Local MP nominates media charity for special youth award

Posted on 5th Mar 2012 by Lynne Featherstone

To celebrate the work of youth media charity Exposure, Lynne Featherstone MP today nominated the organisation for a special MPs youth award.

The Muswell Hill based organisation that produces the Exposure Magazine by and for young people, was nominated by the Liberal Democrat MP for a Kids Count Inspiration Award for their commitment to young people in Haringey. The youth award that only MPs can send in nominations for, recognises individuals and organisations that have inspired young people in their communities.

Exposure magazine is written by and for young people and cover serious issues that affect young people, like dealing with divorce and mental health issues.

This year’s Inspiration Awards winner will be announced at the House of Commons on the 8^th May.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“Exposure is a really inspirational youth charity that does fantastic work with young people from across Haringey. They work with teenagers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, boosting their media skills, their confidence and their CVs, and helping to pave the way for a brighter future.

“Every time I’ve visited Exposure, I have been struck by what an amazing job they do. That’s why I really jumped at the opportunity to nominate them for a Kids Count Award. They do inspirational work, and really deserve this recognition, so fingers crossed for the 8^th May.”

Exposure manager Andreas Koumi adds:

“We’re honoured to be nominated for an Inspiration Award by our local MP. It’s a tremendous boost for our staff and young people during these challenging times, and a real endorsement of the hard work they all put in.”

Lynne Featherstone MP hosts reception in parliament for local cerebral palsy charity

Posted on 21st Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

To help raise awareness of Muswell Hill based London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy’s (LCCCP) special work, Lynne Featherstone MP yesterday hosted a parliamentary reception to highlight their achievements.

At the reception, the charity’s Chief Executive Marc Crank spoke of their difficult but successful work, helping children with cerebral palsy increase their mobility and become more independent. The Liberal Democrat MP also spoke of her many visits to the charity, and the amazing support and help the charity provides to families and their children with cerebral palsy.

The Muswell Hill based school, which recently changed its name from the Hornsey Trust, supports 55 families and their children with cerebral palsy, ranging from ages 1 to 11. The charity uses a technique called Conductive Education, which focuses on increasing independence.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“The London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy is a very special charity. They work tirelessly to help the children increase their mobility and grow up to become more independent.

“It was lovely to hear from the charity’s many fans at the reception, from local architects firms, to Winkworth estate agents, of why they are supporting the charity. Clearly the LCCCP’s special work has touched many hearts!”

LCCCP Chief Executive Marc Crank adds:

“The work we do is so life changing for the children and their families, and it’s really heartwarming to know that the charity has good friends, who work hard to help us continue this important work.

“A special thanks to Lynne and to Winkworth estate agents for supporting this reception, and our wider work.”

Muswell Hill Area Forum Councillors give thumbs down to Pinkham Way

Posted on 20th Jun 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Muswell Hill residents packed the British Legion Hall last Thursday to hear about the controversial Pinkham Way Waste Plant from Haringey Council officers at the first meeting of the new Muswell Hill Area Forum. The Pinkham Way proposal was on the agenda at the insistence of Liberal Democrat councillors who demanded residents be given the opportunity to discuss the plans, and question planning officers.

Haringey will be handling the planning application, so the meeting was welcomed by many who were disappointed by the North London Waste Authority’s refusal to speak at a public meeting Lynne Featherstone MP was hoping to organise earlier in the spring. At the Forum Committee meeting, local councillors also voted overwhelmingly for a motion that criticised the Pinkham Way waste facility proposals.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Alexandra, Juliet Solomon commented:

“This is an issue that local people care passionately about, and I have frankly been astounded that the waste authority is so unwilling to meet with local people and hear their concerns. I was therefore delighted that the issue was discussed at the Area Forum, and residents didn’t hold back in showing their outrage at the plans.

“I am also really pleased to see local councillors taking an unequivocal stand on this troubling proposal. Local residents in three boroughs are shocked and dismayed by the proposals and will be reassured to know that their fears are shared by their elected representatives who will be arguing against the plant strongly in every possible arena.”

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone added:

“The waste authority is planning to squeeze in this giant waste plant in the middle of a residential area, and residents are rightly outraged. I am this week meeting with the MPs from Enfield and Barnet, to see how we can jointly stop this monstrosity. Once the planning application is available for comment, we will also be writing to local people to tell them how best to respond. Please also sign our petition and show your opposition to the plans. Together we will fight these plans.”

The text of the motion passed reads:

“This Area Committee opposes the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) plans for a waste facility at Pinkham Way, and calls on the NLWA to drop the plans.

“Whilst we recognise the need to plan responsibly for waste disposal, this must not be through the location of a huge plant in a residential area with the excessive movement of large lorries that will result.”

“We further oppose plans for the use of the site by Barnet LB as a lorry park. The London Borough of Barnet should make arrangement for the parking of such vehicles in its own borough.”

NLWA boss refuses to attend public meeting on Pinkham Way

Posted on 19th May 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Local Liberal Democrats have demanded that Haringey Council intervenes after the top boss at the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) this week refused to attend a public meeting on the controversial plans to build a waste processing plant at Pinkham Way.

In April 2011, Lynne Featherstone MP asked David Beadle, the managing director of the NLWA to speak at a meeting to raise awareness about proposals to build the waste plant and to listen to local concerns before the NLWA submitted the planning application to Haringey Council.

Following the rebuff by NLWA Lynne Featherstone MP has today written to the Labour representatives who sit on the publicly funded NLWA board, Councillors Nilgun Canver and George Meehan, asking that they personally intervene by asking the top boss to reconsider the invitation.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“The consultation into plans to build a huge waste plant at Pinkham Way to date has been shambolic. I’m really disappointed that the waste authority has refused to address these concerns by attending a public meeting.

“Being at the meeting and being prepared to listen to local residents, before submitting the plans, would have gone some way towards giving residents assurances that their concerns will be heard.

“The NLWA is a public body funded by local tax payers – they should feel duty bound to attend a meeting and engage with residents over these major plans. I have today therefore written to councillors Meehan and Canver, asking them encourage Mr Beadle to reconsider.

“I share many residents’ fears about the plans to build this huge waste plant in a residential area and right next to local schools. The area already suffers from bad traffic, and over 330 lorries entering and exiting the site each day will make a bad situation worse. Rest assured, I will stand alongside residents in fighting these plans.”

Local MP Lynne Featherstone opens new games area at TreeHouse school

Posted on 7th Apr 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Sky News and Talk Sport presenter Jonny Gould and Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone officially opened a new outdoor games area at TreeHouse School on Friday 1st April 2011. This new facility will offer a range of sports including football and basketball.

The special guests were invited to TreeHouse School to unveil the purpose built outdoor games area and take part in a penalty shootout with TreeHouse and Muswell Hill primary school pupils.

Jonny Gould stood in goal during the reverse inclusion session which aimed to encourage children without autism to mix and play with children with autism. The outdoor games area will also be available for use by pupils from other local schools.

The launch came on the eve of World Autism Awareness month, which started on Saturday 2nd April 2011. The outdoor games area was funded by Play Sport London, The Lord’s Taverners, London Marathon Trust and the Department for Education.

Lynne Featherstone MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said:

“I am delighted to open TreeHouse School’s new outdoor games area because it is important for children with autism to have access to sport in a safe and secure environment.

“As well as enriching the lives of TreeHouse’s pupils, other children at local schools will be able to use the sports ground because it is a community space. What children learn about each other when they are young stays with them their whole lives and this outdoor games area is the ideal opportunity to bring children together, regardless of whether they have autism or not.”

Dr Rowie Shaw, Chair of Governors at TreeHouse School, said:

“TreeHouse School is thankful for the support of our funders to finally make the new outdoor games area a reality. Health and fitness is at the core of our curriculum’s drive to improve the well being of our pupils and the outdoor games area will enhance this. We pride ourselves on being part of a wider community and look forward to opening the outdoor games area to other schools.”

Jonny Gould, Sky News and Talk Sport presenter, said:

“I am bowled over by TreeHouse School and its commitment and investment to making sport accessible for all its pupils. It is heartening to see the elevation of sport with the outdoor games area because I know how fun and rewarding playing sports and games can be for children.”

Haringey Liberal Democrats ask for views on Pinkham Way development

Posted on 28th Mar 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrats have renewed their calls for consultation with local residents on the controversial plans for a depot and new waste processing facilities at Pinkham Way.

Earlier this month local councillor, Juliet Solomon, met with Council bosses to highlight the complete lack of any consultation with residents in Alexandra ward and to raise a number of their concerns, in particular the impact of the additional lorry traffic on an already busy area.

Cllr. Solomon and Lynne Featherstone MP are now asking for all local residents’ views on the proposals so they can ensure that these concerns are clearly taken into account when they meet in a few weeks’ with top bosses at the North London Waste Authority (NLWA).

Last week residents in Bounds Green met to discuss the issue and agreed to fight the plans, highlighting their concerns over the size of the development, the noise and traffic created by the 24-hour facility and the potential storage of methane gas.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“It’s clear from the many residents’ meetings over the past week that many people think they are being left out of a massive decision that will affect their community greatly.

“Liberal Democrats want local residents’ voices to be heard and that is why we will be going to NLWA armed with concerns from local people. I ask that anybody who is concerned get in touch and we will make sure that NLWA sit up and listen.”

Cllr Juliet Solomon (Alexandra ward) adds:

“I am still not convinced that council bosses fully understand that local people deserve to be consulted. This is the largest development in this area for years yet many people feel that their concerns are being ignored.”

Inaccessible W7 Bus Stop set to finally move after long-running Liberal Democrat Campaign

Posted on 4th Mar 2011 by Lynne Featherstone

The W7 bus stop on the steep Muswell Hill looks set to soon be moved to outside Boots on Muswell Hill Broadway, after a three year campaign by local Liberal Democrats.

The encouraging news was sent to Lynne Featherstone MP earlier this week following enquiries to the Council and TfL.

Following a campaign of letter writing, numerous site visits and petitioning led by Cllr Martin Newton and the Hornsey and Wood Green MP, TfL and the Council have now agreed to move the bus stop to outside Boots on Muswell Hill Broadway. The move will rely on a successful safety audit and will be on a trial basis.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“I’m really thrilled! Thanks to the support of hundreds of local residents, and years of campaigning, the Council and TfL have finally agreed to work together to make the bus stop accessible.

“This is great step forward for elderly and less mobile residents in the Muswell Hill area, who will hopefully soon be able to get safely on the W7 bus to Hornsey Central.”

Cllr Martin Newton adds:

“A bus stop down a steep hill, for the only bus to Hornsey Central, was always a poor solution. But due to strong backing by local residents, and a relentless Lib Dem campaign, we are now really close to getting the move local people need.

“It feels like common sense has finally prevailed. Fingers crossed for a quick move up to the Broadway. But rest assured, until that bus stop is permanently accessible for local people, we will not stop fighting!”

Lynne Featherstone MP makes a difference on volunteering day

Posted on 1st Nov 2010 by Lynne Featherstone

To celebrate the enormous contribution of local volunteers, Lynne Featherstone MP last week met with Special Constables and helpers at Muswell Hill Police Station to mark Community Service Volunteers (CSV) ‘Make a Difference’ Day.

The Hornsey and Wood Green MP and local crime spokesperson, Cllr Martin Newton, spent the morning on Friday (29th Oct 2010) helping out on the front helpdesk at the police station and walked the streets with Special Police constables talking about their roles as volunteers and urging more residents to volunteer in their local community.

Lynne Featherstone MP, comments:

“Volunteers at Muswell Hill Police Station do an invaluable job to make sure our local services are open to the public.

“I have been fighting to keep Muswell Hill Police Station front counter open for over a decade – this would not have been able to happen without the service of our army of volunteers.

“Volunteering is so rewarding and I would urge more people to take part, help out and volunteer.”

Cllr Martin Newton, Liberal Democrat Crime Spokesperson, adds:

“Volunteering is not only great for the community but also can give volunteers wider work experience that they wouldn’t otherwise receive.

“I admire any person who would give up their spare time to provide a service to others.”

Local Liberal Democrats ask residents for help to win battle for accessible bus stop

Posted on 22nd Oct 2010 by Lynne Featherstone

In the latest stage in the long-running battle to get an inaccessible Muswell Hill bus stop on the only bus route to Hornsey Central Health Centre moved from a steep hill, Liberal Democrats have today written to local residents, urging them to respond to a consultation.

This most recent bid to get the W7 bus stop, located on the steep Muswell Hill, moved to Muswell Hill roundabout is the latest stage in a long-running campaign by Lynne Featherstone MP and local Liberal Democrats. Despite numerous site visits, and agreement from both Transport for London and Haringey Council that something should be done about the bus stop, neither authority has agreed to move it.

With the Council consulting on transport priorities for the next few years, the Liberal Democrat MP and Fortis Green Councillor Martin Newton are taking the battle to the people, by asking them to help push for the bus stop to finally be moved.

Residents who want to respond to the consultation into Haringey’s Transport Strategy 2011-14 and in particular improving public transport and bus stop accessibility should email frontline.consultation@haringey.gov.uk by 8th November. Please put LIP in the subject line of your email message.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“The bus stop with the only route to Hornsey Central from Muswell Hill is inaccessible, and residents keep writing to me about the need for the bus stop to be moved.

“Despite site visits, and agreement from TfL that moving the bus stop to the roundabout would be a good solution, the authorities keep passing the buck and that’s got to stop.”

Martin Newton, Liberal Democrat Fortis Green Councillor adds:

“With the Council setting their transport priorities for the next three years, and specifically looking at accessible bus stops, this is a rare opportunity to really press for the bus stop to be moved.

“But to make this happen, local residents need to help us make the case. So please write in to Haringey with your response to the consultation. Together we can finally make this happen.”

Lynne Featherstone MP plants trees at local pre-school after fight for garden funding

Posted on 18th Oct 2010 by Lynne Featherstone

After joining the fight to ensure a pre-school in Muswell Hill got funding for a wildlife garden, Lynne Featherstone MP on Saturday had the honour of planting one of the garden’s first new trees.

345 Pre-school at the Friends Meeting House in Church Crescent had its funding for a wildlife garden threatened in the summer, but following representation by the Hornsey and Wood Green MP, the money was reinstated. The Liberal Democrat MP on Saturday did the honours of planting a tree, as part of the centenary celebration of the Muswell Hill Quakers, who house the pre-school.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“It was a real blow to the children when the promised funding was taken away, but it’s great that the council has finally stepped up to make sure the planting could go ahead.

“It’s a real honour to be planting one the first trees in what will hopefully be a wonderful green space for the children to learn, explore and have fun in.”