October 2008 Archives

You may have seen some of the press coverage this week about a piece of legislation that will drive fundamental change in the way in which we as a nation use energy and our resources. The Climate Change Bill, which had its third reading in the House of Commons this week, will be of interest to many local residents who share my concern about the devastating consequences of global warming. The Bill makes the UK the first country to sign up to legally binding national targets for reducing the emissions that lead to climate change. Setting up an independent committee to monitor progress, it commits the UK to ambitious targets of at least 26 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020, and at least 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 - I'm particularly pleased to see a recognition of the need to include aviation and shipping emissions. Coupled with the new Government Department for Energy and Climate Change to oversee these issues, I believe these measures reflect a renewed commitment by Labour to make Britain take responsibility for our part in global warming and also offer leadership on the need to act internationally as well. I also recognise addressing climate change will require more work being done at a national level so I look forward to the outcomes of our transition town discussions at a local level and to hearing your views on how we can support action to address climate change here in Walthamstow.

I have now received a response back from Transport for London regarding my concerns about the rail replacement service for the Victoria Line whilst engineering works take place. They have assured me that a service is supposed to run once every five minutes and that delays have been caused recently by roadworks that have now finished. They have assured me this has improved the service and that the bus company are monitoring the service to ensure reliability.

Oyster card passengers can receive targeted information about any planned closures or delays that may affect their journeys by registering to receive email alerts with planned closures. To register, go to www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster and then follow the "open an online account" link. Furthermore, a new facility to provide weekly planned closure emails regardless of Oyster registration is in the pipeline and should be available over the next couple of months. In addition the "check before you travel" page on the website has a six-month calendar of planned closures - that is available on www.tfl.gov.uk/check.

Further to earlier posts on this blog, Neil Gerrard has now met with Post Office Limited to find out their plans for our postal services in Walthamstow High Street. The Post Office Ltd informed him that they had let the present building at the top of the High Street on a five year lease with the intention of moving into the new Arcade site. At present a new further five year lease is being put in place for the current building. The Post Office Ltd admitted that they had not been in contact with the Council regarding the new Arcade site and as such no plans have been made for them to be accommodated in the new building. Further to their meeting with Neil, talks have now begun with the local authority and the developers of the Arcade site to determine if the Post Office can be part of the building. Neil will continue to pursue this matter to ensure that thought is given to the long term future of the High Street Post Office. I will update this webiste with further information on this issue as and when I receive it.