Minutes for LETRA's AGM, 17th May 2012

Committee Present:

Secretary: Chris (Samuel Richardson)

Treasurer: Dawn (The Grange)

Suzie (The Grange)

Isabel (The Grange)

Ron (Glenallan)

Fred (Pelham)

 Councillor Joe Carlebach was the guest speaker at our AGM, where he delivered an informative talk on his work and plans, at this mid-term point, at H&F Council. 

 Despite his worries about the economic situation, both here and in Europe, Joe highlighted the future regenerations projects in the borough at Old Oak, White City and West Kensington, which will be a benefit to residents, both improving local facilities and aiding job prospect. When asked about jobs for locals on these schemes, he said, that H&F were working with the developers to aid residents securing employment on the projects.

 On the problem of H&F's large debt, Joe said, they were still striving to reduce it, now down to £100 million, but have continued to maintain front line services. This has been achieved by reducing overheads and management costs, in providing tri-borough services with Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, in addition to selling off buildings such as Fulham Town Hall and the Irish Centre in Hammersmith.

 He stated his concern about the possible threat to close the A&E at Charing Cross Hospital and has been to working with the local Health Trust to maintain the present service.  As part of his portfolio, currently the Cabinet Member for Community Care, he has put a large effort into working with GP’s to keep elderly residents at home and out of residential nursing care and the building of the new White City Health Centre, due to open in 2014.

 As to the recent difficulties with Hammersmith Flyover, he supported the idea of building a tunnel in its place, to prevent similar problems reoccurring.

 To close, Joe talked with residents about  current issues on the estate, in particular, those  concerning housing and instances of anti social behaviour. In response to their worries, he proposed to invite Cllr Andrew Johnson, who is Cabinet Member for Housing, to a future meeting with residents and lead a walkabout on the estate with senior police officers.

 Two police officers, from the Avonmore Safer Neighbourhood Team, who had joined the meeting, also discussed and took note of residents problems.

 Finishing the evening, elections for the LETRA's committee took place, which resulted in Fred Dale becoming our new Chairperson and two new members joining the re-elected committee.