Making Kings Cross a better place

Posted on February 4, 2010 by William Perrin

Make York Way a friendlier place to be a pedestrianKings cross square west

Give us some more buses, and

Use the huge wastelands behind the station for something interesting while waiting for the property market to pick up

These issues will be discussed at a meeting of the Kings Cross Development Forum next Thursday 11 February at 7:00pm Committee Room 1, Camden Town Hall (Opposite St Pancras station).  The Kings Cross Development forum will be questioning Camden council and Argent the property developers.

1 – Will Camden make York Way a friendler place to be a pedestrian?
The Forum wishes to devote the major part of its meeting on Thursday 11 February to York Way and the likely state of the Kings Cross Central site along the York Way border over the next few years. We recognize that York Way is a TfL road and that bus services as well as traffic are TfL concerns. We know that the road is also the boundary with the borough of Islington who obviously have an interest, especially as many Islington residents live just off and even more use York Way. But we want most of all to hear from the London Borough of Camden, Transport for London and Argent (Kings Cross)

2. Will TfL give us some more buses
From Transport for London we would like to hear about the transport links they plan for York Way and Kings Cross Central in the course of the next few (say five) years. At present York Way is only served by the rather infrequent 390 bus. Will one of the other buses serving Kings Cross (e.g.17, 91, 259 or, slightly differently, 274) be diverted to run along a greater section of York Way?
Can a greater frequency of buses be provided on York Way, noting the existing demand and increased demand through University of the Arts (London) – opening October 2011 – and accommodation proposed to be provided in Block R4?

3. Do something temporary with the huge wastelands
Will Argent allow some temporary uses of the sites which they won't be developing for some years because of the property market downturn – and will they bring forward some landscaping improvements along York Way?

Why can't we have some temporary sports pitches for instance or plant the huge open spaces as a temporary urban meadow with wildflowers

We would also ask them to bring forward eventual landscape treatments so as to give people passing along York Way a more cheerful environment over the extended period before final completion.
 
Also

    * Site R4  The application is in and we have till 18 February to comment
    * London undergound's structures south of Kings Cross station – do we want to participate in the appeal over these March 23 24 25 ?
    * Application for funding for Forum's necessary costs
    * proposed next Forum June 8th

Posted in Planning, Licensing and Regulation | 1 Comment

Caledonian Ward’s Safer Neighbourhood’s Team – Winter Newsletter

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Stephan Schulte

6a00d8345162e169e2012876fb7bfc970c-200wi If you're interested in seeing what our local Safer Neighbourhood's Policing Team are doing to make our neighbourhood safer, please download the latest newletter-Download SNT_Winter_News.

After reading it, if you have comment, you might want to try to attend the next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood's Panel and meet the people who are on our beat in person.

To get on the mailing list to be notified of the next meeting, please contact the Panel's Secretary.

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | Leave a comment

Dog owners charged after attack

Posted on January 28, 2010 by William Perrin

Staffbult This just in from the police following an incident in Dunoon House on the Bemerton Estate during which a three year old girl was bitten by a dog in the leg.  Two dogs have been seized and are in kennels:

>On 21 January 2010, at Islington police station, Doris Carter (aged 57) of Dunoon House, the Bemerton Estate, N1, was charged with: –


    * being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place
    * obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty.

Gerald Carter (aged 22) of Dunoon House, the Bemerton Estate, N1, was also charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty.

They have both been released on bail to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 9 February 2010.

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | Leave a comment

Violent crime trends – ambulance call outs for assault in Islington

Posted on January 27, 2010 by William Perrin

Ambulance call out for assaultI lost count of the number of times i had to call 999 for an ambluance to help someone who was bleeding or in trouble on the street in Kings Cross.  The London data store has yielded this data:

'Count of all Assault incidents and injuries recorded by London Ambulance Service, per month, per ward in London from December 2007 to November 2009.'

The bar chart on the left shows the aggregate over that two year period.  Caledonian ward is in red.  Below is a line chart of the three month rolling average of ambulance calls for assault in some of the more assaulty wards – this is a way of adjusting for seasonal variation and help show trends more reliably. 

I'm not a proper statto (if only the late Phil Jeffries was still with us) so it would be great if soemone could check my numbers, but the trend for Caledonian ward isn't great – the average per month has steadily increased over the last two years from ten per month to about 14 per month.  But as i understood it crime has fallen radically over this period.  So i am a bit confused.

I don't know why this is – one thing that the council and police need to examine carefully is whether this is related to the increasing nuAssault trendsmber of premises selling alcohol in Kings Cross or a statistical aberration.  They have access to much more detailed data and presumably profressional analysts.  All views welcome in the comments.

UPDATE – 4 February

The Gazette have run with this story today after speaking with me 48 hours ago. 

Almost a week after this original blog post, the police come back to me with this quote:

'Re increase in assaults in Islington according to recently released LAS data:
Of all violent incidents, which include assaults, reported to police in Islington, there was a two percent increase in 2009 compared to 2008.
We continue to do everything we can to tackle violent crime. Since April 2009, most serious violence has gone down by 11 percent and serious youth violence by 28 percent.
We encourage all victims of violent crime to come forward so that we can take action to bring the offenders to justice.
– Not all crimes are reported to police which would account for the difference in figures.

Re increase in assaults in Caledonian ward according to recently released LAS data:
During the period 2009 compared to 2008, there was a four percent increase in violent crime reported to police in Caledonian ward. During this time police observed an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour by groups of young people. In response to this, a dispersal zone was put in place in Caledonian Road in 2009. This appears to have had a positive effect with fewer problems of this kind being reported to police.
We continue to do everything we can to tackle violent crime and bring offenders to justice. Since April 2009, violent crime has gone down by 11 percent in Islington which includes a 28 percent reduction in serious youth violence.
– Not all crimes are reported to police which would account for any difference in figures.'

Finsbury Park 385
St Mary's 306
Bunhill 277
Caledonian 265
Barnsbury 251
Clerkenwell 228
Holloway 224
Junction 224
Tollington 212
Mildmay 193
St Peter's 186
Highbury West 160
St George's 157
Canonbury 151
Hillrise 136
Highbury East

127
Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | 1 Comment

Lisa Pontecorvo Remembered

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Stephan Schulte

6a00d8345162e169e2010535fff158970c-500wiThe Bulletin Board just heard from Rob Inglis, artistic director, Musical Flying Squad www.musicalflyingsquad.org.uk who is working on a performance about Lisa Pontecorvo one of the areas most well known campaigners who was tragically killed in 2008.

Rob is now seeking Lisa's friends, neighbours and associates to send him their memories of Lisa for inclusion in Lisa - A Folk Opera.  According to Rob, These memories and recollections of Lisa will help build a vivid, colourful portrait of this energetic campaigner. 

There will be a short Camden performance at 3 PM on Wednesday April 14 – venue to be announced. This will be multi-cultural, supported by Bengali Workers' Association as part of their New Year celebrations.

Islington performances will be supported by Friends of Edward Square. 150 students from local schools will sing excerpts in Edward Square at 4 PM on a weekday at the end of June.  Soon afterwards there will be a full performance in Islington Assembly Hall.

Please e-mail Rob at artsxchange@btinternet.com or ring him on 020 7387 4942 as soon as possible.

_______________________________________________________

Update

The show was a big success, here are some of the responses to Islington Assembly Room  performance June 15 2010

The show beautifully caught the essence of Lisa's life and was moving and funny in turn. It showed the true commitment of Lisa and her fellow community activists to changing their neighbourhood for the better, whilst underlining Lisa's essential humanity.

Derek Sawyer
Former Islington Council Leader who supported Lisa’s fight for Edward Square

The opera was full of the same energy and uniqueness that emitted from Lisa herself when she was alive, through bright energetic performances including the children of Copenhagen and Blessed Sacrament Schools. Sensitively produced with significant research behind the lyrics of every song and narration, the opera has great charm and character in championing the drive, tenacity, and savvy of a local campaigner.

Johanna Gibbons
Landscape Architect for Edward Square

Rob, I congratulate you on Lisa – a folk opera. As a memorial to Lisa and her life's work it struck me as an entirely appropriate format, allowing her passion to come through while telling the story of her own experiences and life. It also creates a tool by which the issues, disappointments and triumphs that drove her along can be preserved and remembered – giving future generations of school children the opportunity to actively learn about the culture and society of our times.

Peter Shaw
RHWL Architects, involved in The Regent Quarter  after agitation by Lisa and others

Lisa was very passionate about everything she did and cared for and the opera was a true tribute to her. It was absolutely brilliant and very moving.

Councillor Catherine West, Leader of Islington Council.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Lisa – a folk opera’.  I am a folk music 'fan', but I never knew what a 'folk opera' is! And, I never thought a theme of protest against environmental anarchy could be so well presented via an opera.

Tushar Sarkar
Lok Sanskriti Mancha and British South Asian Solidarity Forum

Thanks for the invite to your opera. I thought it was great, and I could certainly hear all your harmony and counterpoint skills at work! What great performers you had too! I'm sure Lisa would have been grinning from ear to ear if she knew what a wonderful wonderful homage you had paid her.

Selena Kay
Rob Inglis’s music tutor at Morley College

Rob – such a touching and moving piece you wrote for Lisa.  It was very engaging to see former councillors in the audience react to your staged version of real life political events played out before them. I think you may have stumbled on a "local political theatre" genre here? I wondered if you had any other recent local events worth treating similarly. Tell us what you are planning next. Congratulations on such a warm and engaging work.

Chris Mellor
Senior Arts Development Officer, London Borough of Camden

I was in a production of Beggars Opera when I was a kid and had been reminded of this earlier in the day watching "Rude Britannia" on the BBC discussing the form of Ballad Opera – and then there it was in the evening, a 21st century example! I think you have a talent for setting what might be called lyrical recitative and the inclusion of the ukuleles was be no means token – I particularly enjoyed them (with the keyboard) providing continuo for the singers, not a trivial skill for the players. The string players were obviously great but the ensemble, whether by arrangements and/or direction, did not feel contrived. I thought the cast were great.

Nick Browning
Ukulele player and teacher

The folk opera was thoroughly enjoyable.  I hope it will have many performances in the future, especially in north London as the story is set there.  The children from local schools could get involved and the story of Lisa is a very inspiring one for young and old alike.  I think it would be wonderful to see it in The Round House with  the orchestra for the Age of Enlightenment and hundreds of schoolchildren in the chorus.  The owner of the Roundhouse was on Radio 4 Libby Purves slot (9-9.30am ) this morning and he sounded just the person to approach.  Go for it!

Caroline Blunden
Art dealer who supplied her friends Lisa and Guido Pontecorvo with Asian art

I thought Cezanne’s Tegelberg’s performance was uncannily like Lisa’s in spirit.  Although she didn’t look exactly the same, there was something about her that came over EXACTLY the same.  This was very evident when speaking to Cezanne as well.  Cezanne shares the bright eagerness in her eyes and the enthusiasm we were used to from Lisa in her lifetime.  The picture of her in the paper with the bicycle was immensely evocative. I got the impression that she really enjoyed taking the part and felt committed to spreading the message.  Rob, your folk opera was/is wonderful and I think Caroline’s ideas for another performance are splendid. It mustn’t get neglected now.  It continues to be an inspiration and a fabulous remembrance of Lisa.

Jessica Redfern
Friend of Lisa’s  of many years’ standing

I’m grateful to Kings Cross Environment website for helping me contact those who had e-mailed tributes to Lisa after her death in September 2008, to the cast, to Copenhagen and Blessed Sacrament Schools, to Friends of Edward Square, to Cripplegate Foundation and to King’s Cross Assembly Room.

Rob Inglis
Artistic Director, Musical Flying Squad who wrote the show

Lisa as a young woman:

 Young_lisa

Posted in King's Cross People | Leave a comment

Kings Place Launches Two Jazz Music Education Programmes

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Stephan Schulte

Picture1 The Community Bulletin Board just received the following notice from King’s Place about two eduction programmes they will launch shortly.

We thought it would be a good idea to publicise this to the local community to ensure maximum benefit to secure an early place for anyone interested.

Dear Colleagues

Kings Place is launching two exciting jazz music education programmes with the National Youth Jazz Collective.  Places on these programmes will be advertised to the public in two weeks.  Places are limited, so early booking is essential.

The National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC) is a new and vibrant national youth music organisation, funded by Youth Music and presided over by David Holland.  The NYJC is designed to support the creative and educational needs of the young jazz musician through regional projects and an annual National Youth Jazz Summer School.  For more info go to www.nyjc.co.uk.

The two jazz music education programmes being offered at Kings Place are:

Young Musicians Programme

The Young Musicians Programme takes place over a series of Sundays plus a four day intensive summer programme in July. It is aimed at young musicians at all levels, studying any instrument.  The programme consists of workshops with professional musicians from the National Youth Jazz Collective incorporating group, combo and sectional work.

Each Sunday workshops culminate in a concert by the NYJC professional quartet followed by a short concert by the students in combinations which is open to student’s friends and family.

Places on the programme are limited, so early booking is essential.

Dates: Sunday programme: 21st March, 9th May, 6th June; July 4 day summer programme Monday – Thursday 26th – 29th July

Time: Sundays: 10.30 – 5.20pm; July 4 day summer programme 10.00-4pm (5pm on Thursday 29th).

Cost: £30              Sunday’s only (3 Sundays)
£40              July 4 day summer programme
£60              Both

Free – For qualified applicants: The NYJC does not wish finance to create a barrier to joining the programme and has a bursary scheme for students whose parents can demonstrate they are in receipt of benefits.

Age:             8+
Level:          any level, any instrument
Students need to bring their instrument to the programme.

Ways to pay: Fill out the form (Download NYJC application formCHILDREN), include a cheque (payable to Kings Place Music Foundation) or proof of eligibility for a student bursary and send to Box Office Team, Kings Place Music Foundation, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG.  Bring in person to Kings Place. By telephone: Box Office 020 7520 1490

Continuous Professional Development Programme For Teachers

The Continuous Professional Development Programme incorporates seminars, workshops and observations of the National Youth Jazz Collective professional musicians. During the July intensive, an hour long advisory tutorial with Issie Barratt, NYJC’s CEO is included into the programme.

The Sunday and the July intensive programme culminates in a concert by NYJC professional musicians.

Dates: Sundays 21st March, 9th May, 6th June; July 4 day summer programme Monday – Thursday 26th – 29th July

Time: Sundays: 10.30 – 5.20pm

July 4 day summer programme (includes 1 hour long tutorial with Issie Barratt): Monday and Wednesday 10.00-4pm, Tuesday 10.00 – 7.00pm, Thursday 10.00- 5.00pm

Cost:  £80     Sundays only  (3 Sundays)
£100   July 4 day summer programme
£120   Both

Ways to pay: Fill out the form (Download NYJC application formTEACHERS), include a cheque (payable to Kings Place Music Foundation) or proof of eligibility for a student bursary and send to Box Office Team, Kings Place Music Foundation, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG.  Bring in person to Kings Place. By telephone: Box Office 020 7520 1490

Places on the programme are limited, so early booking is essential.

Best wishes,

Joanie Magill
Outreach Manager
Kings Place Music Foundation

Tel:      020 7520 1450
Fax:    020 7520 1489
Mob:   07812 368 227
Email: joanie.magill@kingsplace.co.uk
Web:   www.kingsplace.co.uk

90 York Way, London, N1 9AG

Registered Company No. 5330318
Registered Charity No. 1107839

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

Caledonian Ward Safer Neighbourhood’s Policing Panel – Upcoming Meeting

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Stephan Schulte

Untitled-2 Local crime is one of the most discussed issues facing the local community.  So, if you have something to say on this matter, the local Safer Neighbourhood's Team are the folks that should hear about it and the Safer Neighbourhood's Panel is the meeting you want to attend to express your concerns.  Approximately every eight weeks, the Panel meets with members of the local community to discuss priorities for the Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team to target.

Members of the Team are present and the Panel is chaired by our own Councillor, Paul Convery.  Attendence is made up of those local residents who have had or see potential problems in their local areas as well as residents who attend on a regular basis to hear what the Team is doing to make our area safer.

If you've been frustrated when trying to deal with the Met, this is a good way to meet your local police – the police on our beat, rather then speaking to someone in a call centre in the Midlands.  The Team needs local feedback to focus action on where WE feel it's needed, so this is a real way to get involved in making our neighbourhood safer.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 28 Jan at 7:00 to 8:30 PM at:

The Cally Resource Centre (note this is a new venue)
140 Copenhagen Street
London N1 0ST
See map 

Your attendence is encouraged.  And, if you wish to be added to the mailing list for future meetings, please send an email to the Panel's Secretary.

For forward planning, please know that future meetings will be held on: 18 Mar, 27 May, 22 Jul, 9 Sep, and 11 Nov.

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | Leave a comment

Robbers jailed after phone theft in Kings Cross

Posted on January 21, 2010 by William Perrin

PoliceThis just in from the police – an undercover operation in the Angel led to arrest of two guys who had apparently stolen a phone in Camino in Kings Cross.  If you are interested in helping the police tackle crime in the area there is a safer neighbourhood team meeting coming up next week – drop me a line for details:

'One man has been jailed and another is awaiting sentencing following a successful bag theft operation carried out by the Angel Town Centre team in Islington.

Following analysis of theft hot spot locations in the Angel, the team conducted an undercover operation at the Arc Public House on a busy Friday evening, 15 January 2010.

Shortly after 20:00, two men entered the venue, stole a laptop case and left. They were swiftly detained and arrested by officers.

A subsequent search revealed several other items on the men including a mobile phone which enquiries traced back to a theft from Camino's in Kings Cross an hour and a half earlier.          

During interview by the Angel team including the officer in the case – PC Colin Walker, one of the men – Khatir Aid denied any involvement in either theft or of knowi ng the other male. Subsequent CCTV footage obtained from both venues showed the suspects working together. The males were subsequently charged and appeared in court on 18 January 2010 where they both pleaded guilty to both offences.

Khatir Aid aged 26, a French national, of no fixed abode was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment.

William Birkett aged 25, a French national, of no fixed abode, has been released on bail for sentencing.

Sergeant Sarah Galpin leads the team of eight PCs and two Special Constables (volunteers) who are permanently attached to the team. The team, who are funded by the Angel Business Improvement District, tackle crime and anti-social behaviour affecting businesses in the Angel area.

Sergeant Galpin said: "This is an excellent job by the Angel Town Centre team. It shows that we are listening and responding to the needs of local businesses by helping to tackle theft in the Angel."

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | Leave a comment