June 2008 Archives

By David Baker

Rayners Lane's very own Herbert Crossman has vowed to address issues that really matter to people if he is elected as MP for Haltemprice and Howden.

The controversial by-election, set to take place on July 10, was called by the constituency's sitting Conservative MP David Davies as a protest against anti-terrorism laws allowing 42 days suspension for terror suspects.

Now, Mr Crossman and 25 others are vying for the seat in what is believed to be the highest number of candidates to stand in a by-election.

The 60-year-old from Alexandra Avenue said: "There are more important things in life than the 42 day terror law and there are better ways of going about making a point than wasting the electorates time and money.

"People are struggling to live, what with the ever rising cost of living, petrol prices and the credit crunch.

"I agree that 42 days is too long. Two days is two long to hold someone innocent. But this is not what people are most concerned about.

"I will listen to the people's views, I'm not bound by the strings of party politics that determines what you care about. I care about the people."

Miss GB Gemma Garrett and the Monster Raving Loony Party's Mad Cow-Girl are among those on the candidacy list - which boasts 14 independents but no representative from either Labour or the Liberal Democrats.

People in Harrow can have their say about how they want the borough to look - and could win £100.
Residents can comment by logging on to Harrow Council's new interactive website harrow consult or contact ldfconsultation@harrow.gov.uk or 020 8736 6069 for information.

By Ian Proctor

A confidential report has been outraged a residents' group after it questioned their actions and integrity.
Independent investigator Allan Graham was appointed to probe complaints made by the Rayners Lane Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association (RLETRA) against Stonham over the way it provided a support service for vulnerable people living on the estate.
In his adjucation published in April, Mr Graham dismissed each of the four separate charges and criticised the association's professionalism and behaviour.
Mr Graham wrote: "Given the form in which this complaint has been submitted, there has to be a question mark over the way in which RLETRA is being run.
"I have not read its constitution but I find it difficult to believe its constituents would uphold the actions that have been carried out in its name.
"My great concern is that the approach being taken by [chairwoman] Margaret Opare in the name of RLETRA is working against the interests of vulnerable people on the estate."
But the findings of the report, and Mr Graham's suitability to conduct such an investigation, have been challenged by RLETRA in a backlash to Harrow Council, which originally appointed him with the association's blessing.
Chairwoman Margaret Opare wrote to Mr Graham: "The committee and I are very surprised and confused by the findings of your report.
"The report contains several important inaccuracies and in light of this the committee must question the validity of these documents.
"Our concerns are based on the contents of your document that bares no relationship to the real situation and appears biased towards Stonham."
RLETRA simultaneously protested to Harrow Council, which told Mrs Opare it accepted Mr Graham's qualifications and his findings, and rejected a call to end Stonham's contract in favour of another provider.
Mrs Opare, who is yet to receive a reply to a second letter of complaint to the council, told the Harrow Observer: "The residents are not happy. Harrow Council said they stood by the report but we're not going to step back and let tenants continue to suffer. People need to know what is really happening."
A Stonham spokesman said: "We're happy with the findings of the independent report and are very pleased that we can continue to support Rayners Lane's vulnerable tenants."

Rooks Heath College for Business and Enterprise will host a special evening on July 9 to celebrate a successful Ofsted inspection and improved exam results this year.
Entertainment ranging from a raffle and climbing wall to circus skills, face painting and music shows will run from 5pm at the school in Eastcote Lane, South Harrow.
Year nine and the sixth form will also be performing their drama productions on the night.

A boys' football team which plays in the top division of the Harrow League is looking for new players for next season.
The team will be Under 14's from September and is looking especially for an experienced and capable keeper, as well as quality players in other positions, preferably those who have played high-standard boys football already.
Players train every Saturday morning and play on Sundays in the Harrow area.
All the coaches are CRB-checked and FA-qualified and the team is part of a large, friendly club where results aren't everything, but they prefer winning to losing.
Contact Gareth on joandrews30@aol.com or call 07711 629865.

Residents are being asked to snap pictures of Harrow for the chance to win £50.

The Have your Say photography competition will capture the spirit of the borough's past and future sights.The best entries will be used by Harrow Council throughout the year on the cover of documents.

To enter the competition send your photographs to Nicola Rae, Middlesex Floor,Civic 1, Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XF,or e-mail them to nicola.rae@harrow.gov.uk by July 25.

Let your dad know how much he means to you with a message on our website.

The Harrow Observer wants to hear what makes your dad the best and we will share it with the rest of the world in time for Father's Day on Sunday (15).

You can leave a message on our forum or video.

You can also write your messages in the form below.

The best entry will be featured on our website's front page over the weekend, so get posting!

Harrow Mencap, the charity for people with learning disabilities, has won approval for its first permanent headquarters in the centre of the borough.
The organisation's new home, from the first week of November, is going to be Unit 3 at Jardine House at Harrovian Business Park in Bessborough Road, Harrow.
Doreen Luff, head of the business unit (community services), told the Observer: "We're absolutely delighted. The type of activites and support that we will be able to provide to people with learning difficulties will be greatly improved."
Office space will fill the top two floors and the ground floor will be converted into an activity and resource centre where sessions will be held to help visitors back into employment.
The charity expects to assist between 15 and 30 visitors at each session. A total of 30 administrative staff members and volunteers will be based at the new HQ.
In moving to its new premises, Harrow Mencap will be amalgamating its three sites.
Its head office is presently located in rented accommodation in Gordon Avenue, Stanmore, while its community team, who undertake advocacy, family support and young people's projects, are based at Sherbourne House in Northolt Road, South Harrow, and activity groups are held at St Peter's Church in Sumner Road, West Harrow.
Unit 3 at Jardine House is currently occupied by travel agents Hotel and More.

Five paintings made by an artist who was caught up in the fatal Stanley Road explosion are to be sold to raise money for a memorial to the victim.
Welshman Dan Llywelyn Hall, 27, who lived across the road from the three properties blown up at Wednesday May 7 at 9.40pm, wants to create a permanent memorial to Emmad Qureshi, 26.
Mr Qureshi, a businessman, died from a neck wound caused by flying debris. His body was flown back to Pakistan for burial.
Several of Mr Hall's oil-on-canvas creations depicting the scene of the detonation, such as 'Wednesday, The Yellow Line' and 'Thursday, The Wake' are being exhibited at Roman Black Gallery in Parson's Green in south-west London.
The proceeds made from the works of art will go towards the Emmad's Neighbourhood Memorial Fund that Mr Hall has established.
He hopes to be able to create a small memorial garden and a commemorative plaque in Mr Qureshi's memory.

A pizza delivery driver was robbed at knifepoint in Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, on Saturday (31). Two men, one holding a six-inch knife, threatened the 27-year-old and demanded a pizza. Both are described as black and around 17 years old.