 "New Deal" (New Docklands Environment And Leisure), was our original name, it became recognised as a leading edge green pressure group, then the Government launched its own 'New Deal', so to avoid confusion we renamed our voluntary organisation the 'LEA Heritage Group'. On the 1st December 1998 our group in partnership with 'Island Development Associates' led by Reg Ward (ex chief executive of the LDDC), executive chief Mike Fisher and Terry Walker, the Editor of the 'Docklands Digest' Magazine, were all invited to meet with Tower Hamlets and its Council Leader to discuss our proposals. We have since run a number of successful voluntary campaigns in keeping with our objectives, to improve the local Environment, to encourage ethical investment and tourism, and to preserve our historic sites. We try to follow the principals of "Agenda 21" as laid down at the Kyoto conference, the commitment and devotion shown by local voluntary workers is outstanding, there is a strong wish to see a sustainable future based on ethical development projects. Tourism is an important economic part of this Borough, so our Community group has worked tirelessly to preserve important local heritage sites, many of which were neglected for years and some bulldozed completely during the 80s construction of Docklands. East London has a remarkable history, its immigrant peoples have made a huge contribution to the British economy and World Trade. We recognise the importance of providing visitor facilities and easy Public access to notable heritage sites especially preparing for our Olympic visitors, so it is vital that Government keeps its promise to provide resources for libraries, museums, monuments, schools, genealogy centres, historic archive centres, etc. the dissemination of educational material is necessary for Schools, visitors, and the general public, all can learn about the remarkable history of East London. Positive support from a diversity of local Community groups has helped the 2012 Olympic Games bid to become a reality for East London. Despite the recession, Government and local Authorities must continue to invest money and resources in preparing East London for the Olympic Games, this will help to build a sustainable future. LEA Heritage Group will continue to follow the principals of "Agenda 21" in all its work, we are encouraging more research in local history, e.g, the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, we have constantly argued the case that local history offers investment opportunities, preserving heritage sites is very rewarding, not only helping the environment, but also stimulating ethical investment. Our campaigns for better educational facilities and more investment in Public libraries bore fruit when the innovative ideastore came into existance, it can help local communities to learn about the remarkable history of this part of London and its River, the idea store is a great innovation for education. A decade of dedicated community campaigns in the 80s helped to save one of East London's most notable historic sites, the 'first settlers monument' at Leamouth, without our community intervention informing the developers, this important historic site would certainly have been lost. Preserving heritage such as this has been due entirely to the work of devoted members of the community who turn up on cold days to give their support, it also shows the less committed that even an unfunded group of volunteers can achieve important successes when determined local people care enough to work together for the common good. Our experience shows that ordinary people working together for a good cause can become extraordinary people, voluntary community work helps to bring out the very best in people resulting in social, economic and environmental benefits for all communities. Voluntary community work is contributing to the regeneration of East London and the Thames Gateway, local businesses, Communities and organisations, are working together with Local Authorities, to build a sustainable future. The Olympic Games can help to build that sustainable future for East London, the simple message that decision makers should take on-board is that successful regeneration based on East London's remarkable history and diversity may require far less investment than failed concepts in the past. Many now struggling with the recession may find that it is a wise to invest in ethical and sustainable development, this can help provide a stable economic future while regenerating deprived areas and Communities. In the long run everyone will benefit from making the right choices for a sustainable future. If events like 'Brunel200', 'Jamestown 2007', and the 2012 Olympic games, are properly addressed, we should expect a buoyant sustainable economy welcoming increasing numbers of visitors to East London in the coming years. 'LEA Heritage' is a not-for-profit voluntary community group, all and any contributions supporting their devoted community work are most welcome, if you have any comments or need further information please contact us below:
Don't forget to sign our guest book Before you leave
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