Just a quick note to say that earlier today I submitted to the Court of Aldermen my letter surrendering my Office as Alderman for the Ward. I remain in post until the election of my successor. The date mooted for the election Wardmote will be 7 September with a ballot (if the election is contested) on 8 September - I suggested mid September in order to be a little further from the holiday period, but that seems to be difficult for Guildhall.So, this is in part advance notice of a vacancy and…See More
"Paul, I'm surprised that referring to an audience caused you such upset. By "audience" I mean those who follow this site and the conversations/discussions which happen here. I expect that most of these are residents, but not…"
"However tempting it might be to simply say yes to a lengthy post which features a critique of a range of responses from the City Corporation's Chair of Policy & Resources (some would say the equivalent of the Leader of the Council) that…"
"Good news - the Golden Lane Leisure Centre is due to re-open on 26 October. Unfortunately, the pool will not re-open then, but the rest of the facility, including the tennis courts, should be available. "
"Once power has been restored, I hope as soon as possible, I would like to know how the water leak came about. I assume most electrical intake cupboards are in "basement" areas which means leaks carry a risk of power cuts to residents.…"
"Dear Ian,
Just to update you regarding the Leisure Centre, the re-opening is being actively discussed between Fusion and the City of London at the moment - obviously a key consideration is how to re-open in a safe manner. Unfortunately I cannot…"
"Dear Ian,
The issue, as discussed below, is about timing, not about whether the nation is still a democracy when local elections have been postponed, as they have been nationwide. I think it would look very odd to the outside world for the City of…"
"Paul, I am not sure what mode of resolution you have in mind. All of your local councillors (and even the Alderman) are "real" people who live locally and are not living in ivory towers somewhere miles away. You and I have met, and…"
"Dear Jacqueline,
As Graeme said in his initial posting, the proposal to postpone the 4-yearly Common Council elections to March 2022 was made because of concerns that the registration of voters for the 2021 Ward Lists (work on which will begin…"
"Graeme - this is turning into a dialogue between you and me. I think everyone reading these exchanges will realise that the chances of you and I agreeing on these issues is small to zero.
For all Graeme's intimations of secrecy, he has…"
"The comments show that some people want an election asap, and dismiss in my view rather glibly the practical (and possibly legal) difficulties involved in fixing an election date in the short term (eg for a September election). I don't…"
"At the risk of seeming glib about a serious matter, I wondered how long it would take for anyone to comment on Graeme Harrower's views, posted here a week ago, and after over 300 views I see two posts appearing in rapid succession today, rather…"
"Just a positive Newsflash that ISG applied to extend the working hours from 7.30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday but this was refused by the Islington and the City Planning Departments. So people were right to be worried, but the right answer has been…"
For anyone needing help not already covered by the resident-led efforts to support people in the light of Covid-19 or needing additional help, here is an update:City Advice can help those are struggling to pay bills or pay for essentials. They can give advice and help to apply for government benefits to help with rent, council tax and other costs. They can also see if an individual can get extra help from the City Corporation’s Emergency Support Scheme or access to other emergency support.If…See More
The following information (and more) is also on the City Corporation website here:https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/Pages/covid-19.aspxBut the key information, especially for anyone self-isolating is set out below:"Dear Resident,If you live in the Square Mile, are self-isolating and require help, please let us know by emailing the COVID-19 mailbox or by calling 020 7606…See More
"I assume that normally deliveries arrive overnight so the shelves are fully stocked when the store opens in the morning. These are not normal times, so if deliveries are arriving during the day rather than at night there is, I agree, no point in…"