Tag Archives: politics

UPDATED: Lambeth’s top police officer urged to act on Myatt’s Fields crime by MP Florence Eshalomi and your local Labour team.

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Lambeth’s most senior police officer has been urged to provide more resources to deal with a perceived upsurge in crime in Myatt’s fields.

Local MP Florence Eshalomi, along with your local Labour team, Cllr Annie Gallop and Cllr Paul Gadsby, say they want extra effort to support measures already being taken by police and council safety teams in the ward.

In a letter to acting Lambeth and Southwark Borough Commander Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, they point out that although there have been recent arrests in the area more needs to be done to deal with what appears to be an upsurge in robberies on the Myatts Fields North and Cowley estates, and around Myatt’s Fields Park.

They write: “This has created significant anxiety in the community, especially as these incidents have been ongoing for some time.”

Florence Eshalomi MP and Cllrs Gallop and Gadsby have written to the Borough Police Commander.

While praising the actions of the local police Safer Neighbourhood team, they point out that more effort is needed to reassure our communities that everything is being done to keep residents safe.

“We are … aware that their hard work and diligence, as well as that of Lambeth Council officers
attached to the community safety team, have borne results,” the letter says. “From what we have been told, 8 suspects have been arrested for robbery, another known gang member has recently been apprehended and at least one property search warrant has been executed. This is incredibly
welcome.

However, they insist that local initiatives need more support from the Met, and invite the Commander to address a future Safer Neighbourhood Panel — the local body through which police liaise with our neighbours.

The letter is signed by the councillors, Vauxhall and Camberwell Green MP Florence Eshalomi, and Safer Neighbourhood chair Lucy Williams and secretary Mark Mitchell

Update 14/3: Local police report they have arrested and released on bail a pair of suspects following two knifepoint robberies in Myatt’s Fields Park last month. They say they are working with CCTV and Robbery teams to identify “two other males”.

Local community schemes come up trumps in Lambeth council funding announcement

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A group which works to save children and young people in Myatt’s Fields from educational failure and other effects of social problems is the big winner in a list of cash awards worth almost a quarter of a million pounds, announced by Lambeth council.

XLP, which supports young people in Lambeth facing challenges like family breakdown, unemployment, and educational failure, often in areas impacted by antisocial behaviour and gang violence, will get £156,814.

The organisation, which works alongside bodies including St Gabriel’s School in Myatt’s Fields, focuses on creating positive futures through long-term relationships and belief in change, regardless of background. Initiatives include a school exclusion reduction programme, mentoring, sports and arts and a mobile youth centre. Read about XLP here.

Three other local community projects are celebrating their share of the combined windfall from the Borough’s Community Connections fund.

Breath Arts Health Research — £77,000. Breath are world leaders in combining creativity and scientific research to improve health and wellbeing in communities. The Melodies for Mums programme aims to support new mothers in Brixton and Stockwell experiencing postnatal depression or low mood. This free, 10-week group singing initiative, delivered in local community settings including the Liz Atkinson Children’s Centre, has been proven to improve mental health, boost confidence, and strengthen social connections. More details here.

Longfield Hall Trust — £10,000. The famous local landmark bid will receive the funding injection to help continue it’s work in the community: read about the Hall’s work here.

The Remakery – £9,995. This renowned sustainability organisation which includes a collection of workshops and community space in Lilford Rd will use the grant to support its ongoing community outreach work. Read more about this project here

Community Connections encourages initiatives set up to make our borough fairer and safer — more details can be found here.

Cllr Annie Gallop and Cllr Paul Gadsby said:

“It’s great to see Lambeth stepping in and putting our cash where it’s going to have a significant effect on the lives of many vulnerable people. We’re also please to see big financial boosts for organisations which have been working to improve lives in our neighbourhoods for many years.”

Myatt’s Fields councillors welcome Sadiq Khan’s free school meal pledge

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A pledge by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to continue providing funding for free school meals for all primary school children should he be re-elected for a third term at this May’s election has been welcomed by local Myatt’s Fields councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop.

The programme funds 1.4 million free school meals every week in London. The councillors said:

“This scheme is a lifeline to many children in Myatt’s Fields, especially as many families are continuing to struggle from rising bills. At a recent roving surgery on Vassall Road, residents were delighted at Sadiq’s vow.”

Sadiq Khan said:

“Delivering free school meals has been one of my proudest moments as mayor as I have seen the difference it has made to the children receiving them and to their families.

“I know from personal experience what a difference these meals can make and it’s been fantastic to hear from teachers how much better children are performing and also how much parents and their children have benefited, with parents not having to worry about how to provide their children with a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day.”

You can find out more information about the pledge here.

This year’s Mayoral election will take place on Thursday 2 May: don’t forget to register to vote here.

Vauxhall MP Flo Eshalomi with local councillor Paul Gadsby and some of the Myatt’s Fields campaign team out and about listening to residents in our communities.