A note for readers…

This is a personal blog, which aims to scrutinise the powers that be in Waltham Forest, from the Council (hereafter London Borough of Waltham Forest or LBWF), both elected members and staff; to our MPs; to other important local institutions, such as the police and the health authorities; to local ‘leaders’, whether from business or elsewhere. My inspiration is the late, much lamented Archipelago of Truth (see links), and if I get anywhere near that, I’ll be pleased.

I should emphasise from the start my belief that good local institutions can make a positive difference to all our lives, and so it is imperative to make sure they perform. If I highlight problems and failures, I do so in the hope that they will be put right. It is in no-one’s interest if scarce monies are wasted, or sensible rules to prevent fraud broken, or local people treated with disdain. And we all gain if organisations learn from their mistakes.

One or two other important points. I want to deal with facts and opinions. But sometimes I’ll get things wrong, and if I do, and you know it, please contact me and I’ll rectify.

I also welcome contributions (opinion pieces, ongoing research, etc.), and indeed will be actively asking those with a cause or a valuable insight to have their say. Of course, I am happy to receive comments, too (though please no libel or needless abuse, which anyway will be pre-moderated out).

Finally, a note on contents. I’ll be posting pieces about current events and personalities, interspersed with pieces about occurrences in the recent past, with the latter (gathered under the heading ‘Documenting Past Failures’) following a broadly chronological sequence. If you are new to Waltham Forest, or the antics of its political class, I recommend ‘Some background: a short history of local scandals’ as the best place to start.

Thanks, and I hope your blood pressure stays lower than mine…

Nick Tiratsoo

PS the site is fully searchable via ‘Categories’ or Tags (for which click ‘Posts’ on the masthead).