remains committed to helping those ilies into an underclass of our society. In September the newly-formed It is particularly galling that Cann Hall Beautiful Front with families fighting COVID 19 this condition has not been lifted Gardens Society led a tour during this pandemic, which has of some of the best gardens 020 3757 8670 www.AronaStJames.co.uk hit the most vulnerable and disad- in Cann Hall ward, Leytonstone. vantaged the hardest. NRPF has They looked especially lovely in 63 St James St, Walthamstow, London E17 7PJ tied the hands of local authorities the bright sunny afternoon! We and mutual aid groups seeking to were delighted to find even more Defending Human Rights

lend a helping hand to those in front gardens which warranted We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority number 619031 need during lockdown. one of our certificates; gardens No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 11 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Elleston Grant by Udall Evans Irene Lockhart by Nicola Tree Goulbourne Maloney by Paula Smith

Winston Reid by Paul Tucker Sylvia Joseph by Simon Warren

We Are Here Photographing the 'Windrush generation' of Waltham Forest

Image17, a collective of photographers based in Waltham Rosalind Denahy by Jo Sealy Gloria Birkett by Katherine Green Forest, received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for an exciting heritage project, We Are Here, which was launched at the Vestry House Museum in Waltham Forest on 4th March 2020. The UK’s Covid-19 lockdown subsequently moved everything online. The project focuses on capturing Waltham Forest’s Windrush residents, who came to the UK from the Caribbean to create new lives in the borough from the 1950s to the 1970s. The exhibition consists of 50 new photographic portraits alongside more than 100 personal family pictures, mementos and oral testimonies, providing a peek into lives lived in the borough. These residents have contributed to the fabric of Waltham Forest in numerous and surprising ways, yet little evidence of this exists in the borough’s archives. We Are Here uncovers some of these stories, which will be archived at Vestry House Museum, available to be shared with all and for posterity.

For more information: Instagram @weareherewf Visit weareherewf.org 12 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO ARTS & CULTURE Singing for survival Anne Strudwick on the challenge of choir singing during a pandemic

inging together has Sing17 performing prior to the pandemic our community. In return, we have always been 'dangerous'; aspired to be 'the people’s choir'. it can empower, unite, We have volunteered our voices inspire and liberate, for street parties and community Sboost and embolden – we have events, Christmas gatherings and all seen Les Miserables! charity fundraisers. Over the last Right now, however, singing six years we have raised more than together is dangerous in a differ- £3,000 for local causes. ent way, thanks to the dreaded Now the stakes are higher for coronavirus. Sing17 is a local all choirs. It's about survival. No choir that has grown from three choir yet knows when we will be distinct singing groups, each with allowed to meet and sing again. its own history. Collectively, we Sing17 has hatched a scheme for have had six great years of singing friends and followers to invest together and sticking together. in our future. For as little as £1 We have sung at fundraisers and invested, each donor becomes a funerals, pubs and parties, in tor- 'keeper' and receives an advance rential rain, and even during the invitation to our re-launch party 'Beast from the East' snowstorm. (hopefully) in 2021. So we have no intention of letting We are busy planning our a global pandemic stop us singing! It does have its upsides. We have in at the deep end. You have noth- ing of Petula Clark's Downtown autumn Zoom sessions. All are In March, Laura Forbes – expanded our catchment world- ing to lose but your inhibitions. featuring singers aged between welcome to join us. Sing17's founder and leader wide so that previous choir mem- Sing17 choir remains a creative, 18 months and 81 years! It was a Find out more and get – made the bold decision to throw bers who have moved out of area communal experience. At the end showstopper without a show and involved with Sing17: open our three-weekly choir ses- have been able to rejoin us with a of term, Laura mixed our individ- a powerful reminder of what we Call 07813 686 980 sions to all members on a 'pay simple click. Zoom is also a safe ual solo recordings (made in the love to do and continue to miss. Listen to Sing17's mix of 'Downtown': what you can' basis and to con- forum for a newcomer; it starts as privacy of our living rooms) and Sing17 choirs have often been Visit soundcloud.com/user-92014700/ tinue all choir sessions via Zoom. a safe paddle rather than a plunge produced our combined render- helped out by the generosity of downtown-sing17-the-megamix Share your domestic discoveries Vasu Sellamuthu invites locals to get involved in her creative writing project ’m a South Asian artist living What has revealed itself in the house and working in Walthamstow to be useful or beautiful, or useless since 2016 and I've recently been and ugly? To encourage responses, commissioned for ‘The Useful & I have developed a series of playful IBeautiful Project’, part of Urban by writing prompts. Contributions could Nature’s programme to affect civic range from a Twitter haiku, or list, to change through community engage- a recipe, timetable, or love letter. I am ment in arts and cultural activities. keen on receiving entries in a range of The project will engage local residents, languages, including Tamil, Polish and especially in the William Morris and Urdu, to represent the diversity of lan- Wood Street wards, in creative work guages spoken in our borough. around the theme of their home and A selection of entries will be presented being at home both during lockdown in the format of a ‘kavad’, which is a and the transition out of lockdown. handcrafted portable story-box from My response to the brief emerged Rajasthan, India. The structure of the from a book I read this year, Species of story-box is such that panels are inter- Spaces by Georges Perec. This short read changeable, so its reading could shift and fascinated me for two reasons; the way change through different combinations. in which words and letters sat on the The piece will be presented at a spoken page in unusual formats, and the subject word event, followed by a travelling exhi- matter, which unpacks banal everyday bition in local venues, accompanied by details of our living spaces. When the a zine. The possibility of co-creating a world suddenly shrinks to the footprint collective narrative and archive of our of our homes, we start to notice space experiences of home through poetry, in a different way. The bed, the door, the text, carpentry and printing excites me!

hallway, the pavement and the street start To view writing prompts and participate in the project: Vasu leads a live creative writing to reveal remarkable complexity. Visit forms.gle/TRbq3rL2oFvy94NE8 workshop for The Useful & Beautiful Project held last month at Yonder I am now inviting residents of Waltham- Street Festival in Walthamstow Follow the project on social media: stow to share their observations of home @usefulandbeaut Credit Ronan Haughton Instagram through creative writing and poetry. Twitter @UsefulandB No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 13 ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS

Social Cinema in Higham Hill Thursday 1st October and Friday 2nd October, 7pm Restoration begins Higham Hill Hub, Higham Hill Park, Walthamstow E17 5QT

Work on creating major comedy venue for Walthamstow gets underway Cinema, socially distanced and with a foyer was recently used as a pub. social conscience. Screenings of Fan- Full possession of the building – which the tastic Mr Fox on Thursday and The local authority earlier bought for £17m – was Lego Movie on Friday. Bring a charged secured in August, and representatives from the smartphone and a pair of headphones. council and Soho Theatre visited the Hoe Street Pay what you feel site last month to tour the works in progress. Visit socialcinema.london Developer Willmott Dixon Interiors is lead- Henry Healthy workshops ing the restoration, aiming to create “a mod- Daily in October, 10am–3.30pm ern, nationally-recognised entertainment Taking place online venue that honours its unique heritage”.The new venue will include the main theatre, bar Are you a parent or carer of children aged under five? Join us for our eight-week and restaurant, plus community space. It is course where we discuss everything to projected that the local economic benefit get your little one off to a great start! could be as much as £50m over ten years Our programmes are fun and interactive. once it opens in spring 2022. Free entry Simon Miller, the council's cabinet member Call 020 8496 5223 for economic growth and housing develop- Email [email protected] ment, said: “This is a key milestone in the David Luff, creative director of Soho Theatre, Mandy Moose: Songs and Stories Simon Miller, cabinet member for economic regeneration of this beautiful building. We Tuesdays until 13th October, growth and housing development, and Mark are delighted to be working in partnership Godfrey, executive director of Soho Theatre 11am–12pm with Soho Theatre to give this venue the Online via Zoom future it deserves, and to bring an outstanding estoration work has begun at velopment project to transform the derelict contribution to our borough’s vast cultural Mandy Moose has travelled the world Walthamstow's historic Granada/ Grade 2-listed building into a 1,000-seat com- offer. The development will also provide local collecting songs, rhymes and stories. She'll be sharing them live. These workshops EMD Cinema, which is being con- edy and entertainment venue – set to be run by jobs, opportunities and a welcoming commu- are funded by Waltham Forest Council. verted into a large comedy venue. Soho Theatre. The main auditorium, which nity space. These, combined with growing Pre-school classes are 11am–11.25am, RWaltham Forest Council won planning once played host to The Beatles, has been visitor numbers, will provide huge economic children five and over are 11.30am–12pm. permission in June for its £25million rede- derelict for well over a decade, although the benefits to our borough for years to come.” Free entry Email [email protected]

Wildlife Drawing Wednesday 14th October, 7pm–9pm Walthamstow Wetlands, Steps change 2 Forest Road N17 9NH ashion and creative students from gathering young people's voices, speaking out College principal Janet Gardner said: “I am We will be sketching birds of prey includ- Waltham Forest College have collab- and pushing change forward. delighted that students from Waltham For- ing kestrels, barn owls and Titch, the orated with artist Fandangoe Kid to “Every young person I have worked with est College have been able to take part in this little owl. All species are indigenous to turn the college's steps into a brightly- to develop the narrative for this piece has exciting project, working with leading artist the UK, and as well as drawing we will Fcoloured work of art, Stairwell of Dreams. said that there is no longer a place for apathy Fandangoe Kid, the production team and key be learning about where to spot these Exploring “unity, change and design as a when it comes to politics, we have to push community partners. We greatly value the voice birds in their native habitats and any form of activism” via Zoom during lockdown, change forward together now and 2020 has of our young people and are proud that they conservation issues affecting them. the students came up with the idea with help been exemplary of this – things are urgent; have created an uplifting and powerful, large- Tickets £31.85 from Fandangoe, who said: “The piece is about we can't afford to stay silent, any of us.” scale art installation on the iconic college steps.” Visit walthamstowwetlands.com 'A Climate of Change' exhibition Wed–Fri, 10.30am–2.30pm, until Fri 27th November The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA

Earlier this year, as part of Waltham For- est’s virtual culture programme, The Mill ran its first-ever virtual exhibition – and we are thrilled to announce that this has now been transferred into a physical one! A Climate of Change brings Waltham Forest residents together to draw hope from the natural world.

Free entry Email [email protected] Visit themille17.org

Submit your listing Submit your community event for inclusion in next month's Waltham Forest listings page using our online form: Visit walthamstuff.com/echo The new brightly coloured steps at the entrance to Waltham Forest College in Forest Road represent "speaking out and pushing change forward" 14 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

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ADVERTISECONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 WITH US “We need to make the area con- Local Tories nected,” Cllr Caliskan explained. Labour divided over leadership “We need to look at the whole in racism row ED. project and show the market we Complaints about selection process, but action against local party unlikely Whathave a plan and that we will deliver we do BY JAMES CRACKNELL Cllr William Coleshill has it. We will have a phase-by-phase been suspended following o approach, giving many more com- omplaints by Labour coun- N100 .1 panies a chance to bid for sites, and cillors in Enfield about the 100 comments made at a Ouralso generating newspapers greater financial are written by local people, for localselection process people. during this We are dedicated to recent council meeting OCTOBER 2018 returns for the council.” Cyear's local election are unlikely to Cllr Caliskan dismissed sugges- lead to disciplinary action being he local Conservative Party 90 90 Enfield Dispatch is the keepingtions that suddenly ditching local talks journalism alive and covering storiestaken, the Dispatchignored understands. by the corporate media. became embroiled in a borough's free community to find a Meridian Water master- Several sitting councillors were racism row after two Enfield newspaper. We publish planner, which had lasted several deselected prior to May's election, Tcouncillors in as many months were 80 80 monthly and distribute 10,000 years, meant starting from scratch. in what some in the local party suspended over comments made free copies of each issue WeOpposition publish Conservative council- newspapers based on a sustainable, socialclaim enterprise was a co-ordinated move to model and – as a result of our about people of Turkish origin. to cafés, pubs, community lors claimed £3m was “wasted” on enable Councillor Nesil Caliskan Councillor William Coleshill brought centres, libraries,70 GP surgeries, legal fees and advice during the to become the new leader. 70 chaotic scenes to the council chamber schools, hair salons, and failed procurement process. But Just two weeks after former leader last month when, in a debate about outside railway stations. communitythe council leader pointed to prog- newspaper work – we were shortlisted forCouncillor the Doug Taylor Social won an in- Enterprise UK Awards 2019. school spending, he asked if the Publisher60 ress made with land acquisition creased majority on the council, a 60 Turkish family of a Labour council- David Floyd and said: “We have done a lot of leadership ballot was held that re- lor had “brought a classroom with the foundation work, building sulted in Cllr Taylor being ousted them” – prompting howls of protest. Editor 50 Ourup knowledge newspapers of the sites, clean- Original plans for the are Meridian Water a project, growing which may now change as theand council seeks valued to work with new developers part ofand Cllrthe Caliskan takinglocal his place. community – loved by 50 The furore came a few weeks after James Cracknell Several councillors – including another Conservative councillor was Designer “They talked ing up the land – these are things industries to provide employment housing, and Cllr Caliskan says this some who continue to serve in the suspended over an anti-Turkish post Jonathan40 Duncan readers whowe would want have to pay for to anyway.” read at Meridian Waterabout during the early what also applies to Meridianmatters Water. “My tocouncil's them. cabinet – made complaintsBe partEnfield Council's of cabinet, that including newand leader Councillor advertise 40 on social media. Nesil Caliskan (fifth from right) Credit Enfield Council Since 2014 the council has acquired phase of works. “We could just rent number one priority for the borough to the Labour Party's National Execu- In September's full council meeting Project Manager about building 35 hectares at Meridian Water, at a cost it out to a chicken factory and make is reducing inequality, and Meridian tive Committee (NEC) and called for at Enfield Civic Centre, Cllr Coleshill Anna Merryfield 30 withluxury us! homes of £157m, and now owns 64 percent of some money, but we are trying to get Water will play a part in that.” an investigation into the selection tion process, which she was direct- with constituency party members In response to the vote, Ms Ryan30 was responding to a motion put Contributors the land earmarked for development. people to live here. We will get it right.” process amid claims that “signifi- ly involved in, saying all candidates claiming the Labour MP played a pointed to the ongoing anti-Semi- forward by Councillor Susan Erbil Stephen Cox – I didn't think Cllr Caliskan also said the council The council's aim for any new Find out more about the cant irregularities” had occurred. were “interviewed by completely role in the ousting of Cllr Taylor. tism row in the party and manoeu- calling for the government to reverse Claire Fisher 20 was exploring the potential for key housing development in Enfield is plans for Meridian Water: A leaked letter also showed that independent panels comprised of The no confidence motion was vres being made by “hard left”20 ac- spending cuts affecting local schools. Frances Dismore it was okay” players from the film and music to provide 50 percent 'affordable' Visit meridianwater.co.uk some members were upset at the three Labour members from outside agreed in a narrow vote of 94 to 92. tivists, citing her position as chair of After claiming migrants had contri- Alison Archer Our publications Waltham Forest Echo, Enfield Dispatch,number Tottenhamof sitting black councillors Enfield”.Community The council leader declined ItPress stated that and members believedEC1 the EchoLabour Friends of Israel group buted to the pressure placed on edu- Ciara McNulty who had been de-selected. to comment further for this article. Joan had “publicly undermined the as a decisive factor. cation funding, he asked: “When the Basil10 Clarke 10 Chris Byrne cover a wide area of North-East London and part of However,The the DispatchCity. has been told Councillor Joanna Laban, the Tory Labour Party in a manner that did She said: “This was about anti-Semi- Erbil family entered this country, did Jason McKenna that Labour's NEC is not currently group leader, said: “People deserve not seek a constructive way forward”. tism in the Labour Party and those of they bring a classroom with them?” Margaret Green conducting a formal investigation to know the truth and for any nec- Much of the anger against Joan us who have stood by the Jewish com- Loud cries of “racist” and “shame” Jo Johnson Borough prepares for Brexit into the selection process. While it essary action to be taken.” stems from the 2017 General Elec- munity and said 'enough is enough'. erupted from the Labour benches in Sharlene Gandhi is unlikely any disciplinary action The ongoing row over the circum- tion, when the Enfield North MP I will continue to speak out against the council chamber, with many coun- Dana Burstow WeFears over distribute impact on local services 37,500 and construction free projects copies after UK to leaves readers European Union via localwill be taken overnewsstands, the matter, the stances that led to the community change at the openly disparaged the Labour venues, Party's anti-Semitism, against the campaign cillors visibly angry and upset. The Garry Humphreys party has not denied the possibili- helm of the council last May has also leadership and claimed voters have to demonise and delegitimise the situation threatened to escalate before Regan O’Mahony BY STEPHEN COX service arrangements will need to new and untried ‘settled status’. Cllr Caliskan said: “As with the ty that rules were broken. been cited as a contributory factor in “more confidence in Theresa May world's only Jewish state, and for a Councillor Saray Karakus, who as Mayor Marianna Michael be reviewed”. Enfield’s flagship £6billion Meridi- majority of local councils across In an email to party members last month's vote of no confidence as prime minister than they would Labour Party which is true to its values of Enfield was chairing the meeting, David Williamson and door-to-door, with a total estimated readership of 120,000 people. Arthur Salisbury ix months before Brexit, Councillor Nesil Caliskan, the an Water development is intended the country, we are very keen that Cllr Caliskan defended the selec- against Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, have in Jeremy Corbyn”. of anti-racism, respect and decency.” intervened and appealed for calm. bosses at Enfield Council council leader, has called for new to bring thousands of jobs and new government should announce a Cllr Coleshill said that he withdrew CONTACT say they need urgent clarity funding streams to cover the loss housing, but could become one of fund to replace the EU structur- the remark and apologised, but after Son the final deal to be able to of EU regeneration funding. She many projects that struggles to find al funding that will no longer be ewly-rebuilt Chase Farm founded in 1948 – the same year people of Enfield, as well as the a ten-minute break, did not return to Call 020 8521 7956 manage the effects on its services. said: “Enfield Council continues qualified workers, with the council open to us. New £200m Hospital has welcomed its as the National Health Service. wider population we serve, a bril- his seat. The meeting subsequently Email EnfieldDispatch@ The council's leadership has to be concerned as to the poten- warning that Brexit “may have a “We hope to see decisive lead- first patients. There is a hospital concierge service liant environment to deliver the resumed with a motion, already sched- socialspider.com N highlighted the potential eco- tial impact Brexit or a ‘no deal negative impact on [the] construc- ership from government soon hospital The £200million hospital build- situated in the main lobby and very best of modern healthcare.” uled, stating the council “condemns Post Salisbury House, Bury nomic impact and uncertainty Brexit’ may have on our commu- tion industry, which is reliant on as the deadline draws closer. ing is described as being “equipped volunteers will help patients and While Chase Farm's accident and and stands against racism, xenopho- Street West, Enfield N9 9LA Call Klaudia 07732 000 430 Email [email protected] for the 23,000 non-British EU nities and our ability to continue EU nationals”. We cannot firm-up plans of building opens for the digital age” and features an visitors find their way around. emergency department was closed bia and hate crimes”. citizens currently residing in to deliver high-quality services Last month the council’s cabinet action until more detail is made urgent care centre, older person’s In addition, the hospital is testing five years ago, the new urgent care Councillor Joanne Laban, the Tory ADVERTISING the borough. when we leave the EU. available to us The new Chase Farm Hospital building is assessment unit, and eight “state- new technologies to improve centre (UCC) can treat minor illness leader, said: “Cllr Coleshill has had set to host 10,000 operations each year Contact Ben Cawthra: Earlier this year a council paper “We continue to await on the final of-the-art” operating theatres. patient experience and safety. This or injury that isn’t life-threaten- his party membership and the Con- Call 020 3892 0061 assessing risks to service deliv- firm direction from “Regeneration programmes settlement.” Chase Farm will now be the includes patients having greater ing, including sprains, strains and servative group whip suspended. He Email ben.cawthra@ ery gave an 'Amber' rating for government and in the The council primary location for planned control and involvement in their broken bones; minor burns and is sitting as an independent member.” hackneycitizen.co.uk Brexit, meaning it has potential interim are developing could be placed at risk” leader has also surgery within the Royal Free own care through a ‘patient portal’. scalds; minor head and eye injuries; The member for Bush Hill Park is now to cause disruption. contingency plans and joined those London NHS Foundation Trust, They will be able to view their and bites and stings. No appoint- the second newly-elected councillor to The report stated that, depend- gaining a better understanding of discussed a projected gap in calling for a 'popular vote' on the which also runs the Barnet and medical history, test results, and ments are needed and the UCC is be suspended by the local party, after ing on the outcome of negotia- potential impacts on our residents funding over spending of more final proposals – a second Brexit Royal Free hospitals – delivering upcoming appointments. open every day from 8am to 10pm. Councillor Stephanos Ioannou, who tions, “regeneration programmes and on service provision.” than £9million, which may be met referendum. an expected 10,000 operations Natalie Forrest, chief executive of The old hospital buildings, includ- represents Southgate, shared a tabloid could be placed at risk; housing A third of all London’s construc- from reserves. Any economic She added: “I support the People’s each year. Chase Farm Hospital, said: “It’s ex- ing some structures that are more front page from the 1970s with a head- supply may come under further tion workers come from the rest downturn caused by Brexit could Vote and believe that Enfield resi- Accessibility has also been greatly citing to welcome patients into our than 130 years old, are now being line describing Turks as 'Barbarians'. We are grateful to Love Your Doorstep pressure; business rate income of the EU and, after Brexit, such impact further on income and in- dents deserve a say over what the improved at the hospital in The brand new hospital. We are very redeveloped for housing and Cllr Laban added: “The Conserva- for their ongoing support could fall, and environmental workers will need to apply for a crease demand for services. deal is – if there is one.” Ridgeway, which was originally proud and know it will offer the education. tive Party takes this sort of matter very seriously and on both occasions acted quickly.” No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 15 COLUMNS Bee-lieve in local Jo Sealy from Waltham Forest Business Network meets a beekeeper whose unfortunate allergy has not held her back hen Arlene Dunkley-Wood Arlene now offers a postal service for inherited a dormant bee- honey orders and delivery for bespoke hive in 1998 following a orders for cakes. However, what might house move, little did she come as a surprise is the fact that as a knowW that it would be the start of a new beekeeper, she is allergic to bee stings. business venture. “Yes, it’s true! I was contemplating giv- The hive was left by the previous house- ing up last year after experiencing an ana- holder and, by the spring, a swarm of phylactic shock. I have to carry an Epipen bees inhabited it. Arlene explains: “That with me at all times, make sure I am well was 22 years ago and the start of being a covered, and ensure someone is nearby in beekeeper and a supplier of local honey. case I get stung when tending to the bees. “I began to sell my honey to local shops “I’ve made the decision to continue to be and health food shops in Chingford.” a beekeeper though, it’s the best mindful- After a move to Walthamstow, Arlene, who ness activity in the world. I love that sense is also a prenatal yoga and massage special- of aliveness it brings.” ist, saw the number of hives increase from For Arlene, Covid-19 has meant no mar- two to six with impressively high yields. kets for the past three months, but things This prompted her to seek to branch out are now starting to pick up. “It’s been to local farmers markets in North London. great to meet people and feel part of the “I’m really proud that my honey is 'hive to community again. Everyone has been so jar', with the help of a few million bees. It is supportive – long may it continue!” locally produced, jarred immediately after fil- tering, and that’s it – nothing but pure honey. For more information about Arlene's Bread & Honey “I expanded my range to include sour- Visit arlenesbreadandhoney.com dough spelt loaves and gluten free cakes Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell? Celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo, left, with Arlene, and that side of the business has grown [email protected] Email right, at her market stall in Walthamstow last year steadily from there.” Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk End of the line Michelle Edwards from Marlowe Road Estate has run out of patience with the council

Credit Penny Dampier I genuinely think he thought he I first reached out to the council tion was being considered which could oblige my request, yet here in mid-February and the meeting would extend the demolition we are, disagreeing. Understand- was agreed on principle. How- date of my block from its current ably, he thinks my behaviour ever, once the UK was put into estimate of 18 months, to some is “off-key” considering I fre- lockdown in March, a cancel- time a lot later. I despair. Had we quently stay over at his gaff lation was inevitable. During not met, when were they going to and reckons I’m having my end the five months to September, update the remaining residents?! away with another bloke. This various emails and mobile con- Despite evidence to the contrary, is what my life has been reduced tact ensued. A fixed July date fell the officer insisted they hadn’t to – endless explanations. Why through, unexpectedly. Despite helped other residents in the past I don’t want to go home after a being in the diary for days, I with finding properties, until I sleepover, why I deliberately go ended up pouring over a “I’m reminded her that I had seen and out late to get away from the end- afraid I won’t be able to meet produced letters to that very effect. less anti-social behaviour, why you tomorrow as planned” email A silence. A look to the heavens. the dark circles under my eyes the night before and fielding “Ah, well, that was different.” have become more pronounced. more than one attempt to shift Apparently the council had to It is against this miserable back- me on to Zoom. It appeared the intervene in those cases because drop that I decided to formally officer was dodging the meeting. they needed those properties request a meeting with the senior In any case, the meeting finally back to complete the relevant Demolition taking place on Marlowe Road Estate, where hundreds of new homes are being built regeneration officer on the estate. went ahead on agreed terms in phase of the development. Assis- am standing at the doorway a look at the kitchen on the left I am surrendering; it’s time to the third week of September. tance is only granted when the of my decaying ground-floor and the bathroom on the right. grant Waltham Forest Council After outlining my disquiet at time comes to demolish the block flat on the verge of tears. But prior to coming in, I made him their most desired wish. I will my living conditions and mental – for which there is still no date. My boyfriend Ricky has agree that he couldn’t come in any go. I will leave the estate and wellbeing, the officer advised that Until then I have to engage the Ijust stormed out, having been further because of the doorway stop holding them to account. the council was unable to assist ineffective bidding process that prevented from entering beyond damp, disrepair, and soiled and I’d already decided to bring this me with any request to move, sucked the spirit out of so many the middle passageway. He’s had stained condition of the property. column to an end anyway. since a new planning applica- of my long-gone neighbours. 16 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

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ture such as education facilities.” There was more positive feedback pro- Second chance to have vided by housing developers, including Market move Berkeley Homes, which affirmed its sup- by Victoria Munro, port for the council's “ambitious growth Local Democracy Reporter say on new homes plan agenda” and applauded them for “their by James Cracknell Historic England said that it wished to ambition to deliver truly mixed-use, eyton’s New Spitalfields Mar- “stress the implications for existing local high-quality developments and create ket could move to Dagenham altham Forest Council is character” should new homes be built vibrant and quality places”. by 2026 and be replaced by a launching a second public without “a sensitive and contextually housing development. consultation on its draft aware approach”. Thames Water also "It will place significant LThe wholesale market is the largest Local Plan. raised concerns that the level of devel- in the UK selling fruits, vegetables and WThe document puts forward the local opment proposed would require “likely pressure on social flowers, and has occupied the site authority’s proposals for meeting the upgrades to the wastewater network” – infrastructure" since the early 1990s. housing targets set by the Greater Lon- noting that the nearest sewage plant to The City of London Corporation, don Authority, with the council aiming the borough, Deephams, was expected The site allocations section of the coun- which owns the market, feels the site to build 27,000 homes over the next 15 to reach capacity in 2034. cil's Local Plan is now out for public con- “does not meet the needs of a modern years – more than doubling the current The Conservators of Epping Forest, sultation, until Monday 14th December. market” and hopes to move it and two annual construction rate to 1,800 per year. run by the City of London, also chal- The full second draft of the plan is due other markets to Dagenham Dock. An initial consultation was held last lenged the council “to match the stated to go out for consultation from Monday The City of London’s newsletter year, with a new second draft set to targets for housing and employment with 26th October, with the same deadline for reads: “The market now faces a series incorporate people's initial responses, a commensurate target for new green responses. A council spokesperson said: of pressing challenges and requires as well as a separate document now infrastructure provision”, while Mark “The council’s Local Plan is in two parts modernising to protect its future. also providing more detail on specific Furnish from Sport England added that and is going out for public engagement “Notably, some parts of the building sites. Proposed development is chiefly “the existing [sports and leisure] provi- this autumn. The second part allocates are already outdated and there is not focused on the south of the borough, sion within the area may not be able to strategic and key sites for development enough room for tenants to store and in key places such as Lea Bridge, accommodate this increased demand between 2020 and 2035. It is an individual display their produce. Leyton and Whipps Cross. A new railway without exacerbating existing and/or document but forms part of the Local Plan. “Further, the restrictive site design, station at Ruckholt Road also forms part predicted future deficiencies”. “Following this stage of engagement which has no unloading bays or of the plan. Phoebe Juggins, from the Department the Local Plan will be submitted to the delivery docks, creates substantial Among the hundreds of responses sub- of Education (DfE), wrote in her sub- [government's] Planning Inspectorate for operating challenges, including mitted to the first Local Plan draft were mission to the council: “DfE notes that examination in spring next year.” conflicts between pedestrians and critical submissions from key public bod- substantial growth in housing stock is forklift truck drivers.” To have your say on the Local Plan: ies such as Historic England, Thames expected in the borough. This will place Visit walthamforest.gov.uk/news-topics/ The project needs planning permission Water and governmental departments. significant pressure on social infrastruc- consultations-have-your-say from Barking and Dagenham Council. Advertisement 18 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO SPORT Overcoming the boundaries James Fenn from Walthamstow Cricket Club on how it has rebounded to play out a curtailed season

mateur cricketers are creatures of like other clubs, so when cricket stops, our Rain was the least of Walthamstow habit. Which pad you strap on first, revenue stops. Thankfully, we were able to Cricket Club's troubles this year which seat you choose in the club- apply for a selection of short-term grants Credit Touch Tight Media house, the unique mark in the pitch and, by being flexible with our pricing struc- youA create when you take your guard. Even the ture, have been able to keep going and even game itself has remained broadly the same for attract some new members.” 300 years. Cricket is exciting and dynamic, but All the hard work has paid off for the club, it also holds on to its traditions tightly. which has been able to offer training and So, in this year that has thrown the world matches for five adult sides, plus a juniors upside down, how could a sport with such team. There were some unique new rules, rigid traditions adapt to the 'new normal'? including sanitation breaks and no access And how could amateur cricket, run by to changing rooms, but even a pandemic volunteers motivated by nothing more than couldn’t stop this historic club. a love of their sport, possibly carry on? On the pitch, results were inconsistent. For Walthamstow Cricket Club, based near The first team struggled to cope with the Wood Street Station, the answer was a lot loss of a few key players. Rain was also a of hard work. Avi Sarkar, our membership huge frustration, with weather leading to the secretary, said: “Back in April, I think if we abandonment of several games in an already were being honest, not many of us thought that shortened season. But for captain Nick Por- we’d be playing any cricket at all this summer. ter-Ch’ng, it is all a matter of perspective. He “Even as the situation in the country said: “We haven’t been happy with results on improved, working through the incredibly the pitch so far, but I think we all agree that detailed guidance from the ECB [English just being out there represents a great success. Cricket Board], while trying to keep the club “Our ambition is to provide cricket to people going financially, was extremely challenging of all abilities and backgrounds in Waltham- for a group of volunteers. stow, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to “We don’t have lucrative sponsorship deals make that happen in such trying circumstances.” Advertisement

How to contact me By Post: 6 Gainsborough Road, Leytonstone, E11 1HT John Cryer MP Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 989 5249 Leyton & Wanstead www.johncryermp.co.uk @JohnCryerMP Coronavirus - Update Many people have been in touch with my team and I recently about such issues as benefits, food, business grants & loans, furlough, self-employment, insurance, access to PPE, care & support, sick pay, school returns, anti-social behaviour, repeated changes in Government messaging, housing, rent, council services, consumer issues, people on short- term PAYE contracts, zero hour contracts, exam results and university/workplace placements, rate relief, longterm conditions not covered by Government criteria as ‘vulnerable’, and many other matters that result from Covid-19 and lockdown . As we enter what it likely to be a period of further hardship and perhaps a second lockdown, my team is still here to help! Surgeries: I continue to not hold face to face surgeries at this time. I cannot guarantee the safety of constituents, staff of the venues and my own staff regarding social distancing and the facilities we use. We are now holding regular surgeries by telephone. If you would like details and and appointment, please contact my office. We are still dealing with cases by phone, email and letter. So if you have a problem, do get in touch.

Help for vulnerable Residents and Residents over 70 My website see Coronavirus Update dropdown https://www.johncryermp.co.uk/ If you are over 70, you will know you are at greater risk from Covid-19. If Government Covid19 Hub https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for health, you need help locally there is help available Waltham Forest benefits, education, Business support,, sick pay, self-employed status and much more https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/service-categories/covid- - 0208 496 3000 7 days a week 7am-7pm https:// Waltham Forest Council Waltham Forest Council 19 www.walthamforest.gov.uk/content/covid-19-community-help-network Free library service - ebooks &audiobooks https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/ Need food whilst social isolating? You may be able to access online due to content/join-free-library-service-now vulnerability Volunteering https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/content/community-help-network- www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable ways-you-can-help You’ll need your NHS number which you’ll find on a prescription or to Mutual Aid https://www.johncryermp.co.uk/volunteering-mutual-aid contact your GP Domestic Abuse Support https://www.johncryermp.co.uk/domestic-abuse-covid-19 No. 67 OCTOBER 2020 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 19 Support independent local journalism

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