PAKISTAN FLOOD RELIEF APPEAL


I am sure that you are all aware of the disastrous events that are occurring in Pakistan and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering as a result of the severe flooding.

We have in the past supported the relief aid that was used to help people who suffered from the Tsunami and the earthquake in Pakistan when our chairman, Khalid Hussain, went to Pakistan to personally deliver the funds that we collected to those in greatest need.

We are now asking for you to give generously to support the flood victims as it is clear that there is much to be done and it will be years before the country and the people most affected will recover from this disaster.

We will be calling to collect your donation or alternatively you can let us have your cheque, payable to ‘South Ilford Business Association’ or in cash at our office 115 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2RN


Festive Lights on Ilford Lane

Now that all the roadworks have been completed it was felt that, in the present economic climate we needed festive lights this year to encourage shoppers to come to Ilford Lane.

We made various enquiries and the best quote that we received was for £4,400 to cover 21 lamp standards. Unfortunately we were then advised by the Local Authority that the lamp standards would need an infrastructure installed and this would add a further £5,500 to the cost.

We accordingly made an application for funding from Area 6 committee but were advised that they had very little money available and could only offer us £500. We were obviously disappointed by this offer and made approaches to the Leader of the Council and other departments saying that in view of the loss of business caused by the roadworks and the recession we felt that we needed special consideration. Unfortunately we have been unable to convince them of our need and the important role that Ilford South has in supporting the town centre and no further funding is available.

As a result the bulk of the funds would need to be supplied by the businesses on Ilford Lane and we have little response from those that we have approached.

In the circumstances we regret that, unless we are able to obtain funding from some other means, we will not be able to proceed with the installation of festive lights this year.

This is regrettable but clearly the Council do not have funds to support us in the present economic climate.

Warning - Prostitution on Ilford Lane.

We are very concerned at the increase in prostitution in the area and the effect that this will have on our shopping centre.

We would urge all shopkeepers to be vigilant and report any incidents in their area to the police tel: 0208 721 2026

We are working with the police to clean up this problem and we know that there are various measures being taken by them to stop this problem that can only do harm to our businesses if it continues.