Lynne Featherstone MP calls on rail bidders to protect local services

Posted on 28th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week met with some of the rail companies who are currently bidding to run the new Thameslink, Southern & Great Northern Franchise – which covers rail stations in Haringey Borough.

Funded by Government investment, the new Franchise aims to improve services by installing longer, more regular, and more reliable trains in and out of London.

However, concern arose that smaller local stations, such as Hornsey and Harringay, could get fewer services as a result of the new Franchise – as the newer trains would be too long to stop at their platforms.

The Liberal Democrat MP last year began a campaign against any losses of service at the smaller stations. A survey showed that 98% of people agreed with this campaign – though a high percentage also wanted newer, longer trains.

During the meetings, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green – along with local Liberal Democrat Councillors David Schmitz and Richard Wilson – put forward the views of constituents, and argued strongly for no losses of service at any local station.

The local MP suggested platform extensions at the smaller stations as a means to ensure the newer, longer trains could stop just as regularly.

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The Thameslink services currently suffer from reliability problems, overcrowding, and dated trains, so I do very much welcome the huge investment in the Thameslink Franchise.

“However, it is vital that there are no service reductions at our smaller local station – particularly Hornsey and Harringay. Residents have shown that they agree by overwhelmingly supporting this campaign.

“Rest assured that the local Lib Dems and I are pushing both the bidders and the Department for Transport, to ensure that no services are lost at these stations as a result of the new Franchise.”

Lynne Featherstone MP praises work of Court volunteers

Posted on 27th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week visited Wood Green Crown Court, to hear about the work of Victim and Witness Support volunteers in Haringey.

The Liberal Democrat MP met with three volunteers and discussed how Victim and Witness Support is actively helping Haringey residents – by providing a safe and supportive place for victims and witnesses to feel comfortable, and be given advice and information.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green also had a tour of the court, including the court room, witness box and the video link room.

After the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“It was a pleasure to meet the volunteers, who provide an invaluable service to victims and witnesses of crime in Haringey.

“Of course – no one want to be in the witness box giving evidence. However, it is at least comforting to know that there is a dedicated support service there who can give advice and information on options like having a screen between victim and defendant, and giving video evidence.”

Lynne Featherstone MP meets branch manager at local Halifax

Posted on 27th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week met the branch manager and local area manager at Wood Green Halifax.

The Liberal Democrat MP was given a brief tour of the bank before sitting down to discuss some of the bank’s current schemes. The local MP heard how the bank are issuing mortgages to first time buyers – enabling young people to move onto the housing ladder.

Halifax supports the Government’s new Help to Buy scheme, which aims to help both first time buyers and home movers who have deposits of at least 5% to buy a new build home.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green also spoke to other members of staff – including a mortgage advisor and another working with Halifax’s bright sparks charity scheme.

After the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It was great to see how Halifax is using the Government’s new scheme to help people get on the housing ladder. This is particularly helpful for young people and those unable to save for huge deposits.

“I wish Halifax in my constituency the best in getting this information out to the people in Haringey who want to buy property.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits London Capital Credit Union

Posted on 16th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP with Marin Groombridge and Cllr Richard Wilson at the London Capital Credit Union HQ

Lynne Featherstone MP today visited the London Capital Credit Union (LCCU) – a not-for-profit co-operative helping to tackle debt and promote money saving in Haringey and six other London Boroughs.

The Credit Union provides low-cost ‘saver loans’ to those in need of short-term financial support. It also offers a ‘credEcard’, an interest free and fee free alternative to traditional bank and credit cards.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, along with Haringey Liberal Democrat leader and Stroud Green Councillor Richard Wilson, was given a tour of the Credit Union and met with staff and volunteers.

After the tour, the Liberal Democrat MP met with manager Martin Groombridge to discuss the LCCU’s activity in her constituency. Since opening in Haringey 18 months ago, the Union now has 1,700 members in the borough (including Ms Featherstone) and has lent £500,000 to Haringey residents in the last year alone.

Following the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It’s fantastic to have the LCCU operating in Haringey. The LCCU is an example of the benefit of co-operatives, providing financial assistance to those in need whilst helping them to escape the cycle of debt.

“Vulnerable people should not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous payday lenders – and the Credit Union offers a very sensible alternative for those in short-term financial need and transitional poverty.

“That’s why the Liberal Democrats in Government have long supported the co-operative movement, and have invested £38 million in credit unions.

“I will certainly keep in touch with Martin, and look forward to working with the London Capital Credit Union in the future.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits Hornsey Vale Community Centre

Posted on 16th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP today visited the Hornsey Vale Community Centre, a ‘village hall’ near Crouch End.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was given a brief tour of the Centre, before talking about how the Centre runs, and the services they provide.

The Centre has been run by the Hornsey Vale Community Association since 1991 and is staffed by volunteers. It plays host to a range of community activities from martial arts and zumba, to ‘fun football’ and fashion shows. Its wheelchair accessible gym is also used by autism and respiratory groups.

The centre recently organised a training and apprenticeship event to help young people gain training and employment. It also works with sports and education organisation ‘Let Me Play’ to offer sports qualifications to young people.

After the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It’s fantastic to visit the Hornsey Vale Centre – they continue to do great work with people of all ages in the Hornsey Vale area.

“It was a pleasure to see the positive impact being made by the centre’s volunteers.

“I was particularly impressed by their outreach programme, which is helping people to return to work. I wish them all the very best for future.”

Lynne Featherstone MP hosts packed Apprenticeship Event

Posted on 16th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

View the photo album here.

Lynne Featherstone MP on Wednesday hosted a packed apprenticeships event at Haringey Civic Centre, in tandem with Wood Green Jobcentre Plus.

The event was attended by 18 organisations and over 130 of Haringey’s young people, who were keen to find out more about the hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

Many took part in workshops with the London Apprenticeship Company, the National Apprenticeship Service and Barclays – to get specific advice on making applications.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green opened the event with a speech – highlighting that youth unemployment in her constituency was down, and that 530 new apprenticeships have been created since 2010.

Gordon Birtwistle MP – the Government Apprenticeship Ambassador – was also present to discuss the value of apprenticeships and to meet the young people and companies.

Tracey Longhurst from the Barclays Early Careers team said:

“This was a great event with dozens of young people talking to us about opportunities within the Barclays Apprenticeship Programme.

“There was genuine surprise from some of them when they heard that we don’t ask for formal qualifications and are simply looking for the right attitude and potential. Others could not believe that Barclays paid for you to work and study for a degree through our school leaver, Barclays Degree Programme.

“I am confident that some of the people who we spoke to will be applying for jobs with us.”

Government Apprenticeship Ambassador Gordon Birtwistle MP said:

“I was absolutely delighted to be able to go along to this fantastic event that focused on apprenticeships. It was well organised with some fantastic companies there and it was good to see so many people there making the most of the information available.

“Apprenticeships are the way forward. They provide on-the-job training and offer a wage with a career at the end of it. There are a lot of young people under pressure to go to university and study subjects for which there is a shortage of jobs.

“The careers fair in Haringey was a fantastic idea to show young people that there are alternatives and many opportunities that out there and how to apply for them. It was wonderful to see my colleague Lynne reaching out to all these young people in her constituency with this great apprenticeship fair.”

James Snelling, Acting Jobcentre Operations Manager for the London Boroughs of Haringey and Islington

“We were thrilled to be able to partner with the Local MP and providers to co-deliver this successful Apprenticeship event and showcase to Haringey’s young people the wide range of opportunities available from our partners and employers.”

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It’s fantastic that so many of Haringey’s youngsters came to the event to find out more about the great apprenticeship opportunities available to them.

“The organisations did a great job exhibiting their apprenticeships, and I’d also like to thank Gordon Birtwistle MP for coming along and offering his expertise on apprenticeships and their benefits to everyone.

“I will be keeping in touch with the people and organisations who attended so we can track how many apprenticeships have been created as a result of the event.”

Lynne Featherstone MP visits local Tagore Centre

Posted on 13th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP today visited the Tagore Centre, which is based above Alexandra Park Library. The Centre is dedicated to promoting the work and life of India’s Nobel laureate poet, writer and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore.

The Centre has a vast collection of materials, including hundreds of books, songs and paintings by Tagore himself. They hold regular social events to celebrate Tagore’s life and work.

The Centre describes Tagore as ‘the ambassador of Indian culture to the rest of the world.’ However, Tagore is not particularly well known in the west – something which the Centre seeks to change.

On arrival, the local MP was shown a video, explaining the work and aims of the Tagore Centre. The volunteers then gave presentations about Rabindranath Tagore, and their aims and ambitions for the future of the Centre.

The Liberal Democrat MP commended the volunteers on their work and offered advice on how to continue the work of the centre in the future.

Following the visit, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“I was so pleasantly surprised to see the vast collection of Tagore’s work at the Centre, and I was happy to offer them some advice on how to carry on their work during these tough economic times.

“The dedication and passion of the volunteers was evident from the moment I stepped in. They are working hard to promote Tagore and keep his work relevant in the modern day – and I highly commend them for it.

“I wish them all the best for the future, and will be on hand if they need further advice on how to continue their great work.”

Looking for work? Apprenticeship event tomorrow!

Posted on 13th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The apprenticeship event I’ve organised will take place tomorrow, 14^th August, between 2pm – 6pm at Haringey Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE.

We have around 20 companies and organisations confirmed to exhibit their apprenticeship opportunities – with well over 500 vacant positions between them.

The companies include: Barclays, Tottenham Hotspurs, National Apprenticeship Service and London Apprenticeship Company.

There will also be workshops to give advice on how to apply for the apprenticeships. This is a great chance to make contact with companies and get expert advice on finding the best apprenticeship for you .

Apprenticeships are a great way to kick start careers – by gaining experience and contacts in an industry and getting paid to learn a trade.

I hope as many of Haringey’s young and out-of-work people will come down and see what’s on offer.

The Government Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle MP will also be there, and will make a speech.

If you’re a young person, a parent, looking for work, or looking to try something different, please do come along and find out more!

Putting Words into Action with Apprenticeships!

Posted on 12th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Ham and High Column about the apprenticeship event I’m hosting on Wednesday….

A few columns ago, I wrote about the importance of young people getting into work, and how creating one million new jobs was the Liberal Democrat’s top priority in Government.

This month, I am doing my bit to put these words into action. On Wednesday 14^th August, I am hosting an event at the Civic Centre (between 2pm and 6pm) to match up young or unemployed people in Haringey with companies and agencies offering apprenticeships.

People who attend will get the chance to meet the companies and ask for information on their apprenticeship opportunities, and advice on how to apply.

We have a number of companies already confirmed – including Barclays, Kruger Associates and Diversity in Visual Arts. There will also be companies with greater emphasis on manufacturing and manual apprenticeships.

These companies are actively recruiting – so you may even be able to fill out an application form on the day.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London – along with other training groups – will be there with information on the wide range of apprenticeships that they are advertising.

There will also be some workshops available, for people to get some advice on applications, writing CVs, and money management. I will be there talking about starting your own business – something I did myself many years ago.

Lynne Featherstone MP on apprenticeship visit to Queenswoods GP practice, here with Sue Welsh from the National Apprenticeship Service, Paul Head from College of Haringey and the two apprentices Bianca and Louise, Crouch End, in June 2011 I have been working in tandem with Wood Green Jobcentre Plus, to make sure the event is a success and as helpful as possible to Haringey residents.

The Government Ambassador for Apprenticeships, Gordon Birtwistle MP, will also be there to talk with both businesses and the people looking for an apprenticeship.

Hopefully – this will be the first step for many people in securing an apprenticeship – maybe even with one of the companies at the event!

An apprenticeship is a great way to kick start a career. They take between one and four years to complete and combine practical training in a job with study. That means you get paid to study and learn a trade, whilst also being able to make contacts in an industry.

And you get a qualification too – an advanced level apprenticeship is equivalent to two A level passes, and others can lead to the attainment of a Foundation Degree!

So if you are a young person, unemployed or looking for a new challenge, do come down to the Civic Centre (High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE) on the 14^th August between 2pm and 6pm to meet employers and find out more!

A Busy Start to Summer!

Posted on 12th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here is my latest Muswell Flyer article – about the start of summer in late June / July….

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. It has been so busy, but full of great events and finally some good weather too!

Thankfully, the weather picked up just in time for the grand finale of the independent shops competition. What a great day that was – celebrating our best local independent stores outside Hornsey Town Hall with a live band, hot food and free local beer! Congratulations again to the worthy winners: Brand New Start, Big Green Bookshop and Owen’s Food Store.

The week after, I had the great honour of being reselected as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green. There was a huge turnout, and it was so heart-warming when the great Lib Dem members of this constituency put their faith in me again. And what a bonus to have my political heroine Shirley Williams at the event, supporting me and giving a fantastic speech.

But there was no time for extended celebrations – the day after the reselection, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg come to visit Highgate Wood, a school in the constituency.

Nick was here to see how the school is using its Pupil Premium money. The Pupil Premium is a Liberal Democrat flagship policy that is being delivered by the Coalition Government. It targets extra money to schools depending on the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds they have.

Schools will receive £900 per eligible pupil. For Highgate Wood, this means a whopping £413,100 in extra funding for 2013/14.

Nick and me talking to Food Tech students!

Shortly after Nick’s visit – there was also good news about the Whittington Hospital. The Board released their revised strategy for the future of the hospital. They have u-turned on their plan to sell off buildings without consultation.

This is very welcome news. Whilst we recognise that some changes will have to be made to secure the future of the hospital – consulting with the public and protecting services is paramount. That’s why we launched a petition calling on the Whittington Board to consult local residents and guarantee that there will be no loss of services until equal or better were in place.

I’d like to thank all 3000 residents who signed the Lib Dem petition. Because of you, the Whittington Board agreed to the listening exercise and has consequently changed their plans.

This is why I’m so delighted to be reselected as the Lib Dem candidate for this area. I want to carry on campaigning with residents on the issues that matter – like Pinkham Way, the Whittington, and securing fairer funding for Haringey’s health and education services. I also want to run more competitions like the independent shops one – promoting and supporting our cherished local amenities.

And, I want to be in a position to keep implementing policies like the Pupil Premium – which is directly benefitting children in this area – and across the UK.

The road to the 2015 election starts here – and I will be keeping myself, and fellow Lib Dem activists and supporters, very busy!