News in brief: June 23rd

Published: 23 June 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

Coram’s park event victory

A CAMPAIGN to “Keep Coram’s Fields Free” is celebrating a victory after licensing chiefs rejected calls to ban fundraising events in the park that eliminate the need to charge users. More than 200 people signed a petition in support of the historic park after residents complained a “noisy” fundraising tent was disturbing their sleep. But at a licensing review hearing on Thursday, councillors gave permission for the 1,000-capacity marquee, known as the Bloomsbury Big Top, to stay as long as long as staff keep volume levels in check.

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Strike schools close for day

EVERY primary and secondary school in the borough will close its doors next Thursday as teachers go on strike over proposed changes to their pension schemes. National Union of Teachers Camden branch secretary Andrew Baisley said: “These changes will drastically reduce our pensions. “The government should be acting to ensure everyone has a decent retirement.”

 

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Festival plea for volunteers

AN appeal for volunteers to help out at the Camden New Town Festival on July 17 has come from its organisers who will stage the event despite a reduced budget due to council cuts. They want stewards who will commit to a three-hour slot or helpers to set up or dismantle attractions at the festival which will include jazz, classical music, martial arts, and a history display. Call 0207 267 9586. 

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Class history goes on show

BOOKS and pamphlets about individual primary and secondary schools in Camden and Islington will be displayed on 
June 29 and July 4 at the Institute of Education in Bloomsbury. Researchers have created the in-depth archive – which includes photos and interviews and information stretching back to medieval times – for parents and teachers.
For more information visit www.ioe.ac.uk/services/51216.html

 

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NHS changes for Lib Dems

LIB Dems in Camden have blasted “foolish Tories” and claimed a major victory in securing 13 changes to the government’s NHS reforms. But they have failed to secure positions on NHS Commissioning boards for elected councillors. It means the Camden group deciding where NHS cash gets spent will not be democratically accountable. Cllr John Bryant, Lib Dem chairman of the Town Hall’s health scrutiny committee, said: “The Tories were foolish to try and ram through changes that few people wanted.”

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Abuse help is among best

CAMDEN’S domestic abuse support service, Camden Safety Net, is in the top nine in the country according to Leading Lights, an independent watchdog.