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RESPECT Councillors shape the agenda and focus of last week’s Council meeting. |
Councillors welcomed outstanding moves to tighten up use of licensing powers to regulate the spread of sex/strip clubs, but made clear that action is needed.
Councillor Shahed Ali led demands for clear definitions of how powers to stop ‘adult entertainment’ in ‘close proximity’ to homes, schools and places of worship will be interpreted.
RESPECT councillors are calling on community groups, campaigners and everyone concerned to respond to the review now taking place on the impact of strip clubs and such venues in the borough.
Motions from RESPECT councillors set the agenda for debate.
Cllr Fozol Miah moving a motion on Anti-Racism and Community Cohesion, highlighted persistent institutional racism, quoting Tower Hamlets Unison’s judgement that black or minority Ethnic workers are ‘less likely to be short listed or appointed to a Council job, less likely to be promoted and to be in a management job, and more likely to be sacked for failing your probation, misconduct or redundancy.’
RESPECT councillors highlighted the need for community cohesion based on active promotion of multi-culturalism, which is under attack from the "New Racism", and proud and active anti-racism to reflect council policies.
Councillor Abjol Miah also highlighted the need for housing designed to meet the needs of all residents, including large extended families, cultural groups and the disabled e.g. open design kitchen and living room, toilet and bathroom joint; entering kitchen through living room is not
practical
for family use. Parking space should be made available for family car use and blue budges by reviewing policies on Car Free Zones and vote should be taken by full council to meet the need of Tower Hamlets Residents.
Councillor Mamun Rashid spoke up for Shadwell residents, calling for council help in raising the £400,000 needed to build a large multi-purpose community centre on the Tarling estate, an important contribution to addressing the many needs of groups in Shadwell.
“The council can find ways to continue pumping money into the failing ‘Rick Mix Centre’ which is used by city-slickers.
Why are they reluctant to find money for this much needed community centre for Shadwell residents?”
Councillor Shahed Ali moved a motion to extend the meeting by 30 minutes to conclude this motion but this was refused by lazy Labour councillors who could not care less, and simply wanted to go home. However, Respect councillors will pursue this through all channels, asking the Council and other bodies to help raise this much needed money.
Other RESPECT motions were successfully passed, with supportive amendments.
Councillor Abjol Miah, leader of the RESPECT group of councillors, says: ‘This was a very positive outcome for the people of Tower Hamlets.
By raising these issues we have focused council attention and highlighted residents’ concerns.
On tackling the spread of sleaze and racism, designing homes for local people, recognising the needs of disabled, elderly and blue badge households and families, we are getting the Council to act.’
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