onionbagblog

And so it looks like the Vauxhall Stop Kev campaign has, um, stopped. You may remember how a coup d’Vauxhall (cripes) developed, with a squeaky clean (and recently newly elected) Lambeth councillor being behind the campaign to oust the man behind Kate Hoey MP.

@kevindcraig’s role as the Secretary of the Constituency Labour Party (CLP) was crucial here. Stop Kev, put in a right wing puppet, and then open the backdoor for the Nu Labour Poster Boy to take control of the constituency, come 2015.

Or at least that was the plan put in place by the squeaky clean (and recently newly elected) Lambeth councillor. It turns out that the local branches have finally found their balls after all.

The Nu Labour Attacks Dogs of War have failed to add the CLP to accompany the control that the right wing of @LambethLabour now has within Lambeth Town Hall. They don’t like it up ‘em here in the north end of the borough.

Vassall ward branch was out of the starting blocks first, backing not only @kevindcraig to remain as Secretary, but also coming out with some fighting talk in defence of the suspension of Councillor Kingsley Abrams, after the botched email hacking attempt from the right wing of the party.

The Vassal support was to be expected, following the dirty tricks campaign against an incredibly popular local politician from within the ward. What seems to have muzzled the Nu Labour Attacks Dogs of War however is opposition from around the other local branches to putting up the Poster Boy against Hoey.

Larkhall, Stockwell and even Clap’ham Town have all now nominated @kevindcraig to remain as Secretary, a direct kick in the shiny teeth of the squeaky clean (and recently newly elected) Lambeth councillor, now clambering somewhere near the bottom of the South London greasy pole.

The strength of support for the left of centre candidate even came from the most unlikely of sources, with @LambethLabour cabinet member, @cllr_robbins turning his back on the Stop Kev campaign. It was a similar situation over the ward boundary in Clap’ham Town, with Councillors Haselden and O’Malley both coming out in support of the left of centre @kevindcraig.

Stockwell showed some resistance, but still the branch members ignored the political careerists within, trying to prop up the Poster Boy. @richardangell proudly tweeted that he had “been elected Secretary of @LabourStockwell.” Well done that man. He certainly has experience of this role, having had a similar job at the Brixton Hill branch until he was defeated by the fine chap @brixtonalex to become the ward candidate.

With @Morganmc77 also putting some paste on the paintbrushes down in Sunny Stockwell ahead of the campaign for the Poster Boy, it was with some surprise that the Stockwell branch also backed @kevindcraig, and not the right wing puppet Paul Gadsby. Even a strong endorsement from Councillor Bigham failed to swing the Stockwell branch to the right.

So far it is only Ferndale that has been convinced that the Stop Kev campaign has any legs. Even the Nu Labour love in that is Prince’s ward doesn’t have the stomach (or ambition) to take on Hoey, deciding instead not to make any nomination.

The Oval and Bishop’s wards have yet to vote, but the sums simply don’t stack up for the squeaky clean (and recently newly elected) Lambeth councillor who has been trying to line up the Poster Boy for Parliament.

The botched Stop Kev campaign now looks like letting the fragrant Mss Hoey to carry on doing whatever it is that the fragrant Mss Hoey does around these parts for some time to come.

Hoey has a reception at the House of Commons later this week, to thank her supporters within Vauxhall who helped her return to Westminster once again. Invites have been sent out; posters haven’t been put up.

Hit me over the head with a giant wrecking ball and shout out “CRIPES!” at the top of your voice on the corner of the Clap’ham Road and Crewdson Road in SW8 - it has finally happened: the dodgy landlord who took a laissez faire approach to planning applications has had a share of his profits top-sliced.

You may remember Mukesh Andani, the cowboy builder of Sunny Stockwell who decided to overlook the award winning planning department at @lambeth_council. Someone certainly remembers - ‘mukesh andani‘ has been one of the top search on m’blog for the past nine months.

Having put up an illegal top floor on the property, rented it out, been fined £10,000, threatened with a six month jail sentence and then *still* flaunted the law (and peeving people off in my little patch of South London,) it would seem that Andani has now accepted that yep, the award winning planning department at @lambeth_council has finally caught up with him.

He fought the law and the law kicked its feet, shuffled around for almost a year, and then finally decided that the local environment is more important that profit.

Phew.

Activity is taking place on the top floor of the Clap’ham Road / Crewdson Road corner. Early fears from the good @garethwyn that a a fifth floor is about to be added (arf!) have now been forgotten. The fourth floor is falling, much to the relief of the locals who have suffered the eyesore for almost two years now.

It is the very same team of builders that are dismantling the top floor, brick by brick, and then trailing all the way down the rest of the building to create a big pile of rubble at the base of the property.

The poor chaps must be scratching their heads and pondering what the chuffers the past two years have all been about. Two for one pay packets perhaps, with an unexpected (and pointless) job. I wonder if the profits that Andani bagged for the brief period of letting out the top floor cover the cost of the builders, not to mention the pointless scaffolding bill? Or even the £10,000 fine?

It is of course purely coincidental that real results are finally being seen around the borough, what with the local election less than one week away. The @LambethLibDems took a hard line approach to Andani (seriously) and so did @janeinlondon / East Hampshire, when she finally realised where the exact location was in her locality…

So yeah - we got there eventually. Whatever next? A new swimming pool in Clap’ham by May 6th?

Don’t forget the planning permission…

Another evening, another local political hustings to attend.

Blimey.

The Lambeth Cyclists political call to arms wasn’t quite the Red Flag revolutionary radical hotbed of the Stop the War hustings from the night before. But bicyclists are passionate, and they tend to talk a lot of sense.

The #hyperlocal hometown patch of the Community Resource Centre at Sunny Stockwell was handy. My local @LambethLibDems Councillor thought the same. Sadly @janeinlondon / East Hampshire and the rest of the @LambethLabour local Oval candidates either don’t care about cycling, or perhaps they just got a little lost outside of East Hampshire.

Whoops.

But anyway. It was good to see @LambethLabour representation from the very decent Councillor Haselden, a fine local politician, and a passionate cyclist. Councillor Heather was representing @LambethLibDems, Councillor Whelan (female variety) the Tories and John Hare was speaking for Lambeth Greens.

As is the format with most hustings, each candidate was first given an opportunity to introduce their policies. Councillor Whelan proudly declared: “half of the Lambeth Conservative group are passionate cyclists.” I think she meant herself and the good husband.

Much was made of the Tory enthusiasm for bicycling, as promoted by Boris and Dave. I’ve actually got a bit of a *shhh* soft spot for the wet, ineffectual Lambeth Tories; but it was when Councillor Whelan brought the Bullingdon boys into the conversation that my love of the blue rinse receded.

Councillor Whelan explored the idea of building bicycle lanes on disused railway lines. A fine principle, but there ‘aint that many of these around Lambeth. The Lambeth Tory record of supporting an increase in bike racks and an increase in cycling routes was also mentioned.

The Tories locally are also on the record for calling for increased cycle training. Councillor Whelan raised the stakes further by calling for all car drivers to also undertake cycle training course.

Cripes.

So yeah, the Conservatives in Lambeth have genuine green credentials, albeit little political power. A fine opening.

Councillor Heather of the @LambethLibDems was then allowed his ten minutes to explain the opposition policy towards cycling.

“I am not a cyclist myself, but I do recognise that the Council has appointed an extremely good Cycle Programme Manager in Richard Ambler.”

With the @LambethLibDems pledging in their manifesto to cut down on council bureaucracy, I think our man Richard can rest easy at night, come May 7th.

Councillor Heather put forward the policy of introducing a 20mph speed limit around Lambeth. Given that central Brixton and Streatham High Road already operate a non law enforced go slow policy, this shouldn’t make too much of a difference if rolled out borough wide.

In a rare moment of a @LambethLibDems love in with @LambethLabour, Councillor Heather also praised the specialist training that Lambeth HGV drivers have to undertake. This is a crucial issue when you consider the increase in deaths of London bicyclists at the hands of HGV’s this year.

The Cycle Super Highway doesn’t have the support of @LambethLibDems:

“It forces cyclists on to routes that quite frankly, are rather undesirable.”

The Cycle Super Highway goes past my front door.

Yikes.

The political hot potato of potholes then surfaced. Or even re-surfaced, if you see what I mean. Councillor Heather was heavily critical of Labour’s record in reducing potholes.

As I keep saying - potholes: they are an election winner…

The right old mess of the bodged Herne Hill junction at Brockwell Park was next up on Councillor Heather’s radar. Quite right too. To give up green space with the aim of improving the traffic flow, only to find that a great big pavement has been plonked down instead, is one of the major environmental failures of @LambethLabour.

Councillor Heather continued this theme, pledging that @LambethLibDems would not build on any other green land in the borough, and in particular (and of great political significance) Streatham Common and the proposed temporary ice rink.

To defend @LambethLabour’s cycling and green credentials was Councillor Haselden - a very affable chap who is fantastic on the detail and finer points of town planning:

“We have a very good pedigree when it comes to cycling. Lambeth is the only borough in London that has two dedicated cycling officers. We want to raise the profile of cycling, and we have introduced a road reduction scheme.”

Councillor Haselden spoke of “addressing the dangers at source,” and “making cycling and walking more attractive.” This #hyperlocal approach is well used by Councillor Haselden. He understands the specific problems that various junctions around the borough present to bicyclists. The trick is of how best to solve them…

Green candidate John Hare then had his ten minutes to address the floor:

“Being the Green candidate, I have the easy gig. I have read the Lambeth Cyclists manifesto. I endorse it fully, although I don’t think it goes far enough.”

John confirmed his support for a borough wide 20mph speed limit, noting in particular how South Lambeth Road is now empty during the day. The congestion charge has seen to this, but it now gives boy racers the opportunity to put their foot down. As a former resident, I can confirm this to be the case.

“Political will makes things happen - not town planners or engineers.”

The second half of the hustings was put over to questions from the floor. With the council naming and shaming drug dealers in the borough, the idea was suggested that we should do the same with bad drivers. The consensus was no, demonstrating what the priorities and perceived threat is from a political point of view.

All candidates were then asked to commit to a policy of offering cycle training to 100% of primary school children in the borough. With cuts and books to balance for the next administration, this was a put up or shut up moment.

Yes was the Tory response, yes in theory from Labour (“although my hands aren’t on the purse strings.“) An “achievable aim” was the answer from the LibDems, adding: “staff are in posts that are not producing much.”

*cough*

Lambeth Life…

John Hare of the Greens was decent (and honest enough) to admit:

“We’re not going to be in power and so it’s not a decision we will have to make.”

A further question asked the candidates to rank the balance of power between car drivers and cyclists. In particular the example of the hellish crossover by Kennington Park into Brixton Road was cited, as well as the new junction heading up to Brixton Hill, right outside Lambeth Town Hall.

All panel members came up with anecdotes about Brixton Road, but Councillor Haselden was alone in his endorsement of the “improved” traffic flow around Windrush Square. The Brockwell Park Herne Junction then made a return, thanks to a hit and miss question posed by a young (ish) local blogger / bicyclist.

This was a detailed, and very lengthy meeting. Bicyclists are rather picky on the finer points of trying to find a safe and enjoyable way around town on two wheels.

Cheap political points weren’t there to be scored, and it was refreshing to see cross party support for cycling, and a more sustained form of transport in general throughout the borough.

Transport probably won’t play a key role in the local elections. All four main parties in Lambeth are broadly in agreement for the way ahead, come May 7th. Our role as the electorate is to ensure that this consensus is built upon and the next administration aims to keep cycling in Lambeth high up on the agenda.

Chapeau!

I spent a splendid SW8 afternoon in the mighty fine company of the good Wolfgang Moneypenny, spokesperson for the @FreeSouthLondon movement. Wolfgang was keen to come to Sunny Stockwell for a state of the (half) nation inspection of the local territory.

I was only too happy to be the tour guide for the state visit, impressing upon Wolfgang how the fine people in my little patch of South London are completely behind his half city revolutionary ideals.

*actually we didn’t make much contact with the locals on the ground. A couple of geezer builders almost turned us over on the edges of Larkhall Park, and a smiling postman crossed to the other side of the road upon first seeing Wolfgang. But y’know - the sentiment of a united South London love was somewhere in the SW8 air*

The itinerary included the leading landmarks that are on offer around Stockwell. We started off at Stockwell tube station, looking ahead to an afternoon of plotting and scheming.

We almost came a cropper at Jack’s Supermarket. Wolfgang was of the opinion that a South London army marches on cheap booze. Jack’s Supermarket would seem to fit the gap in the market. I don’t think Jack himself was behind the counter, but on reflection, maybe it would have been better to ask first if we could film inside the cheapo booze emporium.

Wolfgang was mightily impressed with the cultural murals reflecting Stockwell’s proud history on show in the Memorial Garden. Our Great Leader wasn’t so impressed with my lack of local historical knowledge.

Stockwell Bus Garage may have seen better days, but Wolfgang Moneypenny still managed to bring some faded glory to the SW8 cathedral of travel. I think my guest was being polite when he didn’t take the bait of ‘being flushed down the pan,’ when we encountered an old toilet system dumped on the site.

Larkhall Park was a lot of laughs, especially so when Wolfgang took on the persona of a Pied Piper for South London. Hordes of local kids followed the Great Man, chanting out “Pirate! Pirate! Pirate!” as we tried to find a peaceful place to reflect upon the micro subversion of South London.

We ended up with some refreshments at The Priory Arms, and sat down to put together a South London fighting manifesto. I rather liked Wolfgang’s description of Elephant & Castle as a: “medieval village market in old Albion.”

Cool for Cats by Squeeze was playing on the pub jukebox, a fitting end to an afternoon of celebrating all that is good about South London.

Wolfgang is keen to continue his tour of the local territory. He is especially interested in hooking up with any other #hyperlocal South London bloggers, for an afternoon of exploration. You can contact the Great Leader via his blog.

Come the glorious day…

Big day ahead for my little patch of South London - The Bill is doing the art imitating reality thing, by filming in the SW8 Police Dispersal Zone. The whole road is blocked off with media land luvvies, holding clipboards, popping in and out of catering vans, and genuinely looking rather self-important.

Meanwhile, Mad Rupert of SW8 is pacing out his territory, and giving the folk from Talkback Thames TV his warmest Sunny Stockwell welcome. I don’t think they can accommodate Mad Rupert in their crime tourism script. He’s definitely f-rated watershed material. And then some.

I’ll be live blogging the event throughout the day. I might even attempt a “Hello Mum!” cameo as the cameras roll. I seriously hope that a genuine police car doesn’t need to pass through. You need a backstage pass to navigate my neighbourhood right now.

9:01 It’s started. My SW8 street has become a crime tourism spot for the day.

9:24 A large man is shouting rather loudly into a megaphone. It’s *not* Mad Rupert of SW8

9:28 I’ve just spoken to my next door but one neighbour for the first time in six months. #billsw8 has its benefits.

9:38 I think the plot for #billsw8 involves South London Yoof dropping litter. Oh wait, that’s reality. Delicate line.

10:01 It’s not quite Hollywood

10:14 Local residents being held back from entering the estate concierge. #billsw8 need to do a re-take.

10:22 It’s great to see so many uniformed officers on the streets of Sunny Stockwell.

10:23 In other news: delivery man not happy. Had to park at other end of Clap’ham Road.

10:38 Not sure if this chap is an actor or not.

10:45 Lack of coffee shops & delicatessen in Sunny Stockwell something of an issue for #billsw8. Sending them in direction of @bakermanisbakin.

11:40 Police sirens down the Clap’ham Road. These *aren’t* part of #billsw8

11:48 Lunch. Although our friends from #billsw8 probably call it elevenses. Hope they try chippy at Claylands Place. Plenty of guacamole.

12:49 #billsw8 has now been reduced to one man wearing a bib, picking his nose. Phew, tough gig, media dahhhlings…

13:54 This has to be the longest lunch break ever.

14:39 Lights! Camera! Action! #billsw8 back on the balcony. Squint and you might just see them.

17:10 It’s a wrap #billsw8 Fairly uneventful day, to be honest.

And so here’s the reason why I object to Talkback Thames Television filming The Bill right outside my house later on this week. We already have a high police presence around my little patch of South London. The last thing we need right now is some media land luvvies swarming around SW8, recreating the scene above.

The image was taken on Monday lunchtime. I’ve no idea what the details of the incident involve, but I’m sure anyone being handcuffed whilst The Bill are in the SW8 Police Dispersal Zone will fare slightly more fortunate than the chap above.

I’ve had confirmation that @lambeth_council has a specialist filming unit that negotiates fees for any filming undertaken on the estates. No mention as yet as to where this money is then spent.

It would be great if the money Talkback Thames Television pays for the filming around these parts on Wednesday finds its way back into the local community. We are in urgent need of local projects, to try and stop situations like the one above taking place.

I wonder what will happen on Wednesday if the *real* Bill need to act on a similar situation whilst the media land luvvies are around?

A quick check of the diary reveals that it is four weeks since the award winning @lambeth_council planning department confirmed that demolition work would commence “within two weeks” on the Clap’ham Road / Crewdson Road property without planning permission.

Here is the rather ugly scene from earlier today:

Same old same.

Don’t be fooled by the scaffolding - it’s simply a ruse to confuse the award winning @lambeth_council planning department, put up by Mukesh Andani [still the top search on m'blog, closely followed by 'jason+cobb+libdem' - arf!]

The scaffolding has been in place (sort of) for five months. Not a single builder has worked on the property to remove the top floor that was put in place without planning permission.

Back in August 2009 and Mukesh Andani was given the option (i) of removing the top floor of the flat or (ii) face a six-month jail sentence. The third option of putting up scaffolding and say yah boo sucks to locals residents wasn’t mentioned at the time.

Put frankly, the property is now a bloody eyesore. The scaffolding net has become loose, and the corner of the Clap’ham and Crewdson Road looks rather a sorry state.

Meanwhile, local residents that choose to abide by the law are no better off. I received a letter this morning, notifying me of planning permission applied on the property next door but one to me.

I can sympathise with what the new owners want to do, but I feel that their plans haven’t taken into account the needs the local environment. I’ve objected, but with a view to a possible compromise.

The easy option it seems is to simply go down the Mukesh Andani route, and bypass the award winning @lambeth_council planning department.

Now then, here’s an interesting proposition…