Kings Cross Local Environment

Kings Cross lumberjacks ok?

Another day, another treee gets wiped out in Kings Cross. I lived on Wharfdale Road in 1995-96 when it was a grim place.   Work by residents often led by John Ashwell has masively improved this busy road, with tree planting and road narrowing.  Now one of the established trees has been wiped out.

Cllr Convery has copied me in on the following correspondence with council officers:

Officer: A vehicle has struck a semi-mature tree growing on Wharfedale Rd N1, at the junction with Northdown St.

The roots were too badly damaged to save the tree, so we have felled it and will add the location to this winter’s tree planting list.

Cllr: This tree was not accidentally "struck" by a vehicle at all. It's been pushed over by some idiot in a large van who probably over-shot when realising that he was about to enter a one-way street the wrong way.
 
This tree was not exactly a sapling. As you say, it was semi-mature. John Ashwell and others on Wharfedale Road will be rightly furious because I recollect this was one of the trees planted using money they raised.
 
Please can you assure me that any replacement tree will be of the same size and maturity?

UPDATE

Response from officer

Dear Cllr Convery,

Thanks for your update on this matter, and thanks to Patrick for
bringing the whole matter to all our attention.

I am very grateful for the information you were able to add, do you have
any details on the vehicle that pushed the tree over?

All too often vehicle strikes cause exactly this kind of damage,
knocking trees over and then simply driving away before anyone has time
to record the information, but it really is quite appalling to hear that
someone has actually hit the tree, pushed the tree over and then driven
away!

That certainly seems to go beyond merely careless in my view.

This is particularly upsetting given the fact that the local community
has made such contributions and significant efforts in the planting of
trees in the area.

I will contact the police with any further details that anyone can
provide and ask them for help in tracking down the party responsible.
This also constitutes criminal damage.

The treeservice will always pursue those responsible for damaging our
trees whether deliberately or through a lack of care, and where possible
the costs of tree removal and replacement will be borne by those
responsible.

As [colleague] noted, this tree will be replaced during this Winter, though
the replacement tree will take some time to reach the size of the one
that was lost.

We will of course plant the largest tree we can physically fit in this
location, but unfortunately planting a semi mature tree in the normal
street environment is not possible.

The treeservice are currently locating positions for new trees, and tree
pits are being dug in preparation for planting later this year.

We will also look for other suitable locations in the area, including on
Wharfdale Road and Northdown Street.

The planting season runs from November to March, and we'll be planting
more trees in Islington streets than ever before, continuing to increase
the total number of street trees for the seventh consecutive year.

It's a real shame that this tree has been lost through such
irresponsible and dangerous behaviour; I encourage anyone with any more
details on this matter to please let me know,

Drug dealer arrested, charged and convicted on the Cally Road

This just in from the local police:

A 21 year old man has been imprisoned for two and a half years for possessing crack cocaine and heroin with the intention of supplying it to others.

He was also sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for possession of criminal property - his profits from drug dealing and six months imprisonment for driving offences. All terms are to run concurrently.

On 1 July 2009, PC Mark Murphy from the Islington Police Motorcycle Unit  saw Shaun Walsh (dob 3.3.1988) of Tufnell Park Road, N7, riding his moped in Copenhagen Street, N1.
Earlier the same day, Walsh was found guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of driving his moped without insurance. The officer, who was aware of this, stopped Walsh.
The officer searched Walsh, who was acting suspiciously. A large number of plastic wraps containing crack cocaine and heroin as well as £340 in cash were found. Walsh was arrested and taken to Islington Police Station for questioning.
On 13 July 2009 police searched Walsh’s home address for drugs and found a small quantity of crack cocaine. The same day Walsh was questioned in the presence of his solicitor to which he replied ‘no comment’. He was bailed to return to police pending forensic analysis of the drugs.
On 26 August 2009, Walsh was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine as well as driving without a license or insurance.
The same day he pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court where he was remanded in custody for sentencing.
On 22 September 2009 Walsh was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment and his profits from drug dealing (£347.70) were forfeited to Islington Police
PC Phelim Redmond from Islington CID carried out the investigation. He said:
“Drugs like heroin and crack cocaine have an extremely detrimental effect on local communities who have to endure the crime and anti-social behaviour that comes with them.
“Islington Police treat this issue very seriously which is we have pro-active squads like the Motorcycle Unit out and about looking for people committing these types of offences. A thorough investigation is then carried out by CID and local Safer Neighbourhoods teams work with local communities to tackle the problem in the long term.”
If you have any concerns about drugs in your local area then call your local Safer Neighbourhoods team whose details can be found at www.met.police.uk/islington.

Caledonian Ward Safer Neighbourhood's Team - Autumn/Winter Newsletter

Message from Sergeant Dave Wiggins

Caledonian team works closely with the local community and our partners to tackle the things that matter to you. To help us ensure we correctly identify your concerns, we meet local residents at regular ward panel meetings. At these meetings, local residents decide what our ward priorities should be for the coming months. To find out exactly when and where these meetings take place please visit our website: www.met.police.uk/islington. Or, if you would like to participate in helping to make
your local area safer, please let us know by telephoning 020 7421 0271.

Did you know?

Caledonian Ward saw a 38 per cent reduction in motor vehicle theft in May 2009 compared with the previous year.

Your Ward Priorities

You have told us your ward priorities include:

1. Anti-social behaviour in and around the Bemerton Estate.
2. Crime prevention through youth engagement.
3. Cycle theft and cycling on footways.

Your ward priorities are reviewed regularly. If you have any information relating to these priorities, please contact us on 020 7421 0271.

Tackling Anti- Social Behaviour on Bemerton Estate

The Bemerton Estate, N1, has for years been plagued with antisocial behaviour by youths. Most of the young people do not live on the estate but use it as their playground. Residents have been complaining to us about the problem, as well as to Homes For Islington. We obtained Acceptable Behaviour
Contracts for some of the offenders, however the problem persisted and more action was needed. The ringleaders - the major players in causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and goading others, have been identified. We have been working closely with Homes For Islington and Islington Council to obtain
injunctions on three of the ringleaders, who are all aged 18. The three are now banned from the Bemerton Estate and surrounding areas. This was a major breakthrough in breaking up the gang and restoring the estate back to the residents.

Preventing Pedal Cycle Crime

Following numerous complaints from members of the public about people cycling on the pavement in York Way, the team has increased patrols in the area. Many pedestrians felt intimidated and it was only a matter of time before they were injured by a cyclist along this busy thoroughfare. We recently
issued a number of fines to people cycling on the pavement resulting in a big reduction in this type of offence. We will continue to target the offenders.

Caledonian team also recently participated in a crime prevention initiative at Kings Place - a large conference and events centre in York Way, N1. The aim of the initiative was to advise centre staff
about crime prevention and how to stay safe in the local area. The team ran the two-day event with one day set aside for bicycle tagging. The event was well attended, with one thousand crime prevention advice packs handed out. Around 50 staff members took advantage of our free bicycle tagging service.

Young People Rejuvenate Bemerton Estate

Caledonian team recently worked in partnership with local youth worker Gena Kidd and young people aged between 11 and 14. Youngsters from all over Islington have been involved in projects designed to make their local neighbourhoods a better place to live. Young people from our ward decided to redecorate the Community Hall on the Bemerton Estate, which is used by all members of the community, giving it a new lease of life. They came third in their category and won gift vouchers for Arsenal and HMV shops.

Preparing for Halloween and Bonfire Night

Caledonian team is preparing for our busiest time of year, when traditionally anti-social behaviour increases. Months of planning with Islington Council takes place so the law-abiding majority can
enjoy the festivities without their fun being spoilt by a minority of troublemakers. To minimise any disruption, there will be more police on the streets at night and a dedicated Fireworks Unit on
patrol. We are also working with Trading Standards to prevent the sale of fireworks to children. Any shops caught will be fined or prosecuted.

Online Youth Survey

The Safer Neighbourhoods online youth survey launches on the 21st September giving 11-18 year olds an anonymous way of telling their local police team about any areas on their school journey and in their neighbourhood that make them feel unsafe. Safer Neighbourhoods teams drive a range of initiatives that get young people involved in their community. These include: Youth ward panels - young people set and resolve local policing priorities that matter to them Volunteer Police Cadets - develop new skills and carry out activities that directly support community issues and policing operations Safer Schools Officers - engage with pupils and teachers to help reduce the risk of young people getting drawn into crime or anti-social behaviour.  Find the survey at www.met.police.uk/youngpeople

London Borough of Islington
Caledonian Team
020 7421 0271
[email protected]
www.met.police.uk/teams/islington

Pentonville prison - guard charged with mobile phone offences

Pentonville is a looming neighbour for all of us and a major part of the community - the prison officers, prisoners families etc are staples of Cally Road businesses.  We have reported on problems at the Ville on the Cally before but here's the latest from Islington police:

'Lisa Lynette HARRIS (31.10.81 - 27 ys) of Essex (MPD-area) appears at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on bail on 1 October charged with 3 counts of wilful misconduct in a public office - i.e. conveying two mobile phones into a prison, and knowing an inmate was in possession of a mobile and having contact with him via that mobile.'

Girl found - Appeal to find missing girl in Islington

Just as i published this I got a mail saying that Hodan has been found safe and well, so that's good news.

Received - from Islington Police today, thursday.  Not specifically a Kings Cross thing but a lot of people pass through the station on a bus or tube:

>>Islington Police are appealing to members of the public to help find an 11 year old girl who has gone missing.
Hodan MUSA from Islington has not been seen since 07:50 this morning, 10 September 2009. There is great concern for Hodan’s safety due to her young age and vulnerability - Hodan is new to Islington and has little knowledge of the local area.
Hodan is described as Somalian, of very thin build, around 5’ tall. She was last seen wearing a white head scarf, blue school fleece and a black skirt. She was carrying a black rucksack with pink spots on.
She was last seen at a bus stop on Junction Road, Islington. Whilst on her way to school, she went to a newsagents close by to top up her Oyster Card. She failed to return to her sister who was waiting for her at the bus stop.
PC Becky Saunders from the Islington Police Missing Persons Unit is investigating her disappearance:

“We are appealing to people from Islington and the surrounding boroughs to help us find Hodan. She is extremely vulnerable due to her age and lack of knowledge of the local area. Anyone who knows where she might be or who might have seen her should call us immediately on 020 7421 0161 or 0207 721 7600, or alert your local police. Alternatively, they can call the charity Missing People on 0500 700 700."

Update on dead body in canal

Stephan reported on the sad case of a body being found in the canal a couple of weeks ago.  I followed up with the police who have provided this statement.  They don't think there are suspicious circumstances, our sympathies go out to this poor man's family.  Am trying to get more statements out of the police when things happen in the area - they are keen to tell the local paper but often forget that we reach 300 people a day through this website.  Police statement begins:

On 14th August 2009, at approximately 06:20 hours, police were called to reports of a body floating in the Grand Union Canal, near York Way N1.
Upon police arrival, the body of a male was recovered and was pronounced deceased at the scene by LAS.
Next of Kin have been informed and the male has been formally identified as Mr Brain Marsh, aged 51, (date of birth, 26 November 1958), from Millard Terrace, Dagenham.
A post mortem was held on Wednesday 19th August 2009 and the cause of death was confirmed as drowning, although toxicology results are still outstanding.
An inquest opened on Thursday 20th August 2009 at St Pancras Coroner's Court.
Camden Police are treating the death as unexplained at this stage.

The Gazette has a bit more here from what i can make out Mr Marsh worked at the old York Way tube station on York Way where fire equipment maintenance work is carried out.

Islington police arrest man and fighting dogs

Evening all - this seems encouraging news, even if not local to Kings Cross.  Does anyone know of any dangerous dog problems in the KX area?  Drop us a line, anonymously [email protected]

Is it just me or is it refreshing to see a police operation with a code name that makes sense?  'Operation Bark'

Police email begins:

'News from Islington Police - Man Arrested for Possession of Dangerous Dogs and Dogs Seized

Islington Police have arrested a man for possessing two fighting dogs as part of a new initiative launched today, 8th July 2009.
'Operation Bark' aims to combat the growing number of dangerous dogs in Islington; to tackle anti-social behaviour related to the misuse of dogs and to reduce the mistreatment of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
The Islington initiative is being led by Sgt. Dean Akinola from Hillrise Safer Neighbourhoods team in response to concern from the local community . Supported by the RSPCA and Islington Council's Park Guard, officers will pro-actively search premises where they believe dangerous dogs are being kept as well as promoting responsible dog ownership.
Bark activity took place for the first time today when officers from Highbury West Safer Neighbourhoods team, the Islington Borough Support Unit and the Status Dogs Unit - a specialist MPS Unit which deals with dogs used in crime, raided a property in the Stephens Ink Estate, N5. Two dogs believed to be American pit bull terriers were seized and a 20 year old male was arrested for possession of two fighting dogs and taken to Islington police station for questioning. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.
On 3rd July 2009, Islington Police, supported by the Status Dogs Unit, searched an address in Biggerstaff Street, N4, and recovered three dangerous dogs - one of which had attacked another dog in the street a few weeks earlier. The dogs were immediately seized by specialist officers and subsequently destroyed.
Sgt Dean Akinola leads Operation Bark in Islington:
"Operation Bark has been set up in response to concern from the Islington community about dangerous dogs . We are specifically targeting those individuals who use dangerous dogs as weapons or for protection when dealing drugs, as well as the breeders of dangerous dogs."
Advice to members of the public
All dogs, especially certain breeds, need to be properly managed so they do not become aggressive. Owners have a responsibility to keep t heir dogs under control. The maximum penalty for allowing a dog you are in charge of to be dangerously out of control is two year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both.
We actively encourage members of the public to get in touch with us. If you have any concerns about dangerous dogs or anti-social behaviour related to dogs they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods team via www.met.police.uk/islington.'

Worried about Crime and Anti-Social Behavior in the Caledonian Ward...

...then this is the meeting you want to attend! 

Approximately every eight weeks, the Safer Neighbourhood's Panel meets with members of the local community to discuss priorities for the Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team to target.

Members of the Team are present and the Panel is chaired by our own Councillor, Paul Convery.  Attendence is made up of those local residents who have had or see potential problems in their local areas as well as residents who attend on a regular basis to hear what the Team is doing to make our area safer.

If you've been frustrated when trying to deal with the Met, this is a good way to meet your local police - the police on our beat, rather then speaking to someone in a call centre in the Midlands.  Take a look at the Minutes from the last meeting to get a flavour of the kinds of items that are discussed.  Download SNP minutes of 28 May 09 meeting.  The Team needs local feedback to focus action on where WE feel it's needed, so this is a real way to get involved in making our neighbourhood safer.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 30 July at 7:00 PM (to 8:30) at the Blessed Sacrament Church (Basement entrance) on Copenhagen Street (just West of Caledonian Road).

Your attendence is encouraged.  And if you wish to be added to the mailing list for future meetings, please send an email to the Panel's Secretary.

News from our local Safer Neighbourhoods Team - Spring/Summer 2009

Caledonian Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Message from Sergeant Dave Wiggins

We patrol and carry out initiatives across Caledonian Ward. If you have any concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour please do not hesitate to contact us. Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are a fundamental aspect to our policing. Your team has worked closely within the community to ensure that local concerns are addressed. Police working on your ward priorities are key to making Islington a safer place and crime has reduced consistently over the past 5 years.

Your Ward Priorities

Currently your ward priorities are:
 
1. Anti-social behaviour by groups of youths on the Bemerton Estate
2. Pedal cycling on the pavement
3. Prostitute cards in phone boxes
 
Your ward priorities are reviewed regularly. If you have any information relating to these priorities or would like to discuss your concerns please contact us.

You can also come along to the next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhoods Community Panel, chaired by our local Councillor Paul Convery.  This panel meets about every six to eight weeks with the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and local residents to discuss local issues.  If you have a local problem this is an excellent place to raise it.  The next meeting will be taking place at the Blessed Sacrament Church (basement hall), on Thursday 28 May at 7 PM.

Community Safety Day at NIDO Student Halls

At the beginning of the spring term, officers from Caledonian Safer Neighbourhoods team, in partnership with the NIDO management team, held a community safety event at the NIDO building on Pentonville Road, N1. The building is a residence for mainly foreign students studying in London. The students had only recently arrived in London to start courses at various colleges and universities. The concerns of the students were the perception of crime and safety in Islington. Police Constable Mark Davis spoke to around 250 students, allaying their fears by explaining that crime on the ward and in Islington Borough as a whole has reduced dramatically. The students were also given crime prevention literature and personal attack alarms. 
 
Alert Box Scheme Cuts Crime

Caledonian Safer Neighbourhoods team in partnership with Islington Council have funded and installed an extension to the successful Alertbox scheme in Caledonian Road. The scheme now runs between Frodo Bridge and Pentonville Road and has been taken up by 110 local businesses. The scheme helps small shops that do not have their own security staff and encourages closer ties between local businesses.

At the mere touch of a button, shops can tell neighbouring businesses that they are in need of assistance and can help each other by calling police if needed. It also acts as a deterrent to potential thieves and gives added reassurance to businesses and shoppers alike.

The scheme has been in operation since April 2008. An evaluation of its success was conducted and showed that on average local traders felt it was both supportive and reassuring and there was a marked decrease in crime.

 Don’t let a burglar spoil your summer. Be secure!

As summer approaches the evenings can be an inviting time for criminals. It is important to take sensible steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary. Many burglaries happen in the summer Scheme when thieves simply enter homes through OPEN doors and windows. As the warmer nights arrive it is important to remember that an open window may allow more to enter your home than a cooling breeze.

It is unwise to leave any accessible window open unless you are in that room and fully awake. Think about buying a fan or, if you must leave a window open, consider installing an internal collapsible locking grille. Before you go to bed check that all accessible windows upstairs and downstairs are securely closed and locked. This includes small fanlight windows. It’s an open invitation to a burglar. Make sure that even when you are sitting watching TV your back door is properly closed and locked. If you have a UPVC front door check that all the locks are in place by lifting the handle. Once you have done so, lock the locks into place by turning the key. Know where the keys are at all times in case you need to leave in an emergency. For more detailed crime prevention advice please visit our website - www.met.police.uk.

London Borough of Islington Caledonian Team
 Telephone: (020) 7421-0271
[email protected]

www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

For more information about Islington Police go to www.met.police.uk/islington.

Dispersal zone for North Kings Cross and SW Barnsbury

Local police and the Council have taken an important palliative measure to combat low level anti social behaviour. Neighbour Lisa Tang has alerted me to the new 'dispersal zone' map.  This gives police stringent powers to stop people, especially young people hanging about in large groups. 

The area covered is in the graphic left but basically East of York Way, South of Bingfield Street, South of Richmond Avenue, West of Barnsbury Road, North of Copenhagen Street and North of Regents Canal.

Dispersal zones are handy to deal with a chronic problem in the area - large groups of young people who can get out of hand.  Having had bricks thrown at me from very close range by groups of young people in the past i sympathise with the folk who live here - if they still taught cricket in schools i wouldn't be alive today.  It is important to deal with.  But dispersal zones are only palliative - they treat the symptoms of a wider problem - the lack of a structured, long term intervention by the Council in the area to give young people things to do in a deprived neighbourhood. 

Local charitable groups such as CYP, Sparkplug, Prospex and Crumbles Castle plug huge gaps left by inadequate Council services.  But they only get month to month funding inhibiting their long term growth and stability.  The real long term answer to combat issues with local young people is long term core funding by the council of local youth groups to provide high capacity interventions to give large numbers of young people other options than hanging about on street corners.

Text extracts from text of dispersal order follows:

'The local Police and the Local Authority have both agreed that there are grounds to believe that members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed, or distressed as a result of the presence or behaviour of two or more persons and that anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the below affected area.
Relevant Period
From 0630 hours on 27th April 2009
To 0630 hours on 27th July 2009
Directions
During the times and dates specified above a Constable/PCSO may give one or more of the following directions:
Tell people in the group to leave the area (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).
Tell people who don’t live in the area to leave (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).
Tell people who don’t live in the area not to return to the area or any part of it for such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from when the direction was given, as he/she may specify.
If you are under 16 you are not allowed to be here between the hours of 9pm and 6am unless you are under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over the age of 18. You may be removed to your home or place of safety if more appropriate.