Another week gone by

The nights are drawing in - marauding groups out at night are messing up again. The latest annoying anti-social behaviour trend is late at night gluing up the shops shutter locks and the main door to adjacent flats. My friend who has the shop across the road called at 7am last Monday in a panic to ask if I could call a locksmith. Somebody had superglued the shutter's electronic lock. Thought he was winding me up at first - he wasn't best please at my laughing.

Obviously it's a disgruntled kid out for some kind of petty revenge. Must have been somebody quite tall because it needs a chair to stand on to reach it. Have a good idea who did it because of the snide comments said later.

Took over 4 hours to break the damn thing. So very annoying. The locksmith from Archway brought down a box contraption which fixed to the wall covers the lock and is padlocked. Cost nearly £300 pound to repair. Noticed several shops on the way to Archway have a similar device fitted. Seems to quite a common phenomena of late. The lock smith must be making some heavy money fitting them all over the area.

The flats between the shops are forever having chewing gum pushed in the locks. One young man who has just moved in to one flat came home from work and found the main door lock stuck - oh boy was he upset. Several of the shops have now some special spray to dissolve it. A quick spray solved the problem but he wasn't best pleased. Why do the kids do it - nothing better to do but wonder up and down making a nuisance of themselves.

Good news from my friend up the road - despite what some people might think I do have some close confidants. She has managed to home swap her two bedroom flat in Camden Road with somebody who has a detached house in Surrey using Gum tree online. She has also managed to find a home for her son's Rottweiler so that's another stress off her head. Will be much further to visit her but at least there's still the phone. She's one of life's fighters - the change is just what she needs and I wish her well.

Comforting news, the property next door that caught fire has been stripped and is under fast-track refurbishment. Got to know the workers pretty well since I had to give them water for their tea before the supply was reconnected. Was invited in to see the progress - an offer I couldn't refuse. All I can say is wow - all mod cons, everything new, cooker, fridge freezer, washing machine and of course a state of the art fire alarm and sprinkling system. First class workmanship maximising every little space. Never seen such a funny shaped bath before - sort of a bath and shower together. All very impressive

Londoners are so desperate for accommodation - Never mind the scaffolding and wet paint. It looks like a war zone outside at the moment. Nevertheless people are clamouring for the flats. The rent can't be cheap after all the work. Last Saturday the top flat was finished. A couple of hours later the first tenants moved in. The same applied today with the second floor. One of the workers was frantically looking for light bulbs at 8pm (he sleeps there during the week as a security measure) and half an hour later the removal van turned up.

Least with people now in situate it has deadened the eerie echoing sound of the whole building.

The void flat above me has had a stream of different trades people coming to inspect and measuring up for a complete refurb. An old building they are checking everything. Will be a nightmare when they strip out all the gummings and take it down the winding stairs past my flat door. It would be easier just to throw it out of the window but in this day and age they will say it is a health and safety issue.

Partners senior manager for Customer Services will be coming to see me next week in my capacity as the residents' chair - will be a good chance for him to see things for himself. So many officials sit in their offices and never get chance see action in practical terms. He says it will give him an opportunity to see my garden as well. More on the progress later.

Boris Johnson it is

Did we really expect the result to be any different, not really.

Boris Johnson wins by a landslide to become the Tories London Mayoral candidate in next years election.

The results were:

. Boris Johnson: 15,661 votes
. Victoria Borwick: 1,869
. Andrew Boff: 1,674
. Warwick Lightfoot: 609

Adding a bit of spice to the election - a political first with all London voters not just Tory party members given the opportunity to cast a vote. It's seems that of the seven Million London voters there was a turn-out of 20,000 or 0.2%. Boris received 79% of the votes. A very interesting result - seems Boris's flamboyant character attracted many female voters.

When a vote becomes a wasted vote

It's usual after a party conference for the polls to reflect a climb in the share of an election cake. Not so this time around for the Lib Dems - All the recent polls show a steady decline. Ming Campbell's conference speech obviously did nothing to impress the ordinary electorate. In complete contrast after Gordon Brown's conference speech this week the polls show an incredible increase in support for Labour. Channel Four's YouGov poll this evening, LAB 44% (+5): CON 33% (nc): LD 13% (-3), - 11 points lead over the Tories.

Other polls put the Libdems on a slightly higher percentage but nevertheless it seems that the LibDem vote is going to Labour. It's apparently the lowest poll rating since the departure of Charles Kennedy some 20 months ago. The party echelon are naturally putting a brave face on the situation but they are deluding themselves if they don't accept the reality that in the current political climate they are heading for a fall.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd ever admit it but listening to Brown's speech he sounded solid and dependable pressing all the right buttons. Opposition activists will no doubt be screaming out "rubbish" or something ruder. I'm just considering how he is beginning to be perceived by the voting public, especially women, who are not particularly committed to any party.

Seems to be the news of the hour - There's a growing momentum that an election is imminent . Gordon Brown is a clever strategist playing his cards close to his chest. Would upset the Tories if he announced it next week. Looking on the side of caution, he'll probably wait until after their conference to test the mood of the people towards David Cameron then make a decision. He'd be a fool to pass up such an opportunity. No wonder Labours key party activists are advising him to go for it.

Later: Looking for a suitable image for this post nicked the above from Guido who nicked it from Conservative Home. He's very clever with his use of graphics. His post debates the concept of a Libdem / Tories coalition should their be a hung Parliament. Activists working together, not in this life - the Libdems hate the Tory Party referring to them as the Nasty Party. With that frame of mind how does anybody dare suggest such an extraordinary idea.

Archway Station to become accessible to all.

Welcoming news indeed. Plans have finally been announced to install lifts at Archway Tube station (Northern Line) as part of Transport for London's (TfL) long term £10 billion Investment Programme strategy.

Archway station needs modernising - it's not a pleasant environment at the moment. For those travelling late at night it is even rather creepy. TfL’s target is to make a third of the Tube network “step-free” by 2013 and including Archway in this plan is wonderful.

An exhibition of the plans to install two new lifts alongside existing stairs and escalators is being held by London Underground at Archway Methodist Church directly opposite the station between Wednesday 26 September and Saturday 29 September - weekdays 08:00 and 19:30, Saturday 10:00 and 17:00.

It really annoys me when something good is planned for a community somebody tries to put spoke in the wheel by moaning about costs or using the news to score political points. We all know it will cost money and probably because of inflationary costs the project will end costings more than is presently budgeted. For the benefit of others at times it becomes necessary to tell wingers to put a sock in it.

As well there may be some inconvenience to travellers and local residents but the long term advantage to the disabled, parents with small children in buggies and those carrying heavy luggage outweighs any financial consideration.

Some people will be concerned that the work on the station will delay work on the area and the hateful Archway gyratory. Local residents are very anxious to see some action - its been planned for many years. However as the Station is logistically central to the the whole scheme, it has to take priority before other works can be considered.

Islington PFI progress

Quite pleasantly surprised to arrive back home at lunch time to find an Islington council worker pressure washing the section of the pavement in front of our property working up to Lady Margaret Road.

Not sure why he was doing it - didn't have time to ask but he smile when I took the above shot. Thought perhaps they were cleaning the whole road's pavement but they left out bottom section which is green with tree muck and food stuck around the bus stop. Still ponder the reason for it - it's definitely a first in this area. Least out front the paving stones are now all sparkling white.

Tonight attended the PFI residents forum meeting. Chairing it is all good fun but the serious business is heavy going for some people. Everybody wants to be heard and voice an opinion. Unfortunately with such a tight agenda there was no time to review the recent Fun Day which was just brilliant. All those that didn't attend missed a great day out and delicious food.

The current Mayor of Islington, Cllr Barbara Smith opened the event and stayed a short while to look around. She was fascinated as we all were with the incredible face paintings. Children queued up quietly waiting their turn. My little man decided before we left home he was going to be a zebra. A zebra he was - watching him sitting there patiently whilst they painted his excited face touched my heart. We have to make time at the next meeting to review the amazing photos taken.

The good thing to come out of the meeting. We are to monitor some flats as work is in progress and make a video diary. Everything happens in a rush. It was agreed that the void flat above mine can be the first. Makes my life easy to take pics and know who is doing what and why. Now all we need it a volunteer to have a progress report of a flat with somebody living in it.
It's very useful to be able to explain to people in practical terms with pics exactly what is going to happen.

Glowing reports are coming in from residents whose flats have already been completed. Most women appreciate a spanking new kitchen and bathroom if nothing else. One or two moans during the works period but that's to be expected - you can't please everybody.

People keeps asking after all the chopping and changing when the long term works schedule of PFI2 residents properties will be officially published. We were told it will be available next week and will be on the HFI/Partners websites for residents to view. Would take too long in this post to explain the reasons for the delay and why the changes. Official letters will be sent out to residents shortly.

Justice for Surjit Athwal at long last

Following my earlier post Surjit Athwal can now rest in peace - Breaking news this lunch-time of the landmark trial and sentencing of her Mother-in-law and Husband. Bachan Kaur Athwal 70 was given a minimum of 20 years, while her 43-year-old son Sukhdave Singh Athwal will not be eligible for parole for 27 years.

It's taken over eight years of campaigning by her brother Jagdeesh Singh but today was a day to cheer. It's justice for Surjit at long last.

Judge Giles Forrester described the murder as "unspeakable", saying: "This was a heinous crime characterised by great wickedness.
"There was no motive worthy of the name. You did it because you thought she had brought shame on your family.
"You decided that the so-called honour of your family was worth more than the life of this young woman."

People will wonder how a conviction was possible - The BBC report Missing evidence: How police solved a so-called honour killing case without a body outlines the case. Hearing the latest updates from Surjit's brother Jagdeesh today is spine-chilling. Apparently another daughter-in-law after being threatened with a similar fate by Bachan, told her own father the Athwal family secret and they went to the police which started the ball rolling.

My contribution today was to be part of the delegation to no. 10 Downing Street to hand in the official letter to Gordon Brown. Felt very privileged to be asked. Was a very interesting experience with all the press and high security.

Part of the Call for Action by Government letter reads

The cases of SURJIT KAUR ATHWAL and BANAZ MAHMOUD (a kurdish women murdered by her father and uncle) have galvanized between these the many issues of official lapses, institutional failure, prejudiced mind-sets and government inaction. These cases are by no means the only honour killing cases. They epitomize the brute oppression, murder and official mishandling that is a common feature of many many female honour killings in the UK.
Besides these are many many more cases in the UK, which have not received full public attention and action.

The next pressing matter to be sorted is what happens to Surjit's children. Can't imagine how the outcome of the case will effect a 9 year and 16 year old. Her assets were stolen. They were told their mother had run away and didn't want them. All evidence of their mothers existence was obliterated and they were not even allowed to mention her name. They haven't been allowed any contact with their mother's family. Jagdeesh's parents are elderly and they desperately want to see their grandchildren.

More background on Jagdeesh's campaign can be seen on ABC Australia.

Read a more in depth report from ikwo - Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation.

Calling all Londoners to vote for their Conservative Mayoral Candidate of choice

The race is on to choose the Tory Mayoral candidate. The choice is Andrew Boff, Victoria Borwick, Boris Johnson and Warwick Lightfoot.

A mind boggling concept ALL Londoners registered to vote are being encouraged to vote by phone for their preferred candidate. HOW TO VOTE is on Boris's site and the Conservative party website - closing date is Thursday 20th Sept. A shrewd way to raise campaign funds but at £1.50 a pop, wonder how many Londoners will actually take up the challenge.

A sceptical me wonders how seriously the public votes will be considered. What's to stop votes being stacked up by Labour or the Libdem activists in favour of one of the candidates or mischievously to eliminate Boris. Will the public vote ever be published - Should be if folks are spending their money for a vote.

Interesting post over at Justines Hinchcliffe's blog. Thought he was a die-hard Boris Johnson fan but after attending one of the hustings he didn't actually give him his first preference vote. Just wonder how many other Tories will vote the same way.

Over at Conservative TV there's a video of the Ruislip hustings. Probably a bit boring for folks not that interested in politics but it does give a brief insight into what the candidates are about. Have to admit I didn't have the patience to sit and watch it but listened to it whilst tidying up the sitting room.

Who is going to be the ultimate choice - Could turn out to become a case of Tories voting with their heads and not taking the common sense option for Boris. It's hardly likely the Tories will win anyway but without Boris the media star their campaign will be a non-starter. Can't quite envisage the London Mayoral campaign will attract the same media frenzy or public interest otherwise. The fun element will float away and Ken Livingstone will definitely win again.

Another exclusive update from Justin (he seems to be very much on the ball these days),

The formidable Lurline Champagnie is set to become Boris Johnson's Deputy if he, as expected, wins the primary.

Have to agree it is a very smart move indeed. It would kill off Labour's disgraceful slur stone dead that he is in any way a racist.

After a death life goes on

Islington council have now combined the collection of residents rubbish and recycling so it's all on the same day - seemed a very logical decision. Our slot is now Tuesday instead of Monday for rubbish and Friday for recycling. This week was the first run - seemed to work fine.

Have to give the rubbish collectors some credit - there has been an awful lot of bags to collect from this property the past few weeks.

I've been gradually clearing out the flat upstairs - naturally with guidance from a family member of the deceased. The council would have come in mob-handed, cleared and dumped everything if they were not moved otherwise. Regardless of his sad lifestyle or the condition of things, seemed such an awful way to dispose of a man's worldly goods - so cold and impersonal. As I was given time seemed the less stressful option all round. Quite touching to find most of the things his ex and I had given him all those years ago when he first moved in were still intact.

Thanks to the very useful Freecycle disposed of loads along with things from my own flat. Surprised that so many bits and bobs I would have thought useless were valued by others. Some real touching stories: Two odd old fashioned dining chairs were taken by a student last Sunday and carried on the bus. A large piece of heavy duty circular glass was collected by another artist and tied to some wheels. Amazingly she carefully balanced it and walked all the way to Archway. An elderly man from a few houses away collected a very old small tatty bookcase and took it away on wheels - he said it was just the size he needed and had the time to refurbish it.

Some funny stories as well: Two bicycle tyres were collected by somebody who couldn't speak much English. He arrived on a bike which had threadbare tyres, was absolutely ecstatic with the new ones and flung them over his shoulder like you see in the movies and rode off from whence he came. Another man collected an unused circular tablecloth set. He said it was a present for his girlfriend and now with a gift of something she had been looking for he was guaranteed Sunday lunch.

Whilst all this has been going on, I've patently washed everything that could be recycled and bagged up the real rubbish and broken things. Tuesday was the last lot to go.

Today the council reps came for the official handing over and to inspect. Now declared a void flat, whats to happen next will be another post.

The wonders of Wales

Keep being asked about my trip to Wales. Why you might ask. People close to me know it's where my foster mother lives - a boxer dog specialist and champion breeder (HARMAUR boxers). It's the fascination about the number of dogs she has at any one time that always prompts the questions.

Don't think about it much myself as I'm used to them but to some people it's a terrifying thought thinking of facing so many dogs. This trip there were only six - one died recently and at the moment there are no pups. I tend to avoid the house when there are little ones around. It's like having to look after 6 or more babies in one go. Whoops I forgot - sometimes there is more than one litter at the same time and that's a nightmare to cope with.

Have to admit it's rather amusing when you go in the house, the dogs all get so excited - they're really quite harmless, all very well trained. They know their own beds and the order of feeding. Their funny idiosyncracy is sitting round your feet then getting jealous if one is singled out for a bit of fuss. Daren't get out the cheese when they are all around. They can smell it, rush over and all sit up in a row with their ears cocked looking up at you with sorrowful eyes waiting for a bit.

Home is Tan Lan, North East Wales on the Coast Road. Life is a regular routine like clockwork - one is going for a run with the dogs in the early morning. It is a case of driving down the road to Talacre Beach to Ary point and walking away from the beach resort where the barrier is (photo above) to the oil refinery and back. It's rather fascinating because that particular stretch supports a variety of plants and wildlife particularly birds.

This trip the sky was cloudless - the Wind Farms across the Dee Estuary is a wonderful sight. The photo is not mine, it is taken from the air but it the real deal.

More photos from the area including Moston docks can be seen HERE.

One of the evenings went to a Badger meeting. Not my cup of tea but I'm a curious soul. One interesting fact learnt - I didn't know that badger sets apparently follow trails for generations. Because of the construction works many badger trails are destroyed. Where identified people construct man made trails and train the badgers to use them. Was slightly bemused to hear that there's a set where the new Tesco complex is being built. All sorts of design amendments have had to be made to accommodate them. Unfortunately many Badgers get killed crossing the road. Motorist just don't slow down despite the signs all over the place. There's a badger sanctuary in the area where injured ones are looked after before being released back into the wild.

Didn't take many clothes with me this trip because I always end up carrying things back to London - usually homemade goodies cooked the traditional way. This time it included apples.

The garden at the back is absolutely massive. With all the rain last month the grass is lush green. The house has a thick wood on two sides, right and back. The property demarcation on the left side has fruit trees. There's apples in abundance. It was nerve racking watching an elderly man climb up a double ladder to pick them for me - feeling very guilty I tried to help but the ladder was so wobbly just had to come down.

My grand-daughter Aalia loves cooked apple so it was double of everything. Didn't seem so many until I had to pull my bag on wheels. Boy what a weight

Back home late in the evening my son turned up quite unceremoniously to collect his share. He likes her goodies as well.

This evening got a call from an excited Naim. He had his first sleep-over at a friend's house and just had to tell me about his trip including taking some of great-grans scones to share with his friend. Then he went into a great story about helping his mother to make a chocolate cake. Seems he's got the cooking bug too. Well I've just made banana and pineapple cake and an apple and berry crumble - they're absolutely delicious so I'm signing off to have some with a cup of tea.

Add on: Previous post showing some of the dogs - Crufts 2007

Labour MP Emily Thornberry in the firing line

MP under fire over £572,000 house deal - An embarrassing situation for Labour's Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury.

It's been topical news in all the local newspapers for the past two weeks with letters abounding from supposed residents who in reality are mainly from local political activists. It's political posturing at it's best - shit-stirring for the sake of having something to say.

What's she done that's creating such waves - Her husband Christopher Nugee QC purchased a former housing association house in Rawstone Street for £572,000 at a public auction which she now rents out to her parliamentary aides.

Since it came to light a mother of all rows has erupted. She's been accused of hypocrisy by Islington Libdems after publicly campaigning for more affordable housing to be provided in Islington then allegedly benefiting from a property sale from Ujima Housing Association who have been selling off some of it's housing stock.

It's only become a controversial issue because she's an MP. If folks were honest how may others would take the opportunity if they could afford it. If the reports are accurate it's not about property speculation but helping low paid workers (so what if they are Labour party workers) who probably wouldn't be able to stay in Islington otherwise.

Invitation to Partners Fun day

Residents and leaseholders whose properties are managed by Partners will have this week received the Summer Newsletter, now renamed the Partners Gazette. Remarkably after a few moans the format has completely been changed - proves somebody listened. All the proposed crap photos of places in Islington unrelated to residents issues have been removed. Bit late in distribution, never mind but unfortunately the proposed garden competition has had to be put on hold - sadly summers' over.

As expected it includes the mugshots of the residents forum members and a small write up about each person. Mine looks terrible. Had a few critical comments so suppose for future publications I'll have to get some taken of the new 2 stone lighter me in business attire.

The key issue addressed is Partners drive against Anti Social behaviour. It gives 3 examples of extreme cases but the point is made very clear - zero tolerance.

The great news is the Partners Fun Day is going ahead, 12-3pm next Saturday, 15th September at the Peel Centre, Percy Circus, WC1X 9EY.

It's a chance to meet Partners' teams, ask questions and express views. There's loads of exciting stuff. Should be a great day for children with a workshop, face-painting and bouncy castle. The bicycle surgery should be a hit as well. It's my weekend with my grandson Naim so he'll definitely be going. He gets so excited going to such events. Just hope the weather holds up.

Free entry - Download the invite and directions HERE

LibDems should wake up and smell the coffee

Don't very often have the time to read the Times. On the train home today the 3 hour journey from North Wales gave me one of those rare opportunities. Daniel Finkelstein article jumped out at me. Ming, you’re useless. You’ ve got to go The Lib Dems must grasp the brutal truth. Thought wow a journalist actually writing the truth as a political observer.

For Ming just doesn’t work. He sounds and looks feeble and past it. His Commons performances are weak, his television soundbites limp. He hasn’t given his party any sense of direction. When Gordon Brown tried to mug the Libs by putting Paddy Ashdown in the Cabinet without offering policy concessions, Ming said he needed to think about it overnight. He has got to go.

And anyone who isn’t a signed-up Lib Dem activist can see it. Indeed, most of the signed-up activists can see it too. At the last election the Lib Dems pushed the Tories into third place among the under 35s. Now the Tories are 7 per cent ahead among this group.
There are, of course there are, arguments for keeping Ming. But not one of them really stacks up.

The first is the idea that Ming will come good. When people get to see Ming in the election campaign they will take to him. Oh. No. They. Won’t.

Daniel Finkelstein may hate everything the Lib Dems stands for but as much it may hurt, his article has hit the nail on the head.

But that is a problem for those of us who do want to see the Lib Dems do well. The bells that toll the tone of warning have been sounding their clang for a long time now. The truth that dare not speak his name is evidently being paraded in front of us every time Ming manages to get a TV or radio interview.

The hypocrisy of many LibDem activists is that whilst they secretly talk behind closed doors, in public they close ranks pretending the opposite. Likewise in blogosphere, there are hardly any Libdems who have even got the bottle to stand up and be counted - to say it as it is. They're living in Cuckoo land. Everybody is so anxious to climb the greasy pole, they're afraid to say boo to a goose in case they get an official kick up the backside. It's really sickening to read posts continually patting each other on the back again and again and again.

Well the General Election is looming - Many are hoping it will all turn out OK on the day. Can't see it myself - sadly I fear a disastrous outcome for the party.