Category: Community

Tottenham Community Press

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I am really pleased to have joined the advisory board of the new Tottenham Community Press newspaper.

Tottenham Community Press (TCP) is a free, independent, community newspaper which launched in November 2016. It’s a print newspaper and currently publishes on a bi-monthly basis.

TCP operates as a not-for-profit publication written by and for local people. It aims to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the Tottenham area, to celebrate its rich traditions and cultural heritage.

The Tottenham Community Press marks a return to real local news, giving readers the chance to learn more about what’s going on in their area and to read (and write) news stories about what matters them. It relies on local advertising to provide this service.

The aim of TCP is to promote the work of local community organisations and voluntary sector groups, along with arts and cultural activities taking place in Tottenham. Furthermore, it wants to provide an opportunity for local people to contribute and raise important issues.

I am absolutely chuffed to be involved with this brilliant local media initiative.

In an era where “fake news” is becoming the norm, it’s time for ordinary people to take back control of the way their community and their stories are depicted online and in the mainstream media. In an area like Tottenham, which still suffers enormous stigma after the 2011 London riots, giving local people back their own voice is even more important.

I look forward to working with TCP’s Editor Ellie Ward; Publisher David Floyd; Designer Jonathan Duncan; Project Manager Anna Merryfield; and Social Media volunteer Louise Davidson to make TCP a success.

TCP is looking for contributors, photographers, local advertisers and anyone who wants to offer their support. Please email tcp@socialspider.com if you have something to offer!

In Praise of Leyton’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Met Witness Appeal

I have always rated the work done in Leyton ward by the superb Leyton Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team but I was even more impressed when over the weekend four out of the six members of the team were down my street gathering mine and my neighbours’ views, about the worrying new trend in anti-social behaviour that’s flared up in Coronation Gardens opposite my house.

On Saturday, PCSOs Azhar and Emma diligently went from door-to-door with a survey to find out how my neighbours were feeling about it all, then on Sunday night the hard-working duo were back again leafletting every house (in the rain) with the witness appeal you can see above.

Also on Sunday, I spent a really productive couple of hours helping PC Shane and PCSO Anabell with more detailed evidence they’re gathering about everything that’s been going on. I was impressed by their professional yet friendly manner and the fact that they really seem to care. Shane and Anabell told me that they’re forging some good links with the kids who hang out in the park and are slowly gaining their trust. As Shane said, “you have to give respect to get respect”.

My faith in the police declined drastically after the senseless trauma I was put through politically and personally two years ago but I am finally and slowly starting to regain confidence in some members of the police force. I am proud that Leyton ward’s safer neighbourhoods team is so fantastic.

Well done to Jonathan, Azhar, Shane, Anabell, Mark and Emma.

Leyton ward is lucky to have you.