Wednesday, 17 October 2012

The Guardian: "Large-scale privatisation of local government proved to be political poison"


Link to web site

"The outsourcing of individual council services to large private corporate companies such as Capita, Serco and BT has been common practice across local government for four decades. But the past two years have seen the emergence of a series of grandiose mega-schemes which aim to privatise most, if not all, of a council's services at a stroke.

"... Barnet, teetering on the brink of chaos after its chief executive quit two months before it votes on a huge £1bn plan to outsource almost all its services, could be next."



The Guardian:
"Tory privatisation plans dealt blow in Cornwall"

"The project to part-privatise Cornwall Council services, including libraries, benefits and payroll, to either BT or CSC, the US IT services giant, is now in doubt after Alec Robertson, the Tory leader of the authority, was toppled by his fellow councillors. He faced a vote of no confidence at an extraordinary meeting in Truro which he lost 63 votes to 49.

"... The upheaval at Cornwall council, which is the county's biggest single employer, is the latest crisis for Conservative-controlled councils seeking to sell off public services. Earlier this month, the chief executive of the London borough of Barnet quit, casting into doubt the direction of his authority's radical 'easyCouncil' plan to reduce the town hall to a commissioning body."

Saturday, 13 October 2012

Sky: "Remembrance Day 2014: Calls To Close Shops"


Link to Sky News video

"There are calls for shops to be closed and major sporting fixtures to be postponed on the hundred-year anniversary of the First World War.

"In a letter to The Times, several public figures also say that flags should be flown at half-mast from every town hall in the country on Remembrance Day 2014, as well as extending the traditional silence at the Cenotaph."

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

[Reposted again from Feb 2011] Anaerobic Digestion: Accident and Description

EXPLOSION! 
- click above then read pages 10 and 11 of 'AD & Biogas News'
BUT THE ARTICLE HAS BEEN CHANGED!

"There have been three recent fatal explosions at AD plants in Germany, and although there has been only one AD-related death in the UK - an employee at an on-farm AD plant based in Dorset - it is in the interests of all, that this is the last.

"However, one high profile figure within the industry, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that his company has been forced to make numerous visits to one plant, to rectify issues that a competent operator should have addressed. No-one would disagree, therefore, that training within the AD industry is vital, not least because of the risks inherent in the production of biogas."


"A biogas plant is not 'plug and go': you feed it carefully, you nurse it when it is not well and, most importantly, you must know what to do when something goes wrong."

"Safety issues ... include risk of explosion, confined space asphyxiation, hydrogen sulphide poisoning, gas poisoning, and risk of accidents."




In case of difficulty, try below, or copy and paste this into 'Adobe Reader' or similar (notice the word "amended"!):
http://www.adbiogas.co.uk/pdf/110310%20AD%20Biogas%20News%20Issue%205_amended.pdf

or (since that no longer seems to work! - as of Sept. 2011):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/35580347/AD%20Biogas%20News_Issue%205_amended.pdf


Barnet Times: "Cheers in packed Barnet County Court as Friern Barnet Library squatters' eviction hearing adjourned"


Link to Barnet Times

"Cheers rang out at a packed Barnet County Court this morning, as squatters occupying Friern Barnet Library were handed a second stay of execution.

"District judge at the Hendon Lane court, Marc Marin, adjourned the eviction hearing for a full trial in December, after declaring there was 'a clear public interest' in the case.

"Activists labelled the decision a 'victory for the local community', while Barnet Council’s deputy leader Dan Thomas said the extension would just prolong the sale of the popular building."

"Boris sends incinerator back to drawing board"


Link to web site

The Mayor’s office has moved to block controversial plans for a waste incinerator on the border of Croydon and Sutton.

A report from the Greater London Authority said the project did not conform to the London Plan and demanded more information about its potential impact on air quality.

The plant would create energy by burning up to 302,500 tonnes of waste from Croydon, Sutton, Kingston and Merton each year – enough to produce heat and electricity for 30,000 homes in Croydon, Sutton.

But activists from Stop the Incinerator claim the project is unnecessary, inefficient, and dangerous to public health.

LocalLondon: "Campaigners 'horrified' at revival of green belt waste plan"


Link to web site

"CAMPAIGNERS who thought they had defeated a proposed waste transfer station on green belt land have been 'horrified' to discover the plan is back from the dead.

"A second proposal has been tabled by South Bucks District Council to make Dropmore Road Depot in Burnham a waste transfer site – despite its own planning committee rejecting the first one.


"The site would be used as the base for waste and recycling collection services vehicles and staff."


Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Unwanted? Barnet Times: "Petition launched against Haringey Council's appointment of Barnet Council chief executive Nick Walkley"


Link to Barnet Times

"A petition has been launched, urging Haringey Council not to hire Nick Walkley as the new chief executive.

"Last week it was announced Mr Walkley had been offered the role of chief executive of Haringey Council.

"Mr Walkley resigned from the same role at Barnet Council, where he was instrumental in the privatisation of key council services."

Now is the time to come to the aid of Friern Barnet Library



+++++++ 
Friern Barnet
 Community Library
 +++++++


Wednesday 10th Oct, 10am – Come and support the occupiers at COURT:
Barnet Civil and Family Courts Centre. St. Marys Court, Regents Park Road, Finchley Central London N3 1BQ.

And Wednesday evening, let’s celebrate the PEOPLE’S library with:
Andre Espeut and Didjitalis 8.30pm
A vision in sound

THE WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING...LINK ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, TWEET, FORWARD VIA EMAIL, TELL THE WORLD!!

Saturday, 6 October 2012

The Guardian: "Barnet's 'easyCouncil' chief executive quits to lead Labour-controlled Haringey" (Will he still want to move Barnet's dustcart depot from Barnet to Haringey?)


Link to The Guardian

"The council chief executive responsible for implementing the Conservatives' radical 'easyCouncil' vision of privatised local authority services has quit to lead a Labour-led borough.

"Nick Walkley, boss of the London borough of Barnet, announced his resignation on Thursday night, plunging into doubt the leadership of the Conservative-controlled council's programme of selling off services including cemeteries, transport, planning and environmental health.

"Contracts worth an estimated £1bn are in the process of being let to the private sector and decisions were due to be made in the coming months, with British Telecom, Capita and EC Harris among the companies in the running to take over.

Mr Reasonable: "Barnet's Landmark Library - It will never happen"


Link to web site

"The rationale behind closing Friern Barnet Library is that it will be replaced, along with North Finchley Library, with a new Landmark Library at the Artsdepot. This week I saw a copy of the feasibility study prepared by Capita Symonds (yes the company bidding for the two One Barnet Contracts) and dated 3 July 2012 which shows the various options for relocating a library in the Artsdepot.

"The study, disclosed under an FOI request, runs to 123 pages and considers 19 options and sub options."


Friday, 5 October 2012

Daily Telegraph: "Code breakers are a ‘rum set of fellows’ says GCHQ boss"


Link to Daily Telegraph

"Iain Lobban, the director of the top secret listening station in Cheltenham, Gloucs, said he does not like the term 'eccentric' and does not tell his workers 'how to live their lives'.

"... He made his comments in a speech to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Alan Turing, the godfather of the Engima code-breakers and one of the founders of modern computing, who committed suicide in 1954, two years after he was prosecuted for homosexuality.

"... When he was put on trial, Hugh Alexander, the head of cryptanalysis at GCHQ, told the court that Turing was a 'national asset'.

The head of GCHQ described Turing as a 'founder of the Information Age', whose work influenced everything from washing machines to smart phones. If he was working today, he would be working on fending off cyber attacks."



Science Museum video

Cyclist Inconveniences Met Policeman BU 60 BZL

Mrs Angry: "A Night to Remember: One Barnet - the Captain refuses to go down with the ship" (and a new Chief Exec. for Haringey!)


Link to Broken Barnet

"Mr Nick Walkley, the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Broken Barnet, is leaving his post, in order to become the CEO of (tee hee) Haringey Council.

"... As the news spread throughout the corridors of North London Business Park, staff were openly weeping at their desks, inconsolable at the thought of losing the man who has done so much to facilitate the introduction of the 'One Barnet' programme, ...

"... We look forward to Haringey's new model of local government, due in about, oh, three years' time, one would imagine. 

"And what now for Barnet? Most amusingly, in today's 'Barnet Press' story, an unnamed 'senior Tory councillor' declared:
"He was never really the right man for Barnet. In a way, he came from a left-wing point of view. I think it is a little bit disloyal for him actually to leave at such a time."

Thursday, 4 October 2012

Evening Standard: "X Factor finalist Melanie Masson: I’ll use fame to fight waste plant"


Link to web site

"A singer who is through to the X Factor live finals told today how she hopes to use her newfound fame to fight plans for Europe’s biggest waste plant.

"Melanie Masson has secured a spot in the final 12 of the ITV talent show and is being mentored by Take That star Gary Barlow. But the mother-of-two is also campaigning against a proposed 24-hour waste plant at Pinkham Way, bordering Barnet, Haringey and Enfield.


"The facility would process 300,000 tons of rubbish a year from seven boroughs but opponents say the site is within half a mile of seven schools and 100,000 homes."

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Friern Barnet Library: News from the Bunker



+++++++ 
Friern Barnet
 Community Library
 +++++++
 
"FANTASTIC NEWS....THE WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING...LINK ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, TWEET, FORWARD VIA EMAIL, TELL THE WORLD!!


MORE FANTASTIC NEWS...the FABULOUS, Andre Espeut and (proper, proper spelling this time) amazing Didjitalis are playing at our library next Wednesday 10th October 8.30pm.
 
The meeting with council officials is today, Wed 2nd October 2-4pm. (Strict time window) Sorry for late notice we have only just been told!! All welcome.South Friern Library community room, South Friern Library, Colney Hatch Lane, N10 1HD.

Event notes: (see change to Yoga day/time)
Tues 6.30pm-7.30pm Pilates
Wed 6.00pm-7.00pm New Author - reading from his novel
10th Oct - 8.30pm Andre Espeut and Didjitalis
Thu 11.30am-12.15pm Teddy Bears' Picnic -stories and activities
7.00pm-9.00pm Music night - open mic
Friday 4.00pm-5.00pm French - beginners and advanced
6.30pm-7.30pm Yoga – come, enjoy some peaceful exercise
Sat 10.00am-12noon Chemistry Lesson GCSE/A level.

Court hearing Wed 10th October 10am:
St Mary's Court, Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, N3 1BQ
Please come and support us."

Friday, 28 September 2012

Barnet Press: "Conservatives seek legal advice as Coleman defies apology order"


Link to web site

"THE Barnet Conservative group is seeking legal advice, after Brian Coleman defied orders to apologise for accusing members of the public of anti-semitism.

"Council leader Richard Cornelius said he is awaiting advice from party lawyers before deciding what action to take against the controversial councillor, who was told to say sorry for showing disrespect to two residents.

"... Last week Mr Coleman was detained by police on suspicion of assaulting a woman on Finchley High Road. He has been bailed to return to a north London police station in late October."

Thursday, 27 September 2012

"Don’t let bats or dormice delay your [Pinkham Way waste plant] development"


Link to Stephens Scown Solicitors

"When you are planning a building development, it is sometimes the smallest issues (or creatures) that can hamper your plans. An issue which can cause serious delays is failing to conduct a proper wildlife survey. The next date developers need to be aware of is the end of September, which is the last chance to carry out bat activity surveys before next April.

"... It is not possible for Local Authorities to lawfully grant planning permission 'subject to an ecological survey' due to the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. This could mean a wait of at least six months until the survey season commences again."

Friern Barnet Library: colourful language



+++++++
Friern Barnet
 Community Library
+++++++
 
Open Mic in Friern Barnet Library tonight,
Thursday 27th Sept - 7-9 pm
Amongst others:
Arnie playing jazz,
Laraine with belly dancing show
and other special guests;
everyone welcome!
All performers welcome!

FANTASTIC NEWS over 3,000 books have been donated, **thank you** everyone. We also need SHELVERS! CHAIRS! TABLES! COMPUTERS!
Meeting with council officials, Friary House, Friary Park WEDNESDAY 3rd Oct 3.00pm (tbc) - all welcome. Various working groups have been set up, come into the library and join us.

Please bring food to share - evening meal every night at 7pm
Tues 6.30pm-7.30pm Pilates
Wed 6.00pm-7.00pm New Author - reading from his novel
7.00pm-8.15pm Yoga – come, enjoy some peaceful exercise
Thu 11.30am-12.15pm Teddy Bears' Picnic - stories and activities
7.00pm-9.00pm Music night - open mic
Friday 4.00pm-5.00pm French - beginners and advanced

THIS Sat:
10.00am-12noon Chemistry Lesson GCSE/A level
7.00pm- 9.00pm Mr Reasonable and the Magic Box – one of Barnet’s famous five bloggers - tells us about "ONE BARNET" plans for privatisation + discussion
also Pete the Temp: http://www.petethetemp.co.uk/
and Catherine (Cat) Brogan: http://catherinebrogan.wordpress.com/

Get involved!

We need your help to save the library:
Sign up to the rota: the library will only be able to stay open if we have enough people to staff it. We need people to volunteer for two hour slots to check books in and out, accept donations, etc. If you can spare the time, please stop in at the library and sign up to the rota.
Make yourself heard: phone, email, text, tweet and visit Barnet Council and the media explaining why the library is important.
Spread the word: tell friends and neighbours about us.
Come and meet us: we have organising meetings each Monday at 6.00pm - 7.00pm

Date for diary - Wednesday 10th October 8.30pm - Come and hear the fabulous Digitalis group!!!

The Guardian: "Plastic debris reaches Southern Ocean, previously thought to be pristine"


Link to web site

"The first traces of plastic debris have been found in what was thought to be the pristine environment of the Southern Ocean, according to a study released in London by the French scientific research vessel Tara.

"... The fatal impact of plastic pollutants on the marine environment has been widely observed, as birds and fish regularly consume waste products, which can be easily mistaken for jellyfish or other prey but cannot be degraded in the stomach. Plastics also slowly release toxins and other chemical substances that work their way up the marine food chain.

" 'It's too late to do much about what's already out there at this stage, as this stuff is going to hang around for thousands of years,' said Bowler. However, he says the best way to mitigate future pollution is to advocate the use of biodegradable technologies, while emphasising a shift in consumer practices."

Sustainable? Should we build High Speed Two?


Link to web site

"This new report, commissioned from Greengauge 21 by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, RSPB and the Campaign for Better Transport,* examines the impacts of HS2 on carbon emissions.

"The report highlights that the first phase of HS2 will lead to a modest reduction in carbon while adding substantial transport capacity. Greater carbon reduction can be achieved by sensible complementary policy measures and by making full use of the capacity that HS2 will release on the existing railway. In addition, the beneficial carbon effect is increased fourfold by the planned extension of HS2 further north.

"Government’s plans for high-speed rail can therefore help meet carbon emissions targets — if supported by a set of bold policy initiatives."

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Barnet Press: " 'Waste plant plan on course,' says North London Waste Authority chief


Link to web site

"NLWA chairman Clyde Loakes said on Monday: 
"The planning application for the site at Pinkham Way was put on hold, to allow the 'North London Waste Plan' process to run its course. 

This has now happened, and it is open for the authority to pursue an application for a waste management use at the site. 

A further announcement will be made in due course. We acknowledge the issues raised by the 'Pinkham Way Alliance', and will communicate directly with them on these and other matters."

The Guardian Diary, on Brian Coleman


"Brian Coleman, former chair of the London Assembly, former chair of the mayor's fire authority in London, and until recently one of the highest remunerated councillors in the country, has been less fortunate [than Andrew Mitchell].

"A contretemps last week with a long-time rival in Barnet, his north London fiefdom, saw Cllr Coleman arrested on suspicion of common assault. She had accused the man who led the parking restriction regime in the borough of himself parking illegally.

"Things got out of hand. There was a tussle for her cameraphone, it was said, and his car apparently hit a truck. His version may conflict. 'Law and Order' day at Tory conference should be interesting."



Link to web site
Barnet Times:
"Barnet Council could take action against Conservative Councillor Brian Coleman for ignoring tribunal order over rude emails"

"Disgraced senior Tory Brian Coleman has ignored tribunal orders telling him to apologise for sending rude emails to members of the public.

"Barnet Council is looking into the matter and has asked the tribunals service for advice on possible sanctions for the Totteridge representative.

"Former GLA member Councillor Coleman was given 28 days from August 8 to retract remarks made to father-of-three Ron Cohen and Doctor Charlotte Jago."



Link to web site

Evening Standard:
"Brian Coleman: I won’t say sorry for 'Blackshirt' slur"

"Tory firebrand Brian Coleman’s future was in 'uncharted territory' today after he defied orders to apologise for likening a constituent to a 'Blackshirt'.

"The veteran Barnet councillor was told to say sorry within a month of being found to have broken the local authority’s code of conduct. But as the deadline elapsed, he was defiant, saying he was not obliged to retract the jibe, written in an email to Dr Charlotte Jago."

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Journal goes digital-only as Ham & High Broadway launch is revealed



"The Hornsey Journal series is set to go digital-only later this month, with a new print edition of the Ham&High Broadway launched in the west of Haringey, the paper’s owners have announced.

"The Hornsey, Crouch End & Muswell Hill Journal and the Tottenham & Wood Green Journal will print their final editions on October 4. The Journal, originally established in print in 1879, will continue to provide its readers with the latest news via its websites only.

The Ham&High Broadway, a paid-for weekly newspaper in the Ham&High stable, will launch on October 11 as part of a relaunch of the Ham&High newspaper brand, and will cover Muswell Hill and Crouch End. The changes are part of a strategic review of the portfolio of newspapers owned by Archant London.

Its managing director Will Hattam said:
"London is an ever-changing city, with its series of ‘villages’ constantly redefining themselves. Our products need to evolve to reflect the needs of each area in which we publish, which means that we need constantly to review our circulation areas, formats and distribution."

The Ham&High series is to be relaunched with a new design, additional pagination, and with expanded free distribution of 3,000 copies via letterbox distribution in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

The redesign will focus on the layout of key sections including the front page and its arts and entertainments section, with more pages, a vibrant new look and exciting changes to content.

As a result of these changes, and others in Archant London, staff will work on different titles, and a single editorial role is at risk of redundancy.

Mr Hattam added:
"Our newspapers play a pivotal role in the community life of north London by providing a vibrant, effective and sustainable media. We are committed to continue to play this key role in producing both print and digital formats."

Monday, 24 September 2012

BBC: "Satellites trace sea level change"


Link to BBC web site

"A major reassessment of 18 years of satellite observations has provided a new, more detailed view of sea-level change around the world.

"Incorporating the data from a number of spacecraft, the study re-affirms that ocean waters globally are rising by just over 3mm/year.

"...Currently, the most significant contributions are identified as being the expansion of the world's oceans due to their absorbing more heat, and the melt water coming from eroded glaciers and ice sheets."

Alexandra Palace: "And Hello to Lookers-in, Everywhere!"


Link to set of photographs



Open House 2012 - BBC Studio (Alexandra Palace)

"After about one hour queuing, I managed to visit the old BBC studios in nearby Alexandra Palace (North London), where the first television broadcast was made in 1936. The old Victorian theatre, now closed, was also open to the public, but unfortunately, it didn't have time to visit it. Anyone has pictures?

"Hopefully, if ever the Alexandra Palace is restored as planned, then the theatre could be put back into use, which would be great."



"If you're interested, here are more details:
http://www.alexandrapalace.com/about-us/hidden-gems/bbc-studios/ "


[Reposted] Barnet Times: "Protestors call for rethink on Pinkham Way waste plant at North London Waste Authority meeting"


Link to Barnet Times

"Protestors fighting stuttering plans for a major waste plant on the Barnet and Enfield border are calling for a rethink from the project’s directors.

"... Next week’s meeting represents the first opportunity for interested parties to gauge the reaction of the NLWA to what many see as fatal setbacks to their current plans.


"Bidesh Sarkar, chairman of the Pinkham Way Alliance, fighting the proposals, believes the meeting will provide an opportunity to redesign the strategy:
"We want them to engage in some real consultation with the community and waste providers, to come up with a new, sensible, sustainable strategy for north London and beyond."


NORTH LONDON
WASTE AUTHORITY

TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2012
AT 10.00 AM
COMMITTEE ROOM 1, 
CAMDEN TOWN HALL,
JUDD STREET, WC1H 9JE

Public part of meeting

8. STRATEGY UPDATE

Report of the Director of Procurement.
The report provides an update on policy and strategy issues that are relevant to the Authority and its current procurement exercise.
Private part of meeting

15. SITES AND PLANNING

Report of the Director of Procurement.
This report brings members up to date on recent developments on planning matters related to the procurement.

16. PROCUREMENT UPDATE

Report of the Director of Procurement.
This report updates Members on the procurement of Waste Services and Fuel Use contracts.

Followed by tea and biscuits.
But not for the Plebs. 
Link to NLWA

Ham & High

Sunday, 23 September 2012

Independent on Sunday: "Lynne Featherstone: 'We are the whipping boys, even though we're the good guys'"


Link to web site

"Lynne Featherstone's constituency office in north London is above a pub called the Three Compasses, perhaps an apt description of the equipment needed by the Liberal Democrats to navigate the next two-and-a-half-years of coalition.

"... She is now the most experienced Lib Dem woman in the Government, yet was not promoted to the Cabinet earlier this month.

"When asked why she missed out, she says:
"I am always disappointed that there are no female Lib Dems in the Cabinet. The real roadblock to this is that the male Lib Dems around the Cabinet table are brilliant men doing brilliant jobs. If they were mediocre men, I'd get a contract out on them."

Saturday, 22 September 2012

Pinkham Way Alliance message



"Tickets are now available for another fantastic Dame Emma Kirkby fundraising recital on 7th October, but first... we've had reports that the North London Waste Authority have been conducting so-called research local to the Pinkham Way site."


1. North London Waste Authority telephone survey


"Residents local to Pinkham Way have been receiving research phone calls from an agency working for the North London Waste Authority (NLWA).

We’ve spoken to the NLWA, and they claim that this is standard - the sort of research they commission all the time. This is clearly disingenuous; it is no coincidence that it’s going on now, and so close to the site.

The NLWA are trying to suggest to us that our opinion matters, and remind us that they care about green issues.

As is often the case, set multi-choice questions are used to avoid answers that the research client doesn’t want to deal with. Or that won’t give them the results that fit their PR agenda.

However, it is probably better that we engage with the researchers than simply refuse. If not you, they’ll just speak to someone else - someone who may not be as aware of their client’s motives.

There may well be questions that don’t provide enough information or options to make a satisfactory response. In which case, decline their options, and ask the interviewer to take down your opinions word for word. Ask questions of your own.

Here are a few simple thoughts on the areas of debate that the NLWA survey doesn’t want to engage with. Please have a quick read in case they call you.
"



2. Emma Kirkby fundraiser on 7 October

"We once again have the privilege to confirm that Dame Emma Kirkby will be performing to raise campaign funds. A local resident and long-time opponent of the plans for Pinkham Way, her assistance is invaluable. But, that aside, let's not forget that it'll be a wonderful recital in an intimate venue - a genuine bargain at the price - and we urge you to book now, because her concert last year sold out.


As before, Emma Kirkby will be accompanied by world-class lutenist Jakob Lindberg.

The recital will be at 4pm on Sunday 7 October, at St Andrew's Church, Alexandra Park Road, N10 2DD. It's £15 for adults, and £10 for under-16s.

Find out more and book your tickets now."



"We'll be in touch again soon with a very important request that you take part in another quick Haringey consultation about the site.

If we needed any more proof that the NLWA are still hell bent on going ahead with this misguided waste plant, their current  telephone research is it. Please keep up with the news, and spread the word.


Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter, join the Facebook Group, and make a donation here."



Kind regards,
Bidesh Sarkar
Chair,Pinkham Way Alliance