Betting Shop Application Rejected - again!

Ute just called me from the town hall to say that the licensing committee turned down the application by Portland Bookmakers to open a betting shop on the corner of Brockley Road/Adelaide Avenue, on the grounds that they couldn't guarantee children and vulnerable people would be protected.

A great victory for local residents and for common sense, in spite of the new legislation which seems designed to encourage gambling and make it more difficult for local authorities to reject applications. This application apparently received more objections than any other Lewisham licensing application that officers could remember.

Well done to all those who worked so hard to oppose this. The applicant still has the right to appeal at the magistrates court, but in the meantime, perhaps the debate can continue here or on Brockley Central about what kind of business you would like to see in that premises.

Brockley to host Lewisham's First Nappucino Morning!

On Tuesday I went along to Bellingham Children's Centre for the offical Lewisham launch of Real Nappies for London. Met a number of mums using real nappies with their children and mums-to-be considering doing the same. I am delighted that the scheme is now off the ground in Lewisham. This was one of the Green Group budget amendments which the Mayor accepted earlier this year.

The voucher scheme is designed to encourage and reward parents and carers who do their bit to reduce waste. Using real nappies saves money and helps protect our environment. As much as 4% of Lewisham's waste stream is made up of disposable nappies (for families with young children, upto 50% of their weekly waste is nappies). Using real nappies in Lewisham diverts waste from incineration. Click here for info on the benefits of using real nappies over disposables.

Along with our other budget amendments such as the pilot green waste collection service, cheaper business recycling, a reusable cotton bag scheme and extra money to promote recycling and energy efficiency, the Real Nappy scheme is an excellent example of how elected Greens in Lewisham are working to make a difference and create a more sustainable borough.

Lewisham has 200 £30 vouchers available on a first come first served basis, which can be redeemed either against the cost of buying nappies or put towards paying for a nappy laundering service. The women I spoke to from Nappy Lady and Bumbletots said that there had already been a number of enquiries from the Brockley area.

Also, excitingly, Lewisham's First 'Nappuccino' is taking place from 10am-midday on Friday 9 November 2007 at the Toads Mouth Too Cafe, 188 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2RL. If you would like to attend please contact Vivienne Thomson, Lewisham's Real Nappy Officer. "Real nappies save money and waste and are easier than you think. Come to a friendly chat over coffee and find out more".