August 2024

In a survey conducted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, hundreds of local people have asked the City of London Corporation to start doing something about the state of the park. Lucy Dawes reports

Following a survey of local people, with over 400 responses, Wanstead Park emerges as a much-loved public amenity, but there is frustration at the lack of recent action over a set of key issues. These include preserving the lakes, improving the natural environment, maintaining the historic landscape and making everyone feel safe and welcome.

The responses, from both the public and members of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, show the overriding top issue and priority (70% of respondents) for the City of London and other stakeholders to address is the current state of the lakes and waterscape. Verbatim feedback included comments such as: “the degradation of the lakes over the years is appalling,” and “the main priority is the restoration of the Ornamental Water.”

People most enjoy the natural environment (86%) of the park. Its preservation, in partnership with other community groups and stakeholders, was the second top issue (after the lakes) that people thought the Friends should focus on (50%). Some of the issues could be addressed by more communication to help people understand what is being done.

The historic landscape was the third most enjoyed aspect (49%) and the fourth highest reason for use of the park (42%). It is also a key concern for the future. People asked: “has work on the Grotto ground to a halt?” and requests included “better use of the Temple, such as summer afternoon teas run in conjunction with the tea hut.” 

Helping every park user to feel safe and welcome is also a concern for visitors. When asked what they disliked about the park, respondents raised a number of issues relating to how safe and welcome they feel. Dog behaviour (26%), cyclists and safety in the park, which includes antisocial behaviour, were mentioned. There were also issues relating to access, including inaccessible muddy paths, lack of access by public transport and disability access. 

Peter Brimson, chair of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, said: “The committee welcomes our open and friendly dialogue with the City of London Corporation on behalf of the local community, but dialogue needs outcomes. The Friends will continue to campaign for the City of London to act and follow through on commitments it has already made.”

The survey also reflected the joy the people felt using the park. “Peacefulness”, “being close to nature and wildlife”, “the sense of open space” and “walking round the lake” are just some of the positive comments that people added about what they appreciate most about Wanstead Park.

The full report on the Friends of Wanstead Parklands survey is available online. Visit wnstd.com/fwpsurvey

The Parish of Wanstead will be submitting an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund this month in a bid to preserve Christ Church.

It follows a questionnaire completed by over 600 people about the importance of the 160-year-old, Grade II*-listed building, which will be used as part of the funding application to demonstrate community support.

“The overwhelming majority of responses have been positive, although some feel a religious organisation ought not to seek to receive public money. In response, I would say the point of this bid is to restore a local historic building and to make it accessible to all people, not just we Anglicans who currently use it… I am incredibly grateful to the 40 volunteers who have helped to put together a brilliant bid – we now need the prayers of all!” said Revd James Gilder.

An estimated £600,000 is needed to repair structural defects in the church tower. The church interior will also be redesigned to enable greater use by community groups.

A local tour guide will be hosting a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock this month.

Gary Lewis, who runs Hitchcock Talks & Tours in Leytonstone, will be giving a talk at The Castle Cinema in Hackney on 11 and 13 August, which would have been the iconic director’s 125th birthday.

“We will be celebrating Alfred Hitchcock’s 125th birthday with a screening of North by Northwest in a cinema only a few miles away from where Hitchcock began his movie career in 1925, at the Gainsborough film studios,” said Gary, who leads regular tours in Leytonstone, where Hitchock was born on 13 August 1899.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session, along with birthday cake.

The event will take place at The Castle Cinema, 66 Brooksby’s Walk, Hackney, E9 6DA.
11 August, 1.45pm / 13 August, 8.30pm
Tickets: £13; children: £8
To book tickets, click here.

The London Fire Brigade led a multi-agency training exercise on Wanstead Flats last month.

It comes as visitors to London’s open spaces are urged to help reduce the risk of wildfires this summer.

“Preparedness and prevention is essential in helping to reduce the risk to our communities and prevent grass fires. That means not having barbecues in open spaces, throwing rubbish away safely and not leaving broken bottles or glass on the ground and disposing of cigarettes properly,” said a spokesperson.

Calvin Bailey was elected as the new MP for Leyton and Wanstead last month, winning 47.5% of the vote. Here, the RAF officer turned Labour politician explains his priorities for the area

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind following my selection as the Labour candidate for Leyton and Wanstead. Previously, I served as a Royal Air Force officer, but since then, I’ve been tackling the combined challenges of leaving the military, running a campaign and learning to become a new Member of Parliament. This has been quite a shock but one I am proud to undertake on your behalf.

While I face personal challenges, they are minor compared to the everyday struggles within our constituency. The cost-of-living crisis has made food banks critical for many constituents. Homelessness has led to widespread drug use and vagrancy, undermining lives and impacting residents where drug dealing is rampant. Additionally, a wave of visible, brazen attacks on our High Street has created fear, threatening the viability of stores and causing stress for shopkeepers.

It’s easy to identify our problems; addressing them is another matter. First, I will address problems directly by understanding issues personally. I’ve met shop owners in Wanstead affected by crime to show support and ensure they receive help from the council and police. I’ve engaged with the Met Police, the borough commander and the leader of Redbridge Council, and will report back as we better understand and address these issues.

I have spoken to residents and communities impacted by open drug use and engaged their councillors to understand the council’s actions. I’ve also taken time to speak to those affected by these issues – they are constituents too. We must support them, address their needs and tackle the root causes of these problems. The local council’s efforts are heartening, but limited police resources constrain their impact. I hope to work with the Greater London Authority and the Met to address this.

I visit food banks, not to politicise the issue, but to show support for those aiding our community. These individuals make me proud of our community. My visits also offer an opportunity to speak to those impacted and allows them to share other concerns with me, keeping me grounded.

However, most issues we face will be addressed by our councils. Therefore, my immediate priority – after setting up my office – is to formally meet with council leaders and start a process of engagement. My team will assist their teams in performing effectively and leverage national policy changes or resources when needed. By getting this right, we can have the greatest possible impact.

To contact Calvin Bailey MP, email calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk