The Bloomsbury ward has a high level of problems, with its commercial and residential activities. Problems with pollution, traffic congestion, waste management, obstructed pavements. With my fellow Bloomsbury councillors, Deirdre Krymer and Nirmal Roy, I have fought to maintain delivery of good front-line services. The past years have been difficult and challenging, and new initiatives are a tribute to the commitment of our councillors, a programme of new services over the next three years for the vulnerable elderly and people with mental health needs are underway. Camden education is good, evident from our GCSE results, but we mustn't be complacent and must build on this good foundation and extend special needs provision and encourage Homework and Literacy clubs. In the 1991 Camden census this ward had the lowest percentage of children under five - 3.5% - and the second lowest percentage of under 16's, this has obviously changed. Last year we opened a nursery in St. Joseph's School in Macklin St., but our youth facilities are inadequate, hopefully we can start lobbying for more resources next year. The area retains much of its original character, but is constantly under pressure from developers, as an important area of tourist and commercial activity. Of course we need investment, as it retains the vitality of the area. However, it is this combination of residential and commercial which causes us so many problems. We have a homogenous collection of buildings, which add character, and as councillors with our neighbourhood association, we have been constantly vigilant for developers whose plans could have a negative effect on the character and appearance of our area. New residential development should maximise a social, affordable housing element. The means to house local people locally is very important, in order to maintain viable residential communities in central London. A much needed policy for community based regeneration is a housing policy, which aims to provide affordable housing to enable young people to remain part of the community. Any large-scale housing stock transfer MUST be subject to full consultation with, and support of tenants.

 

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