Clerkenwell (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Clerkenwell

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George Allan (george.allan@islington.gov.uk)

Kelly Peasnell (kelly.peasnell@islington.gov.uk)

Marisha Ray (marisha.ray@islington.gov.uk)

Surgery details: Councillors Allan, Peasnell or Ray first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Finsbury Library, 245 St. John Street, EC1V 4NB. There are no surgeries in August.

Focus on Clerkenwell Ward

Summer 2008

Finsbury Health Services to Be Cut? Local Lib Dems Say No!

Campaigning Against Closure: Clerkenwell Councillors Marisha Ray and George Allan, Bunhill Councillors Donna Boffa and Ruth Polling, and Council Leader James Kempton at Finsbury Health Centre.

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors have found out that the Labour Government's plans to reorganise local GPs could see Finsbury Health Centre close.

This is partly because the current building may be unsuitable. Local Lib Dems are determined to protect access to vital health services for people in Finsbury. We say:

- No cuts to GPs in Finsbury.

- If there is a new building, our local GPs must stay local.

- Ensure Finsbury residents have access to a full range of services.

- Consult residents properly; its our NHS.

Clerkenwell Councillor and local mum Marisha Ray says, "Families with kids need their GP nearby. If there is a new building, it's got to be local."

Parliamentary Campaigner Bridget Fox says, "Last year thousands of Finsbury residents filled in my health survey. You told me how important the NHS is to all of us.

"Now we learn that Finsbury Health Centre could be under threat. Labour talk about 'personalised services' but seem to be getting more out of touch. We don't want Gordon Brown's latest plans to mess up local services or cut our GPs. Labour have taken local people for granted for too long."

Let There Be Light

Throughout Clerkenwell, contractors are renewing the street lights. Out go the rusty assortment of old ones, and in comes a range of new, more efficient lamps providing much more light in streets like Margery St. and Britton St.

It's part of a massive 5-year upgrade of Islington's street lighting which will see light levels increase, making the streets safer and more pleasant to move around after dark.

"As a pedestrian, I really appreciate the improvement," says Lib Dem councillor Kelly Peasnell.

Victory on 38 Bus Route Changes

Brush Off: George, Kelly and Marisha have worked with local residents to stop changes to the 38 route which would have made unloading cars impossible.

Transport for London will not proceed with controversial proposals to reduce parking and extend bus stops in Roseberry Avenue, it has announced.

Local councillors led the opposition to the scheme, which would have made it impossible for local residents even to unload cars near their houses. Improvements to other parts of the route in Essex Road and the Angel will go ahead. "This is very welcome news," says Cllr. Marisha Ray. "Now we need to deal with the bendy buses."

Funding Available for Clerkenwell Community Groups

Does Your Group Need Funding?: Cllr George Allan sees kids being taught bike maintenance at Three Corners.

Once again, Clerkenwell groups can apply for one-off grants for a wide range of activities from a special budget of £20,000.

If you want to apply, contact your councillors (see contacts above). Last year, the Peel Centre, Amwell Society, I Scout Group and both Primary Schools benefited from the grants.

One further project to benefit is the Cycle Plus project based at Three Corners adventure playground. Kids learn how to repair and maintain their bikes, sustaining a healthy way to get around.