Tuesday, March 17, 2009

What is happening in Ladywell?

A lot, if Saturday’s local assembly social event is anything to go by. With 19 stalls from a wide range of community groups and some Council services, it was a lively and enjoyable event, and an opportunity to share information and find out what is happening in the ward and which services are available locally.

All this information (and more) is going to be compiled into the Ladywell Directory and it will also be made available online – the aim is to get this done in time for the next formal assembly on 20 April (it's always good to be ambitious!).

Anyone who lives, works or studies in the ward can attend the assembly. It provides an opportunity for people in the area to work together and develop plans to improve Ladywell. Bigger projects are put forward to the Council and local initiatives can be taken forward by residents in their area.

Future Assembly dates
Monday, 20th April 2009, 7-9pm
Tuesday, 23rd June 2009, 7-9pm
Tuesday, 22nd September 2009, 7-9pm
Saturday, 6th February 2010, 11am – 1pm

All assemblies are going to take place in Prendergast School, new science block, Adelaide Avenue, SE4 1JL (not in the main building in Hilly Fields). There is full disabled access and light refreshments are provided.

The Ladywell Priorities
The assembly has decided upon the following 5 priorities for Ladywell:
Local shops
Streetscape and environment
The Playtower
Lack of youth and community facilities
Anti-social behaviour and crime

Additional Funding for Ladywell
£50k has been allocated to each ward assembly from the Mayor’s Fund, in addition there is the £10k Locality Fund, meaning that there is £60k available to spend in Ladywell ward in 2009/10 in addition to ongoing Council spend.

The Mayor’s Fund
Projects funded by the Mayor’s Fund must be linked to the Ladywell ward priorities. The decision as to how these funds are allocated will rest with the assembly. The proposals will then go to the Mayor and Cabinet for final approval. Local Assembly officers will work closely with the assembly to ensure that any bids fit all the necessary criteria.

The Locality Fund
This is a fund for smaller projects and activities and these do not have to be linked to the ward priorities. In the past funding has included, amongst other things, activities for young people and youth groups, greening streets, the Ladywell village Christmas tree, a table tennis table for Hilly Fields, a contribution to Brockley Max closing night and Brockley Fund Run (both in Hilly Fields), and there are now plans to launch activities for older people.

A consultation on projects and activities to be funded in Ladywell ward will start soon, but in the meantime if you have an idea for the Mayor’s Fund or the Locality Fund, please contact either of the councillors or the assembly coordinator Paul Gale on 020 8314 3387 or email paul.gale@lewisham.gov.uk.

For more information about the Ladywell assembly please visit http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/localassemblies

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