Progress: Islington's PFI for street properties

My blogging has been a bit thin off the ground this past week. Probably won't be able to post much during the next few weeks either. Have to see how it goes. It is the summer hols after all - schools out. Besides I seem to have bloggers block - brain won't switch into gear. Have several half posts pending though some will never get posted now.

Thursday, Islington's reconstituted PFI (Private Finance Initiative) street property committee had their first meeting. Pleased to see some new faces. The local residents newsletter is about to go out with all the names of the elected members. Well it's an election of sorts. Don't really call it a real election because the number of people whose names were put forward weren't more than the seats available so sadly it didn't warrant a borough wide election.

It was generally agreed to merge the two forums 1 & 2 . Yours truly was elected chair for the next few meetings with the former chair of the old PFI 1 as the vice chair. Must admit it's morale boosting. I always like to keep to time but also to encourage everybody to have their say. Making people laugh breaks the ice. One of my pet hates is to have a clique of people, usually old hands, excluding others especially newcomers. Facing stone faces, it's off putting and a horrible experience. It's a serious committee with a lot decisions affecting PFI residents properties. We have to get it right and value everybody's input.

Two key issues worth mentioning. When is the official schedule of the PF1 programme going to be published.

PFI1 is up and running with the schedule of works published. PFI2 is progressing but the schedule needs some tweaking. Don't want to bore readers with the nitty gritty but finalising the leaseholders works involves a lot of legal wrangling. Some streets have more leaseholders than tenants.

Keep being asked when my street is to be done. Already got a gob-full from one of my neighbours. Originally it was one of the first on the list but it's been delayed. Got accused of saying what I don't know.

Updating residents handbook. The key issues in this involves ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.

Most people think of this in term of kids and yob behaviour. The term ‘antisocial behaviour’ includes all behaviour that spoils other people’s
quality of life.

With old Victorian houses converted into flats, there is a slightly different set of parameters. A lot is really down to common courtesy and respect for one's neighbours. Sadly some people don't care and take great pleasure in intimidating those that do. Now powers have been put into place to make the official resident responsible for other members of their family.

Dogs barking, parties, loud music, verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation. People don't have to put up with it anymore. Good thing as some people think they can do and say what they like. It's important to keep a diary or a confidential blog. Unfortunately I've had trouble from one family who think they are verbally bully me into submission. Have developed a blase attitude - it's water off a ducks back and now as advised have a blogging diary going just in case.

Just received an email copy of the handbook to review before the print-run and distribution. Looks good - visually catching with quick reference tabs. So pleased that the format is designed in line with the suggestions of the joint meeting of the old forums. My only real moan about it is!! - For a more inclusive Islington, would have been nicer to see some pics of Islington north inside.

To be continued.......