We're taking action on the issues you care about
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send us ideas to improve the borough through our Let's Talk programme. So far, we've received over 1,700 suggestions pinned to our online map, and more than 200 priorities listed by residents, plus lots more comments and suggestions through Let's Talk cards posted in boxes in libraries up and down Waltham Forest.
We set up Let's Talk to discover what practical improvements you want in your local area, such as adding community planters or upgrading playgrounds, but you have also highlighted other issues you care deeply about. These have included reports of drug dealing and gangs, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. All your comments have been passed on to the relevant teams, who have already begun taking action as a result of your input. Since 1 July, we've responded to 42 reports of drug dealing and gangs, and 42 about fly-tipping, via the Let’s Talk platform. Actions so far include installing additional bins in areas where litter has been reported, increased patrols in parks to deter public drinking, and cutting back vegetation in alleyways to deter drug dealing. You can report these types of issues via our main website, and our teams will respond swiftly. We're still looking for suggestions of practical improvements we can make with £10,000 in your neighbourhood, so visit the map to make your suggestion.
I also want to tell you about a special event with local police and community representatives at the Great Hall Leyton on Monday, 21 August to discuss the New Met for London plan. It's an opportunity to improve policing and fight crime in the borough, so please go along to share your thoughts.
This Saturday 12 August sees Culture Fest return to Fellowship Square. The free music, arts and dance festival is this year celebrating Carnival and marking Windrush 75. Do join us!
And best wishes to everyone celebrating Pakistan Independence Day and India Independence Day next week.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
Every week a small army of council Neighbourhoods Officers carry out patrols across each ward in the borough, investigating fly-tips and notifying our contractors to clean up waste dumped on public land.
Officers like Patricia rely on Waltham Forest residents alerting the Council to fly-tipping incidents, helping them identify common fly-tipping hotspots and issuing fixed penalty notices to offenders. If you encounter waste dumped in your neighbourhood, help us by reporting it on our website.
Meet Walthamstow artist and specialist decorator Saskia Huning, one of the people working on the interior restoration of Soho Theatre Walthamstow.
Saskia fondly remembers visiting the building when it was the EMD cinema, and is now recreating a section of the 1930s painted dado design, part of Theodore Komisarjevsky's interiors for the original Granada Cinema, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain. Our new video shows the detail and skill going into the restoration of the iconic Walthamstow building.
Read about the Soho Theatre Walthamstow project on our website and find out more about Saskia's work here.
Did you know that every two-year-old child in Waltham Forest gets a backpack of goodies for them and their parents? The Council offers this unique service as part of our Best Start in Life programme for under-fives. The free packs contain expert information, activity timetables, toys and other fun giveaways. Collect a pack from a Family Hub when you take your toddler for their two-year-old check.
Watch a pack get ‘unboxed’ by Cllr Kizzy Gardiner, lead member for Children and Young People, and her daughter on Facebook.
Uplands is an all-day free music festival with a record fair, panels and workshops, taking place across multiple venues at Uplands Business Park on Saturday 19 August.
This is the first in a series of music-led events in partnership with Waltham Forest Council, including support from the Leader's Fund. They are designed to support cultural activity and provide opportunities for young people in the borough. As part of the festival a number of training opportunities and paid placements went out for young residents aged 18 to 30. Find out more here.
Waltham Forest Libraries have an exciting opportunity for volunteers to support the Libraries 2 You service.
Libraries 2 You is a book delivery service for residents living with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from leaving their homes.
Become a support assistant or delivery driver volunteer for Waltham Forest library service and make a positive impact on others in the borough.
How to apply
Join us for a very special event in Fellowship Square this Saturday, 12 August, from midday to 8pm. Culture Fest: Carnival Edition is an all-day festival with music and live performances, in celebration of Windrush 75
Find a huge variety of food and drink stalls, from jerk chicken to tacos to sweet treats, alongside traditional Carnival dancers, and a soundtrack of Afrobeats, House, and Hip-hop.
Recycling rates have improved in Waltham Forest, but we can do even better. Find a list of what you can and can't recycle here.
Are you interested in recycling and want to help your community make positive change? Then why not become a Recycle Right 'binfluencer'! You’ll receive the latest news and updates direct from our recycling team, and be equipped to help your neighbourhoods make positive change. Sign up now!
Image: Rodwey Photography
Performing artist and choreographer Nandita Shankardass is leading a free dance and design workshop at William Morris Gallery on Monday 28 August. Sessions take place at 11am, 1pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm and are inspired by the Gallery’s current exhibition Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender.
Nandita will guide participants to express themselves by designing an outfit and then taking part in a dance and movement experience which embodies your design on the catwalk. Suitable for all ages.
To celebrate Global Climbing Day, Walthamstow's Yonder is offering free climbing sessions and equipment hire to over 18s on Saturday 19 August.
Use the button below to book your free entry ticket. Workshops and fun extra sessions are also free all day, and can be booked individually via the link. Global Climbing Day is sponsored by The North Face.
Where: Yonder, 4-6 Hookers Road, E17 6DP
When: 10am-9pm, Saturday 19 August
We’ll be bringing wizardry and magic to the Square next week, giving you the chance to make a dragon’s egg piñata while being taken on an adventure by Sweet Paper Creations during their story time event. The Hive will be continuing the magic with free natural wand making workshops. There’ll also be fitness sessions from the Feel Good Centre held every day to keep all the family active this summer.
Over the next few weeks you can enjoy art workshops from Wood Street Walls, digital printing workshops and we will be welcoming back Sketchfest to the Square.
Are you eligible for the expanded ULEZ scrappage scheme?
The Mayor of London has extended the scrappage scheme to all Londoners ahead of the expansion of the ULEZ later this month. You can quickly and easily check whether your vehicle is compliant and how to apply for the scrappage scheme if not via the TfL website.
Talk to the Met about improving policing in Waltham Forest
Meet police officers to hear about and help shape plans to improve policing in Waltham Forest. Share your thoughts and help shape reforms.
Where: The Great Hall Leyton, Adelaide Road E10 5NN
When: 6pm to 9pm, Monday 21 August
Tackling damp and mould
Damp and mould are easier to tackle when they’re caught early.
If you’re a council tenant or leaseholder, please report damp or mould by completing our online form, or call our customer resolution centre on 0208 496 4197.
Read our guidance for council tenants and guidance for leaseholders.
Preparing for results day
We are here to support you and your child if they are expecting A-level, T-level, GCSE or VTQ results over the next two weeks. This time can often be overwhelming as nerves kick in, due to anticipation of facing the unknown.
The 16-17 Participation Service will be hosting webinars on Thursday 17 August at 11am to midday, repeated at 2pm to 3pm, to help share some useful tips on how best to alleviate any concerns and answer your questions to help your child plan their future. If you would like to sign up, please email participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk with your preferred time slot.
Do you provide unpaid care for someone?
You might not consider yourself to be a carer, but you could be entitled to support from the Council - even if you are providing care for a family member or a friend. The Council offers support to young carers, adult carers and parent carers.
Find out if you're eligible for support.
Don’t let your child get measles
Measles cases are on the rise in London and Waltham Forest – and the MMR vaccine is the best protection for your child. If they've missed their vaccination, the following catch up clinics are available this month. Email appointments@v-uk.co.uk to book, or call 0203 343 2400 and select option 4.
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Leytonstone Clinic, Leytonstone United Free Church, 55a Wallwood Road, E11 1AY, Thursday 24 August, from 10am to 2pm
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Walthamstow Clinic, Priory Court Community Centre, E17 5NB, Tuesday 15 August, from 10am to 2pm
Learn more about measles and the MMR vaccine
Construction JobsFest is back!
Come along to Construction JobsFest to find your next big opportunity!
When: Tuesday 19 September from 11am to 2pm
Where: London Academy of Sustainable Construction, Hollydown Way, E11 4DD
More than 20 employers and training organisations will be showcasing some of the most exciting jobs in construction and the built environment. With live opportunities, immersive learning with VR headsets and a range of demos throughout the day, there will be something for everyone.
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.
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