Northern Ticket hall – making a difference?

Posted on January 8, 2010 by William Perrin

Kings cross square west Britain's most expensive hole in the ground is probably the £300million northern ticket hall under the road between St Pancras and Kings Cross.  Alternate exits for Kings Cross underground first came up in the Fennell Report  into the appalling 1988 fire, the new ticket hall was finally opened at the end of last year only 21 years later.

It was a very complex job and the delaying in commissioning it let to costs spiralling (the more work was done around it the more compelx the project became – a bit like digging a cellar while you are building the house instead of before it – the latter will always be cheaper).  The engineers managed to dig a big hole without hitting a gas main or either St Pancras or Kings Cross falling into it – this article gives an insight into the complexity.

But now the northern ticket hall is open does it work? I waited until the hall had been open for a while and traffic flows normalised,  went for a walk and took a video.  I thought it was working quite well at 0830 am (and I didn't get arrested under the Terrorism Act for taking pictures).

This site covered a fascinating angle to the flaws in St Pancras station (in the face of otherwise hagiographic press coverage).  A particular problem was the huge flows of people down the central concourse from the domestic services at the top of the station to the tube at the bottom.  The concourse wasn't wide enough. 

As the video shows, the northern ticket hall has now swallowed almost all those people – they enter the tube at the top of the station.  The central concourse is now a much more pleasant place.

Underground the tunnelling is impressively wide and capacious, reducing to the traditional tube claustrophobia-inducing widths only as you get close to the platforms.  The only downside seems to be the remarkably long walking distance underground to get to the tube – but it may just be an optical illusion.  I also hear that closures due to overcrowding in the mornings have eased up on Kings Cross Square.

What do people think – let us know through the comments.

Posted in Transport | 1 Comment

Arson incidents in Islington

Posted on January 8, 2010 by William Perrin

Arson in Islington The Mayor's office has begun to release some remarkable new data about London in a new website.  The first data to be released mainly comes from the emergency services, breaking down details by ward.  I beleive that we can use data as a community to drive better public services in the neighbourhood.

I'll be mining this data over coming weeks to see how Caledonian Ward (and others if you feel like it) stack up compared to Islington and wider London.

First up, for no particular reason is arson in common parlance or:

'Count of All Deliberate Fire incidents recorded by the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority, per month, per ward in London from December 2007 to November 2009.'  Original data here.

Car bingfield park In Caledonian ward there were 58 incidents from December 2007 to November 2009, with a downward trend in the last year.  In the first quarter of 2008 there was an average of just over three incidents a month, which have tailed off in the last part of 2009 to just over one a month.  This suggests that arson is tailing off to what feels like more normal levels for a deprived inner city area.  This overall trend certainly feels right as the days of several cars on fire a week in North Kings Cross are long behind us.  I might do some more analysis when i have a little time and update this post.

UPDATE – now with correct chart (i inadvertently put the wrong one in) and original data below

Ward Deliberate Fire 
Caledonian 58
Finsbury Park 39
St George's 37
Barnsbury 34
St Mary's 32
Tollington 30
Holloway 29
St Peter's 28
Canonbury 22
Junction 21
Bunhill 21
Mildmay 20
Clerkenwell 19
Hillrise 18
Highbury West 13
Highbury East 8

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | 2 Comments

Super station plans afoot to join Euston, St Pancras & King’s Cross…

Posted on January 2, 2010 by Sophie Talbot
Published: 1:41PM GMT 30 Dec 2009

"It will be capable of handling 18 trains an hour – some of which could be double decker – into London, carrying about 20,000 passengers.

"Detailed plans for the station are contained in a report submitted to Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary, by Sir David Rowlands, chairman of High Speed Two, the company set up to provide detailed plans for the network.
 
"The favoured option is understood to entail expanding Euston station, which is already due for substantial redevelopment, to the west.

But Network Rail is pushing for a "station city" – which would involve building a new terminus linking Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras."

Given Lord Adonis and Network Rail's appalling track record of managing major redevelopment programmes we dread to think what will happen next. It makes complete sense to integrate the three neighbouring stations each serving their respective geographical areas north, south and internationally. 

What will not make sense is if all the local communities whose daily lives will change radically during construction and as a result of it are once again sidelined. Network Rail lied to the King's Cross community when they committed to meeting every quarter to discuss progress over the station and then failed to do so. UInless there is real transparency and accountability guaranteed by active independent oversight, communities in North London and for hundreds of miles around will once again be victims of fait accomplis by Network Rail and their friends in Government.
Posted in Kings Cross N1C, railwayslands, Kings Cross Station Refurbishment, Planning, Licensing and Regulation, Transport | 3 Comments

Your Rights and what to expect from the system!

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Stephan Schulte

Cover I recently received this pamphlet in my letter box.  I don't know how broadly it was distributed so I've taken the trouble to scan it for those of you who might not have received it.  You can download it here – Download Crime_and_anti-social_behaviour_booklet - note, I have highlighted a few interesting points.

Crime, especially anti-social behavior seems to be one of the most often debated subjects when folks consider their local environment, so I really suggest that you read this pamphlet as it does point out some action you can take to better understand what is or is not being done toward reducing the problem or perception of crime on our local streets.

(You should also read it because the Home Office seems to have spent a  lot of money producing it and we should get our money's worth.  It was produced in 12 versions – 10 of which were other than English and none of which would download at the site to which I was directed – thus, I had to scan it from my copy for your reference.

If you're interested in attending the next meeting of our Safer Neighbourhood's Panel, please contact J. Christie to request to be added to the mailing list.

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | 2 Comments

Dispersal zone for Market Estate to tackle anti social behaviour

Posted on December 23, 2009 by William Perrin

PoliceThepolice and the council are working together on the Market Estate following complaints from residents.  Dispersal zones are sometimes necessary, but the important thing is to tackle the harder long term issues that mean young people have little better to do than hanging about causing trouble. 

Police press notice follows:

'A dispersal zone has been put in place in the Market Estate and the surrounding area to combat growing levels of anti social behaviour by young people.


Holloway Safer Neighbourhoods team received a high number of complaints from local residents about young people hanging around the communal areas of the Market Estate smoking cannabis, spitting on the floors, leaving rubbish and playing loud music throughout the night. 

Working closely with Southern Housing Association and Islington Council, the dispersal zone runs from 21 December 2009 until 6:30 on 28 February 2009.

Officers will have the power to tell people to leave the area either immediately or at a stated time. Anyone under 16 will not be allowed in the area between 21:00 and 06:00 unless they are with a parent or responsible adult. If they return they may receive a fine of up to £5000 or six months imprisonment.

As part of a series of ongoing measures designed to stop groups of youths committing crime and causing anti social behaviour in the area, Holloway Safer Neighbourhoods team have increased patrols and are working with both the Safer Neighbourhoods Task Force and the Special Constabulary Task Force to ensure that anti social behaviour levels are reduced.

The team are also working closely with Islington Council to offer outreach services to young people in the area. The Youth Engagement Team – set up in October 2008 to prevent harm by young people as perpetrators and to young people as victims – will also be on hand to safeguard vulnerable young people out on the streets at night.

Sergeant Paul Bristo from Holloway Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “This dispersal zone and other preventative measures we are taking should reassure the local community that we are listening to them and are determined to bring down the rate of anti-social behaviour in Holloway.

“We will continue to work with Islington Council and the young people concerned to ensure that everyone can live peacefully in their homes.”

Cllr Barbara Smith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "We are committed to taking firm action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour when necessary. We work closely with Islington Police and others, and this dispersal zone is another good example of our joint work.

“The council also works closely with young people to offer alternatives to just 'hanging about' on the streets."

If you have any concerns about anti social behaviour in your area contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team or go online at http://www.met.police.uk/islington. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers with information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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

Police tackle local delivery driver robbery – charge five men

Posted on December 21, 2009 by William Perrin

PoliceIn the bad old days, the major pizza firms used to refuse to deliver to me in Rufford Street due to the preponderance of delivery driver knock off crimes (the moped would get nicked while the driver was in the house or someone would try to rob him).  You had to go and meet them  on York Way. 

A few weeks ago an 18 year old chip shop delivery driver was allegedly beaten and robbed on North Road N7 – the robbers took £20 and allegedly tried to steal a further moped allegedly assaulting a second man.  This just in from the police who have now charged five young men.

Police press notice starts:

>>Yesterday, Sunday 20 December 2009, [E] Rhys Enver of Axminster Road, N7, was charged with one robbery and one attempted robbery in North Road, N7, on Friday 4 December 2009.

He appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court today, Monday 21 December 2009.

Previously,

          o [A] – a 17 year old male from N7 was charged on 5 December 2009. He appeared at Thames Youth Court on 10 December 2009.
          o [B] – a 16 year old male from N7 was charged on 5 December 2009. He appeared at Thames Youth Court on 10 December 2009.
          o [C] – a 15 year old male from N7 was charged on 6 December 2009. He appeared in custody at Thames Youth Court on 7 December 2009.
          o [D] – a 17 year old male from NW5 was charged on 15 December 2009. He appeared in custody at Thames Youth Court on 14 December 2009.

A – E were all charged with both offences.

Posted in Anti Social Behaviour, Crime etc | 1 Comment

Islington Farmers’ Market Christmas opening times

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Sophie Talbot
LFM Just a quick message from our friends at Islington Farmers' Market to remind you that you've got two more chances to pick up the freshest, tastiest farm food available for your Christmas meal this year!!
 
This Sunday (10am-2pm) you'll be able to pick up food from all your regulars – the market should be bustling to say the least!
 
On Wednesday 23rd December (10am-1pm), we will also be hosting a special Christmas mini-market in the usual location, so that you can pick up all your last-minute essentials in time for Christmas – as well as picking up pre-orders. We have given you some of the contact details of the farms and businesses attending so that you can pre-order to save time and give you peace of mind. Stalls attending this mini-market will include:

Beatbush Organic Farm Beef, Lamb, Geese and Turkeys

Global Fusion Foods – amazing cakes and figgy pudding

Perry Court Farm Fruit and Veg

Carla Throssell's free-range chickens

Put your pre-orders in now or just pick up things on the day!
 
Have a fantastic Christmas.

Regards,
 
Jenny, Louis, Saskia, Cheryl, Mark and Arthur
Islington Farmers' Market – every Sunday in William Tyndale School, behind Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, 10am-2pm
Posted in Food and Drink | Leave a comment

Love trees? Have your say!

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Sophie Talbot

LBI-Xmas Islington council looks after over 40,000 trees in the borough including the 150+ which our community funded led by local hero John Ashwell. The council is now asking for your comments about how you want them to look after these trees for years to come.

If you'd like to get your views heard, choose one of the following ways to contact the council:

2. Download the full policy document and complete the online questionnaire.

4. Email the council with your comments making sure to put Tree Policy comments in the subject line.

Your comments must get to the council by 25 January 2010.

Many thanks to Lisa Tang of Thornhill Bridge Community Gardeners for alerting us to this story. If you have local news you'd like to share on this website, send us an email.

Posted in Wildlife and Nature | Leave a comment