Councillor Jonathan Knott

Clegg Street Parking

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:58:00 GMT

As part of the ongoing consultation over traffic and parking problems in Plaitow North, Newham Council has invested in parking restrictions along Clegg Street to deter commuter parking and to make it easier for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic.

Parking has been restricted from Pelly Road bridge down to Clegg Street, with the introduction of parking bays outside affected businesses.

What do you think? Would you like restrictions on commuter parking in your street?

Plaistow to benefit from the Greener Neighbourhood scheme

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:52:00 GMT

Mayor delivering parks for greener Newham neighbourhoods

Newham Council has begun rolling out a multi-million pound package of park improvements as part of the Mayor's contract commitment to residents for 2009/10. Local Councillors have worked with the Mayor, bringing forward priorities from their wards.

Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, said the Council would invest £8.8 million in borough wide park improvements over the next three years in line with Mayor's commitment to provide clean and green neighbourhoods across the borough.

The funding comes as part of the £24 million environment improvement program which will also see improvements made to roads, lighting and measures dealing with local parking and traffic issues.

Sir Robin said: "I want everyone to feel pride in where we live; we know people in Newham value our parks and open spaces. We want a green and attractive borough and we'll make Newham greener through improved care of public spaces.

"This will also give open space back to residents and provide areas for kids to get outside and have fun while getting active and healthy."

Executive member for public realm, Councillor Ian Corbett, said: "We're listening to the concerns of residents and tackling the issues to make Newham a place for everyone to work, live and stay.

"Investing in improving our parks and open space is an investment in the future of all residents. Parks give residents of all ages a space to socialise, kick the football, play with the kids, have a picnic or read a book."

Executive member for culture, Councillor Jo Corbett, said: "Newham runs more sport and cultural activities than any other borough. Upgrading our parks now gives the Council the opportunity to offer even more programs and more opportunities for residents to get active."

The investment will fund more than 20 park projects including:

£3 million to repair all park buildings with a focus on pavilions, sports changing rooms and other public amenities across the borough
A £1.25 million upgrade to Gooseley Playing Fields will deliver whole site improvements with new paths, furniture, sports facilities, building refurbishments and landscaping
Keir Hardie Recreation Ground will receive £875,000 for whole site improvements to play areas, trim trails and exercise equipment, new paths and landscape upgrades
£700,000 worth of improvements to be shared between Odessa Road Open Space, Little Ilford Park, Plaistow Park, Lister Gardens, and Memorial Recreation Ground.
£650,000 for the improvement of pocket parks at Chandos Road, Sandal Street, and Valetta Grove
£550,000 for a new play areas and equipment at Star Park and Priory Park
£340,000 to improve play and sports facilities at New Beckton Park
£340,000 for improvements at Canning Town Recreation Ground, including a trim trail, landscaping and youth sports facilities

FREE Summer events in Newham

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:46:00 GMT

FREE Summer events in Newham

Newham's summer events programme is the biggest and best in the country. We want to make sure that all young people have something interesting to do and get involved in over the summer, whether that's joining a sports club, starting a Summer School course or meeting friends at your local youth centre.

This year's programme provides plenty of opportunities to get together, to do more and to be more. We don't need to wait until 2012 to start to enjoy the fun of competition, learning new things and enjoying activities together when so much is happening here already!

We're proud to say that more than 100,000
people flock to our free summer events every year and no wonder, with free entertainment, top musicians and local talent, fireworks and so much more.

Your summer really kicks off with the ever-popular Newham Show on 11 and 12 July, ending with our four-day music extravaganza, Under the Stars, on 3-6 September.

In our Summer in Newham programme you'll find details of everything going on in Newham over the summer from libraries to leisure centres, parks to farms.

Summer's finally here so get ready for the best free entertainment around - and take the chance to enjoy your favourite activities or try something new.

For more information download the Summer in Newham guide available below.

Related downloads

Summer in Newham guide
Size: 7,797.16 kB, Type: PDF

The Mayor's Newham Show

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:38:00 GMT

The Mayor's Newham Show

The Newham Show continues to provide free entertainment for the whole family - cabaret, music, dance, lots of sports, fun for children, an exhilarating carnival - it really is a jam-packed weekend!

When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, 2-8pm

Where: Central Park, High Street South, East Ham E6

A weekend full to bursting with FREE entertainment for the whole family. There'll be something for everyone.

And not forgetting the Caribbean carnival on Saturday - come along and watch the colourful procession as it dances and shimmers its way through the streets of East Ham.

The show programme is available to download.

At A Glance - highlights

Saturday 2pm

Carnival starts at Cheltenham Gardens
Enjoy the sounds of Cleves Primary School Choir at the Music Lounge
Get fit with football coaching from West Ham United FC
Race against your friends in dry dock canoe paddling machines
Tap your feet to the dance of Beckton based Fusion Arts Theatre School
3pm: Watch bowling on the green, find out about Newham's historic past and future
5pm: Catch the Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders in the outside sports area

Sunday 2pm

Check out what's on offer from BBC Blast at the Youth Creative Industries and Learning marquee
Sprint your way to the finals of the street athletics competition
Get into the swing of bowls by giving it a go yourself
Missed Elvis tribute act Sal Bashir? It's not too late, you can catch him in the Cabaret Tent

Getting there

Please use public transport
Tube: East Ham Station
Buses: 58, 101, 104, 115, 474 to Central Park; 5, 147, 238 to Barking Road
Blue Badge holder parking only

Access information
Parking for Blue Badge holders is on a first come, first served basis near Rancliffe Road gate.
Wheelchair entrances on Bartle Avenue, High Street South and Rancliffe Road.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on site.

The event takes place on grass. Please note: only guide dogs are allowed. Do not bring glass bottles or sharp items into the showground. You may be searched as a condition of entry.

http://www.newham.com/page/summer/the_mayor_s_newham_show/376,10,0,0,0.html

Mayor opens new £4.5 million multi-sport centre in Plaistow

jon@jonathanknott.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:36:00 GMT

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, opened a new £4.5 million multi-sport centre at Newham Leisure Centre, Plaistow on Tuesday (30 June.)

The centre in Prince Regent Lane features a fully equipped athletics training hall with a 60 metre indoor track, basketball courts, badminton courts, six cricket nets, a school fitness centre and outdoor mini-soccer pitches.

The centre will provide a huge boost to the sports and leisure facilities available to those living and working in Newham.

Sir Robin said: "One of our priorities is to make people healthier and increase opportunities for residents to get involved in sport.

"Newham does more than any other local authority to provide opportunities for people to get together have fun and be active.

"As London continues to work towards the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, these facilities will help the area stride even further forward - raising standards and aspirations amongst people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Our priority is to enable all children and young people to achieve their full potential and this is just one more way in which we can demonstrate the positive effect the Olympic legacy will have on our borough."

The project represents a major investment by the council in association with Sport England, The London Marathon Trust, Big Lottery Funding and Cumberland School.

Debbie Pippard, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for London, said: "The New Opportunities for PE and Sport (NOPES) funding programme is transforming attitudes to sport, encouraging youngsters to take part in PE and helping the community to stay active all year round.

"Newham's new multi-sport centre facility will bring real and positive changes to young athletes and the community at large."

Newham Multi-Sport Centre is managed by GLL (Greenwich Leisure Ltd) in partnership with Cumberland School. The centre is a dual-use facility. Managed by GLL evenings, weekends and school holidays and Cumberland school during the daytime.

Gareth Kirk, GLL's Partnership Manager for Newham said, "The new centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for people living and working in Newham.
Local people, schools and clubs as well as elite athletes will benefit.

"We're delighted to be part of a project that sees Newham continue to build on its strengths and raise standards for local people - improving skills, self-esteem, health and inclusion through sport".

For further information on membership, opening hours or facilities at the Newham Multi Sport Centre contact Newham Leisure Centre on 020 7511 4477 or visit www.gll.org.

Valetta Grove special mini play day.

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sun, 17 May 2009 09:34:00 GMT

More than 450 people enjoyed fun activities and put forward their ideas for possible improvements to the open space in Valetta Grove at a special mini play day.

Slides, face painting and blow football were just a few of the activities on offer at the mini play day, which was funded by the Big Lottery Fund, led by Newham Council and operated in partnership with Community Links.

Residents were also able vote on possible play improvements, sports facilities, shelters and special features for the area, which is opposite Plaistow Station.

Ward councillors Zulfiqar Ali and Jonathan Knott and parks' staff were on hand to discuss residents’ ideas, which included better play areas for young and older children and seating and planting.

"Our thanks go to everyone who gave their views," said Cllr Knott. "Suggestions are now being assessed and we will keep residents up to date with plans for the area

free athletics and triathlon sessions at Newham Leisure Centre

jon@jonathanknott.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:59:00 GMT

Newham's young people are being encouraged to take part in free athletics and triathlon sessions at Newham Leisure Centre in Plaistow.

Expert coaches will be on hand for young people aged between 11 and 16 who would like to test their sporting skills. Experience is not necessary.

The athletics sessions take place on Mondays between 4pm and 6pm and the triathlon sessions take place on Sundays between 1pm and 3pm.

Participants attending the triathlon sessions must bring a swimming kit, clothes and footwear suitable for running and a bike if available.

Talent scouts from the Newham Sports Academy will attend the sessions with talented participants offered the opportunity to join the Academy or the Newham and Essex Beagles.

The athletics sessions are funded by Newham Council and partners to increase opportunities to participate in sport.

Executive member for culture, Councillor Jo Corbett, said: "These free sessions are open to all Newham's young people regardless of previous experience. Participants will be given the chance to test their abilities and get advice from experienced coaches. We might even find a star for the 2012 Games!"

Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Surgery

jon@jonathanknott.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:36:00 GMT

Residents of Plaistow North can now meet with the local Police to discuss issues of concern.

Plaistow North Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding a

Drop in Surgery at Plaistow Library, North Street E13.

if you have any worries or concerns regarding crime in your area, you can share your thoughts at new drop-in surgeries being run by your Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT).

The SNT sees police and partners working with you to identify and tackle issues of concern in your neighbourhood, such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, noisy neighbourhoods, yobs or vandalism.

You can always contact your SNT by phone, but with these new drop-in surgeries, you can have a face-to-face chat with the policemen and women who make up your local team.

Plaistow North ward councillor, Jonathon Knott, says: “Our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are doing fantastic work but we need residents to come forward to help them further reduce anti-social behaviour and these new sessions are a chance to do that.”

The next dates are as follows;
Thursday 26th March 2009 between 5pm to 6.30pm.

Note: incidents that require an immediate police response should be called through to 999. If it does not warrant an immediate response then calls should be made to 0300 123 1212. to contact the Plaistow North Safer Neighbourhood Team, call

0208 721 2524 (Non Emergency calls only.)

Dirty Hands

jon@jonathanknott.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:58:00 GMT

A community gardening project has been given the green

light to use a derelict plot of land in Plaistow as a space for

residents to grow food.

Do you want to learn how to grow your

own organic vegetables and fruit and

beat the credit crunch while getting to

know others in your community?

The Dirty Hands Project offers you

just that. It’s been set up by single

parent and Plaistow resident Alison

Skeat to bring people together to grow

food in urban areas.

“I originate from a semi rural area in

Essex and believe working on the land

can have a positive and calming affect

on people,” she says.

“Dirty Hands developed through

wanting to grow fruit and vegetables

for my family. My aim was to save

money and grow organically. I felt other

residents could also get involved and

benefit from such a project.”

Councillor Jonathan Knott says:

“This is an excellent initiative for all to

enjoy the outdoors while getting some

exercise, swapping gardening tips and

getting to know your neighbours. It also

means you get to eat healthier too.”

Why not get involved? The group is

open to all, from the young and old to

experienced gardeners and budding

novices.

Dirty Hands Project, which has just

been nominated for an environmental

award, has been given a licence to use

land in Valetta Grove.

The licence means residents will

be able to grow their own fruit and

vegetables in giant grow bags on

the site, which is opposite Plaistow

Station.

Start-up cash from Newham Council

will pay for seeds, soil, gravel and

equipment and residents will be free to

choose what they grow.

The licence decision follows

discussions between Plaistow North

ward councillor, Jonathan Knott, Mayor

Sir Robin Wales, Newham Council,

Newham Homes and West Ham and

Plaistow New Deal for Communities

(NDC).

Dirty Hands currently boasts 40

volunteers and is also supported by

NDC’s community initiatives fund and

East Potential, part of East Thames

Housing Association.

Founder, Alison Skeat, now hopes

other plots could be opened up if

enough people are interested.

“If you find a little corner, come and

tell us and we’ll try and follow it up,”

she said.

Dirty Hands have been nominated for

an environmental award on the online

social networking site UnLtdWorld,

which encourages users to work on

projects that will have a positive impact

on their communities.

“The benefits of this are immense

because you can save money by

growing your own food, get involved in

a healthy activity and get to know your

neighbours,” said Cllr Knott.

For more information call

Alison Skeat on 07507 802 167

or email dirtyhandsproject@gmail.com

Lyn Brown MP's Tea and Coffee Morning

jon@jonathanknott.com — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Lyn Brown MP held her second tea & coffee morning in Plaistow North on Saturday 24 January 2009, at Curwen Primary School Atlas Road E13 0AG Location: Curwen Primary School Atlas Road E13 0AG Lyn Brown's latest coffee morning was very well attended 100's of local residents attended and spoke with Lyn and their local councillors.

As with previous coffee mornings, residents were quizzed by Lyn Brown on their experiences of local NHS services, including their local GP clinics and hospitals in the area. Many residents also took advantage of the free Health MOT Checks and health care advice provided by Newham PCT.

Queens Residential Haven - Traffic Calming Consultation

jon@jonathanknott.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:14:00 GMT

STATUTORY CONSULTATION INFORMATION LEAFLET

INTRODUCTION

Each year, Newham Council identifies areas within the borough that are known to have a history of crashes, speeding and rat-running problems. The Council has a road safety programme, funded by Transport for London (TfL), aimed at reducing these problems, and making these areas safer for all road users.

Your neighbourhood, an area known as ‘Queens Residential Haven’ (shown overleaf) has been identified as an area that would benefit from the introduction of traffic calming measures and a 20mph zone to reduce the number of casualties and improve the local environment.

In accordance with the Highways Act 1980 (section 90A to C) prior to the introduction of any traffic calming measures, the Council is required to consult with you to give you the opportunity to raise any objections you may have to these proposals. In addition to this leaflet, notices will be posted throughout all the streets effected and a fully detailed plan will be available to view at the Green Street Local Service Centre, 403-405 Green Street, E15,Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. A required legal notice for these proposals will also be published in the Stratford and Newham Express. Please note that the deadline for returning objections to this office is

Monday the 16th February 2009.

PROPOSED MEASURES

To reduce the number of crashes, speeding and rat running drivers throughout your area, the Council is proposing the following measures, as shown on the reverse side of this leaflet:

A 20mph zone with associated signing
Red entry treatments consisting of coloured surfacing with a 20mph road marking
Round top road humps and flat top road hump
Part of Selsdon Road to become one way southbound

Please note: There will be no loss of Parking spaces in the affected areas as vehicles will be able to park on speed humps.

Download the leaflet

Harold Residential Haven - Traffic Calming Consultation

jon@jonathanknott.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:59:00 GMT

STATUTORY CONSULTATION INFORMATION LEAFLET

INTRODUCTION

Each year, Newham Council identifies areas within the borough that are known to have a history of crashes, speeding and rat-running problems. The Council has a road safety programme, funded by Transport for London (TfL), aimed at reducing these problems, and making these areas safer for all road users.

Your neighbourhood, an area known as ‘Queens Residential Haven’ (shown overleaf) has been identified as an area that would benefit from the introduction of traffic calming measures and a 20mph zone to reduce the number of casualties and improve the local environment.

In accordance with the Highways Act 1980 (section 90A to C) prior to the introduction of any traffic calming measures, the Council is required to consult with you to give you the opportunity to raise any objections you may have to these proposals. In addition to this leaflet, notices will be posted throughout all the streets effected and a fully detailed plan will be available to view at the Green Street Local Service Centre, 403-405 Green Street, E15,Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. A required legal notice for these proposals will also be published in the Stratford and Newham Express. Please note that the deadline for returning objections to this office is

Monday the 16th February 2009.

PROPOSED MEASURES

To reduce the number of crashes, speeding and rat running drivers throughout your area, the Council is proposing the following measures, as shown on the reverse side of this leaflet:

To reduce the number of crashes, speeding and rat running drivers throughout your area, the Council is proposing

the following measures, as shown on the reverse side of this leaflet:

A 20mph zone with associated signing

Red entry treatments consisting of coloured surfacing with a 20mph road marking

Round top road humps and flat top road hump

Parking restrictions consisting of double yellow lines at junctions and short term parking bays in Pelly Road

Please note: There will be no loss of Parking spaces in the affected areas as vehicles will be able to park on speed humps.

Download the leaflet here

Rt Hon Tessa Jowell visits Springboard scheme in Plaistow

jon@jonathanknott.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:04:00 GMT

The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP visited residents at Springboard’s supported housing scheme, Chadacre Court in Plaistow, onWednesday 16 April 2008. Accompanied by local councillors Jonathan Knott and Joy Laguda, she talked about the forthcoming mayoral elections and answered questions about the 2012 Olympics which will be taking place in the residents’ borough.

Chadacre Court is home to around 35 people. It is an Extra Care scheme in the London borough of Newham, which receives Supported People funding.

Mark Gayfer, Managing Director at Springboard, part of Genesis Housing Group, said "We are really pleased that the minister came to Chadacre Court. It was very helpful to get her perspective on a number of issues around the Olympics and forthcoming London mayoral elections. We were also pleased to welcome councillors Knott and Laguda and look forward to working closer with them in future."

Councillor Jonathan Knott launches

jon@jonathanknott.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:03:00 GMT

Councillor Jonathan Knott, launched his new revamped a website powered by Terapad.com (http://www.terapad.com/) today featuring news, events calender, interactive forums, Polls and Surveys, press releases and more.

Councillor Jonathan Knott can be accessed at http://jonathanknott.terapad.com/.

Biggs is Back

jon@jonathanknott.com — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:28:00 GMT

John Biggs was last night (May 2nd) re-elected as East London's representative on the London Assembly, providing a quantum of solace for campaigners in what otherwise proved to be a disappointing May 1st for Labour in London.

John increased his share of the vote to 33.97% giving him a majority of over 31,000 in the City and East Constituency which includes the City of London, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Barking and Dagenham.

City and East was also the only consituency in London to provide Ken Livingstone, Labour's mayoral candidate, with over 50% of the vote.

John's characteristically thoughtful speech at Excel in Newham - where the count for four of the consituencies was held - thanked the returning officer and his staff, and pledged that he would continue to fight the racism of the far right and serve East London dutifully and to the best of his ability. The result was announced late on Friday night - perhaps the reason for John questioning whether an electronic count was indeed quicker than the traditional method.

The full results for the City and East Constituency can be found at the London Elects website.