ULEZ scrappage scheme expanded
I was happy to see that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has responded to calls to expand the ULEZ scrappage scheme, helping thousands more families and businesses
Together with Clyde Loakes, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet lead for Climate and Air Quality, I wrote to the Mayor after hearing from residents and small businesses who hadn't previously qualified for compensation in return for scrapping vehicles that didn't meet ULEZ standards.
Like the Mayor, we believe the ULEZ expansion can play a vital role in helping improve the quality of the air Londoners breath, and in helping to fight the climate emergency, but we knew people in Waltham Forest needed more support.
I'm pleased to say that under the new plans, residents receiving child benefit, businesses registered in Waltham Forest with fewer than 50 employees, charities and care workers can now qualify under the scrappage scheme, or be eligible for an extended grace period, if their vehicles don't meet the required standards when the ULEZ expands in August. If so, you'll be able to apply from the end of July. Read full details on the TfL website.
Finally, I'd like to welcome Cllr Roy Berg to his new role as Mayor of Waltham Forest. Roy has been a dedicated councillor for Endlebury ward in Chingford for many years and I'm really looking forward to working with him over the next 12 months.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
Councillor Roy Berg has been elected Mayor for the civic year 2023/2024. The Mayor’s wife Kathleen Berg, will be his Mayoress. Cllr Berg has represented Endlebury ward in Chingford for 13 years and is the first Conservative Mayor of the Borough since 2016/17. He was elected with cross party support.
Cllr Berg said: “I look forward to meeting many of you and celebrating the best that Waltham Forest has to offer during my time as Mayor.”
In response to recent tragic violent incidents, the number of police officers on the streets in the Waltham Forest is to be increased.
Borough Commander Superintendent Simon Crick, said, “Over the coming weeks you will see an increased police presence, as officers from the Territorial Support Group (TSG) will be supporting Borough Command Unit colleagues to provide reassurance to the residents of Waltham Forest. Following a number of violent incidents we are determined, in partnership with local authority colleagues and other partners, to do all we can to prevent further occurrences.
“I totally understand the impact such incidents have on local residents and how they can undermine how safe people feel in our local communities. The additional police will provide further support to local officers in order to prevent and detect crime, and provide an opportunity for residents to engage with officers and share any concerns they may have.
“Officers will be deployed into areas that have been most adversely affected by recent events. As the BCU Commander I do not want any further incidents of violence and my team and I will do everything we can to achieve significant reductions.”
Read about the work of our Violence Reduction Partnership.
If you had £10,000 to make practical improvements in your local area, what would you spend it on?
We want to hear from you, so let us know what would make your neighbourhood a better place to live. You can make your suggestions online or pop into your local library to fill out a postcard. And if you see councillors or engagement teams this summer, come over and tell them your thoughts.
We're marking Pride Month by raising the Pride flag in Fellowship Square and illuminating the Town Hall in rainbow colours. There are also Rainbow Pride Craft events in our libraries: North Chingford, Hale End, Wood Street, Walthamstow; Lea Bridge, Leytonstone, and Higham Hill.
Waltham Forest Pride celebrations will take place in July as usual, including a flagship event in Fellowship Square on Saturday 29 July. More details soon!
We are excited to launch our new Let’s Get Digital campaign. We want to ensure everyone in Waltham Forest has the skills, tools and support to get online. We’re running drop-in sessions, providing you with face to face support to help you use your device and the internet. We also have information available on how you could save money each year on your internet bill if you receive benefits. Speak to your local library to find out more about help getting online, or click the link below:
On 22 June 1948, the Empire Windrush arrived in Tilbury Docks from Jamaica. The majority of its passengers had travelled from the Caribbean to the UK to answer the government's call for skilled workers to help Britain in the post-war years. To mark the the 75th anniversary, we've been working with partners on a programme of events across the borough to celebrate.
These include a Windrush Day Flag Raising Ceremony in Fellowship Square on Thursday, 22 June 2023. This will be followed by the second ever Waltham Forest Windrush Festival in the same location on Saturday 24 June, showcasing the very best in Afro Caribbean music, food, art and history.
There’s been a recent spike in local cases of measles, a highly infectious disease which can cause serious illness. If you’re unvaccinated and come in close contact with an infected person, you’re likely to get infected.
The measles (MMR) vaccine will protect 99 per cent of people. For anyone not fully vaccinated, it’s easy to catch up: the vaccine is effective at any age and starts working almost immediately. To arrange a vaccination, contact your GP. It's never too late.
Great news! The refurbished Lee Valley Ice Centre in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, will re-open on Saturday 17 June. It features two Olympic sized rinks, gym, dance studio, cafe and community spaces, is home to the Lee Valley Lions ice hockey team. The Council contributed £1 million to the cost of the refurbishment.
Come to Highams Park for our third health and wellbeing event to support older residents. Get access to information and advice to help you during the cost-of-living crisis, as well as health and wellbeing, housing and employment support. Free manicure and haircutting service available, along with food and refreshment.
When: Wednesday 5 July, 10am to 1pm
Where: All Saints Highams Park, Church Avenue E4 9QZ
Meet Sean Rodrigo – the Walthamstow resident who uses his DIY expertise to help those who need it most.
Sean owns The Fixatorium, a studio in Argall Avenue, focusing on solving challenges using sustainable approaches. His work includes creating mini food banks for local group PL84U Al-Suffa and custom-built playgrounds.
Next up for Sean is the opening of the The Tool House, an inclusive workspace for everyone in the community. It launched last Saturday at the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum. Read more about Sean's work.
Head to Langthorne Park for a free, fun-filled afternoon packed full of activities, including live music and dance, face painting, family craft activities, and much more! 🎶
- When: Saturday 10 June, from 12pm to 4pm
- Where: Langthorne Park, Leytonstone, E11 4YG
Get together with friends and family in Fellowship Square this summer and experience a unique destination at the heart of Waltham Forest.
We're putting together an amazing programme including open air theatre, music, sports, dancing, magic and markets. Not forgetting our amazing dancing fountains for children of all ages to enjoy for free in the hot weather.
Find us in front of the Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF and follow Fellowship Square on our new social channels to get the latest on what's happening: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Tag us using #FSQE17.
Meanwhile, our regular Fellowship Square markets continue. The Go East Vintage Kids Saturday Takeover will be back this Saturday, 11am until late. And check out the makers' market this Sunday 11 June, from 11am to 4pm. Both events are free to enter.
It’s the end of Volunteers Week and we wanted to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who contribute to making their local community a better place to live. Volunteering has many benefits, including gaining skills and confidence to get into paid work. Read Maria’s story about how volunteering helped her land her dream job. There are also some exciting opportunities to get involved with the upcoming Windrush Festival.
Ashish at the exhibition celebrating his work
If you’re interested in fashion design and want to know more about the ideas behind the work of Ashish Gupta, the artist behind the William Morris Gallery's latest exhibition, booking is now open for and In Conversation event with Ashish and Avani Thakkar.
The talk takes place on Wednesday 14 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and will be followed by a private view of the exhibition Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender. Register to attend in person or online. Please pay what you can for your ticket.
⛔Road closures around Walthamstow Central from 9 June
Be prepared for road closures in Hoe Street near Walthamstow Central Station from 10pm Friday 9 June until 5am on Monday 12 June while a crane is removed from Juniper House.
Friday overnight, from 10pm to 5am: Hoe Street closed in both directions between Selborne Road and Cedars Avenue;
Saturday and Sunday daytime: Hoe Street closed to Southbound traffic from Selborne Road to Cedars Avenue. Northbound traffic unaffected
Sunday overnight from 10pm to 5am: Hoe Street closed in both directions between Selborne Road and Cedars Avenue.
A number of bus-routes are diverted, see the TfL website and publicity at bus-stops. Pedestrian routes will be unaffected but cyclists may have to dismount and walk a short distance in the vicinity of the road closure.
Do you have a prepayment meter?
You could get up to £400 from the Government's energy support scheme. Take ID and electricity prepayment key or card to the top up point specified by your electricity supplier. Vouchers can then be redeemed in store immediately. Previously issued vouchers expire after 90 days but can be reissued before 30 June. If you think you have missed a voucher, contact your electricity supplier. All vouchers must be used by 30 June 2023 so don't miss out.
Webinars: support for post-16 choices
The 16-17 Participation Service has launched a series of webinars to increase awareness of the opportunities available to young residents aged 16 and over. Topics covered will be aimed at year 11 leavers, year 12 leavers on 1 year courses, unemployed young people and parents and carers and include Post 16 options, interview skills and GCSE results day support. Parents and carers are welcome to register for sessions aimed at students. All sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams. Contact participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk for more info.
Find a new career at our Apprenticeship Festival
If you're looking to start a career, come along and meet local employers to hear about vacancies and training opportunities at our Apprenticeship Festival.
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When: Thursday 29 June from 11am-5pm
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Where: Fellowship Square, Forest Road, E17 4JF
If you're a local employer or training provider, why not exhibit your apprenticeship vacancies and training opportunities?
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.
And you can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website. And check out our LinkedIn.
Friday at noon is your last chance to sign up for Sunday’s Tour de Waltham Forest!
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