Recent violence in Lambeth

You may be aware that there has been a series of incidents of serious violence involving young people recently. These largely took place over the weekend of the 25^th and 26^th February, and then on Friday 3^rd March. They were concentrated in the south and centre of the borough, culminating in the fatal stabbing of a 17 year old in Coldharbour ward on Friday afternoon.

There have of course been a number of meetings with the police and other partners and we are making a strategic and joined up response to these issues, with the police taking a lead. The Borough Commander has asked me to let you know that there will be increased levels of policing over the next few days to provide reassurance and to act as a deterrent. He has also said that it is probable that the Section 60 notice which allows stop and search on the grounds of suspicion that a weapon might be being carried will be extended after the current order lapses this afternoon. Further work is being carried out with our schools. Please reassure your constituents that we have a robust response in place, but please also encourage them to pass on any information they have which might be relevant to the police, either by contacting their Safer Neighbourhood Team (details on www.met.police.uk) or by dialling 101.

The Leader of Lambeth Council Steve Reed has issued a statement which can be found by following the link below:

http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/home.htm

Over 500 contacts in our last Action Saturday!

Ferndale had a really successful Action Saturday last weeked with 40 or so activitists from across London coming to the ward to help us talk to local residents.  We managed to speak to over 500 residents in the course of the day, which is a fantastic achievement!

Of course, our canvassing efforts need to build on Saturday's results. We need local members out on the doorstep and/or leafletting more than ever in the run-up to next May's mayoral elections.  We're not just campaiging for Ken.  Val Shawcross is the Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark and she has been working tirelessly to ensure that people know about the elections and what a difference it will make to have Ken back in City Hall.



Even if you only have hal-an-hour to spare, get in touch and I can let you know when the next campaigns day in Ferndale will be running.  Don't forget to also keep an eye out for your weekly email updates from your ward secretary.

Jail sentence for primary school worker

From Press Association court copy:

 

A primary school worker has been jailed for taking part in looting during the August riots, court officials said.

Alexis Bailey, 31, from Battersea, south London, received a 12-month prison sentence at Inner London Crown Court.

Bailey was arrested in Richer Sounds in Southend Road, Croydon, and has since been sacked from his job as a learning mentor at Stockwell Primary School.

He pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in August.

His employer Lambeth Council said last month that his behaviour was "incompatible" with the standards expected of those working in schools.

Campaigns update

October was a successful month for campaigning in Ferndale.  We made our target of 50 contacts on teh doorstep by going out canvassing on Saturday 1st and Sunday 16th, whilst this evening two-thirds of the ward recieved a Val Shawcross leaflet.  We'll be be doing a Sunday blitz to cover the remaining parts of the ward in the near future.

As the GLA elections draw ever nearer, we are keen to have the involvement of more local residents.  Whether you are interested in door-knocking or leafleting, there is always something for you to do.  Get in touch to find out more!