Greenwich Time, Issue 382, January 26, 2016

9.5 MB·English

by  Greenwich London Borough Council

No.382 January 26 2016
Getting an
early start
Pre-school learning for
two-year-olds - p12-13
Some tough decisions
Tax rise considered
after 8-year freeze
THE council’s Cabinet, when it meets
tomorrow (Wednesday, January 27),
is due to consider a recommendation
to the Full Council to increase the
council tax.
Councillors will also consider a planned
four-year programme of savings, which is
being proposed to ensure the protection
of vital frontline services, including
social care for adults and children.
The proposed council tax increase –
which follows eight consecutive years
of frozen council tax – has resulted from
major changes in the way the government
finances local authorities. The changes
will see government support for local
authorities reduced by more than a
half over the next four years, while the
government has also stopped offering
an incentive to councils that freeze the
council tax.
The key proposals before councillors
include:
l confirming a two per cent rise in
council tax, in response to the Chancellor’s
decision for a precept on local authorities
to cover the cost of adult social care
l a further increase of 1.99%, to ensure
A HOME RUN: Cllrs Steve
equivalent treatment between adults and
Offord and John Fahy
children in the funding of services to support GoodGym members
protect the most vulnerable. for their launch
At the same time as making savings,
the council’s budget plans also outline
Ready, steady, go! GoodGym charity launched- p4
measures to invest in new service areas,
Turn to page 6
2 January 26 2016
ROYAL GREENWICH Write to: GT Letters, Communications Team,
Woolwich Centre, Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
REPRESENTATIVES
or email [email protected] with
your full address (not for publication). We
GREENWICH AND WOOLWICH
reserve the right to edit any letters received.
Matthew Pennycook MP (Lab)
[email protected]
By appointment on 020 7219 6280 Let’s all do more to
1st Friday of each month, The Greenwich around £210,000 to collect and dispose of.
Reducing the impact of fly-tipping both
Centre, 12 Lambarde Sq, Greenwich, SE10
in terms of cost and the impact to the
9GB, from 6pm; 2nd Saturday of each month,
environment is one of our priorities.
Charlton House, SE7 8RE, from 11am; West tackle fly-tipping New laws give us a lot more flexibility and
Greenwich Community Centre, Greenwich,
control over people collecting, dumping
SE10 8JA from 2pm; 4th Saturday of each
or transporting waste illegally but it’s vital
month, The Barnfield Project, Barnfield Road,
that all residents play their part in tackling
SE18 3UH from 11am; Woolwich Town Hall, I AGREE with the resident of Westmount unwanted items for free and this is not the
this problem and we urge people to inform
Woolwich, SE18 6HQ from 2pm (No August Road about other people’s unwanted case - it costs the council tax payers a lot of us if they have been a victim of fly-tipping,
surgeries) furniture (Private road flytippers, GT Letters, money that could be spent elsewhere. see any fly-tipped waste, witness waste
Appointments prioritised over drop-ins, and January 5). Councils all over the country need to pull being fly-tipped or know someone who
Matthew will attend to all on a first come first This has become a great problem for all their socks up and find a solution to this is doing it in your neighbourhood. Please
borough councils across the country and problem fast. Janet Taylor, Woolwich
served basis. report it to us on 0208 921 4661. You
needs to be tackled.
ELTHAM Over the years it has escalated not only l A council spokesperson said: ‘In 2014 can also report fly-tipping and get more
information at www.royalgreenwich.gov.
by people with vans but also by residents the council removed 14,503 fly-tips from
Clive Efford MP (Lab) clive.efford.mp@ uk/flytipping
who think that the council will remove their local streets and open spaces, adding up to
parliament.uk Call for an appointment at l See our story Tough action awaits fly-
waste. So they feel they can dump their an unsightly 730 tonnes of waste, costing
the following surgeries on 020 8850 5744 tippers on p7
between 11am and 3pm Mon-Fri.
First Tuesday of the month, 10am Anstridge
Community Centre, Anstridge Rd, SE9 2LL Pic Spot... send yours to [email protected]
Get Online
First Friday of the month, 11am Horn Park
Community Centre, 96 Sibthorpe Road,
·
SE12 9DP R enew your resident parking permit:
Second Saturday of the month, 10am St www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Mary’s Community Centre, Eltham High residentparkingpermitrenewal
Street, SE9 1BJ ·
Third Tuesday of the month, 10am Middle Renew a business parking permit:
Park Community Centre, 150 Middle Park www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Avenue, SE9 5SD businessparkingpermitrenewal
Third Friday of the month, 11am Coldharbour ·
Neighbourhood Office, Library Entrance, C heck whether you are in a CPZ:
William Barefoot Drive, SE9 3BT www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Fourth Friday of the month, 6pm St Mary’s cpzchecker
Community Centre, Eltham High Street, ·
Order waste items:
SE9 1BJ
www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Fourth Saturday of the month, 10am,
orderwastesacks
Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent,
·
SE18 3EG How to order bulky waste
ERITH & THAMESMEAD collection: www.royalgreenwich.
gov.uk/bulkywaste
Teresa Pearce MP can be contacted by post by ·
writing to House of Commons Westminster, P ay street penalty charge notices:
London, SW1A 0AA, by email on Teresa.pearce. www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
[email protected] or via the contact pages of paystreetfine
the website www.teresapearce.org.uk ·
Surgeries are held each week across the R eport street cleaning issues:
constituency, if a face to face meeting is http://fix.royalgreenwich.gov.uk
needed these are booked by appointment on ·
A pply for a skip licence:
01322 342 991.
www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
GLA MEMBER skiplicence
·
Len Duvall (Lab) is the GLA member for A pply for primary school places:
Greenwich and Lewisham. Write to Len www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
Duvall, GLA, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London admissions
SE1 2AA; phone [phone]; or email TERENCE LEAHY: ‘Is this a tree, or is it a streetlight in Old Dover Road. I have been
[email protected] assured that it was grown from a bulb!’
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Memorial to African slaves - GT correction
Follow us on twitter
Contact your MEP at the UK Office of the
Our story ‘Memorial for African slaves’ We sincerely apologise for this error and any
European Parliament on 020 7227 4300. (GT September 8, 2015) incorrectly stated that distress caused to her husband, children June, and Instagram
GREENWICH COUNCILLORS Mrs Mavis Best MBE had passed away some Danny, Jackie, grand children, great grand @Royal_Greenwich
years previously. children and family members.
Contact Members’ Services on 020 8921 5151
for information on councillors’ surgery times.
ROYAL BOROUGH MEETINGS
GT CONTACTS
GT is produced by the Dan Stephens THE following meetings take place February 3 – Licensing sub committee, 6.30pm; Healthier More information on
Royal Borough Laraine Clay at the Town Hall, Wellington Street, committee A, 5pm, committee communities and adult social care 020 8921 5130 or at
of Greenwich, The Design: unless stated otherwise. room 4; Schools Forum, 6pm, scrutiny panel, 6.30pm, committee www.royalgreenwich.
Woolwich Centre, Andy Georgiou council chamber room 6 gov.uk/meetings
January 28- Children & Young
Wellington St, SE18 6HQ Advertising: Call
People scrutiny panel, 7pm February 4 – Eltham Crematorium February 10 – Audit & Risk All meeting dates and
Phone: [phone] Nicola 020 8921 5572 or
joint committee, 6.30pm, Eltham management panel, 7.30pm, times are subject to
Email: greenwichtime@ Gaynor 020 8921 5033 February 1 – Licensing sub
Crematorium, Crown Woods Way; committee room 4 change.
outlook.com Distribution: committee A, 6.30pm
Children and Young People Scrutiny
Editor: Hilary Bryan 020 8940 0666 February 2 – Planning Board, Panel, 7pm, committee room 4 February 11 – Licensing review sub We would advise you to
Reporters: or email sasha@ committee, 2.30pm check before you travel.
6.30pm, committee rooms 4&5
Dick Townsend-Smith londonletterbox.co.uk February 9 – Licensing review sub
DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE YOUR COPY OF GREENWICH TIME
January 26 2016 3
Go to work on a Fairtrade breakfast
MORNING MEAL: campaign
posters promote the theme of
make this year’s event, left, Cllr John
Fahy at a previous Fairtrade
event
your
breakfastSit down
count for
WITHbreakfast
FAIRTRADE
Stand up
SO FARMERS CAN for
FEED THEIR FAMILIES
fIewMef newoioldrleuik o tg ahnhhlesal srtpodotfea ktofroatnpe roglmdewr oeot whwruser h tyadhe ncraeeday f rotwweho eoiadtirhbr k w oneFueeras txie,r t ita narmatl l.d d eyYeeaeev,la temi rslm o racopanouinnymny gmd i dnc.oogorn uef’rn toc temoraiue.r lsnd Farmers
sit down for breakfast
stand up for farmers
Registered charity no. 1043886 PS9F146A3
Make your breakfast count
fIewMef newoioldrleuik o tg ahnhhlesal srtpodotfea ktofroatnpe roglmdewr oeot whwruser h tyadhe ncraeeday f rotwweho eoiadtirhbr k w oneFueeras txie,r t ita narmatl l.d d eyYeeaeev,la temi rslm o racopanouinnymny gmd i dnc.oogorn uef’rn toc temoraiue.r lsnd
Registered charity no. 1043886 PS9F146A3
BUSINESSES, particularly restaurants to organise Breakfasts, that would be
cafés and restaurants in the Fairtrade Breakfasts during wonderful.”
borough, are being asked to the fortnight. As well as If you are interested in
support this year’s Fairtrade doing their bit to support supporting Fairtrade
Fortnight by holding special the Fairtrade movement, Fortnight and would like
breakfast events. their involvement will be a poster to display your
The theme for the fortnight highlighted by the council. support and advertise your
– which runs from February Cllr Fahy said: “Fairtrade breakfasts contact Tom
29 to March 13 - is Make Fortnight is a great Ringwood at the council on
Your Breakfast Count With opportunity for us to 020 8921 6269 or email tom.
Fairtrade, with the aim of stand up for the rights of ringwood@royalgreenwich.
encouraging people to buy farmers and producers to gov.uk
fair trade food for their first be guaranteed a fair price Also watch out for details
meal of the day and support for their products so they of Fairtrade events in
farmers in developing can build better lives for forthcoming issues of GT.
countries. themselves and their families.
Royal Greenwich deputy “If any businesses or l For more information
leader Cllr John Fahy is individuals can give their about Fairtrade Fortnight,
encouraging cafés and support to Fairtrade visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Flu jab reminder for parents
with young children
PREGNANT women and parents of young The youngsters will be offered a painless
children are being reminded to visit their GP nasal spray vaccination with no need for
for free flu jabs to protect against the winter injections.
weather. Local GP Dr Ellen Wright, who chairs the
Children aged two years and older are CCG, said: “Flu can be a very unpleasant
entitled to the free vaccinations as well as illness in children as they suffer the same
pregnant women, people with long-term symptoms as adults including fever, chills
health conditions and pensioners over 65. and aching muscles.”
Royal Greenwich Council and NHS To find your local GP visit www.
Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group greenwichccg.nhs.uk and select ‘your
(CCG) are backing the national drive to help services’.
people stay well as temperatures fall.
They are particularly keen for parents with l For more information about the nasal
children aged two to four and/or in school spray vaccination and the flu jab visit
years 1 and 2 to have them inoculated. www.nhs.uk/staywell
4 January 26 2016
Running with a social conscience
by Dick Townsend-Smith in a gym. We do practical projects, such as an isolated older person. If you’ve never said: “We are committed to supporting
working on community gardens.” really considered running before, or lack people who live alone and risk feeling
The aim is to get 1,000 runners signed up the motivation, then the community that isolated. GoodGym Greenwich is
THE council is backing a new over the next 12 months to combine their GoodGym provides and the differentreason actively tackling this problem, so we
running club that supports training with doing good. to run can be a really easy route in.” are keen to give them our backing.”
community projects and provides a GoodGym clubs are already operating GoodGym Greenwich will meet at 6.45pm l For more details visit www.goodgym.org
friendly face for people who live on
Council crack down
their own.
Called GoodGym Greenwich, the group
on Blue Badge misuse
gets fit by doing good deeds. Instead of
running on treadmills, they run to make
deliveries to isolated older people. And FIFTY-FIVE Blue Badges have been seized
instead of lifting weights, they shift earth since April after misuse after investigations by
for community gardens and help out with the anti fraud team. Twenty people have been
physical community tasks. cautioned and two prosecuted including
The group held a launch event at the a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to
Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich misusing his friend’s Blue Badge to park his
last Wednesday evening (January 20), Porsche while he went taught at a Greenwich
college. When he appeared before Bexley
where they were joined by Cllrs John
Magistrates last month, the Court ordered
Fahy and Steve Offord. The club is also
a fine of £230, a victim surcharge of £23, a
supported by councillors, Don Austen,
Criminal Courts charge of £150, and awarded
Cherry Parker and Danny Thorpe.
costs of £617 to the royal borough.
Club spokesman Edward Field said: Cllr Maureen O’Mara, cabinet member for
“We’ll be running every week to help customer services, said: “As part of our
community organisations in the local ON THEIR MARKS: local GoodGym ongoing commitment to prevent and detect
area. GoodGym was initiated by a group team members at the launch of fraud, the royal borough is taking rigorous
of local residents and we think it’s going the initiative action against Blue Badge misuse. This is
to be a really positive force in the area. good news for all genuine Blue Badge holders
Around 400 people in the borough have who so often are inconvenienced by other car
already said they want to get involved. in several other London boroughs. Ivo every Wednesday at the Waterfront drivers who take up valuable parking spaces
“About 30 runners signed up for the Gormley, the organisation’s founder, said: Leisure Centre. The runs are free to take whilst misusing Blue Badges they have no
launch event and ran to the Glyndon “GoodGym is a really easy way to integrate part in, and people can just turn up. New right to use.”
Community Centre, which we are doing something for your community into members are welcome, whatever their l Report Blue Badge misuse to 0800
supporting. The idea is to get into the your exercise. If you’re already running fitness level. 169 6975 or email Blue-Badge-Fraud@
community and use our energy for good then it can take only 15 minutes to change Cllr David Gardner, the council’s cabinet royalgreenwich.gov.uk Any information
rather than spending time lifting weights your route slightly and drop in to visit member for health and social care, you give will be treated in confidence.
January 26 2016 5
Hoverboard safety in question
chargers, riding one is also illegal on public
streets and pavements. Therefore I urge
residents to think seriously before buying
one, either for themselves or as a gift.”
TRADING standards experts have raised assessed as unsafe. The London Fire Brigade
l If you suspect sellers or websites are
concerns over the safety of hoverboards after has recently warned people to think carefully
selling products which could be unsafe
a spate of fires and explosions. before buying hoverboards for themselves or
report it to the Citizens Advice consumer
They say there are major safety issues with others after several fire incidents requiring a
helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
hoverboard batteries, plugs, cables, chargers, response.
and cut-off switches causing explosions and The self-balancing scooters as they are
fires. And owners are being warned not to sometimes known, are illegal to ride on
leave it charging unattended as they possess both pavements and roads in the UK. They
a serious fire risk. are only legal to use on land that is private
Now the council is advising local people who property, and only with the landowner’s
have bought a hoverboard, or been given one permission. They are also unsuitable for
as a present, to contact the retailer to check if young children, despite the products not
there has been a product recall. carrying any age limit on packaging.
Over 38,000 hoverboards bound for the UK Cllr Jackie Smith, the council’s cabinet
have already been examined and 84% have member for community safety said: “Not
been detained by the Chartered Trading only are there serious safety concerns
Standards Institute at border ports after being associated with hoverboards and their
Cheaters caught
a dedicated Unauthorised Occupation
Team who have also recovered over 30
illegally-occupied council properties.
Cllr Maureen O’Mara, the royal
borough’s cabinet member for customer
services, said: “Our fraud investigators
Fraud investigators save loss of £1.65m have made a significant impact in tackling
tenancy and benefit fraud over the last
year. It’s important to highlight the work
and successes of our anti fraud team as
A WOMAN who sublet her three- l 1 3 fines following benefit overpayments fraudulent claims take money from the
bedroom council flat for seven years of £56,393 public purse and direct much-needed
is the latest resident to be nabbed by l s even cautions following benefit support away from people in genuine
royal borough fraud investigators. overpayments of £34,946.39. need. The royal borough is committed to
In-depth investigations also brought preventing and detecting fraud and urges
The woman received a nine-month back 26 council properties for families in anyone who suspects a fraud to report it.”
sentence suspended for two years, a housing need, and resulted in:
community service order for 150 hours l fi ve tenancy prosecutions, with custodial l If you suspect someone of committing
and was ordered to pay £750 in costs after sentences of almost six years given fraud against the royal borough please
sentencing at Woolwich Crown court last l fi ve fraudulent Right to Buys stopped call 0800 169 6975 or email fraud@
Monday (January 18). valued at over £300,000 royalgreenwich.gov.uk Any information
Now a family, which had been in l o ne tenant prosecuted for submitting a you give will be treated in confidence.
temporary accommodation for the last fraudulent Right to Buy application
year, have a permanent home after the l s even fraudulent housing applications “ Our fraud
Eltham property was reclaimed. stopped
The Royal Borough was deprived of the l t hree Housing Association properties
investigators have
use of its property for seven years and recovered (Registered Social
suffered a loss of almost £103,000 by having Landlords).
to provide temporary accommodation for Following successful prosecutions the made significant
those in genuine housing need. council has been awarded financial losses
Royal borough fraud investigators say of £187,000 of which £106,000 has been
they have prevented the loss of £1.65m repaid. impact in tackling
from the public purse in the last year. Some of its success is down to the
Figures for the period January to council’s membership of the National
tenancy and
December 2015 include: Fraud Initiative, which involves
l 3 5 successful prosecutions for Housing information sharing between public and
Benefit or Council Tax Benefit fraud private organisations to help prevent and benefit fraud ”
involving overpayments of £527,612.68 detect fraud. The council also employs
Online
Get
PAYMENTS
SERVICES
www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk
CONTACTS
Book a football pitch online
at one of our local parks
Nominate someone outstanding
for a Civic Award
Pay council bills online including
fixed penalty charges
Find us on
6 January 26 2016
Righting
OUT AT SEA: dancing on board
Archive HMS Edinburgh, a photo
featured in the LGBT season at
the Royal Museums
Pic: RMG Collections
launch
all the
marks
LGBT
wrongs
Month
by Dan Stephens
had to hide their true identities for their
own safety. Despite the progress made,
THE EXPERIENCES of Lesbian, Gay, hate still crimes occur and the council will
Bisexual and Transgender people and continue to work hard alongside the police
their fight for rights will be highlighted to prevent and tackle such crimes.
in a series of events next month. Next month, the council will be
acknowledging the role of local members
The royal borough is marking Lesbian, of the LGBT community young and old in
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) contributing to the progression of LGBT
History Month this February with a series rights. A new LGBT history archive will
of events, as well as a brand new historical be set up collecting the experiences,
archive detailing residents’ experiences – histories, memories and reminiscences Cllr Denise Scott McDonald, the also acknowledge the work still to be
and local people are being encouraged to of LGBT people, particularly from older council’s cabinet member for culture, done to protect the rights of LGBT people
get involved. generations. creative industries and community by offering support and challenging
The UK has seen a progression in the The council is also working with partner wellbeing said: “The royal borough is discrimination.
rights of LGBT people in recent decades organisations including Royal Museums firmly committed to promoting equality “I encourage residents to get involved
– from the legalisation of homosexuality Greenwich, Oxleas NHS Trust and the and tackling discrimination wherever with LGBT History Month and make sure
in the 1960s and same-sex marriage in Metro Centre to bring a series of LGBT encountered. LGBT History Month will their stories are documented and their
England, Scotland and Wales in 2014, to History Month celebrations and events see celebrations and events take place contribution towards a society of greater
transgender people having the right to to the borough. These include a film across Royal Greenwich designed to equality is recognised.”
change their legal gender recognised in screening of ‘V For Vendetta’ at the Royal recognise the contribution of those who If you have a personal history and would
law in 2005. Observatory on February 6, and a day of have worked tirelessly to help cement the like to share it, or get involved with LBGT
However it should not be forgotten that talks, workshops and activities around values of equality our local community History Month events, call 020 8921 3032.
in previous years, LGBT people have faced identity at the National Maritime Museum enjoys today. l For further info on LGBT History Month
discrimination and violence, and often on February 20. “It is important to celebrate but we must events, visit www.rmg.co.uk/LGBT2016
Follow us on twitter & Instagram
Copy deadline for Greenwich Time is one week
@Royal_Greenwich before the Tuesday publication date
from page 1 care. He has brought in a ring-fenced
charge that will make an important Savings strategy to
including extra funding for adult contribution in this area, and our
learning, and schemes to help local funding proposals would see this
people to move off benefits passed on to residents in
and into work. the form of a 2% council safeguard vital services
Council Leader Denise tax rise.
Hyland (pictured) said: “We’ll also be
“Despite the climate of considering a proposal
cuts and austerity we have for a further 1.99% rise Savings already agreed in principle by the l additional funding for environmental
maintained a planned and in order to safeguard council include: services such as refuse collection, street
prudent approach to our social care services for l reducing staff costs by around £20m cleaning, and tackling graffiti and fly-
finances. vulnerable children and per year, with savings in management tipping
“This has enabled us to young people – something costs and through reduced use of agency l employment schemes providing work
protect frontline services, that I believe will be staff and training to local unemployed people
while also investing widely supported by local l creating new efficiencies to reduce the and those on benefits – including work
in new services and residents.” cost of providing adult social care, while on improving the borough’s streets and
initiatives that improve The final decision on ensuring that those in need are protected pavements
the lives of residents and the level of council tax in and supported l continued support for the Police’s
that offer opportunities for Greenwich will be made l reducing the costs of providing Violent and Organised Crime Unit (VOCU)
local people to move out of by the full council at its services, with more transactions offered which is making inroads into gang-
poverty through work and meeting next month, online. related crime in the borough
training. once the charge levied At the same time a growth and l further programmes to support victims
“The proposed increase in council tax on households by the Greater London investment strategy will ensure money is of domestic abuse and take action
is Greenwich’s first in nine years, and Authority has been confirmed. available to invest in schemes including: against those who carry out such crimes
reflects a number of changes by the “ The proposed increase in l an additional £1.2 million to be l events to promote the borough’s
Government in its rules for funding invested over three years in adult and cultural attractions and promote tourism
local services. council tax is Greenwich’s community learning, including vocational – the fastest-growing sector of the local
“I am pleased that the Chancellor skills and family learning economy.
has finally recognised the need for
first in nine years ”
extra funding to support adult social
January 26 2016 7
Tough action awaits fly-tippers
by Dick Townsend-Smith
SHOPPERS who’ve bagged a bargain
in the January sales may be responsible
for a spate of fly-tipping in the royal
borough.
In recent weeks there has been an
increase of old furniture and mattresses
left in public places – possibly by an
uncaring minority who have bought new
furniture, then want to get rid of their old
stuff.
But the council will take tough action
against fly-tippers who think they can
just dump old, unwanted junk on the
borough’s streets and open spaces.
Dumping waste illegally is a
serious criminal offence under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990. It
carries a fine of up to £50,000 or more
if a case goes to the Crown Court, and
perpetrators can also face a prison
sentence of up to five years.
Now angry residents, who say fly-tipping
is spoiling their neighbourhood, are urged
to work with the council to tackle the
problem.
Meanwhile, the council is using new
powers to seize vans and other vehicles
they suspect of dumping, carrying or
collecting waste if the driver cannot SORE SIGHT FOR ALL EYES:
show a waste carrier’s licence. Previously, examples of fly-tips in
council enforcement officers had to go to the borough, council
court to get a forfeiture order, which took workers carry out a bulky
time and delayed getting results. waste removal
Last year the council received more than
14,000 reports of fly-tipping. This added up
to an ugly 730 tonnes of waste, which cost collection at a standard charge of £10 per
£210,000 to collect and dispose of. item. The collection service is available at
Cllr Jackie Smith, the council’s cabinet www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/bulkywaste
member for community safety and Alternatively, people can take items to the
environment, said: “We are committed to Reuse and Recycle Centre in Nathan Way,
reducing the impact of fly-tipping both in Thamesmead.
terms of cost and the impact it has on the
environment.
“The law gives us a lot more flexibility What you can do
and control over people collecting,
dumping or transporting waste illegally.
The council will not tolerate fly-tipping RESIDENTS can report incidents of
here and we will always take strong action fly-tipping online by giving details at
to prevent the irresponsible and illegal www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/flytipping
behaviour of those dumping rubbish.” Alternatively they can telephone the
council’s call centre on 020 8921 4661
l People who want to dispose of bulky with the details.
household waste can arrange for a special
On track for better rail services
NEWS that the Mayor of travel information, more news for our residents
London is taking over the integrated fares, a more and local businesses.
running of rail services accessible network and “In order for the Mayor
within the capital has greater local input into to take full advantage of
been welcomed by the train services. the new arrangements
royal borough. The Mayor, Councillor Danny and bring in service
Department for Transport Thorpe, cabinet member improvements that
(DfT) and Transport for for regeneration and commuters desperately
London (TfL) will work transport, said: “This need, this will require the
together to create a more is great news. Rail government to provide
joined-up London rail services are a vital part increased investment
network following an of the public transport and infrastructure. The
announcement last week network in south-east current arrangements
(January 21). London, given the just haven’t worked in
TfL is hoping that absence of London our part of London. I
under the new plans, Underground services. A look forward to working
users will see more truly integrated network with the Mayor to
frequent services and with improved services, secure the necessary
increased capacity, managed by the Mayor, investment to make the
improved customer is critical if London is to major improvements our
service with joined up grow and will be welcome residents deserve.”
8 January 26 2016
.
January 26 2016 9
From my perspective…
Plumstead mum publishes advice book on autism
WHEN Emma Understand’ has been written from
by Laraine Clay
Dalmayne was Emma’s perspective as an autistic parent
d i a g n o s e d with six children aged three to 24, who
with Asperger But she said she was also sad because she describes as all “neurologically HELPING YOU UNDERSTAND: Autism campaigner
syndrome, a form of all the “terrifying” meltdowns she had different” and two of whom have complex Emma Dalmayne, left, and her new book,
experienced without understanding why needs. published this week, with illustrations by her son
of autism, two
and all opportunities she had missed. She is particularly proud that her
years ago she felt
Now Emma, 39, has written a book 24-year-old son Raphelle has illustrated “If I can help people, especially parents,
an immense relief and jubilance. that she hopes will give other people an the book. understand autism better, they can
She was relieved to feel she could finally insight into, and understanding of the Emma, who lives in Plumstead, said: realise how much their children are
understand herself, and jubilant to know condition. “There is a lot of ignorance born of fears capable of.”
that “I wasn’t crazy or a complete misfit”. ‘It’s An Autism Thing… I’ll Help You that people don’t understand. The National Autistic Society describes
autism as a lifelong developmental
disability that affects how a person
communicates with, and relates to, other
people, and how they make sense of the
world around them.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism
and people with it can find it difficult to
communicate and interact with others,
resulting in anxiety and confusion.
Emma has campaigned for some years
to increase understanding about autism
and against methods of mistreatment of
a condition she says has no cure.
Just before Christmas she was presented
with a British Citizen Award, and The
People’s Honours, for her “exceptional
contribution to the community”.
“If my book can dispel myths, give
teachers and parents the tools to step
over to our point of view, to see how we
see the world, feel the world even then
I’ve done what I set out to do,” she writes
on her campaign page.
“Children and indeed adults do not need
to ‘fit in’, we need help, encouragement
and inclusion. We do not need harmful
treatments or compliance training.”
l It’s An Autism Thing…I’ll Help You
Understand is published by Stass
Publications and available as a hard copy
or as an ebook at www.stasspublications.
co.uk
l Find out more about Emma’s
campaigning at
www.autisticatedalmayne.com or find
more about autism on the National
Autistic Society website at www.autism.
org.uk For information on services
available for people with autism visit
www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/autism
Free music
masterclasses
RESIDENTS are invited to attend musical
masterclasses held at the Old Royal
Naval College for students.
Anyone is welcome to attend and watch
the young musicians perform to leading
professionals who will offer advice and
help them develop their skills.
This Thursday, January 28, acclaimed
British tenor James Gilchrist will share his
expertise from 3.30-6.30pm.
A violin masterclass will follow on
Tuesday, February 2, from 10am-1pm, led
by Mi-Kyung Lee, Professor of Violin at the
University of Music and Performing Arts in
Munich, Germany.
Masterclasses are free to attend and
more will be held throughout the term.
Visit www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/whats-on
10 January 26 2016
Greenwich Get in the swim
ICY DIP: snowflake swimmers
get in training
‘most
international’
for Demelza
university
THE University of Greenwich is among
the most international universities in the
world, according to a recent survey.
It’s among the top 200 campuses listed
by the Times Higher Education magazine,
and is listed in the top 20 per cent in the
“international outlook” category.
Nearly 5,500 international and EU
students from 176 countries study at
Greenwich, which is one of the UK’s most
popular destinations for students from
India and Nigeria.
The university also takes part in a number
of international research projects with
organisations such as the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation and the European
Space Agency.
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Maguire
said: “I am delighted that the university’s FIFTY brave swimmers are wanted to children and includes a Demelza swim cap your boss to take the plunge for Demelza,
vibrant international community, and far- take the plunge into Charlton Lido to and hot food and drinks afterwards. or simply do it alone and make it a solo
reaching global connections, have been raise cash for the Demelza children’s Demelza supports hundreds of families swim to test your best stroke. As well as
recognised in these listings. hospice in Eltham. of life-limited or life-threatened children having fun you could be helping us to pay
“Our ability to attract staff, students and across South East London, either through for a lifeguard for a morning session in
research partners from across the world The event, called the Snowflake Swim, the hospice or in their own home. our hydrotherapy pool, enabling families
is key to achieving our mission to provide will take place on Sunday January 31 from Events co-ordinator Gemma Murray the chance to swim together and build
high-quality education, research and 2pm, with a variety of distances on offer said: “We are so excited about our brand precious memories.”
enterprise.” from the bronze 100m (two lengths) to the new Snowflake Swim and we hope you
l For information about the university, premium 2km (40 lengths), or individual are brave enough to join us. Why not l Book your place at www.demelza.org.uk
visit www.gre.ac.uk swimmers’ own choice. gather your friends and take the plunge or by contacting Gemma Murray on gemma.
The swim costs £10 for adults and £5 for together? Or even better, why not sponsor [email protected] or 01795 845183.