Richard Barnbrook

Just received the answers to the questions I submitted to Boris Johnson last week. I think there is a bit of a pattern developing here with the Mayor resorting to the tried and tested formula of crying “diversity” whenever something too challenging comes up. A pity really, as the chap is quite likable, but at the end of the day from a political point of view, as much as he tries to have us believe, he really isn’t that much different to the others.

Swimming

Question No: 2644 / 2008
Richard Barnbrook
Taking into account the Mayor’s much published support of the London Olympics is he aware that even during school holidays some public swimming baths are closed to children until after 4pm? Will the Mayor join me in encouraging pools to become more accessible to our future Olympians?
Answer from the Mayor:
I encourage every pool to offer the widest possible access to children and young people, especially during school holidays. Whilst the member may be able to summon specific examples of individual pools not allowing access to children until after 4pm, I understand that these would be isolated exceptions. Most pools seek to encourage youth participation, particularly during school holidays. The Government has also recently come forward with proposals to introduce free swimming for all those over the age of 60 and under the age of 16. Many London Boroughs have expressed an interest in participating in this scheme. Furthermore, in the Member’s own borough of Barking and Dagenham, London Swimming has recently launched the country’s biggest ever free-swimming project for under 18s.
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White History

Question No: 2645 / 2008
Richard Barnbrook
Does the Mayor have any objections to the concept of celebrating a White History month in the same manner as the much published and recent Black History Month?
Answer from the Mayor:
I support all celebrations of the many cultures and communities in this magnificently diverse city.
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Old People
Question No: 2646 / 2008
Richard Barnbrook
In Barking and Dagenham I have received numerous reports of discrimination in housing policy with regards to the borough’s elderly residents. Will the Mayor ensure that pensioners here and across London are not disadvantaged and neglected merely because of their age?
Answer from the Mayor:
I am not aware of any evidence of Barking and Dagenham’s older people being discriminated against in housing policy.
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St George’s Day
Question No: 2647 / 2008
Richard Barnbrook
The recent RISE festival received £300,000 of funding compared to the proposed £100,000 allocated for next year’s St George’s Day celebrations. Will the Mayor be prepared to make amends for this disparity by joining myself on April 23rd and opening the ceremony in Trafalgar Square?
Answer from the Mayor:
I am not prepared to share a platform with you at this or any other event.
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Docklands Light Railway Extension

Question No: 2648 / 2008
Richard Barnbrook
Can the Mayor update me on the development of the Docklands Light Railway project and confirm that the current financial crisis has not affected the original plans for its extension onto Barking and Dagenham and through to Havering?
Answer from the Mayor:
As indicated in the TfL Business Plan, funding has yet to be identified to implement the proposed extension through Barking Riverside to Dagenham Dock which would support the proposed plans.
TfL has written to the DCLG and DfT for a commitment for funding. While the channels of communication remain open with Government on the scheme, a restricted amount of work will continue to seek this commitment.