Petition to Barnet Council to Reverse Parking Charges

Cllr Kath McGuirk of Barnet Labour Group has submitted a petition to Barnet Council to reverse the parking charge increases implemented in 2011. To read the petition and sign it please go to:

http://petitions.barnet.gov.uk/parkingcharges/

Planning Appeal: 65-67 Oakleigh Park South

When the Barnet Planning Committee refused planning application B/03174/10 to convert the family home at number 65-67 Oakleigh Park South into 5 flats with 20 beds and only 5 car parking spaces the applicant made an appeal to the Secretary of State.

The Planning Inspectorate has since turned down the appeal. The Inspector found that it would constitute a loss of a single-family house, contrary to emerging policy and that it would have an adverse effect on the character of the area and on the living conditions of neighbours.

Click here to read the full Appeal Decision.

Winter Burglary Advice

The Barnet Borough Police offer this Winter burglary advice:

LIGHTING
Make it look like you are in when you are out by using a timer switch on lights fitted with energy saving bulbs and on a radio but remember to change the timer switch as the evenings get darker earlier. Also think about exterior dusk to dawn lighting.

TRIM HEDGES AND TREES
Make sure these are trimmed back from windows and are about 3 feet high so that burglars can't hide behind them and they don't block any lighting you may have. Consider planting some prickly plants such as Pyracantha (Firethorn) around the perimeter.

FENCES, SHEDS AND GATES
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition and that gates can be secured properly. Put several good locks/padlocks on shed doors and check the windows too. Think about putting trellis over the top of fences and gates.

LADDERS AND TOOLS
Never leave tools or ladders out, always lock them away in a properly secured shed or garage as they could be used by burglars to break into your home.

FIT LOCKS
Fit good quality deadlocks to outside doors and ensure you have locks on ground floor windows and patio doors - never leave the keys in the locks or on the window sill but make sure everyone in the house knows where they are so that they can get out in the event of a fire.

VALUABLE ITEMS ON VIEW
Ensure all valuable items (laptops, digital cameras, car keys, jewellery etc) are kept out of view and not left by the doors or windows especially if they can be seen through the letter box or by looking in the window. Think about keeping spare car keys in a secure location as expensive cars can be targeted.

GOLD JEWELLERY
If you keep large amounts of gold jewellery in the house think about getting a safe and locking it away or keeping it in the bank especially if it is only worn on special occasions.

WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS
These are not being used enough and burglars are taking advantage - close and lock all doors and windows even if you are just popping out for a few minutes. Also get into the habit of checking them before you go to bed but make sure everyone in the house knows where the keys are kept.

CURTAINS AND BLINDS
Please close these as soon as it starts getting dark outside - if there is a light on indoors but its dark outside this provides the ideal conditions for burglars to "window shop" and make a note of anything worth taking at a later date.

SECURITY MARKING
Think about registering your valuable items such as phones, laptops & TV's etc. at www.immobilise.com this company also provide property marking micro dots.

WHEELY BINS
When not in use please chain these up together so that they can't be used to climb over fences or to take items away in. Get together with your neighbours and bring each others bins in if they have been left out after collection as this is a sure way to tell if you are in or out or if you are away.

CHRISTMAS
Never leave presents on show even if they are wrapped and under the tree. After Christmas or when buying new items please don't just put the boxes out as they are for recycling, break them up and put them in the bins otherwise everyone knows you have a new laptop or 40inch flat screen TV. Keep a record of any serial numbers of electrical items and record them on www.immobilise.com also keep your receipts for these items in a safe place. Please get someone you trust (e.g. a family member) to come and pick up your post if you are away and remember to cancel the papers and milk delivery etc.

Winter Burglary Prevention Event

Date: 5th December 2011, 7pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Greek Cypriot Centre, Britannia Road, North Finchley, N12 9RU

Barnet Community Safety Engagement Group (CSEG) would like to invite you to a special meeting on burglary and how to keep your home safe from intruders. The winter months see a rise in burglary, the aim of this meeting is to inform Barnet residents of how to keep their homes and possessions safe and to give the local police an opportunity to hear from concerned local residents.

The meeting will be addressed by a senior officer from the burglary team, followed by an opportunity to ask them questions.

Also present will be representatives from the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and at the end of the meeting there will be an open session to question them on other local matters.

This event is open to all residents in Barnet. For further information and to book a place please contact Anahied.Hatamian@CommUNITYBarnet.org.uk or call 020 8364 8400 ext: 203

Planning Appeal: 65-67 Oakleigh Park South

Although the planning application B/03174/10 to convert the family home at number 65-67 Oakleigh Park South into 5 flats with 20 beds and only 5 car parking spaces was turned down by the Barnet Planning Committee, the applicant has made an appeal to the Secretary of State.

Any representation you made about the original application will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate and to the Appellant. However, if you wish to make any further representations, please quote reference APP/N5090/A/11/2160152/NWF and either send an email to teamp3@pins.gsi.gov.uk or send three copies to be received by 24th October, 2011 to:

Planning Inspectorate
Room 3/19
Eagle Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
BRISTOL
BS1 6PN

If you wish to receive a copy of the appeal decision, please write to the Planning Inspectorate at the above address quoting the reference number above.

Thank You Letter From The Borough Commander

To the residents, business people and their employees in Barnet I want to say thank you.

Without your overwhelming support, the police efforts in Barnet and London would not have been possible. It has been a deeply humbling experience that so many of you have come out to say thank you and to talk directly to police officers and community support officers patrolling your streets to keep you safe.

13 days ago, when the worst violence to hit the UK since the 1980s erupted on our streets, my officers and staff said goodbye to their families, cancelled all leave and came to work. They were ready to put their lives on the line and protect the community they love. Thanks to incredibly robust policing in the first 48 hours of the violence, Barnet was spared the worst.

But I am acutely aware that some of our residents and businesses did suffer and many people were left in fear that Barnet would be next. I will always be sorry for that and assure you that on my watch, your police will do everything we can to prevent it from happening.

Never has there been a more important time to examine the relationship between the public and the police. At a time when we have been under the greatest threat we have felt that the vast majority of decent people have stood shoulder to shoulder with us and we salute you for it.

As I toured the Borough last night, I was regaled with stories from my officers and staff about the kindness and concern shown by members of the public, young and old and of every colour and religion. It is a real demonstration of the strength of this Borough.

Please remember that you owe us nothing. This is our job and we are proud to do it on your behalf. But as we return to normality we should never forget that we were in this together, and I would be forever grateful if you continued to extend the hand of friendship you have offered my people long into the future.

In turn we must do the same, talking to you at every opportunity, listening to what you have to say, and making sure you feel safe. Once again - thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Basu

Detective Chief Superintendent
Barnet Borough Commander
Metropolitan Police Service
www.met.police.uk/barnet
Tel: 020 8733 4022

Advice For The Public Following Disorder

Whilst those who live and work in London should go about their daily lives without fear - we do however ask that they take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last couple of days, and help the emergency services by giving us the room that we need to respond. Make sure you are safe and do not put yourselves into vulnerable positions.

It is possible that your journeys to and from work may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. If you do have any concerns about returning home this evening, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

Over the last 24 hour period we have received almost four times more 999 emergency calls than normal (20,800 compared to 5,400). Consequently some callers may experience difficulty in getting through to 999, or waiting longer than usual for their call to be answered. We would ask you to bear with us, and only use 999 in situations that require an immediate police response.

DAC Steve Kavanagh said: "I wish to reassure members of the public that a London wide policing operation is in place to manage any further public disorder in the capital. We are doing everything we can by working with our partners and the community to ensure residents and businesses can go about their daily lives in confidence."

FAQs

Getting information and advice

Where can I get information and advice? Police are providing the media with information to keep the public informed. Tune in to your local radio or television station for updates or visit our website.

You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/metpoliceuk or join our Neighbourhoodlink Service.

How can I find out local information? Many councils are providing local updates on the disturbances in their area. You can find your local council by following the DirectGov link below: Find your local council Opens new window

Travelling in and around London

Is it safe to travel around London? We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last couple of days and to keep safe by not putting themselves into vulnerable positions.

It is possible that your journeys to and from work may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.

If you do have any concerns about returning home this evening, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

If you need help planning a journey, you can use the 'Travel Tools' on TfL's website. These include tools to help plan your journey and free mobile travel alerts.

You can also call the London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234 any time - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can provide journey information like the last tube and bus times, bus stop locations and cab numbers, as well as train, DLR and tram information.

Are the buses safe?

Our Safer Transport Teams are providing support to drivers and providing a visible presence, but please consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary.

Advice for parents/guardians

Are my children safe? There are unprecedented numbers of officers on the streets of London - over 16,000 today. We are doing everything we can to support communities and keep people safe.

Over the last couple of nights there have been a large numbers of young people placing themselves in situations that were dangerous and violent. We appeal to parents and all those responsible for young people to work together with police to ensure that youngsters do not get drawn into the kind of disorder we have seen.

There is a role for the whole community - police, parents, schools, local leaders and others - to stand together and convey the message that crime and disorder will not be tolerated.

Contacting the police

I can't get through on 999, what should I do? If it is an emergency please keep trying. We have been experiencing significant demands; almost four times as many calls than normal. We will deal with your call as quickly as possible. If it is not an emergency, please use one of the following:

• calling 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of any policing issues in your local area;
• via our website at www.met.police.uk;
• via your local police station.

Helping the police

How can I help the police?

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We are also publishing images of people wanted in connection with looting. Click this link to see if you recognise any of the people we wish to speak to.

Police tactics

What tactic are the police using? The MPS employs tactics that are primarily designed to prevent injury to members of the public and police officers. In instances where officers have been outnumbered, they have waited until they can intervene with minimum risk to the public. The MPS is determined to prevent further crime and to bring the criminals to justice.