Working together is better for the community

Living in a community means everyone has responsibilities. The thought came to mind, on the recent day of the floods. The unprecedented torrential rain saw some local roads turn into virtual rivers - the infrastructure was creaking. On my road we had a couple of blocked drains, which residents valiantly came out to clear. Whilst doing this, a crazy driver decided he would plunge down the road at speed, regardless of the dangers caused. This resulted in renewed calls for imposition of the 20 mph speed limit - something the council is pledged to deliver. The whole of Wanstead is due to become a 20mph zone. Blocked drains were another problem. On my road, I had reported one of the offending blocked drains weeks before - it had still not been cleared. It has now. However, then we come to individual responsibility. Drains often get blocked by leaves from people's trees and bushes. The council will clear the debris in the road, yes, but we need to look after our own vegetation, as well, within borders. Sometimes, drains block because irresponsible builders put waste down them - the council will enforce if the perpetrators are caught but why let them do it in the first place? There are regular complaints about bins in Wanstead being full - sometimes this is due to the dumping of household and building waste. It is a fine line between the resident and the council and statutory authorities. Everyone has a responsible role to play. I've been a keen supporter of litter picks and the planting of tree pits. Both are voluntary actions by residents to make the area a cleaner and greener place to live. This effort though does not take away from the council responsibility to clear rubbish and maintain street trees. But if we all do our part the sum of the parts will be greater. Some in the community leap to blame the council for just about everything - even things that are nothing to do with them. Equally, council can blame funding cuts etc for a failure to deliver - an often valid claim. But actually everyone is trying to do their best for the community. This can be achieved working together as sometimes critical partners. Councilors are elected and come from the community. Less is achieved when people simply seek to blame others rather than take on any responsibility themselves.