Your Barkingside

Comments from Barkingside 21

2010-01-31T16:06:00.001Z

“I just think Barkingside has had it!” So says a well known and much loved Barkingside High Street trader who is currently closing down his store. We wish him well in whatever venture awaits him. Where am I going to buy my fat balls now?Barkingside Home Hardware, Barnes Carpets, and Tootsies the childrens shoe shop are all closing down. The pound shop that recently took over from Harmony has been closed for at least a week. The old Halifax is still vacant and the Estate Agents just along the road has been abandoned. The Chequers pub owners have given up and it is being run temporarily by the Brewery pending a new landlord. Clinton Cards have a massive sale – is that normal? Or are they on the way out too? The advertising hoardings attached to our lampposts have been blank for months. We do though have a new Asian jewellers.So, what better time to remind everybody that on Monday week, 1st February at 7pm in the Aldborough Room, Fullwell Cross Library, there will be consultation meeting on Barkingside Town Centre’s future.Chaired by B21 this meeting will have on the panel Keith Prince, Leader of the Council, Mark Lucas and Matthew Maple [Planning Officers] and representatives from the consultants who have conducted a feasibility study. See the flyer here. 4,000 being delivered this weekend in this area.Note: I nicked the post title from Flesh is Grass, but she used it for a much happier purpose.

Barkingside Home Hardware

2010-01-31T15:59:00.000Z

I returned from working away for a week yesterday to read in the Ilford Recorder that more local shops were having to cease trading including Barkingside Home Hardware. I was a regular customer at this shop and whilst not often a big spender, I enjoyed the polite, friendly and knowledgable service that I received and was always impressed by the wide and diverse range of goods stocked at very competitive prices. This morning (Sat 30th Jan) I’d hoped to pay one last visit to the store and wish the staff and owners well but was sad to see that I’d missed the opportunity to do so. I think its terrible that more is not being done to support local traders; especially those that have served this community well for many years if not decades. I have lived in this area most of my life (more than 40 years) and Barkingside is now in danger of suffering the same demise that the once flourishing Gants Hill did several years ago. Why is this being allowed to happen? At a time when much of my hard earned wages are being used to prop up failing banks that won’t even extend my overdraft facilities and rip me off at every opportunity, why isn’t more being done to help small businesses survive these harsh economic times? Yes I know the growth of the internet and superstores havn’t helped and I have used both and its easy to be seduced by them; but lately I have preferred to walk to local shops as much as possible. My car stays on the driveway so I am not burning expensive fuel which in turn is better for the environment. Also I can only purchase what I can carry so tend not to be encouraged by impulse buys which means I spend less! To the personnel of Barkingside Home Hardware; I wish you and your familes all well and hope that you can see better times. I thank you for your many years of service and will miss you. Dominic Malvern (Barkingside Resident)

A Vision for Barkingside

2009-11-15T10:52:00.000Z

Officers in the Council's Planning and Regeneration Service have been working with consultants to develop an Improvement Plan for Barkingside Town Centre. The consultants will soon be in a position to report on the issues arising through the consultation, and to produce a draft action plan. This will be reported to the Council's Cabinet for final agreement in the New Year.

However before then, the Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee will consider the consultation process, the issues arising and proposals at its next meeting. This Scrutiny Committee meeting provides an opportunity for local people to hear about what is being proposed, and to question the consultants and officers.

A display highlighting some of the issues and proposals will be available for viewing from 5.45pm.

Come and see the proposals for your town centre!

at the next meeting of the Council's Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee

Thursday 10 December from 6.30pm

Ilford County High School, Fremantle Rd, Barkingside

For more information on this meeting 020 8708 2554 or email.

Members of RedBAC launch the scheme

2009-09-11T13:48:00.002+01:00

Members of RedBAC launch the scheme
CRIME-busting radios equipping traders with the tools to stop troublemakers in their tracks have been rolled out.

The radios let shopkeepers communicate with fellow traders, on-duty police officers and the CCTV control centre in Ley Street, Ilford, at just the press of a button.

The introduction of the handsets last week in High Street, Barkingside, is an extension of the Redbridge Business Against Crime (RedBAC) scheme, which has been a roaring success in Ilford Town Centre.

RedBAC partnership coordinator Reg Woda said: "It's the piece of glue that brings them (the traders) all together for a common problem: to protect customers and staff."

Twelve High Street shopkeepers have already signed up to the scheme, which has been part-funded by area committee three.

The scheme also allows traders to share pictures, statistics and other reports allowing them to spot known criminals and work out times when their shops are most vulnerable.

Sgt Chris Chandler, of Fairlop Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "By joining RedBAC and the Town Link radio scheme, these businesses are making a significant contribution to making Barkingside an even safer place to shop.

2009-08-21T20:27:00.001+01:00

NOW THIS IS WHAT ALL COUNCILS MUST DO AND THE

GOVERNMENT.

Now this is really interesting and the most cheering news I've read

this year - someone prepared to fight back.

A maverick mayor elected after promising to slash council spending,

clear the streets of yobs and ditch politically correct services is the torchbearer for how towns should be run.

On his first morning as Mayor of Doncaster in South Yorkshire, Peter Davies cut his salary from £73,000 to £30,000 then closed the council's

newspaper for "peddling politics on the rates".

Now three weeks into his job, Mr Davies is pressing ahead with plans that he hopes will see the number of town councillors cut from 63 to

just 21, saving taxpayers £800,000. Mr Davies said: "If 100 senators

can run the United States of America, I can't see how 63 councillors are

needed to run Doncaster".

He has withdrawn Doncaster from the Local Government Association and

the Local Government Information Unit, saving another £200,000.
Mr Davies said, "They are just talking shops".

Next Doncaster is in for some serious un-twinning. He said, "We are twinned with probably nine other cities and twinning is just an excuse for people to fly off and have a binge at the ratepayers expense".
Also, the mayor's chauffeur-driven car has also been axed by Mr Davies and the driver given another job.

Mr Davies, born and bred in Doncaster, swept to power in the May

election with 24,244 votes as a candidate for the English Democrats,

a party that proposes tight immigration curbs, an English Parliament

and a law forcing every public building to fly the flag of St. George.

He has promised to end council funding for Doncaster's

International Women's Day, Black History Month and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month. He said, "Politicians have got

completely out of touch with what people want. We need to cut costs. I want to pass on some of savings I make in reduced taxes and use the rest for things we really need, like improved children's services".

Mr Davies has received messages from well wishers across the country

and abroad as news of his no-nonsense approach spreads.

Internet Explorer 8 - accelerate your Hotmail. Download Internet Explorer 8

Poundland buys 12 Woolworths stores

2009-04-23T10:50:00.001+01:00

Budget retail chain scoops a dozen former Woolworths sites along with more than 100 ex-employees as part of its expansion plans.

Poundland has secured 12 stores from Woolworth's store portfolio and taken on more than 100 of the failed high street chain's former employees.

The all-for-£1 retailer, which said it plans to become 'Britain's next Woolies' has aggressive expansion plans, aiming to open nearly 40 stores in the coming year and creating more than 1,000 new jobs.

Poundland revealed it experienced record sales last year as the recession draws new customers to its stores. The company's executive, Jim McCarthy said he is pleased that Poundland has filled the gap left by Woolworths and proud to have been able to employ 'so many ex-Woolworths staff'.

2009-03-09T09:58:00.000Z

Woolworths to close all stores by January 5 [UPDATED]

2008-12-18T11:01:00.000Z

Woolworths to close all stores by January 5 [UPDATED]

Staff informed of retailer’s decision to close doors for the final time in New Year after administrators fail to find a buyer.

Administrator Deloitte has confirmed that all 807 Woolworths stores will close by January 5.

The financial specialist has abandoned its attempts to find a buyer for the retail chain Woolworths or entertainment distribution arm EUK as a going concern.

Closures will commence on December 27 with 200 stores shutting their doors, followed by another 200 on December 30. This will continue on January 2 and 5.

A total of 27,000 full-time and temporary staff will lose their jobs across the stores.

Branch managers received the news by email. They were informed not to speak to the press and the branch diyweek.net contacted had been given very little information about its future.

The distribution centres supporting the stores, which employ around 500 staff are likely to close before the end of December.

It has been confirmed that 300 of the stores are still 'under offer', with bids from a number of food, clothing and discount retailers. Deloitte revealed that there is also 'considerable interest' in the other 500 stores.

All employees will be paid until the end of December and the administrators have said that 'staff will be retained for a period following the store closures'.

Deloitte added: "The administrators are working closely with the Redundancy Payments Office and Job Centre Plus to provide support for all staff, which will include a fast track process for paying redundancy entitlements."

Neville Kahn, joint administrator at Deloitte said: “Whilst negotiations for the sale of Woolworths’ retail arm remain ongoing, and we continue to speak to new interested parties, regrettably we have had to begin a store closure programme. We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult time.

“We are confident that we will sell the leases of the 300 stores currently under offer and are hopeful that our ongoing discussions with other parties will also prove successful.”

Meanwhile the closing down sale continues across the stores, with discounts of 20%-60%. 50 million new stock items will be received into stores this week where further discounts will be applied in due course.

Woolworths to close all stores by January 5 [UPDATED]

2008-12-18T10:58:00.000Z

Woolworths to close all stores by January 5 [UPDATED]

Staff informed of retailer’s decision to close doors for the final time in New Year after administrators fail to find a buyer.

Administrator Deloitte has confirmed that all 807 Woolworths stores will close by January 5.

The financial specialist has abandoned its attempts to find a buyer for the retail chain Woolworths or entertainment distribution arm EUK as a going concern.

Closures will commence on December 27 with 200 stores shutting their doors, followed by another 200 on December 30. This will continue on January 2 and 5.

A total of 27,000 full-time and temporary staff will lose their jobs across the stores.

Branch managers received the news by email. They were informed not to speak to the press and the branch diyweek.net contacted had been given very little information about its future.

The distribution centres supporting the stores, which employ around 500 staff are likely to close before the end of December.

It has been confirmed that 300 of the stores are still 'under offer', with bids from a number of food, clothing and discount retailers. Deloitte revealed that there is also 'considerable interest' in the other 500 stores.

All employees will be paid until the end of December and the administrators have said that 'staff will be retained for a period following the store closures'.

Deloitte added: "The administrators are working closely with the Redundancy Payments Office and Job Centre Plus to provide support for all staff, which will include a fast track process for paying redundancy entitlements."

Neville Kahn, joint administrator at Deloitte said: “Whilst negotiations for the sale of Woolworths’ retail arm remain ongoing, and we continue to speak to new interested parties, regrettably we have had to begin a store closure programme. We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult time.

“We are confident that we will sell the leases of the 300 stores currently under offer and are hopeful that our ongoing discussions with other parties will also prove successful.”

Meanwhile the closing down sale continues across the stores, with discounts of 20%-60%. 50 million new stock items will be received into stores this week where further discounts will be applied in due course.

FW: Vote for Redbridge's Parks

2008-12-17T15:28:00.001Z


Vote for Redbridge's Parks
Help win £400,000 each for Fairlop Waters and Goodmayes Park. Grants will be awarded to the London parks that recieve the most public votes. Go to www.london.gov.uk/parksvote and vote for our parks.
The Mayor of London has short-listed these as Priority Parks. Grants will be awarded to parks that recieve the most public votes. Redbridge has fantastic parks and open spaces for relaxation, sport, nature, children's play and organised activities.
Help swing the vote for Redbridge's Parks
The bid money would be used at Fairlop Waters to: develop the venue into a state of the art attraction offering a mix of sports and leisure activities, including sailing and climbing improve footpaths and cycle ways create artist-designed gateways protect its amazing wildlife.
A popular vote for Goodmayes Park could: make a cleaner, more welcoming natural space develop new flower beds improve entrances and information for all provide an outdoor gym

Go to www.london.gov.uk/parksvote and vote! In addition to voting online you can also vote by text message: Text PARKS followed by your full POSTCODE to 62967* *Texts cost 10p plus your standard network rate
You have been sent this email as part of a London Borough of Redbridge distribution list. If you no longer wish to recieve emails from this source then please click here.

2008-12-15T09:46:00.001Z

Some of you may be aware that Fullwell SNT has been doing a lot of work relating to bogus callers.

One particular area of concern was raised by Tracey at the last Ward Panel meeting and relates to a male calling door-to-door claiming to be a Fireman and selling raffle tickets in aid of a daughter suffering from leukaemia. Both these claims are false. This has also been featured in the Ilford Recorder.

As the direct result of our work the same suspect has been arrested twice for these offences, and he has now been charged with several matters. He was taken to court in custody but subsequently granted bail. As this matter is subject to current court proceedings I am limited to what I can say at this stage, but I am certain you will be hearing a great deal more about this in the New Year.

We have since received similar reports of a male calling at doors in the Fullwell area selling raffle tickets for a daughter with leukaemia. Whilst the most recent reports do not feature the Fireman aspect they are strikingly similar in method to the previous offences. At this stage we are unable to identify the caller as being one in the same with the person on bail, otherwise he would already be arrested. If it is however, and we are able to apprehend him committing further offences, we would not only have the further offences, but also a possible breach of conditional bail to take back before the court.

The male from the most recent incidents is described as a white male, aged 35-40, 5 ft 6 inches tall, with short dark brown hair, scruffy appearance. The tickets offered for sale are standard cloakroom tickets. The common theme is the claim to be collecting on behalf of a daughter suffering with leukaemia.

Please circulate this information as widely as possible and inform your members that if the suspect is still there or nearby a 999 call is justified. Officers responding should be aware of the situation, but it would also be helpful if the caller could mention the SN interest and the Recorder article to assist the call centre staff. If anyone has further information, or reports of a more historical nature, please call the team on 020 8721 2570 as normal.

NWW members responding to the work of the SN Team and others have already secured significant success in this area, and we are grateful for your continued help.

Chris Chandler PS 18JI

Fullwell SNT

FW: Bogus Caller and Raffle Tickets

2008-12-15T09:34:00.001Z

Dear Panel Members/NHW Coordinators,

Some of you may be aware that Fullwell SNT has been doing a lot of work relating to bogus callers.

NWW members responding to the work of the SN Team and others have already secured significant success in this area, and we are grateful for your continued help.

Chris Chandler PS 18JI
Fullwell SNT

**********************************************************************
It is the policy of the MPS that:

MPS personnel (or agents working on behalf of the MPS) must not use
MPS systems to author, transmit or store documents such as electronic mail (e-mail) messages or attachments:

* containing racist, homophobic,sexist, defamatory, offensive, illegal or
otherwise inappropriate material;

* containing material requiring a protective marking higher than
RESTRICTED, (and not higher than NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED across
the internet) without the use of approved encryption;

* containing personal data for use other than in accordance with
the notification(s) under the Data Protection Act, 1998 of the
system(s) from which the data originates.

* This Email message has been scanned for viruses and contents.

**********************************************************************

2008-11-17T10:01:00.001Z

Last credit insurer pulls out of Woolworths

2008-10-09T10:47:00.002+01:00

High street chain’s woes deepen as Corface withdraws cover for suppliers amid concerns for retailer’s financial health.

French insurer Corface has now withdrawn its cover to Woolworth's suppliers. The news follows that of Euler Hermes and Atradius, which had already taken similar steps.

There are fears over the future of the business with no big credit insurers now covering suppliers of the retailer, which will no doubt result in disruptions to the supply chain.

It is common practise for businesses, such as Woolworths, to pay for goods as much as 90 days after receiving them, meaning wholesalers are often inclined to take out insurance to cover them if the company struggles to foot the bill.

With wholesalers unable to take out insurance with Woolworths, they may start to insist on quicker payment or even cease supply altogether, having a knock-on effect on the retailer's cash flows.

However, a spokesman for the company said that Woolworths, "is comfortable with the financial and cash position of the group".

He added: "A substantial proportion of Woolworth's Retail suppliers have traditionally operated without credit insurance and we are confident that we will be able to ensure a successful Christmas for all our suppliers and customers."

Corface has also withdrawn its cover to suppliers of sports retailer JJB.

Your Barkingside

2008-08-01T08:49:00.001+01:00

Buy Tickets Here...

2008-07-18T17:26:00.000+01:00

NHW info on scam

2008-07-16T11:10:00.001+01:00

Below is a scam reported to be operating in the west of the Borough. So far we have had no similar reports, but it could come this way. To date there have only been two victims but both are elderly, so whilst not prevalent it is of considerable concern.

This is how it works:

A female phones the victim claiming to be from the bank and states there is a problem with the victims bank card and that the card needs to be collected.

A male attends the address purporting to be from a cab company to collect and deliver the card to the bank.

One victim handed over the card and has had over £1000 taken from their account.

The second victim refused to hand over the card when the "taxi" arrived .

On the occasion the card was handed over the female rang back and asked for the validation code on the rear of the card.

Any information on this to us please on 020 8721 2570, unless a suspect is present or nearby in which case it easily justifies 999.

Chris Chandler PS 18JI

2008-06-20T10:34:00.003+01:00

London Low Emission Zone

2008-06-20T09:43:00.001+01:00

This scheme commenced on 4 February but from 7 July 2008, it will be extended to include additional vehicles. The whole of the Greater London area has been designated a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards are required to pay a £200 daily charge to drive within the zone or risk a £1000 Penalty Notice Charge.

The current LEZ applies to all diesel engined lorries over 12 tonnes but in future the LEZ will apply:

From 7 July 2008 to all diesel engined lorries between 3.5 and 12 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes with more than 9 seats;

From 4 October 2010 to all diesel engined vans over 1.205 tonnes and minibuses under 5 tonnes with more than 9 seats.

For further information, Transport for London (TfL) has set up a dedicated enquiries service (0845 607 0009) to help vehicle owners and operators understand what the LEZ means for them and what they have to do to comply with the scheme. TfL’s website www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon also provides detailed information about the LEZ.

Retail Scene

2008-06-20T09:41:00.001+01:00

Boots and Majestic Wine have both reported strong sales and pre-tax profits but there has been some disturbing news from both Land of Leather and ScS Upholstery as they seek rights issues to bail them out of trouble. ScS is valued at just £3.5m compared with £190m two years ago. These two companies reflect the torrid time that furniture retailers are currently experiencing as consumers defer from making big ticket purchases.

BRC reported that like-for-like sales for May were up 1.9% on last year. This made welcome reading after two consecutive months where sales had declined on the same period in 2007. London reported strong growth up 8.2%, with Europeans capitalising on the strong euro, whilst US and Japanese visitors are still feeling the exchange pinch.

Economic Scene

2008-06-20T09:40:00.001+01:00

The CBI has just thrown a bucket of cold water over the UK economy in its latest report. It predicts 2009 will see growth of about 1.3%, the slowest since the 1992 recession, with unemployment rising to about 1.8m, a rise of 150,000.

House prices have fallen on average about £15,000 this year and many builders are now mothballing sites rather than starting work. Much hinges on the price of oil which having reached nearly $140 a barrel earlier this month is trading at $133 today. How much the price is being driven by hedge fund speculation is impossible to know. It is possible that a slowing economy could drive the price down but it is not a given.

The Bank Governor has had to write a letter to the Chancellor as CPI reached 3.3% in May - above the 3% ‘trigger’ for only the second time since 1997. Containing inflationary pressures, the primary aim of the Bank of England, is unlikely to preclude the possibility of rising interest rates in the months ahead, although the Chancellor may prefer to receive regular letters from Mervyn King rather than see consumers (voters!) suffer even more than the market effects of inflation reaching above 4% by the year end.

Crime Information Update

2008-06-13T11:24:00.001+01:00

Dear all,

Just a brief note with some information that should be of concern to the members of your various groups.

Across the borough (but fortunately not Fullwell Ward) we have seen several recent distraction burglaries. The caller has been posing as a water board official to gain entry.

Also we have had an isolated incident of another old favourite, an Asian male 5’6” 30yrs, called at an address in Ewellhurst Rd claiming to be a neighbour asking to borrow money for petrol. Needless to say he was neither a neighbour, nor likely to ever repay the loan. On this occasion the resident did the right thing.

Please pass on especially to your elderly and vulnerable residents. Obviously please reoprt any further instances to Police, 999 if the suspect is still there or nearby.

Chris Chandler PS 18JI
Fullwell SNT

FW: Business and the Redbridge Conversation

2008-06-09T14:18:00.001+01:00

Redbridge Council has just launched the Redbridge Conversation. The Council is asking everyone who lives, works or invests in the Borough to talk about the long-term improvements they want to see, and how the Council should pay for them.

There are a number of options discussed in the Redbridge Conversation that could affect your business. They include:

sale of car parks and increased parking charges
improving community safety with street lighting and CCTV
expanding recycling schemes
regeneration of Ilford town centre

Businesses are being invited to take part in discussions and events across the Borough. You can take the 'You Choose' challenge online and tell the Council how it should invest in the Borough's future www.redbridge.gov.uk/conversation.

Please forward this message to people in your business network who might be interested in having a say. If you would like to host a Redbridge Conversation debate within your business network, the Council can provide resources to make sure people taking part are properly informed.

The results of the Redbridge Conversation will be sent to Councillors, who will be taking decisions that will shape the Borough's long-term future. You can find out about all the Council's investment and funding options on Redbridge i, the Council's website www.redbridge.gov.uk.

To find out more about the Redbridge Conversation, contact Eddie Gibb, Head of Marketing and Communications, on 020 8708 3763 or eddie.gibb@redbridge.gov.uk

FW: BARNARDOS TICKET LINK NOW LIVE

2008-06-07T17:27:00.003+01:00

TICKETS ON SALE HERE NOW FOR ALL FANS

http://www.ledzeppelintribute.co.uk/ Led Zep Too website

http://www.rainbowbridgemusic.com/2.html Rainbow Bridge website

http://www.myspace.com/tinsoldiercoversband TinSoldier website

http://www.heaters.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/default.htm The Heaters Website

2008-06-02T08:19:00.002+01:00

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Barkingside High Street - Danny’s pie and mash

Slicks Barbers

Chadz Menswear

With love Florist.

Romford South Street - Professional Music Technology

Billericay - The New Crawdaddy Blues Club

Together with Barnardo’s charity we are putting on this great music event for 5,000 people on 24^th August at the Barkingside Recreation Ground

We have a fantastic line up of music headlining with

The Stars from the Commitments from the classic 1991 film about the formation of the "World's Hardest Working Band”

Adults are £10 a ticket or £20 for family ticket of two adults and two children, so come and enjoy the music and other attractions we will have in the park that day,

Also staring in our line up are

Led Zep Too, one of the best Led Zeppelin tribute bands around who are rather proud of the fact that Ex Choir boy / drummer aled jones said “ I will never play with you guys again”

The Heaters are a fantastic four piece blues outfit who play at festivals all over the UK and also run and are the resident band at The New Crawdaddy Blues Club in Billericay Essex.

Rainbow Bridge are very talented and draw their feel from such bands as The Who The Jam and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Tin Soldier are a great rock covers band who focus on many of the classic rock tunes that are overlooked by most and therefore leave people hearing something a little bit different.

Lauren Derwent is a singer songwriter from Hertfordshire who is a gifted musician and singer songwriter, who sang with the National Youth Orchestra for 5 years touring the uk and Florida.

Bryan Perez became a guitar child prodigy at the age of 7 writing his own music and performing on Television and concerts worldwide, Bryans style is influenced by rock flamenco and dance with a universal appeal

Also featuring throughout the day will be DJ / compare Mark Dover Time FM’s very own breakfast Dj.

We have also lined up some great entertainment around the venue, see you there…..

Political Scene

2008-04-22T11:15:00.000+01:00

David Cameron has promised that a Conservative government will do more to help small shops. This is an early release prior to the work of the Conservative Enterprise Commission on small shops and high street regeneration that will release its report in May. The CEO of bssa has been a member of the Commission and is very hopeful that the recommendations, if they become policy in the party manifesto, will make a significant difference to the long term welfare of the high street and independent retailers generally. We would hope to publish a full report in June.

Record quarter for profit warnings

2008-04-21T16:37:00.002+01:00

Research released by Ernst & Young revealed that UK plc saw no respite in the first quarter of 2008 as profit warnings reached 114; the highest first quarter figure since 2001 and up 11% from Q1 2007.

Profit warnings remained above the 100 mark for the second quarter in a row.

The highest warning sectors were general retailers with 18, equalling their record peak of Q1 2007, support services with 14, software and computer services with 13 and media and general financial with eight.

The 12 months to the end of March 2007 saw 26% of the sector issuing a warning. By comparison, 42% of FTSE general retailers had issued a warning to the year to date ending March 2008.

BIG pressure on chains

2008-04-21T16:37:00.001+01:00

An independent retailers’ pressure group in Bath is up in arms over the number of chain stores entering the city – and has set out a list of demands to allow small stores to flourish.

The Bath Independent Group (BIG), under the leadership of local toyshop owner and former mayor of Bath Eric Snooks, presented findings to local authority officials which showed shoppers want cheaper parking, a greater range of shops and more public conveniences.

BIG has the support of John Dean, chief executive of the British Shops and Stores Association (bssa), who said the campaign highlighted a nationwide issue.

BIG represents more than 120 shops around the city.

April 19: Retail space hits a low

2008-04-21T16:34:00.000+01:00

Demand for retail space on the UK's high streets and shopping centres has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has found.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) warns that the first quarter saw a fall in demand for commercial property at its fastest pace in more than six years.

Rics blamed fears of credit turmoil and a slowing housing market.

FW: High street gloom

2008-04-15T20:25:00.001+01:00

High street gloom

Figures from the Retail Traffic Index (RTI) by analysts SPSL show that monthly footfall numbers (people actually entering shops) in the UK were down by 3.2% year-on-year and up by only 0.8% on February's figures.

Try Messenger on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 Now.

FW: [Your Barkingside] Somerfield in takeover talks with Co-op

2008-04-15T20:24:00.003+01:00

Somerfield has held exclusive talks with Co-op about a deal to purchase Britain's fifth largest grocery chain.

Press reports have said that Co-op has put in a revised bid – it's first was £1.7bn – for Somerfield, which has allowed talks to resume, and conduct due diligence on Somerfield's accounts.

--
Posted By Barkingside Business Partnership to Your Barkingside at 4/14/2008 12:51:00 PM

News, Sports, Entertainment and Weather on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 Now.

Somerfield in takeover talks with Co-op

2008-04-14T12:51:00.000+01:00

Somerfield has held exclusive talks with Co-op about a deal to purchase Britain's fifth largest grocery chain.

Press reports have said that Co-op has put in a revised bid – it's first was £1.7bn – for Somerfield, which has allowed talks to resume, and conduct due diligence on Somerfield's accounts.

2008-03-12T21:11:00.001Z

Barkingside

Business Partnership

Partnership Meeting

Tuesday 18^th March 2008 5.30 p.m.

At Danny's Pie and Mash, High Road, Barkingside

AGENDA

1 Apologies for Absence

2 Chairman's Opening Remarks

3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 19^th January '08 and Matters Arising

4 Martin Nevill to update on Carnival

5 Sgt Chandler update on crime in Barkingside

To include the following:

CCTV when will it be operational, will this push problems into the alleyways and side streets?
Police sirens in the High Street t.
Stabbings in the High Sreet.
Burglaries in the High Street.

6 The Way Forward

7 Any other business

8                   Dates of Future Meetings - TBC

-     Tuesday 20^th May
-     Tuesday 15^th July
-     Tuesday 2^nd September (AGM)
-     Tuesday 11^th November

Contact: Barkingside Business Partnership (yourbarkingside@googlemail.com)

She said what? About who? Shameful celebrity quotes on Search Star!

2008-03-12T21:10:00.001Z

Dear Fellow Traders and Partnership Members

How has business been so far this year? If you are having a good start to the year then you are in the minority and good luck to you? It seems the Majority of businesses in the High Street are having a very quiet time and we can all see the increase of shops becoming empty. This is not good for the future of Barkingside, so we should all start reflecting on our businesses and what future we have in Barkingside.

Why did you start your own business? Well surely the first criteria is to make money, have a comfortable living and get all the good things out of life, by crossing the threshold of working for someone and being your own boss. We all deserve a pat on the back for taking this brave move in the hope of living a good life. Running your own business is not a walk in the park and unfortunately choosing Barkingside may have been a wrong move for some of us.

Why?

Because Barkingside has been dying for years and the partnership was formed to try and stop the rot, it maybe to late for some businesses but change is beginning to happen and this has taken a lot of hard work, from a group of five committee members of the partnership, who have put a hell of a lot of work in building up the partnership and dealing with the council etc. This has all been done in our own time and although we still have our businesses to worry about, we do this work because we have the passion to save Barkingside.

The council has been listening to us because we have heckled and pressurised them. They have been forced to sit up and listen but this is not going to continue unless we all become more united and fight for our businesses together, as they are beginning to see by the poor attendance at our meetings that no one really cares.

What have we achieved so Far?

1. They have started putting up the CCTV cameras which should be operational by the end of the month, this would not have happened without the Partnership. 2. We have new lamp posts and benches being installed in April again under partnership pressure. 3. There is to be an extensive regeneration project consultation in which we will play a major part. 4. There is now a very strong possibility that a Major retail store is coming to the High Street which through our discussions with our MP, if this happens, will vastly improve our High Street. 5. We have a new cleaning machine to keep the streets tidy 6. We had a fantastic switch on for the 2007 Christmas lights event which was attended by over 1000 people (this has never happened before). Through this we have increased the profile of the High Street via the BBC and local Radio.

A lot more can be achieved in the future but we must all come together to make this happen. If we don't then this will be the end of the road for the partnership.

The next Partnership meeting will be held on Tuesday 18^th March at 5.30pm at the Pie and Mash Shop. We need more businesses to attend this meeting and show support. Some of the businesses who have supported and been at the forefront of getting things changed are now questioning other businesses commitment to saving our businesses and High Street.

So please spare a couple of hours of your time on the 18^th to share your views and show you care what happens to your business in Barkingside.

I would also like to thank the businesses who have attended every meeting.

Paul Burke

She said what? About who? Shameful celebrity quotes on Search Star!

FW: UPDATE

2008-03-06T19:58:00.001Z

From: burkespienmash@hotmail.co.uk
To: scottle@parliament.uk
Subject: RE: UPDATE
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 19:46:53 +0000

Dear Lee
Could you update us on your meeting this week and I have cc you in my email to Cllr Prince
regards

Paul Burke
Chairman
Barkingside Business Partnership

Subject: UPDATE
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:01:12 +0000
From: SCOTTLE@parliament.uk
To: burkespienmash@hotmail.co.uk
CC: yourbarkingside@googlemail.com; Cllr.Prince@xch.redbridge.gov.uk

Dear All just a update to say that businesses I have been speaking too are coming to meet with me next week I will update you of progress but it is a promising if they are coming to see me Warmest Regards Lee

Everything in one place. All new Windows Live!

Everything in one place. All new Windows Live!

arranging a meeting

2008-03-06T19:44:00.001Z

Dear Keith

Hope you are well

Could we please arrange a meeting with you and Lee Scott on a Friday at your earliest convenience to discuss the issuses below.
In the meantime could I please have the case number or reference for the enforcement notices served on Elite and Rowans so we can raise them with the planning inspectorate and keep an eye on there progress
Many thanks

Paul Burke
Chairman
Barkingside Business Partnership

________________________________

From: Cllr.Prince@redbridge.gov.uk
To: burkespienmash@hotmail.co.uk
CC: scottle@parliament.uk; Beverley.Stratton@xch.redbridge.gov.uk
Subject: RE:
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:58:33 +0000

Dear Paul

Beverley and I have sat down together and discussed the best way forward regarding the issues you raised many of which will take some time to get answers or action on.

I have approach the relevant Cabinet Member regarding The Carnival and use of Craven Car Park. He is considering both proposals.

I am awaiting a response re Health and Safety checks

With regard to Food Safety the premises were inspected and they were found to be satisfactory.

Re the pool Plaza I have spoken to the Chief Officer and he has no problem with the Partnership using it but the Plaza is not suitable for heavy plant or equipment nor cars etc. He will expect a deposit if activities are planned which involve heavy equipment because there is a risk that the participants might unload their vehicles on the plaza and thus damage it.

Beverly and I have discussed this and we feel the way forward may be to look at events such as performing arts and street acts which would pose no risk to the plaza.

Beverley will pursue the issue of Seating and Hanging baskets, and update you re CCTV

She will also, as she was involved with the Hainault Business Partnership BID, arrange a briefing session with you re this.

I think if you can give us a couple more weeks we can arrange another meeting with perhaps yourselves Lee,Beverley and me then we should have more answers and suggestions on the way forward and at that meeting maybe Bev can do the BID brief.

Hope all is well otherwise.

Kind regards

Keith
Councillor Keith Prince
Barkingside Ward
Cabinet Member
Planning, Regeneration & The Environment

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Burke [mailto:burkespienmash@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: 14 February 2008 9:44 am
To: Keith.Prince@redbridge.gov.uk
Cc: SCOTTLE@parliament.uk
Subject:

Dear Keith
Could you please update the Partnership on our meeting with yourself and Lee Scott on Friday 1st February.
Regards
Paul Burke
Chairman
Barkingside Business Partnership

________________________________

She said what? About who? Shameful celebrity quotes on Search Star!

LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE DISCLAIMER

This e-mail contains proprietary confidential information some or all of which may be legally privileged and/or subject to the provisions of privacy legislation. It is intended solely for the addressee.

If you are not the intended recipient, an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this e-mail; you must not use, disclose, copy, print or disseminate the information contained within this e-mail.

Please notify the author immediately by replying to this e-mail. Any views expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifically states these to be the views of the London Borough of Redbridge.

This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses and all reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure that no viruses are present.

The London Borough of Redbridge cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments.

_________________________________________________________________
Telly addicts unite!
http://www.searchgamesbox.com/tvtown.shtml

Barkingside_Minutes_-_29th_January_'081

2008-02-16T08:51:00.004Z

Barkingside Business Partnership

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 29^th January in Danny’s Pie & Mash, High Road, Barkingside

Attendees
Cllr. Ted Griffin LBR Cllr. Brian Waite LBR Cllr. Harry Moth LBR Martin Nevill Pizza Hut John Loizou McDonald’s Jan Wylde Barclays Paul Burke Danny’s Pie & Mash A Nagpal Pound Plus World Christina Tomlinson Specsavers Tony Binder Army & Navy L Macatonia Outlet Barry Yosis Bagels Daniel Kaye Home Hardware Surinder Abshar Reg Woda LBR – Partnership Support

1. Apologies for Absence
Cllr. A Candy; Cllr. N Hayes

2. Chairman’s Opening Remarks
The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting and indicated that there was a series of matters worth debating. He hoped members would support the Partnership’s vision for the High Road in 2008.

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Minutes accepted as a true record of the last meeting held on 26^th October 2007.

4. Matters Arising
· Members congratulated the team for the organisation of the switch on event. Comments received had been most favourable; press coverage also provided an excellent report that promoted the area. It was, all agreed, a most successful event and would provide the basis for planning in 2008. · Christmas lights were accepted as a reasonable scheme and despite the odd bulb not working during the period, gave the High Road a Christmas feel. · The meeting discussed the procedure for delivering the Christmas lights programme across the borough and the method of funding the process. · Members urged the local authority to identify a corporate budget with contributions from local businesses as part of the process. This would be followed at meetings planned for February 2008 and would be reported on at the next partnership meeting. · A plan for new lamp posts and street furniture was being installed by TFL and would be implemented in April. Members heard that details were available and would be updated in the near future. · Current works on footpaths were causing some inconvenience to traders and shoppers but hopefully the overall effect of new upgrading to street lighting and footpaths would refresh the street scene. · The question of car parking was again raised and members identified that as the Craven Gardens Car Park was under used, would a reduced fee rate be considered to encourage a better uptake? · Members were urged to conduct a survey for a month to produce evidence of low car usage that would support a petition for a review of car park charges. · The meeting was also critical of non enforcement of illegal parking and abuse of disabled parking provision and recommended that the police take a more active role in enforcing the law. · Details of the excellent performance of the MPS in Redbridge indicated lower levels of crime in 2007 and in some areas of crime perpetrated the Borough was the best achiever in the London area.

5. Finance Report
· The meeting was informed that the Partnership’s finances were in good order, after expenses for the Christmas period were covered. · A payment of £1000 was due to be paid as the Partnership’s contribution towards the Christmas Lights Scheme. · After which the balance in hand would be £1607, which included a pledge of £500 still to be collected. · The Treasurer emphasised that an annual fee of membership would be set at £50 and higher contributions from national corporate bodies would be sought. · In view of the excellent work done over Christmas along with the news letter, the web site, new members should be able to recognise the value of membership for 2008 and be encouraged to join the Partnership. · Funding of Christmas Lights reported earlier. Hanging baskets would be reinstated this year, depending upon cost, in time for the summer season (May). · At this point the meeting discussed best practices in communication within the Council and how to maintain a valued dialogue with key decision makers. · Business partnerships were the direct responsibility of the Planning and Regeneration Service. The Chief Officer is Mark Dorfman and Head of Regeneration is Mark Lucas. Cabinet Portfolio holder for Planning and Regeneration is Cllr Keith Prince. Beverley Stratton, Project Manager, and Reg Woda were the reference points to facilitate meeting to meeting feed back etc. · The Partnership was urged to use these contacts as their first port of call in all instances.

6. Events and Activities
· The meeting was informed that a range of activities was being considered for this year. · Difficulties concerning the areas in front of the Library and Swimming Pool need to be resolved. · This would be followed up and reported to the Partnership in the near future. · All agreed that this area provided the best community space and needed to be in use as quickly as possible. · Street markets although not a success in the Craven Gardens Car Park would do better elsewhere. This would be looked into and reported back to the Partnership. · Consideration for a summer carnival would be researched and a small working party set up. · An invitation to Alison Selby, an officer in the Leisure Services Unit, would be extended to help plan an event in Barkingside for the summer.

7. Any Other Business
· Members of the Partnership were asked to consider a morning meeting for the future. · Evidence from other business partnerships indicated that business people were more prepared to attend meetings during business hours and not at the end of a working day. · Meeting closed at 7.00pm.

8. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 18^th March – Danny’s Pie and Mash, High Road, Barkingside at 5.30pm.

Summer Carnival in Barkingside

2008-02-13T10:11:00.001Z

Hi All

We are looking at having a Summer Carnival this year and we hope to get every ones ideas and everyone (who wants to be) involved...

Speaking to people in the High Street this last two weeks after our Partnership meeting it seems that there are some great ideas that we can really implement this Summer and put Barkingside on the Map in a Major way, and really upstage our Christmas event.

So we are not looking for money we are looking at ideas and some support in making this event happen, so if anyone has any ideas that can help us bring this event to life then please contact Martin on martin.nevill@sky.com and we will get you involved as much or as little as you would like.

Remember this is our High Street, let us not wait for consumers to come to us let us drag them in by making them want to come.

We are looking at the back end of Summer, on a Sunday afternoon. We are looking to close the High Street from Baron Gardens traffic lights to the traffic lights at the Police Station to culminate in the park.

This is in the preliminary stages at the moment but things are moving fast lets roll with it and make it happen

regards

BBP

Sounds like? How many syllables? Guess and win prizes with Search Charades!

FW: Woolworths

2008-02-06T22:23:00.001Z

Woolworths is the latest retailer announcing poorer than hoped for Christmas sales in a mixed market. They will be closing their York store this week, reportedly saying High Street rates were to blame.

It’s about time the government woke up and realized that the multiple stores that sell everything a high street sells will destroy the small business for ever. With ever increasing rates and rents and harder parking the high street days are numbered.

Its time the Government woke up.

SO WAKE UP!

Supplementary Business Rates

2008-02-05T10:53:00.001Z

Supplementary Business Rates

The Government issued a White Paper recommending that local authorities be given a new power to increase the business rate by up to 2p in the pound to finance investment in local infrastructure and other economic development activities. The impact of a levy of this size nationally could increase the sector’s liability by as much as £130m per annum. The retail sector already contributes £4.5bn per annum to Government in business rates or 25% of all rates receipts, which is more than any other sector and already a considerable financial burden.

The BRC opposes supplementary business rates since property occupation is no indication of the benefits to be derived from such investments. We are not satisfied that the safeguards for businesses set out in the White Paper will prevent extensive abuse by local authorities.

We will continue to work with other business representative groups to campaign against the introduction of this inequitable tax

Economic Scene

2008-01-19T13:05:00.000Z

The economic forecast for the UK in 2008 does not make pleasant reading. The effect of the sub prime lending crisis remains with banks continuing to be nervous over lending. The Northern Rock debacle remains unresolved and with time running out it looks increasingly like the Bank will be nationalised. Sterling’s value is dropping through the floor against the Euro, 76p at time of writing, and also weakening against the dollar. The likelihood of further rate cuts in the UK during the year will do nothing to arrest this trend. After a quarter percent cut in December, the Bank of England decided to leave rates on hold at 5.5% in January but a further cut in February is virtually a given, despite inflation risks from higher energy prices. Forecasters predict a rate of between 4% and 4.5% by the end of 2008. This will be necessary to kick start the housing sector and inject a degree of consumer confidence back into the high street. The government will be determined to avoid a recession at all costs.

Many independent businesses will be awaiting the Chancellor’s decision on the treatment of capital gains tax following the ill thought through announcement in the Pre-Budget statement late last year. Time is now running out as April approaches and the Chancellor must announce his review finding shortly. With both Northern Rock and CGT on his mind, Alistair Darling cannot be sleeping too easily right now!

Retail Scene

2008-01-19T13:04:00.000Z

The economic downturn was, not surprisingly, reflected in retail sales over the Christmas period. There was a huge contrast in the performance of the two high street bellwethers – John Lewis and M&S. John Lewis saw like-for-like department store performance up 6.2% with Waitrose up 4.1%. This compared with M&S reporting a like-for-like fall of 2.2% resulting in a fifth of its value being wiped of its share price. Tesco reported sales up 3.1%, below City expectations but a solid performance with international sales up over 26% and on-line sales increasing by 24%. Yet overall, BRC sales monitor reported a disappointing like-for-like rise of only 0.3% compared with recent years performance up 2.6% for the period. It is inevitable that retail sales will very much mirror the economy in 2008 with pundits not forecasting a dawn until early 2009. The economy and retail are in for a rough ride in 2008.

2008-01-16T21:37:00.001Z

Letter To Lee Scott

C/O

100 High Street Barkingside,

Ilford,

Essex. IG6 2DR

Wednesday 16^th January 2008

Dear Lee Scott

Could you please advise the Partnership on the following information regarding Barkingside High Street:

Transport for London has provided funding for the traffic management measures and CCTV in the current financial year which Area 3 Committee has approved. The allocation also allows for the implementation of the build-outs if approved. New lamp columns and improved street furniture will be implemented during 2008/9. There may be further opportunities for public realm improvements as part of future regeneration proposals which could be included in bids for external funding.

Can the Barkingside Business Partnership also be involved in the decisions to be made on the type of new lamp columns and improved street furniture and future regeneration proposals?

Regards

Paul Burke

Chairman

Lee Scott MP

House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Think you know your TV, music and film? Try Search Charades!

BARKINGSIDE HIGH STREET

2008-01-14T09:19:00.000Z

Consultation letter regarding the Sydney Road and Waverley Gardens junctions, the aim of the build-outs would be to physically prevent cars parking on the end of the marked out pay & display bays and to improve sightlines for traffic turning into the High Street as give-way lines would be moved forward in line with the outer edge of the build-outs. It is intended that the results of this further consultation will be reported to the 23rd January 2008 meeting of Area 3 Committee for consideration.

2007-12-20T12:55:00.001Z

Purchase your Christmas DVD at Barkingside Home Hardware for only £3. The money raised will help the Business Partnership in the future.

Rating News

2007-12-19T17:16:00.000Z

The Government has recently announced the provisional multipliers in England for 2008/09 as follows:

Non-Domestic Rating Multiplier 0.462

Small Business Non-Domestic Rating Multiplier 0.458

Full details are available from the CLG website by clicking here or call our Property Helpline.

Retail Scene

2007-12-19T17:09:00.000Z

BRC Sales Monitor reported very subdued sales in November with like-for-like increases of only 1.2% compared with November 2006 and 1.8% uplift in sales for the 3 months to November when compared with the previous year. Discussions with members indicate that Christmas trading to date has been generally disappointing and the ‘rush’ is still awaited. It is reported that large retailers are to ask the Government to extend opening by four hours on the last Sunday prior to Christmas, in an attempt to overcome the current poor trading situation. There is concern that most people will be travelling or concentrating on food shopping on Christmas Eve.

ASOS, the on-line fashion retailer has reported phenomenal sales in recent weeks and this reflects the continuing boom in internet sales generally, where sales are anticipated to reach £15bn for the Xmas quarter, up 60% on 2006. John Lewis was also bucking the trend reporting a 7% uplift in sales for the third week in November to £71m.

On the downside Moss Bros issued a profit warning after losing £800k in the first half of the year, it reported total sales falling 3.7% in the last 18 weeks. Sofa specialist ScS also reported like for like sales down 16% in a recent trading update.

Tesco has launched the first 15 stores of its new Fresh & Easy concept on the US west coast to great acclaim and plans to increase the number to 200 by February 2009.

The debate has begun

2007-12-18T20:20:00.000Z

Barkingside does not need the pedestrion crossing moved 15 yards outside Somerfields, it does not need the boundary for craven car park moved to give a bigger pavement outside the carpark when it was moved 5 years ago what is this all about.? we as a Partnership have been trying to improve the High Street and when you have schemes that do not improve parking in the Street but seem to annoy our potential customers with the rents increasing due to unlicense premises paying over the top rents which effect the whole high street and the Council allowing them to trade. Come on people wake up, our local councillors seem more content in arguing amongst themselves than supporting the high street and unless we make our achievments so far into a legacy for barkingside we will be defeated by red tape and personal goals.

So why this debate is going on lets not forget our local councillors who have been elected by our local community, in all our aims i have not heard one of them speak up for Barkingside they seem more interested in what is happening in there own backsides.

Barkingside can be a example to other high Street we have the profile and we are not going away .

So work with us or get blown away

High Street's Role

2007-12-17T19:32:00.000Z

For 70% a local high street is a vital part of a healthy society. It provides a mix of local identity, social cohesion plus a practical local resource.

Shopping Space

Despite the expansion of out of town alternatives, 60% think the high street should be somewhere they can do the bulk of their shopping. Half see it in equally practical terms as somewhere to go for specific things or as an ad hoc shopping place.

Meeting Place

Practicalities aside, the social role of the high street is still very important for large groups of people right across the economic and social divide. Almost two thirds (63%) feel a high street should be a place to meet people. Over half (54%) say it should be a place where the elderly can socialise or where the young can shop and meet friends safely (56%)

The function of a high street becomes even more important among the young themselves, with two thirds (66%) of younger adults studied seeing the high street’s role as a safe shopping and meeting place for the younger people.

Practicalities aside, the social role of the high street is still very important for large groups of people right across the economic and social divide

Back to the Future

2007-12-07T14:19:00.001Z

Barkingside High Street Goes Back to the Future

2007-12-04T08:30:00.001Z

In conjunction with the Continental Market Barkingside Business Partnership are taking the residents and community back in time on 15th December out side barkingside library from 12 noon until 4pm

Proffessor Emmott Brown will be in Barkingside High Street with his time travelling Delorean from the Back to the future films.

He will be entertaining the children and showing off his patented Flux Capacitor in all its glory.

Coffee Mornings with Barkingside 21

2007-12-02T13:18:00.001Z

in the Hainault Room,

Fullwell Cross Library

10:00am – 12:00noon

Thursday 17^th January 2008

Guest speaker: Jenny Douse

Health Improvement, Redbridge PCT

Thursday 21^st February 2008

Guest speaker: Chris Chandler

And the Fullwell Safer Neighbourhood Team

Thursday 27^th March 2008

Guest speaker: Morris Hickey & Others

Barkingside Regeneration

Keep up with local affairs by attending Area Committee Meetings

2007-12-02T13:14:00.001Z

Keep up with local affairs by attending

Area Committee Meetings

Area 3:

[Fairlop, Fullwell & Hainault wards]

Wednesday 23^rd January 2008

start 7:15pm

venue: to be confirmed

----------------0-----------------

Area 4:

[Aldborough, Barkingside & Clayhall wards]

Thursday 31^st January 2008

start 7:15pm

at Oaks Park School, Newbury Park

Relocation of Continental Market

2007-12-01T09:56:00.001Z

Due to problems with the paved area outside the swimming pool the Christmas market is to be relocated to Fairlop car park in Craven Gardens. We are still good for the 13^th to the 16^th of December. We hope to see you all there are hope that you will all continue to support Barkingside.

This is the first continental market to come to our high street and with your support we hope to see more.

FW: [Your Barkingside] Planning application 2998/07 105 high Street Barkingside

2007-11-21T16:35:00.001Z

We as a partnership would like to object to the change of usage at the above premises for the following reasons:

In considering this application the planning section of the council will be using the principle planning policies UDP CC14 and LDF R3

In policy CC14 it states:

Proposals that result in more than 15m of adjoining frontage being in use for the purpose other than A1 would be refused.

Taking the application as the centre block no more than 15 metres out of 30m should be non A1 use.

With an A3 premises either side, clearly the proposed change does not comply with the above criteria contained in Policy CC14.

In policy LDF R3 it states:

The retail role remains predominant. As a General guideline the proportion of A1 units shall be no less than 70 %, the figure for Barkingside is now in the low 60% ratio of A1 usage so retail is not in the predominate role.

I would also mention there is now an over proliferation of A3 Usage in Barkingside High Street.

Please also refer to policy BF 22 and would show concerns that this extraction system affects next door neighbours and the external extract flue is dissimilar to other flues located to rear of properties along Barkingside High Street and is therefore not consistent with policy BF1 and BF22 and I would suggest is not in a safe condition and raises the concern regarding local residents safety.

I would also like to raise why no planning permission has been applied for when changing the shop front?

My last referral is to the previous application which was made on these premises for change of usage,

And the decision made by the Regional Planning Committee North and I have extracted the result below

Regional Planning Committee North (Aldborough, Barkingside, Clayhall, Fairlop, Fullwell and Hainault)
Wednesday, 9th May, 2007 7.15 p.m.

0687/07

Mr. Stavros Nicola

105 High Street, Barkingside.

Decision: Refused planning permission.

The proposal which involves the loss of a retail unit within the Town Centre would result in an over-concentration of non-retail uses harming the vitality and viability of the retail function of the retail parade, contrary to Policy CC14 of this Council’s Unitary Development Plan.

I would also hope that this application is not referred to Regional Planning Committee North for consideration as the previous application has already been refused and this would be a waste of the Committees time.

--
Posted By working for the good of Barkingside to Your Barkingside at 11/21/2007 04:27:00 PM

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.6/1060 - Release Date: 09/10/2007 16:43

Barkingside will never be the same again

2007-11-19T12:39:00.000Z

More Pictures from Barkingside, Barkingside Rocking

2007-11-19T09:00:00.001Z

Barkingside will never be the same again

2007-11-17T20:52:00.000Z

What a Night!

Barkingside was rocking last night and it was a night when we should all be proud of the Partnership.
I would like to say a special thank you to the Kenneth More Theatre they were brilliant,
Louise Bagan who had an excellent voice (X Factor material)
The St Augustine’s Choir
The Hillbilly Express who were excellent
Lee Scott our MP
And let’s not also forget Ziggy what a nice guy
Father Christmas, the snowman, elves and reindeer well done Angie and the staff from Tootsie. You put 100% into the event and it paid of
Father Christmas Horse and Carriage supplied by Hawes funeral directors
The Clowns and Jugglers supplied by the Great British Circus
And the Fireworks wow!
A big thank you to Martin from Pizza Hut for his hard work and who co-ordinated all the events on stage (I think you are in the wrong Job Mate!)

I would also like to say a special thank you to Time Radio and the Ilford Recorder who gave us so much publicity.
Martins mum and Chris who supplied the PA system.
Elliot from James shoe care who worked hard with me and Martin setting up the stage.
Daniel Home Hardware and Angie Tootsie who were working hard getting all the stage material and performers ready.
Sainsbury’s who supplied the Mince Pies, wine and other goodies
Pizza Hut who supplied the Pizzas
Haven House Girls what lovely people
Willie the janitor who plugged us into the National Grid.
The Army and Navy crew for helping on the night.
Sgt Christopher Chandler who kept us all safe

This event took 3 weeks to organize and it all started at our last partnership meeting where the £1000 we had raised for the Christmas lights was match funded by the Councils regeneration team and Area 3 pledged £4,500 towards the lights.

I hope you will all attend our next meeting on Tuesday 4th December at 5.30pm at the Pie and Mash Shop where we will be organizing the first Continental street market to come to Barkingside on the weekend of the 16th December

Paul Burke ChairmanBBP

Message from your treasurer.

Ps (Begging Note)

The event cost us quite a bit more than we thought so if anyone who has not contributed to the Christmas fund please drop you payment into Daniel at Home Hardware.

We would like to hold more events in the future and we can only do this with your help, also if you would like an active roll please attend the next meeting.

Hello Everyone

2007-11-07T08:56:00.001Z

Preparations for Friday the 16^th are well under way. Ziggy from Big Brother will be there to turn the lights on. .

Please, please please, spread the word, we need as many people there as possible. We are still looking for funding so anyone who has not contributed please join in and be a team player.

Time FM will also be there with their road crew so plenty of advertising for all. The Ilford Recorder will be running a piece this week and next.

Ho, ho ho Merry Christmas everyone and we look forward to seeing you all

Regards

Daniel Kaye

Barkingside Home Hardware

Treasurer to Barkingside Business Partnership.

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas

2007-11-03T20:46:00.000Z

Christmas will be coming to Barkingside on 16th of Novermber at 5pm so don't delay.

With the efforts of the Business Partnership, funding from Area 3 this should be a day to remember.At 5pm the lights will be turned on by our guest of the evening, getting the event under way.
We will be having Carols from St Augustine’s Choir conducted by Tracy Rubery and Juggles and Clowns from the Great British Circus.There will be Glow Sticks for the kids and Mince pies for the adults thanks to Sainsbury’s and Pizza thanks to Pizza Hut. Santa will be making an appearance with his own form of transport. There will also be a Bluegrass Acoustic Duo entertaining along the street.
This is the time to be Merry and bring life back into Barkingside.We would like to ask every Business in Barkingside to make every effort with their Christmas display this year, we understand you may not all sell Christmas products but we would like to see an effort from you all.

We look forward in seeing you all.

Barkingside Business Partnership.

Christmas in Barkingside

2007-11-02T20:57:00.000Z

Christmas will be coming to Barkingside on 16th of Novermber at 5pm.

With the efforts of the Business Partnership and funding from Area 3 this should be a day to remember.

At 5pm the lights will be turned on by our guest of the evening, getting the event under way. We will be having Carols from St Augustine’s Choir conducted by Tracy Rubery and Juggles and Clowns from the Great British Circus.

There will be Glow Sticks for the kids and Mince pies for the adults thanks to Sainsbury’s and Pizza thanks to Pizza Hut. Santa will be making an appearance with his own form of transport.

There will also be a Bluegrass Acoustic Duo entertaining along the street. This is the time to be Merry and bring life back into Barkingside.

We would like to ask every Business in Barkingside to make every effort with their Christmas display this year, we understand you may not all sell Christmas products but we would like to see an effort from you all.

We look forward in seeing you all.

Barkingside Business Partnership.

Together we can make the difference.

2007-11-01T09:20:00.000Z

Dear All

We are going to be switching on the Christmas Lights on the 16th November AT 5.PM, so please put this date in your diary. We are trying to make this a special event and must give special thanks to Forest farm, Hi-Tide and James shoe repair who have all been very generous. It is not to late to get involved and all help is very welcome. We are working hard to change this High Street and the work that Danny Diy, Martin Pizza hut and Angie Tootsie have been putting in needs a special mention, please remember this is all being done in our spare time our businesses dont run themselves? so please go the extra mile and make the High Street better for all.

Together we can make the difference.

A big thank you to Lee Scott our MP who we have asked to get Blue Chip Companies into the High Street i.e. Marks and Spencors and the Body Shop these will help everyone as they will bring people to the High Street who would go to loughton, Ilford etc

We are making this Christmas the best that Barkingside has seen, by:

1. Having better christmas lights with a generous donation of £1000 from some of the businesses.

2. Switching the lights on Friday 16th November.

3. By having Jugglers and Clowns for the kids supplied by the Great British Circus.

4. Trying to arrange a brass band for the night.

5. Father Christmas will be in town.

6. We have chosen Haven House as our charity for this event and the buddies will be at the switch on.

We are trying to arrange more exciting events for Christmas in Barkingside , so please don't sit back and let everyone else do the work get involved?

What we must also do is put decorations in our shops and windows so the High Street is glowing and also on the weekend of the continental market that our staff do not park in the High Street or the side roads, we must give people a chance to enjoy our High Street. You are doing this not for me but doing this for your own business this is why we have the partnership.

Paul Burke

Chairman
BBP

Save our High Street

2007-10-25T21:05:00.000+01:00

lIt is the clearest signal yet that the haemorrhaging of local retailers - first highlighted by the Standard's Save Our Small Shops campaign - is being given top priority at the highest level of politics.
The commission will be chaired by Northampton South MP Brian Binley and includes former trade minister John Redwood and Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, whose family run a newsagents in South Wales.
Non-political members include James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, and Lincolnshire Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies. Mark Prisk, shadow business and enterprise minister, told the Standard: "David Cameron feels the vitality of town centres is crucial and has enormous social benefits.
"The work the Evening Standard has done has been really helpful in shaping policymakers' ideas.
"We should not be looking at this in the old way but with a new approach to politics that looks at issues in the round."
The investigation will be organised into five categories: planning, crime, retail competition from supermarkets and other chains, parking and transport, and local taxes and rents.
Mr Prisk said: "The intention is to identify the practical things that can be done to help. We need to find out how we can help them [small shops] to compete more successfully.
"Part of the problem is that government policy exists in silos. So, for example, the licensed trade doesn't come under the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, it comes under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. But it still affects small shops."
Mr Binley said: "We don't want to turn the clock back but we do want to restore town centres as the social hubs they used to be. In my town centre of Northampton there is only one independent retailer left.
"A lot of town centres have become no-go areas because of binge drinkers. We are now in a situation where it is impossible to start a small business in town centres because of the cost."
In a few days the Competition Commission is due to publish its findings into whether supermarkets are unfairly driving smaller rivals out of business. The Government has said it will make its judgment on the plight of small shops after this.
The Standard's campaign was launched in March last year in response to growing concern about the accelerating loss of small, independently owned shops because of rising rents, rates, competition from supermarkets, rigid council parking policies and red tape

2007-10-20T20:40:00.000+01:00

At the end of the day this High St is for locals. Locals shop, locals look for houses, they eat and drink down here. Another Estate Agents is not a bad thing, it shows there is growth in the area and that people are moving in and out. More people to shop in our exisiting shops. Yes there are enough cafe's, enough clothes shops, enough £ shops etc., but as long as the shops are let and people are shopping then I'm not complaining. Choice is a good thing and there is a choice of Estate Agents, so whilst people are looking around for a new house, they are also passing and entering through our doors. Lets try and find something new to moan about!

Loraine Outlet

Thank you for your email, I wish to point out a few facts, we as a partnership are trying to encourage Marks and Spencers and the body shop into the High Street and this will also encourage other blue chip companies to look at the high Street, we are in a fight at the moment where we are dealing with narrow minded people I.E the council who basically dont care about our High Street. Please remember we have to earn our living, we dont know how much we are going to take every week yet they know how much is in there bank account no matter what? this is not a lets see what we can moan about today thing this is sustaining our businesses for our well being. I hope you understand this and will be at the meeting on the 26th October where we need your support in getting blue chip companies into the High Street, any shop keepers who you know please encourage them to attend this meeting it will be for the good of all our businesses and numbers will tell if we can make this a thriving High Street, so please give this your best shot. We need the support

Thanks
Paul Burke

Planning Update

2007-10-17T13:49:00.000+01:00

Basically, the Committee agreed the change of use for UK Salon to be an Estate Agents and referred the other application Halifax Building Society to Regulatory Committee to explore the retention of 35 as A1 use under a S.106 agreement. This has to be done at Regulatory, as Regional Planning Committees do not have the powers to consider S.106's.

We want a fair hearing

2007-10-15T20:11:00.000+01:00

Dear Councillor,
I am writing to you before the forthcoming Regional Area planning committee Meeting on the 15th October 2007. While I am not trying to influence you in the important decisions which you have to make, I would like to address two applications which you have to consider.

The applications are:
Number 1639/07
Number 2541/07

When reading the agenda for the committee to consider I would like to bring to your attention:
Page 71 paragraph 2 of the Application 1639/07.
And page 75 paragraphs 6 of Application 2541/07

This information is provided by the planning section as advice for you as elected members of Redbridge Council and with the privilege of being on this committee, so you can reach a planning decision in the best interest of the local electorate.
Once you have read these two paragraphs, it shows clearly the information in the agenda is not correct and would greatly cloud your judgment. It also brings into doubt its credibility? How can the percentages used on these two applications vary so much.

In referring to policy CC14 and with reference to the primary footage this information does not take into consideration the following:
Rowans at 135
Elite at 105
Do D0 94
Proposed estate agents at number 84.
Which are still classified as A1 RETAIL?

Then please look at paragraph 4 page 70 and paragraph 2(1) Page 75 and how they contradict themselves.
With these flaws in the agenda how can you be expected to make clear judgements on these crucial planning decisions for Barkingside High Street?

We have been warmly welcomed by our local councillors and Lee Scott our MP but when we address non elected council officers we hit a wall of red tape and frustration. Are you aware that we as a partnership run a petition in Barkingside to govern what customers and local residents wanted from Barkingside High Street and if they agreed with our aims. The only shops involved were committee members of the Partnership which consisted of 6 businesses and over a 3 week period we raised 3000 signatures which proves the general public want a different High Street.

We feel very frustrated on how 105 High Street has been allowed to open, when the regional planning committee refused change of usage from A1 to A3/A5 and we are now told that cooking Egg Beans and Chips or a hamburger or an omelette is not cooking food but warming food, this is an insult to our intelligence. When we are also told by a council officer it is better than having an empty shop?
We as a Partnership want to work with our Local Councillors in the best interest of Barkingside. We have a meeting with our MP Lee Scott on the 26th October on ways to encourage Blue Chip Companies into Barkingside High Street which we feel will help to regenerate Barkingside but to move forward we must put retail back as the predominant role in High Street.
Paul Burke ChairmanMartin Nevile Vice ChairmanDaniel Kaye TreasurerElliot James Secretary

Proposed development at 58, 60, 62, High Street, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 2DQ

2007-09-24T09:01:00.000+01:00

Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995
NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 8

Proposed development at
58, 60, 62, High Street, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 2DQ

I give notice that Halifax Bank Of Scotland c/o agent is applying to Redbridge Council for Full Planning Permission for a:-

Change of use of the ground floor of 62 & 60, and part of 58 from shop (Class A1) to bank (Class A2), 16sqm rear extension to no 60 alterations to the front and side elevations and associated works.

Members of the public may inspect copies of the application, and the plans and other documents submitted with it, at the Council’s First Stop Shop on the ground floor of Lynton House, 255-259 High Road, Ilford IG1 1NN and at FULLWELL CROSS LIBRARY until 21 days from the date of this notice. THE APPLICATION WILL BE DELIVERED TO FULLWELL CROSS LIBRARY and One Stop Shop ON 11-Sep-2007 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION FROM 4.00PM ON THAT DAY AND THEN AT THE LIBRARY OPENING TIMES STATED ON THE ATTACHED SHEET.

Anyone who wishes to make representations about this application should write to the Council at the above address not later than 21 days from the date of this notice. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS IS INCLUDED PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE REPLYING VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL.
Please quote 2541/07.

Vincent Maher
MA (Cantab) MCD MBA MRTPI
Acting Head of Development Control

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

2007-09-22T21:31:00.000+01:00

Barkingside Business Partnership

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 28th August, in Danny’s Pie & Mash, High Road, Barkingside
Attendees
Cllr. Mrs Candy LBR, David Swaint Barkingside 21, Cllr. Harry Moth LBR, Elliott James James Shoe Care, Paul Burke Danny’s Pie & Mash, Pravesh Dodo Lounge, Martn neville pizza hut,
Angela Hellis Tootsies, Goutam Supha KFC, Anita Freeman KFC, John Sharwell Barkingside 21,
Loraine Outlet Alan Howe Barkingside 21, Rhonda Stewart Danny's Pie and Mash, Daniel Kaye Home Hardware, Tony Binder Army & Navy, John Trevillion Metropolitan Police Service, Reg Woda LBR – Partnership Support 5 Other members Members

1. Apologies for Absence

MP Lee Scott, Cllr Hayes, Cllr Ryan, Inspector Chandler, hI-Tide, Macdonalds, Gripsure tyres, Natwest, T mobile,

2. Welcome and Introductions
Action
· The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting and spoke enthusiastically of the proposed action plan for Barkingside and the way forward.
· He informed the meeting of the successful implementation of the Business Partnership website and facility it offered members to promote their shops and be involved in a discount scheme. Initial costs for the website were £70, which would be recovered by sales initiatives.
· The members were urged to promote the website and the discount scheme in their shop windows.
· The website was very versatile and to date 78 hits had been recorded.
· For further information contact Martin on martin.nevill@sky.com.
· The meeting was informed that the website would be updated for Christmas.

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Action
The minutes of the last meeting were approved and matters arising would be covered by agenda items.

4. Financial Report
Action
· The meeting discussed the present level of member subscriptions and it was resolved that this would be reviewed to provide the partnership with a more substantial financial basis to conduct members’ business.
· Members were informed that the Christmas Lights scheme would cost approximately £8000 and this must be funded by members’ contributions and a matched funding resource from the Regeneration Service of up to £2500 and further support from the Area Committee.
· The meeting approved a resolution for a Christmas Lights fundraising drive to raise £1000.
· The current financial situation showed £1300 in the partnership bank account.
· The switch-on of the Christmas Lights in the High Road was planned for Friday 16th November and more details would be available at the next meeting and a small sub-committee was formed to plan this event.

5. Crime, Grime and Other Issues
Action
· The Chairman introduced John Trevillion, MPS, Barkingside’s Crime Prevention Officer.
· The meeting heard of the need to share information across the Borough and issues raised elsewhere would be brought to the partnership’s notice.
· He recognised that Barkingside has its own specific problems and these were being addressed.
· Problems of youth anti-social behaviour and gangs collecting in the High Road were discussed by members.
· The CPO offered members and their staff a workshop to help deal with the problem of abusive customers and similar offences.
· The meting discussed the proposed extension to the borough's CCTV scheme, but cameras in the High Road would drive offenders into the alleys off the main road and raise new problems. CCTV though an asset sometimes brought with it a deflection in crime.
· Members were offered the opportunity at a future date to visit the borough’s CCTV centre in Ley Street, to learn more about the system.

6. Any Other Business
Action
· The meeting heard of planning issues that were of concern:
1. Rowans were in breach and an enforcement notice was in place until the 17th October.
2. Nos. 105, 47, 112 were also subjects of planning concern and the partnership had a watching brief.
· The sale of liquor to under age persons was of concern and members should be advised of the law and be alert to their responsibilities.
· The members were interested in the development of a working relationship with the members of the Area Committee.
· The meeting was updated on the regeneration plans for the Fullwell Cross roundabout and its immediate area and members took part in a lively debate on this issue.
· The Action Plan referred to in the Chairman’s Opening Remarks was tabled and copies circulated for future comment.
· A market for Pre-Christmas in Barkingside was being investigated.

8. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 1st October – Danny’s Pie and Mash, High Road, Barkingside

Save Barkingside

2007-09-21T23:02:00.000+01:00

These are difficult times for Barkingside High Street; we as a partnership have only been formed in the last couple of months. Our motivation is to save our high Street from turning into a ghost town, we as businesses must unite and fight the forces that are trying to destroy our High Street, we can only do this together and by sharing our problems, we must come away from being over protective of our own businesses and start looking at the outside forces which could destroy your business.

With the contacts and knowledge we have obtained since our formation we can achieve a lot more together so please start working for all our common goals to have a good happy life and be prosperous support the partnership

Paul Burke
Chairman