Round 1 to the Campaign

 

Good News!

The save hopscotch campaign is just a few days old and we're making progress already. A week ago Hopscotch management had been told that the lease was definitely not being renewed. Now we're being told that the decision has not been made.

That's great news - and I'm sure our campaign is one of the reasons for the backtracking. Now is when we really need to make our voice heard. The decision on the future of Winkworth Hall (Hopscotch's home) is likely to be made in the next few weeks. When Brent council make that decision we need to make sure they take into account our views - and know just how vital Hopscotch is.

What Next?

The question is who makes that decision. Getting a straight answer out of Brent Council isn't easy - but we think we've identified the key people.

Cllr George Crane is in charge of Regeneration so we think he's ultimately the one who will decide what happens. But the future of Hopscotch is about much more than property and the council need to understand that.

Cllr Mary Arnold represents Kilburn ward and is also in charge of Children and Family policy for Brent, so she'll have a significant influence on the decision.

Cllr Muhammed Butt is the new council leader and so is bound to have an influence on the decision.

It's time to get writing / phoning / visiting (all councillors have surgeries where you can put your case in person).


Their emails are:
cllr.george.crane@brent.gov.uk
cllr.mary.arnold@brent.gov.uk
cllr.muhammed.butt@brent.gov.uk

What To Write?

You don't have to write a long email or fill it with facts. We'll make sure they have all the information they need. The most important thing is to make them realise how important Hopscotch is, that lots of us care, and that we're watching them.

Say you've heard that Brent Council is deciding whether to renew the lease for Hopscotch Nursery.
Tell them what Hopscotch means to you, and why you think it's important for the community.
Ask them how they're going to help secure Hopscotch's future.

An example email is below - but of course writing your own (however short) is even better.

Any replies you get, please forward to info@savehopscotch.org.uk
That way we can see if they're telling us the same things or changing their line.

If they don't reply, follow up with a gentle reminder or a phone call (most councillors have a contact number on their website.)
Remember, we're not looking to antagonise - just to let them know lots of us care.

Who Else?

You may also want to write to your local councillor. However, be aware that several of the local councillors are already supporting the campaign.

All the Brondesbury Park Councillors (Mark Cummins, Carol Shaw, and Barry Cheese) are supporting the campaign. However, since they're Liberal Democrats and the Council is Labour run, they have very limited power.

James Denselow (Queens Park, Labour) has also told us he supports the campaign. Lets hold him to it.

And lastly, remember to spread the word - the bigger we grow, the stronger we are.

Sample Email:

Dear Councillor

I am a Brent resident (and a parent with a X year old son/daughter at
Hopscotch Nursery) and I'm very concerned about the future of Hopscotch.

As a Brent Councillor I’m sure you know that Hopscotch is an Ofsted
rated ‘outstanding’ nursery (the only outstanding full time nursery in NW6) which
also provides a wider service to the local community through its low-
cost drop-in for parents/carers and under 5s.

I understand that Brent is not planning to renew the lease on the
building used by Hopscotch, which is likely to end in its closure after more than
20 years serving the community.

I would like to know whether it is true that you are considering closing down the
nursery and why Brent is taking this decision particularly at a time when
there is such a shortage of nursery places in the Borough.

I look forward to hearing back from you on this matter.

Yours sincerely