We received notification today that of the 3 WF post offices still under review, Forest Road Post office has been saved from closure - one of only 7 in London.

Post Watch cite a major reason for retaining the service as being the numbers of elderly and vulnerable people living in the area, and levels of deprivation in the surrounding areas

While we are pleased that the Forest Road post office remains open we are disappointed that the one in Chingford Road looks like it will close

Walthamstow library was shut on Monday 23 June following a small fire that took place in the building early on Monday morning.

“The Council is working closely with the Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.

“The library will be shut until it has been confirmed that there is no risk to members of the public. Work to rectify any damage will begin as soon as possible.

“We would like to apologise to residents for any inconvenience this incident has caused and would like to thank them for their patience.”

While out delivering the latest Focus we spotted these overgrown hedges.

We have asked the Highways Maintenance department to ask residents to cut back this overhanging vegetation impacting upon the highway.

We would not like to see Enforcement action taken against these residents but it is unfair on other users of the highway.

We also came across this fridge sitting in the kerb.

We have asked for it to be removed.

To leave a fridge like this is a danger to children. We would hate to see a child injured from playing inside a dumped fridge.

You can get a free removal from the council by phoning 020 8496 3000.

It is great to see that someone has repaired the wall around the plantation on the corner of Rushbrook Crescent and Brettenham Road.

We requested this to be done some time ago.

It really look nice and adds to the area.

It is a shame that a contractor has left their barriers in amongst the bushes.

We have asked for them to be removed.

Kier Street Services are beginning to make an impact on our streets.

From the photo you can see an operative beginning to remove the detritus from the kerbs.

This should make all our streets look better.

 Cllr John Macklin and the offending car.

While delivering the latest Focus over the weekend in Brookscroft Road, your councillors spotted this burnt out vehicle.

We reported it on Monday and were pleased to see that by 3.30 p.m. it had been removed.

LIB DEMS working for you!

Samina Safdar has become the twentieth Liberal Democrat councillor in Waltham Forest after taking the vacant Forest ward seat in last night’s by-election. The full result was: 

SAMINA SAFDAR (LIB DEM) 977

Jawade Liaqat (Labour) 927 

Edwin Northover (Conservative) 507 

Mark Dawes (Green) 184 

Makola Mayambika (Left List) 56 

Turnout 32.33 per cent, 2,661 votes cast

Pictured Lib Dem Councillor Bob Belam with Michael Hayes National Express Environmental Champion at Chingford Station. 

This is the first paper recycling facility to be opened at a transport hub in the borough.National Express and the council are looking at ways of installing these facilities at main line stations across the borough. 

The council is talking to LU with a view to having recycling at all Underground stations by the end of the year. 

If you want something done it is the LIB DEMS who get it done

New Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr. Sheila Smith-Pryor has announced that she is hoping to raise lots of money during her year of office to support two local good causes:

1. Branches is a day centre and night shelter for homeless people. It is situated in Forest Rd E17. The night shelter offers a hot evening meal a bed and breakfast . The day centre provides a midday meal. There are showers clothing and laundry facilities. Branches also assists people to move back into proper homes.

2. MSAction is based in Billet Rd E17. It offers high pressure oxygen therapy to people with M.S. It does not receive any funding from the NHS and charges £10 for an hours therapy.It is not a cure but can help to keep the disease at bay and improve the quality of life.There are only 4 such units in the country and we are fortunate to have one in our borough. It is also unique in that it is the only unit that treats children with Cerebral Palsy. Again it is not a cure but can improve the quality of their lives, which has a knock-on effect on the whole family.

Anyone wishing to donate can send a cheque [payable to The Mayor’s Charity] to the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JF.

On a regular ward walk your councillors spotted these barriers left by contractors.

The Focus Team have asked McNicholas to remove them as soon as possible.

LIB DEMS WORKING ALL YEAR ROUND

Your Focus Team have reported pot holes in

Northbank Road, Monoux Grove and Penrhyn Avenue

If you know where there are any others please let one of the team know.

LIB DEMS WORKING FOR YOU

On a regular ward walk your councillors spotted these garages at the rear of Cecil House had been broken into.

The Focus Team have asked Ascham homes to repair them as soon as possible.

Pictured Lib Dem Councillor Bob Belam with Michael Hayes National Express Environmental Champion at Chingford Station. 

This is the first paper recycling facility to be opened at a transport hub in the borough.National Express and the council are looking at ways of installing these facilities at main line stations across the borough. 

The council is talking to LU with a view to having recycling at all Underground stations by the end of the year. 

If you want something done it is the LIB DEMS who get it done