News & Upcoming Events

Mill Lane

A new development is due to take place on Mill Lane next to the railway line (1-3 Mill Lane). The site has been cleared and boarded up. The Vice-Chairman has had a meeting with the architect and arranged a meeting with the Action Group of affected residents set up to oppose the development. The plan is for around 40 flats and a basement car park with spaces for around 20 cars. There is also a plan for a 'green space'.

**Public meetings to discuss the plans were held on 29th April & 8th July. On each occasion the artchitect/developer gave an update on the plans as they currently stand and took questions. It's thought the planning application will be submitted in late July/early August.

More details about the plans can be found on the architect's website: www.1mill-lane.org

Social Event

The Fordwych Spring Social was held on Saturday 26th April. More than 70 people attended the event at St Cuthbert's Church Hall. The event raised £150 for the Association.

Area Forum

Area Forums have been set up by the Council so that they can hear from local people about their concerns. The most recent one for West Hampstead & Fortune Green was on 17th July and was on the subject of highways & traffic management. The next area forum is likely to be in the autumn. You can find out more about Area Forums at www.camden.gov.uk/areaforums 

North London Line

Part of the line will be closed for major work on the Hampstead Heath Tunnel this autumn. The work takes place from 1st September - 16th November. During this time the line will be split in half, with services running from Richmond to Willesden Junction and Gospel Oak to Stratford. There will be a replacement bus service for stations between Willesden Junction and Gospel Oak. There is more imformation about the closure & the bus service on this online leaflet: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/london-overground-alternative-services-2008.pdf 

Post Offices

The Royal Mail has recently announced which post offices it is planning to close in London. Fortunately, the post offices on Mill Lane and West Hampstead are not on the list.

Crime

Recent police figures show on ongoing problem with crime in the Fordwych Road area. Most of this is burglary and car crime, including theft from inside vehicles and theft of motorbikes. Residents are advised to be on the look out.

If you see a crime in progress - call 999.

If you want to report a crime that has happened or contact our local police - call: 020 8721 2698. Or you can email: fortunegreen.SNT@met.police.uk

Crimes can also be reported on the Metropolitan Police website: www.met.police.uk

Graffiti & Rubbish

Camden Council have recently introduced a free graffiti removal service. To have graffiti removed from your property call: 020 7974 6914.

A number of members have complained about rubbish left on the pavements in the area. To complain about this (or to arrange for free removal of electrical items) - call Camden Council's refuse department: 020 7974 6914.

Local Directory

You can find out names and contact details of local services and businesses by going to the Local Directories website for West Hampstead & Fortune Green:

http://www.local-directory.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=42

Cricklewood Development

A large development is planned for the Cricklewood/Brent Cross area. Although not in our area, the develpment is likely to have an impact on neighbouring areas such as ours. You can find out more about the plans at: http://www.brentcrosscricklewood.com/

Railway Land

A Fordwych Road resident has been in touch to pass on this advice for properties with gardens backing onto land owned by Network Rail:

After Network Rail cleared the vegetation at the back of our property and installed a new fence several months ago, they left behind the evidence of many years of dumped rubbish no longer concealed by the vegetation. We contacted Network Rail to see if they intend to clear the area of rubbish - they said they will on the request of each property. They say it's too large a job to do the whole stret, but will do certain areas on request. If you need to make such a request, call Network Rail on 08457-114141 and speak to the Environmental Department.

Heritage Inn

The FRA has been working with residents on and around Ebbsfleet Road regarding their concerns about late night noise and disturbance from the Heritage Inn on Cricklewood Broadway. The FRA made a representation at a Licencing Panel Review Meeting at Camden Council. The Inn has now been closed down by its owners and is up for sale. A recent application to vary the planning hours of the site has been refused.
**The pub has now reopened as a McGowan's. Local residents are keeping an eye on how the new licencees run the pub.

Maygrove Road

The FRA objected to a plan to build a block of 27 flats at 59 Maygrove Road (the site of Maygrove Motors). Full planning permission was refused. The planning application has now been withdrawn.

Constitution

The Association's constitution dates from the 1980s and has become outdated. The committee are currently working on a new constitution. If you would like to see a draft, please get in touch. The new constitution will be presented for approval at the AGM in September.

Membership Fees

The Association's membership fees are £3/year. Life Membership is also available - for a one off payment of £20.