New library for Finsbury Park - Islington Council

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Islington council tenants vote ‘yes’ How the voting went Tenants votes ‘against’ 1062 (14.99%) ‘for’ 6024 (85.01%) Leaseholders votes ‘against’ 357 (24.88%) ‘for’ 1078 (75.12%) Total Following their ‘yes’ to Islington’s housing service becoming an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) tenants are looking forward to £156 million to improve their homes and estates. William McGarvie, ALMO shadow board director said: "This is great news for everyone. I'm delighted that everyone has had the opportunity to have their say and that tenants have voted for what is the best option on offer to us. We can now work towards delivering the improvements to everyone's homes and making a real difference." Ann Lucas has now been appointed chair and Jessie White vice-chair of the ALMO shadow board. Ann Lucas, one of the board’s five independent directors, is a qualified Tenants evicted The Carter family have lost their Highbury home because of their persistent anti-social behaviour. Complaints against the family of six included assault, threats of violence, criminal damage and racial harassment. The success of the legal action taken by Islington Council was secured because of the cooperation of local residents. ALMO facts ✔ homes are still owned by the council ✔ tenants are still secure council tenants ✔ their rights including the right to buy and succeed are unchanged ✔ rents are still set by the council ✔ the ALMO board has seven directors who are tenants or leaseholders – they are at the heart of the key decision making process. accountant with more than 20 years experience of financial management. She is currently vice-chair of Circle 33 Housing Association. Ann says "I am very excited by the opportunity of creating a new organisation to deliver excellent housing services for the people of Islington. The support of residents, as demonstrated in the recent positive ballot provides the endorsement that will enable the combined knowledge, skills, experience and dedication of the shadow board members to ensure that this is achieved." Under the ALMO tenants will have better homes and have a much more direct say in ✆ ‘against’ 1419 The turnout was 24.17% the running of their homes. The ALMO will be a truly local organisation committed to providing the best possible service to tenants and leaseholders in Islington. The ALMO will receive £24.9m to spend on improving council homes in Islington for the years 2004-06. In the years 2006-08 tenants will benefit from around £56 million. The ALMO must get a two star rating to receive the cash. STOP PRESS! Following a test of opinion in which 80% of tenants said ‘yes’, Six Acres and Andover Estate plus Haden and Clifton Courts will now be included in the ALMO. Tenants and leaseholders can get independent advice from their advisors First Call on 0500 295999 or by emailing Islington@first-call-housing.com Tenants can also contact the ALMO team on 020 7527 5148 or by emailing almo.team@islington.gov.uk ‘for’ 7102 8
Firefighters for LIFE “I’m scared of heights. You’ll never get me up that ladder in a million years,” said one young man on an activity programme with Islington’s fire fighters designed to divert young people from crime. Three days later he had climbed to the top of the ladder and was feeling really proud of himself. “We’re not aiming to change people’s lives – just give those at risk of offending a chance to raise their self-esteem, learn a few skills to be proud of, and take some responsibility for the community. And if we give them an experience to change their lives, that’s great,” says borough fire commander Trevor Meers. The Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) project - a full time one week intensive course - teaches fire prevention, tackling fires using fire fighting equipment and developing essential life skills. Islington’s anti-social behaviour team has been the main referral agency for LIFE candidates. Most come from a background of involvement in the acceptable behaviour contract scheme where their anti-social behaviour has come to the attention of council housing officers and the police. Young people on the project at Clerkenwell Fire Station have to arrive on time, wear heavy fire fighters’ uniforms and work in a disciplined way at physically challenging tasks on ladders, with breathing apparatus, and even cutting people out of cars. At the end of the week their proud families are invited to a passing out parade where they demonstrate the skills they have learned and receive certificates for their achievement. Plans for the future include affiliating each person to a particular watch where they can continue their training at intervals. “There’s no sitting around doing nothing,” says Meers. “These kids wear what we wear and do what we do – under controlled conditions of course. We write daily reports of their conduct and passing the test is no mean feat. They learn skills to take to future employers – and if one of those employers was us, that would be New! ‘New North Community School’ Sweeper of the year Pupils have chosen a name for the new school created by the merger between Charles Lamb and Ecclesbourne primary schools. The ‘New North Community School’ was chosen by representatives of both schools. Headteacher Mary McStay said: “I was delighted and inspired by the children who named their new school. It will be Islington’s first extended community primary school and will provide a range of exciting opportunities for them and their families.” The school opens in September at Ecclesbourne and will move to new premises on the Charles Lamb site in Popham Road in January 2006. ● Ibrahim Mohammed, who works in Newington Green and Mildmay Park Ibrahim Mohammed said... “I look after eight streets and have been doing this for four years. I am so happy to get the award and it was a real surprise because I have no idea who nominated me.” There are over 2,500 miles of roads and pavements that Islington’s 200 strong team of cleaners sweep every week. 9
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New library for Finsbury Park - Islington Council

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