See the Mayor's responses to questions on High-Speed 2 put to him by Navin Shah.

HS2 (1)

Question No: 653 / 2012

Navin Shah

Residents in Kensal Green are extremely concerned about the suggested route for the HS2 passing underneath this residential location. They have continually tried to contact the HS2 team to no avail. They have met with an engineer who suggested an alternative route that runs underneath the existing Euston to Watford train line and would be minimally disruptive to residents. Will you support this alternative route, in light of your comments in January, that HS2 “…has to be right for London. And there are important aspects of HS2 which are not right?”

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

HS2 (3)

Question No: 655 / 2012

Navin Shah

If HS2 was to remain in it’s existing route, travelling underneath the Harrow Road at Kensal Green, would these residents be entitled to any form of compensation? If so, how would it be calculated and what is the procedure/process for this?

Written response from the Mayor

Whilst this is an issue for HS2 Ltd to resolve, as the promoters of the scheme, I have great sympathy for residents in Kensal Green. Certain sections along the route have not been mitigated and I will continue to work closely with the promoters of the line, High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd), to ensure that they keep environmental impacts in London to an absolute minimum. This will include asking HS2 Ltd to investigate the possibility of reducing the vibration and noise impacts along the tunnelled section between Old Oak Common and Euston.

The Government, through HS2 Ltd, have indicated that it is committed to working with all affected local authorities to agree a joint strategy, including thorough engagement with local people, businesses and communities. I am also aware that the Government is currently drawing up detailed blight and property proposals and will launch a 12-week consultation in Spring 2012.

(Article in Brilliant Brent) Queen's Park residents could soon be receiving a new £18 million sports centre at no cost to the taxpayer, Westminster Council has announced.

The council has unveiled proposals to create a new improved sports centre by merging the existing Jubilee and Moberly Sports Centres. Jubilee Sports Centre is located in Westminster and Moberly is in The Quadrant, Kilburn Lane, on the Westminster border with Brent.

Subject to planning permission, the new centre will include more facilities than both Jubilee and Moberly combined, including a new swimming pool and dedicated learner pool, an eight-court sports hall, health and fitness suite, exercise and dance studios, a multi-use gymnastics and martial arts area and new boxing provision.

Brent has increased our Ward Working (WW) budget from £20,000 to £40,000 for the year ahead. WW brings in matched funding to the Ward and allows for local decisions to improve our neighbourhood. Below is a summary of how we've allocated the funds over the past few years. If you have any ideas please do email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Local government is the place where young people can really get involved and effect change but too few do. Young Labour councillors can and must use all means available to change this

When we talk about introducing young people to politics we forget three of the core features of politics: representation, community and selflessness. Too often our debate is dominated by a struggle of ideologies and instead of a more locally rooted, public service ethic which can draw many in to representing Labour.