Green Ladywell

Photos from today's Carnival against the cuts in Lewisham

2011-02-19T22:26:00.009Z

A few photos from today's Carnival against the Cuts in Lewisham. It was a really well-attended event, despite the drizzly weather, with around 700-1000 people taking part. It was also nice to see the expensive tellytubby hillocks by Lewisham roundabout being put to good community use for the speeches etc afterwards!

At last Thursday's Mayor and Cabinet meeting, a swathe of cuts were agreed, including 'closure' of 5 of our libraries (there may be some kind of continued community use, but details have still to be confirmed), huge increases to charges for many things, including day care for the elderly and disabled, meals on wheels, school meals and controlled parking zones. You can read some of the details of the cuts proposed here (this link may not work once the Council's main website is back up again).

Ladywell Arena to be transferred over to community group?

2011-02-11T12:05:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago the South London Press reported that the Council was looking for community and sports groups to take over the management of Ladywell Arena (the athletics track and gym on the Catford side of Ladywell Fields).

I was a bit alarmed about what this meant – was the Council still committed to keeping the arena open, or was it planning to offload it in a bid to cut costs, along with the libraries, children’s centres etc? So I wrote to the Council and asked for a bit more information - whether the article was just testing the water or if a formal decision to transfer the management had been taken, how the proposal fitted in with the Council's Leisure contract and what the cost of maintaining the facility at Ladywell Arena is. I received the following response:

“The Council is currently out to tender for its main leisure contract which expires in mid October 2011. As part of that tender we are asking prospective leisure operators to cost the operation of the Arena along with other leisure centres. However, there has been interest from local organisations in the principle of the Arena being managed by a locally based organisation, given its specific focus on athletics and football. The Council is therefore running a parallel process and asking if there is interest from local organisations with both bidding processes ending around the same time, so giving the Council an opportunity to assess the value ( in terms of best value), of both.

The leisure procurement process was agreed by Mayor and Cabinet contracts on 3rd March 2010 and that is underway. This additional proposal to undertake a parallel process in terms of the Arena has been highlighted in the Invitation to Tender to Leisure contracts so that bidders for the main contract are aware.

So, in that way we are 'testing the water' on this. The potential community lease of the Arena does include the Gym. The current cost to the Council for managing the facility is approximately £185,320 per year (this changes with GDP each year).”

Meanwhile, local residents concerned that this might be a backdoor way of closing the arena to public use (although I'm not sure that it is), have set up a Facebook page with a “Petition to save Ladywell Arena”.

Empty properties

2011-02-10T08:52:00.001Z

The Ladywell Assembly last night featured an information session with council officer Nick Long about bringing empty properties back into use – the powers the council has to deal with them and an update on empty properties in the ward that they are dealing with.

In addition to the Nightwatch building on Ladywell Road (fingers crossed) and the empty flats above Corals on the corner with Algernon Road (no sign of concern or interest, to put it mildly, by the owners, apparently another betting shop chain) there was some welcome news about progress with 63 Loampit Hill. This goes back several years – the council notice regarding the state of the roof was served in May 2005, long after it had actually become an issue, and the council had to intervene and eventually repair the roof at their own cost in November 2007. Following recent discussions the relatives of the deceased owner have offered to pay a proportion of the amount they owe the council upfront pending further decisions they would make about the property at some stage in the future. The council decided to insist on the full amount (just over £20,000 plus interest) being paid within 28 days. It is expected that the family is going to appeal against this. If the appeal was upheld, the saga would continue. If the appeal was not upheld, the council could take possession of the building and dispose of it at auction and reclaim the cost incurred in this way. Let's hope this is not another case of one step forward one step back.

Sustainable Community Act: Government Response to our Betting Shop Proposals

2011-02-05T00:02:00.012Z

Way back in 2009, Ute worked closely with local residents to make a proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act, to try to give Councils more powers to turn down betting shops in areas where there were already a number of bookies. The proposals were agreed at Ladywell Ward Assembly, then passed on by Lewisham to the Local Government Association and from them on to the government. See here for more details.

Well, it's been a long time coming, what with having a new government and all that, but the Department for Communities and Local Government has finally responded.

For those not inclined to read the whole 109-page document, the bit responding to Lewisham's submission about betting shops is on p44-46.

In a nutshell, the government seemed to think that local councils already have enough power in this area and said:

DCLG: "We believe that, instead of the civil service only being focused upwards on providing advice to Ministers, we must drive the focus downwards and outwards to put those resources at the service of communities nationwide. So civil servants will work with the following councils to use their existing powers so they are able to achieve the outcomes they want for themselves, or work further with them to explore the issues raised in more detail."

Hmm, ok, but actually I thought the SCA was supposed to be grassroots up, telling national government what we wanted them to change, not them lecturing (sorry 'advising') us. Hmm.
DCLG's response, with my comments [in brackets] below:

• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is currently considering with the Gambling Commission whether guidance can be amended to give licensing authorities more confidence to use their existing powers to intervene under the prevention of crime or disorder objective of the Gambling Act,
working with the police where necessary. [Well Lewisham to its credit did turn down some betting shop applications and then lost on appeal at not inconsiderable cost - maybe the magistrates who consider the appeals are using a very narrow interpretation of the grounds for refusal?]

• There is a lack of data on the numbers and concentrations of betting shops pre September 2007, as there was no central collection of figures before the introduction of the Gambling Act. DCMS know the total number of betting shops has remained constant or declined in recent years [not in Lewisham and particularly Deptford it hasn't!] and is working with the Gambling Commission to identify better data on the numbers and locations. But it will be difficult to assess how this may have changed since the Gambling Act came into force in September 2007.
• Concerns about betting shops and problem gambling often relate to their higher stake/higher prize gaming machines. We think this is a main cause of local concerns. The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, which advises the Gambling Commission and the Government on research, education and treatment, has prioritised the development of a programme of work into the risks relating to higher prize gaming machines. [I would say that the main concerns in Lewisham relate to anti-social behaviour outside the premises, particularly in the case of Deptford High Street, and the loss of A1 retail units which can jeopardise the viability of small shopping parades.]
• Local planning authorities have planning powers to use in controlling the number and location of betting shops (though this must be in relation to planning considerations, such as amenity, building mix, parking and congestion issues). Current planning policy encourages local planning authorities to pro-actively manage town centres and subsidiary shopping areas to promote vitality through a good mix of investment. Local planning authorities can use local shop frontage policies for parades of shops to ensure good representation of shops, alongside service uses and thus limit the concentration of betting shops [Not much use if the property is already A2 financial and no planning change of use is required though].

• Under the Use Classes Order, betting shops are classed as A2. Other A2 uses (such as banks and estate agents) and A3, A4 and A5 uses could change to betting shops without planning permission for change of use. It would be possible to alter the Use Classes Order to limit these changes or make betting shops sui generis, so planning permission would always be required for material changes of use. But to do this, we would need to demonstrate that there was a material planning difference between betting shops and other A2 land uses in terms in the impact on the environment. [I think there clearly is a difference here, and if successive governments procrastinate much longer, we'll have little but betting shops and money exchange/money lenders left on the high streets in the most deprived parts of the borough].
• This would increase regulation and face councils with a potentially very large increase in the number of planning applications. It may not, therefore, be cost effective to make a national change. [Very weak argument - planning policy should be there to serve the local community, not minimise paper work for (admittedly over-stretched) planning departments.]
• Lewisham could, however, explore whether they could use Article 4 powers to limit the development of betting shops in particular areas and we would be happy to discuss this with them. [Now this is an interesting suggestion that I hadn't heard of before and I would like to hear what council officers and the Mayor and Cabinet make of this suggestion. Assuming it would be something like Article 4 directives with conservation areas]

So, to sum up, some useful suggestions here, but the response felt a bit like DCLG doing a Michael Winner and saying 'Calm down dear, you've already got all the powers you need' rather than listening seriously to the legitimate concerns expressed by local residents.

There is an excellent post over on Crosswhatfields blog about betting shops, the 2005 Gambling Act and the campaign in Deptford to stop betting shop number 10 from opening in the high street.

Photos from Deptford Dame and East London Lines.

1 Slagrove Place (Ladywell Training Centre) due to be auctioned off

2011-02-03T22:45:00.009Z

1 Slagrove Place, which until recently housed Ladywell Training Centre (an in-house training centre for council staff) is being auction off by Lewisham Council on 17th February, with a guide price of £450,000.

Originally it was the porter's lodge and stables of the St. Olave's/Bermondsey Union's Workhouse, a vast Victorian workhouse which used to cover the whole area now occupied by Pepermead Square, Dressington Avenue and Slagrove Place. The (listed) water tower on Dressington Avenue and Ladywell Lodge (near Ladywell Day Centre) are the other parts which are left, together with the gate posts to Slagrove Place.

As part of Lewisham Council's 'Worksmart' programme, the Council undertook a review of its buildings portfolio (well, worked with consultants paid £150,000 to do so), to look at ways of reducing overheads*. A couple of years ago Ladywell Training Centre, along with a number of other buildings, were deemed surplus to requirements and ear-marked for sale.

There's no doubt that the Council could do with an extra half a million quid, given it needs to save around £87m over the next 3 years due to cuts in government grants. If the proceeds of the sale of this building were invested in repairing Crofton Park Library to bring the upstairs into use and help to protect its future viability, or in carrying out some basic repairs to Ladywell Playtower, it might be easier to see the benefit to the local community. I don't believe that's the plan though.

As far as I'm aware, 1 Slagrove Place does not have any kind of protected or listed status and I'm not sure whether or not it would merit listed status, in English Heritage's eyes, considering that the much grander Ladywell Lodge building is not listed (maybe it should be?). It might be worth a try though, as if the site is sold to developers, they could simply knock down the Victorian building and squeeze in as many flats as they can get away with.

Also, given that next week's Ladywell Assembly is being held in Lewisham Central ward (Courthill Road) due to the lack of available meeting rooms in Ladywell, I do wonder whether the building could be put to productive community use.

I'd be interested to hear readers' views on what they think should happen to 1 Slagrove Place - whether it should be sold off, or retained by the Council.

With thanks to Geoffrey from Ladywell Society for details of the auction.

*cut back on consultants' fees for starters, perhaps?!

Dates for Diary

2011-01-30T16:13:00.010Z

Oops, it's been a while since I last posted on here - I've been getting on with life outside politics, but there are a number of local events coming up worth supporting:

Saturday 5th February: Lewisham libraries 'read-ins' in protest at proposals to close 5 of the borough's libraries.
Crofton Park & Sydenham 11:30am - 1.00pm, Blackheath Village & Grove Park 2.00 - 3.00pm, New Cross 3pm onwards. Turn up, read and (quietly but clearly) make your voice heard.

[UPDATED 20.21: I forgot to mention the People's Convention against Cuts and austerity, 12th February, up at Euston Friends Meeting House - details over on Lewisham Right to Work blog.]

Thursday 17th February, 9am: Mayor & Cabinet and Tuesday 1st March, 10am Council Budget Setting Meeting
Due to the large number of people wishing to express their democratic right to protest at November's council meeting (or something like that), the Chief Exec (or Mayor, not sure who) has, on the advice of the police, decided to change the times of the two key budget meetings to 9am and 10am.

So 'Alarm Clock Lewisham', including many of the council workers whose jobs will be affected by the cuts will no longer be able to attend the meeting and will be relying on Lewisham's pensioners and anyone not working then, to make sure their concerns are heard.

19th February: Lewisham Carnival Against the Cuts
A day of events across the borough to oppose cuts to services. More details at Carnival Against Cuts.

22nd Feb Lewisham says no to cuts - Rally for an Alternative -For jobs, growth, justice.

Brendan Barber (TUC General Secretary) plus various local trade unions and anti-cuts activists
Time: 7pm-8.45pm (refreshments, stalls and entertainment from 6pm).
Venue: Goldsmiths College, New Cross go to Ian Gulland Lecture Theatre access via gate at end of Laurie Grove London SE14 6NH
Organised by Lewisham TUC with support of Goldsmiths' Student Union

26th March: March for the alternative: jobs - growth - justice'.
TUC national demo in central London. By the time this demo happens, most councils across the country will have already made sweeping cuts to local services. Better late than never I suppose, though.

To keep up to date on local anti-cuts campaigns, check out the Lewisham Anti-Cuts Alliance or Lewisham Right to Work blogs, and the LACA Twitter Feed.

Public Meetings Coming Up this Week

2010-11-23T11:39:00.003Z

A few anti-cuts events coming up locally this week that I wanted to highlight:

Wed 24th Nov: Lewisham Right to Work Public meeting with PCS Gen Sec Mark Serwotka, 7pm, Lewisham Methodist Church, Albion Way. Details here.

Thurs 25th Nov: Goldsmiths University Rally Against the cuts with Tony Benn. 6.30pm, Great Hall, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way. Details here.

Mon 29th Nov: Lobby of Full Council to oppose cuts. 6.30pm. Details here.

I don't see eye to eye with everything some members of the Lewisham Anti-Cuts Alliance say (personally I don't support the idea of setting an illegal council budget in Lewisham), but it's a fairly broad church and I do share with them utter opposition and horror at what the impact of the ConDem government's cuts are going to have at both a local and national level, often on the most vulnerable in society.

Lewisham Anti-Cuts Alliance are on Twitter, if you would like to follow them, and they also have a blog, as do Lewisham Right to Work.

LVIG mtg tonight - community garden in Church Grove on Agenda

2010-11-23T11:25:00.004Z

Ladywell Village Improvement Group is holding a meeting at the St Mary's Centre, Ladywell Road, TONIGHT (Tuesday November 23 at 7.30pm.) On the agenda are: Ladywell Christmas Market, an update on the streetscape plans, help organise a tree sponsorship campaign in the high street, and find out the latest on the Playtower.

The item that caught my eye is the proposal for a community garden scheme on the former Watergate School in Church Grove. My understanding is that residents are working with the council to get a short-term (12-months) lease on the site, pending a decision about its longer term future, and the tentative plan is to use builders bags, or similar to grow fruit and veg, a bit like has been done in Hackney and elsewhere with temporary lots. It sounds like a great idea, and if it works well, I can think of at least one other site in Ladywell that would be ideally suited to doing something similar. There is certainly local demand for more space to grow fruit and veg, and a long waiting list for local allotments, and this seems like a pragmatic way to help bridge that gap.

By-election results - belatedly

2010-11-23T11:07:00.003Z

It's a little bit after the event now, but in case there's anyone who doesn't know, Labour held the seat in the recent Ladywell ward by-election, although it was a pretty close run thing in the end. Both Labour and the Green vote went up, while the Lib Dems and Tories both went down. The Green vote up by the most, and we have narrowed the gap between us and Labour a bit more. The results were:

Carl Handley, Labour 1231 (41%, up 2.4% since May)
Ute Michel, Green 1041 (35%, up 4.3% since May)
Ingrid Chetram Lib Dem 314 (11%, down 6.5% since May)
Helen Mercer L4PNP 233 (8%)
Ben Appleby, Conservative 153 (5%, down 4.9% since May)

Turnout: 29.9% (not a bad turnout for a November by-election).

Obviously we're disappointed not to have won, but I think this election makes it clear that this is still very much a Labour/Green marginal ward and keeps us in contention for 2014 (unless there is another by-election before then, of course).

Many thanks to all those who supported us, whether at the ballot box, by displaying a poster or helping us with leafleting/canvassing.

Up the Line event this Thursday, 11th November

2010-11-09T11:27:00.001Z

A few photos from the campaign

2010-10-31T11:33:00.010Z

Well it's been a busy few weeks out campaigning for Ute in the by-election. I've been having a break from my 'break from politics' to help with the campaign. We've been getting a great response on the doorstep, and have spoken to loads of residents that have previously never been in when we've called.

Back in April/May, it was difficult to get people interested in the local elections, with all the focus on the leadership debates on TV etc. This time the emphasis is firmly on local issues, albeit with the impact of the government cuts to local government a top concern for many. And there is much more emphasis on the candidate than there was in May, where quite a few people seemed to be voting on party lines, rather than for individuals.

When the by-election was called, the national party asked us if we would like some 'big guns'. We looked a bit askance at first and thought it sounded very ungreen, but we've been delighted that Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP, deputy leader Cllr Adrian Ramsay and London Assembly member Jenny Jones have all come and supported our campaign, along with lots of members and supporters from both the local area and further afield.

Caroline Lucas (top and second picture) is pictured here with local Greens supporting the campaign to keep Crofton Park Library open. Jenny Jones AM (third picture), who leads on pedestrian issues for us on the London Assembly, came to take a look at the Lewisham Way crossing that the Mayor of London is inexplicably threatening to remove - passersby told us that they remembered signing the petition a few years back to get the crossing put in, and couldn't understand why TfL would want to ride roughshod over local opinion now. And Cllr Adrian Ramsay is pictured canvassing on Gillian Street.

It's been a while since I've spoken to anyone on the doorstep who wasn't aware of the by-election, and many residents are probably starting to get a bit cheesed off with the unusual level of attention they are getting from local political parties. Hopefully those who've lived in the area a while will know which parties they hear from regularly, and who are just showing a fleeting, by-election related interest in the ward.

Anyway, time for me to get back on the doorstep rather than sitting here in the warm . . .

Save our Libraries March

2010-10-31T10:38:00.008Z

There was a good turnout for yesterday's libraries march, and despite the ominous weather forecasts, the rain held off too. I would estimate that there were about 200 people who marched from Crofton Park library to the town hall in Catford. There was a good range of people there - lots of families with children and older residents, as well as the usual activists.

Lewisham MPs Joan Ruddock and Heidi Alexander attempted to speak at the beginning of the demo, but their voices were pretty much drowned out by heckling, with people shouting 'Vote against the cuts'. A number of politicians there were looking rather uncomfortable - the local Lib Dem cllr, as his party is being blamed for cuts at a national level, and the Labour cllrs and MPs as they run Lewisham.

I want go into loads of detail as Transpontine has already beat me to it with a good write up and photos, but suffice to say the march was vocal, determined and presented a united front from the 5 libraries campaigns, who have now collected over 20,000 signatures for their petitions.

Second meeting on Crofton Park Library - community again says 'keep it open'!

2010-10-23T10:27:00.018+01:00

Left: Ladywell ward by-election candidate Ute Michel outside Crofton Park library.

On Tuesday I went along to the second public consultation meeting about the Council's proposals to close Crofton Park Library (along with Blackheath, New Cross, Sydenham and Grove Park Libraries). Once again it was officer-led, with officers at pains to stress that no decision had been taken and that they would report back to the Mayor who would ultimately make the decision. Two of the councillors for Crofton Park were there, as was Chris Best, the cabinet member for community services, which includes the library service, and she spoke briefly at the end of the meeting.

Once again, the vast majority of those at the meeting were firmly opposed to closing the library, and spoke of the important role it plays in the local community. Gwen, the now retired former librarian at Crofton Park spoke eloquently and with passion about how many parents and children use the library, which was backed up by a local head teacher concerned about the impact it would have on her pupils. And there were a notable number of older library users' there, including a blind woman whose grandson borrows books from the library to read to her. The very angry bloke who shouted so loudly at the last meeting that the chairs vibrated was there again, still just as angry, and intimidating!)

One interesting snippet of information was that while the majority of Crofton Park Library Users are, as to be expected, from within Crofton Park ward, 16% of users live in Ladywell ward and 11% in Telegraph Hill ward, so closing the library would have an impact on a much wider area than just the one council ward.

Perhaps the most interesting, 'meaty' part of the meeting, however, was when officers invited representatives from 'Make Believe Arts' (a local social enterprise) and the Ackroyd Community Centre to come up and speak. Both were at pains to stress that they didn't want the library to close and as local residents would far prefer it if it stayed open, but then went on to talk about possible ways of keeping the building in community use in the event the library does close.

'Make Believe Arts' outlined what use they would like to make of the building if it does close as a library. This included bringing the upstairs back into use as office and community space, in addition to the downstairs. The building would be more of a (social entreprise run) community centre, a hub for various classes, rather than a library, although they would work with Lewisham Library Services to see if they could maintain some aspects of the library service (eg some books still there, albeit a greatly-reduced number, or some kind of order and collection service of books from elsewhere). They talked about the work they have been involved in at the Leegate Centre, where they have brought an empty shop unit back into use as a community centre.

The Ackroyd Community Centre didn't have a firm proposal as such, but had been approached by council officers and said that they were willing to work with the local community to see how the building could be kept in community use, with some element of library provision incorporated within that, if it closed.

People listened politely to the presentations, then got straight to the point with the questions and comments - where did Make Believe Arts' funding come from, who would own the building, what would prevent an organisation changing the use in the future, how much of the current library services would be retained, etc. The thrust of what people seemed to be saying was yes, we'd love to see the upstairs of Crofton Park Library brought back into use, and might not be averse to a social enterprise or similar getting involved in making greater use of the building and bringing in more revenue, but we want this in addition to the much-loved library downstairs we already have, not instead of, with a tokenistic shelf or two of books thrown in alongside another use. You can find a view more comments on this from people who attended the meeting on the 'Save Crofton Park Library' Facebook group.

A lot of those present were concerned that if they said anything positive about the proposal put forward by Make Believe Arts that this would be interpreted in the report to the Mayor as acquiescing to the closure of the library. Officers assured us this would not be the case. Others felt it risked undermining the campaign to save the libraries to put forward alternative 'what to do if it closes' proposals at this stage - to an extent I agree with them, but I do think that Make Believe Arts were brave in coming and speaking to the meeting, and that they are genuine in their passion to keep the building in community use.

In the meantime, however, the campaign to keep our libraries open goes on, and it is one that the local community is determined to win. It was great to see at the meeting that campaigners from all 5 library campaigners are united and working together, rather than taking any kind of nimbyist, just save my local library approach.

Next weekend (Saturday 30th October) there is a march 'with a carnival flavour' to the town hall to protest against library closures. It starts outside Crofton Park Library at 12pm, to arrive at the Town hall by 1.30 for a rally. More details on the 'Save Crofton Park Library' Facebook group.

El's Kitchen Opens in Ladywell on 30th October!

2010-10-15T22:15:00.005+01:00

Eleanor lives next door but one to me. She has put so much work into this over several years now, and I have a feeling it's going to be a big success. Very excited about this, and really hope it is going to fill a hole in the local market. I will certainly be popping in to refuel on 30th in between canvassing sessions.

With 46 Ladywell Road (Nightwatch) finally getting renovated, the efforts of LVIG and the ward assembly in getting the streetscape improvements on the Council's agenda (if not quite within the timeline we were after) hopefully Ladywell Road is on its way up.

Good luck Eleanor!

Cemeteries Work Day and Guided Walk this Saturday

2010-10-12T10:49:00.003+01:00

If you haven't ever explored the wonderful Brockley & Ladywell cemeteries, now's your chance.

Saturday 16th October
11am - 2pm Workday jointly with Nature Conservation Dept's Nature's Gym.
Meet at the chapel in the Ladywell Cemetery

2pm - 3.30pm (approx) Guided walk of the two Cemeteries led by FoBLC
members. This will start from the Ladywell gate, and takes a circular route.

Find out more on the Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries blog.

Vote Ute Michel in Ladywell Ward By-election on 4th November!

2010-10-02T00:14:00.004+01:00

I'm pleased to be able to confirm that we've now formally selected former Ladywell councillor Ute Michel as our candidate in the upcoming Ladywell by-election.

After the resignation of one of the newly elected Labour councillors for Ladywell, the by-election on November 4th will be a chance for the Greens to regain one of the council seats lost to Labour in the elections last May, when the party missed out on winning a seat in Ladywell by just 65 votes.

Ute Michel was a Ladywell councillor from 2006-2010 and was chair of the ward assembly. She worked hard over four years to help individual residents and the local community, and I know she would do an excellent job serving Ladywell again.

As a councillor, Ute supported local opposition to a betting shop in an area already full of bookies, and campaigned successfully to avoid cuts to social care services. She played a leading role in making Green amendments to Lewisham Council's budget and challenged council proposals. Outside of politics, Ute has worked as a research assistant in the European Parliament and for disability organisations and now works in the NHS.

Darren Johnson, Green councillor for Brockley, said:

"This by-election will be a straight fight between Greens and Labour - the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives were a long way behind last time. Quite a few people voted Liberal Democrat last time, expecting a new style of politics, but many are feeling betrayed that the Lib Dems have gone into a cuts coalition with Conservatives. If just a few dozen people switch over from Liberal Democrat to Green then Ute Michel can win in Ladywell and give residents the strong voice they deserve."

Can you help deliver some newsletters for us, or put up a 'Vote Green' poster in your window? If so, just e-mail sue.luxton@greenparty.org.uk with your contact details and we'll be in touch asap. Thank you!

Ladywell Village Improvement Group Petition

2010-10-01T23:55:00.003+01:00

Ladywell Village Improvement Group have been collecting signatures for their petition, which calls upon the Council "to accept and to implement from 2011, the recommendations of the Ladywell Streetscape Study which will help arrest the long and sad decline of Ladywell. These proposals are supported by residents and businesses alike, and to date have been warmly supported by Council officers also".

The petition seems very reasonably worded to me:

"The Ladywell Village Improvement Group, supported by the Ladywell Assembly, secured £10k from the Mayor's Fund to commission a Ladywell Streetscape Study. Experienced consultants Shape have undertaken this work, which included throughout extensive consultation with local residents and businesses and liaison with Council officers. The Consultants have now submitted their final report which makes clear, informed, robust and eminently sensible recommendations. Furthermore, mindful of the financial climate, it makes suggestions for the phasing of the recommended works. To fail to include these works within the Local Implementation Plan for 2011/12 and beyond will betray the aspirations of local people and could see the further decline of Ladywell as a viable centre."

You can read more on LVIG's blog, or go straight to sign the e-petition here. The petition closes early next week (you can also sign a paper copy in Oscar's Cafe in Ladywell). LVIG are keen that as many Lewisham people as possible add their names as we want to ensure that the Ladywell improvements happen in 2011 and are not scheduled for a later year when the level of TfL highways funding is uncertain.

Ladywell By-Election - help us put the Green back in Ladywell!

2010-09-26T20:12:00.005+01:00

You may by now have heard that Tim Shand, one of the new Labour councillors elected in May to serve Ladywell has chosen to take up a job offer in South Africa and resigned as a councillor, which means there will be a by-election. We don't know the date yet, but are assuming it will be on or around 4th November.

While it's annoying that someone who was only elected in May, has resigned and triggered a by-election, at a cost to local taxpayers in excess of £10k, it does of course present an opportunity for Ladywell Greens to regain one of the seats we lost back in May! I am looking forward to getting back out campaigning over the next few weeks to try and get a Green candidate, who is trully committed to Ladywell ward elected.

Our candidate selection meeting is taking place this Thursday, and we will announce on here shortly after who our candidate is. I know we have at least two excellent people who plan to put their name forward. I'm not standing myself this time - I'm rather enjoying the extra time I have now I'm not a councillor.

I think we have a very strong chance of winning this seat back, and making sure Ladywell has a strong green voice standing up for it again, looking for alternatives to cuts to services, campaigning to keep our childrens' centres and libraries open, but we'll need your help.

Here's how you can help:

By-elections cost money! Help us run an effective campaign by making a donation to our campaign fund today.
Put up a 'Vote Green' window poster for us. E-mail me your contact details and we'll get one over to you once the election date is declared.
Can you help us deliver our election address to your street, or could you convince some of your neighbours to go out and vote Green? Again, e-mail us and let us know what you would like to do.
Have you got questions/suggestions on our campaign, what you think our priorities should be? Again, get in touch.
Join us! We're a small party, but a growing one. We can do so much more and be so much more representative of the local community, if more of our supporters join us.

Thank you!

Two events this Saturday

2010-09-22T11:07:00.011+01:00

Two Lewisham Green Party events this weekend that supporters, as well as members, are welcome to attend:

80s Disco
Lewisham Green Party is 30 years old this month. To celebrate we are having an 80s disco. Come and join us and celebrate in style!

Saturday 25th September From 8pm. Brockley Social Club 240 Brockley Road, SE4 2SW. £4

Special prize for the best 80s outfit!

Autumn Foraging Foray: Saturday 25th September
Back in June we held a very successful foraging walk. Local member Darren Flint led a group of members and supporters around various sites in New Cross and Deptford. Participants picked wild rocket, nettles, elderflower, pineapple weed and fennel, amongst other things, which were then taken back to Darren's kitchen and turned into the most delicious meal.

Now, due to popular demand, we are having a follow up event. Saturday 25th September, 11am-2pm. Gather at the gates of Brimmington Park, towards the New Cross end of the Old Kent Road.
Come on a food foraging walk around South Bermondsey - we will gather a Summer harvest and walk up Telegraph Hill, where we will prepare a lunch of wild food and drink.

A voluntary contribution will be taken in support of Lewisham Green Party. To give us an idea of numbers, if you would like to join us, please RSVP to Darren.

Reminder: Council Consultation Meeting on Closure of Crofton Park Library TOMORROW, 23rd August

2010-08-22T11:41:00.003+01:00

The Council's public consultation meeting to get local views on proposals to close Crofton Park Library, is tomorrow evening (Monday 23rd August) at St Saviour's Church Hall, Brockley Road, from 7pm.

I plan to attend, and would encourage everyone else concerned at the proposals to come along too.

There is also a petition, which already has over 1,500 signatures. If you would like to sign it, you can do so online here, or by signing one of the paper copies available in various local shops, including Mr Lawrence Wine Bar.

Check out the Transition Brockley Blog!

2010-08-22T11:34:00.007+01:00

I just wanted to give a quick plug to the rather good Transition Brockley blog maintained by Alex, who also designed the rather nifty logo . The most recent article sports a picture of blackberries picked by yours trully in Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries. They made a spectacular blackberry & apple crumble!

Free food?! Foraging Walk and other events this weekend

2010-06-17T23:54:00.011+01:00

There's lots going on this weekend, including of course Hilly Fields Fayre on Saturday (midday onwards) and the Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries workday on Sunday (meet 10am by the old chapel).

Food Foraging Walk
Also, this Saturday, local Green and wild food afficionado Darren Flint is leading a food foraging walk between Deptford and New Cross. The plan is to gather wild plants (responsibly and carefully, under guidance from Darren as to what is ok to pick) and then go back to Darren's kitchen to prepare salad, soup, fritters and drinks using what's been gathered.

If you'd like to attend, e-mail Darren Flint today to book your place. Gather at the gates of the Laban centre on the corner of Creekside and Berthon St at 11am on Saturday (19th June). The walk is free, although donations to Lewisham Green Party are welcome.

I've always wanted to find out a bit more about this so will definitely be popping along before Hilly Fields Fayre.

Sponsored Walks
This week is Refugee Week and Sunday is World Refugee Day. AFRIL (Action for Refugees in Lewisham) is organising a sponsored walk to raise funds. They have a 5 mile walk "starting and ending at Hilly Fields and taking in the beautiful local sights of Blackheath, Greenwich Park and Lewisham Bus Garage" or a "a 1 mile circuit around Hilly Fields for smaller legs and families"! 10am -2pm on Sunday 20th June. For a fundraising pack or further information please contact Vanessa .

Another sponsored walk happening on Sunday, albeit a substantially longer one, is being under taken by local (Honor Oak) resident Norma Hibbert, who is walking from London to Brighton. Norma is one of the regular volunteers at Frendsbury Gardens and also won the 2010 'Love Lewisham Community Champion' award, in recognition of her hard work on the project. This is an annual walk she and a small group of friends make in memory of her son, Jonathan, and to raise money for the charity set up in his honour, which supports scholarships for Jamaican students. You can find out more information, and donate online at the Jonathan Hibbert Foundation website.

Free Composting Workshops at Devonshire Road Nature Reserve

2010-06-13T12:54:00.004+01:00

The Council's waste team is organising several free workshops on home composting:

Sun 27 June 10.30am - 12
Sat 17 July 11am - 12.30
Wed 11 August 6.30am - 8

The sessions will all take place at Devonshire Road Nature Reserve (which, if you haven't ever been there, is in itself well worth a visit).

To book your place (spaces are limited), e-mail the aptly-named Kristina Binns, with the title "YES for composting workshop", stating which day you will be attending and how many people will be attending.

Local Peace Events

2010-06-13T11:33:00.003+01:00

A few peace events coming up which may be of interest (via Lewisham & Greenwich CND):

The next Lewisham and Greenwich CND business meeting is on Tuesday 15th June in Mr Laurence's Wine Bar, 391 Brockley Road, London SE4 2PH at 7pm.

On Wednesday 16th June, at St. John's Church, Lewisham Way, SE8 4EA, South East London Palestine Solidarity Campaign is holding its AGM at 7pm with a report on the Gaza Flotilla at 7.30 pm. There will be an eye witness account from Alex Lort-Phillips who was on the Mavi Marmara. Frank Barat from the Russell Tribunal on Palestine will provide further information on the siege and the occupation. All are welcome to both the AGM and report on the Gaza Flotilla.

On Tuesday 15th June, at Mr Laurence's Wine bar from 6pm until 7pm, there will be an organization meeting for the Hiroshima Day commemoration on Tuesday 3rd August in Charlton House at which an atom bomb survivor (Hibakusha) will speak. This will be the 65th anniversary of the dropping of the bomb, and probably our last opportunity to hear about the effects of an atom bomb from somebody who was there.

The Charlton House Hiroshima day commemoration will continue with an evening of music and poetry organised in collaboration with The One World Club - a club of musicians and poets which meets at the Mitre in Greenwich every Thursday evening - see . If you would like to help organize this event, please come at 6pm.

Lewisham United Nations Association AGM: the Lewisham branch of the United Nations Association will hold its AGM on Thursday 17th June 2010 at 7,30pm in the Civic Suite of Lewisham Town Hall.

Immediately following the brief AGM, Lord Hannay, Chair of UNA-UK will speak on "A nuclear free world and how to achieve it". The event will be chaired by Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham. The evening will will conclude with music by the Lewisham choir with a conscience, The Strawberry thieves, and a light supper.

Hilly Fields Midsummer Fayre, Saturday 19th June, 12-5pm

2010-06-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

Sad that Brockley Max is finished for another year? Fear not, there's another community bash coming up on 19th June in the shape of Broc Soc's Midsummer Fayre on Hilly Fields. Details below, see you there!

Planning Application submitted for 46 Ladywell Road

2010-06-06T13:11:00.005+01:00

I'm pleased that the new owners of the former Nightwatch shop at 46 Ladywell Road have wasted no time in submitting a planning application:

"The construction of a two-storey rear extension in connection with the alteration and conversion of the rear part of the basement, ground and upper floors of 46 Ladywell SE13 to provide 2 one-bedroom self-contained maisonettes, together with the installation of a new shop front incorporating a separate entrance to the flats above and roof lights the front roof slope."

I think this will be the first planning application along Ladywell Road since the Ladywell Conservation Area came into affect, so it will be interesting to see whether officers insist on a higher quality shop front than many of those currently visible on the road. From the design and access statement it certainly sounds promising, with a commitment to installing a timber-framed new shop front and slate roof. I'm also pleased that they haven't applied for change of use but are sticking with A1 retail - we really don't want to lose any more units along Ladywell Road to non-retail uses.

I think this offers great potential to improve Ladywell Road and finally get rid of one of our longstanding blights. Having spent 4 years as a local councillor pushing for enforcement action to be bring this property back into use, this is one planning application I'm tempted to write in to support, now I'm not on a committee and can speak my mind!

The planning application number is DC/10/74347/X and you can view the details online here. Any comments should be sent to planning@lewisham.gov.uk.

(Hurrah!)

Another cracking Brockley Max Festival

2010-06-06T12:46:00.003+01:00

I spent a pleasant few hours yesterday sitting in Hilly Fields, reading the paper and listening to the music at Brockley Max. There were loads of people there, in particular lots of families and children who'd be taking part in the arts & crafts events.

Brockley Max is now a firmly established part of the local calendar and I very much hope that the new councillors and the ward assembly continue to give it their support.

Many thanks to Moira, John, Gill and all those who helped with this year's festival.

Three local schools, three planning applications - have your say

2010-06-06T12:26:00.004+01:00

Two schools in Ladywell ward, and two just outside it but attended by a lot of Ladywell children, have planning applications due to be submitted soon for refurbs or rebuilds - Gordonbrock Primary, Prendergast Hilly Fields, Lewisham Bridge and Brockley Primary School. Like most residents, I'm keen to see improvements made, and for the work to go ahead before the funding is lost, but am also keen to see good quality, sustainable buildings that will serve the local community for many years to come.

Gordonbrock Primary School
Following the legal action taken by Broc Soc and the consequent delay to the decant of the school, the Council plans to re-submit a planning application for the re-build of the school and is holding a public consultation event on its plans. Officers say that the scheme is based on the last planning application, but amended to reflect some of the comments made during the previous proposals.

The updated drawings along with members of the project team will be available at Gordonbrock school on Wednesday 9th June from 3:15pm to 7:30pm.

I haven't seen the revised plans, but from what officers said a few weeks back, I'm assuming the amendments to the plan include changes to the entrance area, so the Edwardian building isn't hidden behind the new building, and also to the materials proposed for the new building, rather than the white render previously proposed.

Prendergast Hilly Fields
I previously blogged about plans for the rebuild of the lower site of this school, and refurbishment of the listed building in the park. An application has been submitted to have temporary classrooms on Hilly Fields, on the flat patch of grass in between Prendergast School and the top of Eastern Road (see photos). You can view the application here.

I think it makes sense to make use of this space for the decant classrooms given it is there, rather than bussing students, provided the mature trees and the hedges around the edges are preserved, and the site restored to at least current condition (preferably better) after use.

Following a quick site visit with the chair of Friends of Hilly Fields yesterday, there are a few points that need clarifying, which we hope to raise with officers. We also thought that it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for a small S106 commitment towards improvements to Hilly Fields, in exchange for a section of the park being effectively annexed for two years. One suggestion from the chair was for funding to be provided to resurface the section of road from the gate at the top of Eastern Road to the school, particularly given that heavy vehicles are likely to be using the road and exacerbating its already poor condition. She was also keen for a granite sett under the gates, to make the entrance to the park clearer and smarter. It doesn't seem like a big ask, given the likely disturbance to park users while the building work is underway.

Astonishingly, and despite me specifically asking officers to do so several months back, Friends of Hilly Fields have still not be formally consulted on these plans, either by the planning department or the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) team. I think the planning department's list of local groups to consult needs updating to include park users' groups and other more recently established groups.

Anyway, comments on the application should be sent to planning@lewisham.gov.uk, with the planning application number (DC/10/74021/X) clearly marked.

Lewisham Bridge School
There was an initial, pre-planning consultation event a few weeks back, with new designs for the school, which incorporate the listed building, on show. I wasn't able to attend and can't find any online links to the plans. Has anyone seen them? What did you think? I'm particularly keen to see how much outside space is left with the revised plans. It would be really useful if the BSF team made these plans available online.

Ladywell celebrated the opening of two new playgrounds yesterday!

2010-06-06T10:10:00.012+01:00

Yesterday I was really pleased to be able to attend the official openings of two new play areas in Ladywell ward. At 2pm, the Mayor opened the brilliant new play area on Hilly Fields. It was a beautiful day and the playground was packed with children and parents using the new equipment and taking part in the arts & crafts sessions laid on as part of Brockley Max. The water pump, sand and fortress are huge hits.

Brockley owes a huge debt of gratitude to Rachel Mooney, chair of the Friends of Hilly Fields, for all her work on the plans for this play area and driving the project forward. A landscape architect by trade, she knows her stuff and also put in many hours of tedious form-filling to various bodies to get all the funding together for the project.

Keith has some good photos of the opening over at Hilly Fields Birdwatch.

Just before 3pm I popped over to Foxborough Gardens. While the Mayor was watching Billy Jenkins perform over at Brockley Max, Cllr Susan Wise, cabinet member for customer services (which includes housing and the environment) was doing the honours and opening the new play area in Foxborough Gardens. This is a project I've been involved in and supported since residents first got in touch back in June 2008, so I was determined to be there, even if only as an ex-councillor!

I was asked to judge the competition to choose the name for the new play area. It was a tough call, but the play area is now 'Fox's Garden', as suggested by nine year old Leila.

As well as the new play area, the TRA was successful in making a bid to Capital Growth, for funding to help set up a gardening project for children on the estate. Last weekend I helped residents and children (aged from approx 2 years to pensioners) with their first planting day. The children enjoyed it, though one of them ran off in disgust when he found out he was digging in horse manure! At the end of the session the children all took away a sunflower seed they had planted in a pot and are having a competition to see whose grows the tallest. I was pleased to see yesterday that the runner beans were already climbing up the sticks, and the only signs of any damage were due to local wildlife and easily fixable.

I'm now looking forward to seeing the new adventure playground on Ladywell Fields opening soon too, which will provide a much needed base for some of the older children in the area, and hopefully help keep them occupied over the summer.

Reviewing local assemblies priorities: online survey

2010-06-06T09:42:00.003+01:00

I meant to include this as part of my post yesterday but forgot.
At the meeting on Tuesday the ward assembly will be reviewing the current priorities. The priorities are the main concerns that effect those that live, work and learn in Ladywell and are likely to be the issues which are worked on over the coming year.

To help get feedback from as many local residents as possible, a short online survey has been set up about the current priorities and suggestions for new ones which can be accessed here.

The current priorities are:

1. Local shops
2. Playtower
3. Streetscape and environment
4. Lack of youth and community facilities
5. Anti social behaviour and crime

Ladywell Ward Assembly, Tuesday 8th June

2010-06-05T16:00:00.000+01:00

Update from ward assembly team and reminder about the Ladywell ward assembly this coming Tuesday.

Ladywell Local Assembly, Tuesday , 8 June 2010, 7 – 9 pm
Prendergast School Science Block, Adelaide Avenue SE4 1JL

What is happening on 8 June?

Streetscape Project feedback
Prendergast School Redevelopment
Elections to CG Group
Priority Feedback
Results of CG Elections
Community Updates

Elections to the Coordinating Group
The Ladywell Coordinating Group has been in place since the first Assembly and is due to be refreshed.

Being a coordinator is open to any assembly member. No past experience is required except for the expertise you bring as a community member. Being a volunteer on the coordinating group might involve helping to plan assembly meetings, helping design leaflets and flyers, suggesting how the assembly can reach out to all parts of the ward amongst different communities and contributing to the success of the Assembly Meetings.

Nominations and voting will take place at the Assembly on the 8 June so if you fancy becoming a member of the Coordinating Group come along and put yourself forward.

Project spotlight: Streetscape and Transport
As part of the Mayors fund £10,000 was approved for the commission of an urban designer to produce a design action plan for improving the streetscape for Ladywell neighbourhood shopping centre.

The project aims to achieve an action plan for improving the streetscape of Ladywell neighbourhood shopping centre which would be credible, achievable and have the backing of the local community as well as key stakeholders involved in the area.

The consultant involved in the project will be giving a presentation at the Assembly on the progress made so far and what happens next.

Easing back into things

2010-06-05T12:37:00.000+01:00

OK, we've had a few weeks to lick our wounds, sulk, be a bit indignant and ponder what to do next, including with this blog. Of course we've also had a few weeks of going to the pub, cinema etc instead of having evening council meetings, which has been fun! We are keen to avoid turning this into a sad ex-cllrs' blog, simply sniping at the new cllrs from the sidelines, but we didn't want to stop writing about things we are passionate about either. We had over 20,000 hits on this blog last year, and clearly did have a reasonable-sized local readership, in addition to the Chinese/Korean spammers.

So, the aim is to keep the blog going, mostly about local stuff, but also occasionally to scrutinise what's happening at a borough level. We may also open it up to a few other local Greens to post here too. Do get in touch if you have an event coming up or issue that you want us to mention here. And if it does start turning into nothing more than bitter rants or pictures of our latest gardening or culinary exploits, we trust you will let us know!

Thank you!

2010-05-08T13:24:00.004+01:00

Oh well, we gave it our best shot but it simply wasn't to be.

We always knew it would be tough to get re-elected in a local election on the same day as the general election, and despite our best efforts, we didn't quite make it. Darren was re-elected in Brockley ward, but we've been reduced from a group of 6 Green councillors down to just one. It was very close for the third placed councillor in the end, with Charlotte just 60 votes shy of getting elected.

Congratulations to Vincent, Helen and Tim, the new councillors for Ladywell. You can see the results in full here. Ladywell again had one of the highest turnouts in the borough, at 64.3%.

On a brighter note, the clear high point in an otherwise gloomy night for Greens in Lewisham was seeing Green Party leader Caroline Lucas elected as MP for Brighton Pavilion.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and the kind messages we've received in the past day or so. It is gutting to put so much work in to something only to lose, but that's politics. It was an honour to serve as a local councillor in Ladywell for four years, and I learnt a huge amount over that period. I'm proud of the work we've done, and hope to stay involved in the community as a local resident. I'm also looking forward to spending more time going out and having fun, rather than being stuck in meetings at the town hall until 10pm!

We're having drinks for everyone who helped us with our campaign next Sunday, 16th May, at Mr Lawrence Wine Bar, Brockley Road, Crofton Park, from 4-9pm. All supporters welcome.

Not quite sure what will happen with this blog, whether we'll just leave it like this, or pick it up again at some point down the line, but we'll keep it up here for now as snapshot of some of the work we did.

Decision Time

2010-05-06T07:00:00.000+01:00

Well, polling day is finally upon us. Blogging has taken a bit of a back seat in the past few weeks in the hurly burly of the election campaign. We've spoken to thousands of local residents - if we didn't speak to you, we knocked on your door and tried. We've worked hard over the past four years, think we've made a difference locally and would be honoured to serve the people of Ladywell for another four years.

If you agree, we hope you'll give us your support today, and vote for Charlotte, who we believe will make an excellent councillor and ourselves, as well as Dean for Mayor of Lewisham and Darren for MP.

Ute and Sue.

Brockley Society Meeting about Gordonbrock School

2010-04-26T16:44:00.004+01:00

Brockley Society, at the request of a number of parents of Gordonbrock Primary School, has agreed to hold an extra meeting to discuss their legal action against the Council with regards to the planning application for the school. Their invitation reads:

"OPEN MEETING: Proposals for refurbishment of Gordonbrock School. Tuesday 4 May, 8pm-9.30pm, Crofton Park Baptist Church, Brockley Grove (cnr Huxbear Street), SE4 1EA.

Brockley Society would like to present its alternative proposals to those of Lewisham council for the modernisation of Gordonbrock School. Working with a number of Gordonbrock parents and our architect, we have sought to demonstrate that there are alternatives to demolition and rebuilding, still achieving all of the goals for the school, and within budget.

We will explain why we intervened, and why so late. There will also be an opportunity for all interested parties to express their views and ask questions. All welcome."

A number of parents from Gordonbrock have asked that the motion below be put to the meeting:

"In light of the current economic climate and the certainty that budget for a school refurbishment shall be lost should work not commence this financial year, the Brockley Society shall offer no further objections to the redevelopment of Gordonbrock School".

I'm anticipating a lively and well-attended meeting, and (optimistically perhaps) hoping some kind of common ground can be found within the community.

Ladywell Hustings this Wednesday

2010-04-19T17:33:00.003+01:00

Ladywell Village Improvement Group are organising a Question Time with candidates for the local elections. Representatives from all the parties standing in Ladywell ward will be taking questions from local residents from 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 April at the St.Mary's Centre on Ladywell Road, SE13.

LVIG say:

"This is your opportunity to find out what each party has planned for our ward and everyone is welcome.

Please note - if you are attending and have a question you'd like to ask please register it by midday on Tuesday 20 April, along with your full name and address, by e-mailing ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk. Priority will be given, on the night, to questions submitted in advance."

Charlotte, Ute and I look forward to meeting people there on Wednesday.

Good news for Ladywell Road!

2010-04-19T16:52:00.005+01:00

After 4 years of Ladywell ward councillors hassling officers, officers threatening legal action against the owner and lots of residents getting in touch with us asking 'What is happening with 46 Ladywell Road?' I am happy to confirm that it has now been sold. I met on site today with the new owners, Ladywell town centre manager, Lewisham's empty homes officer, representatives from LVIG (Ladywell Village Improvement Group) and one or two people keen to get in quick and pitch their business proposals to the new owners.

The new owners are very keen to crack on and renovate the whole building, with a view to letting the upstairs out as flats and the downstairs as a retail unit. Their architect came today and made some preliminary sketches. We talked about local residents being keen to see a good quality shop front, and an A1 retail use, rather than yet another take-away or betting shop. We also touched upon the point that the area is soon to fall under a conservation area. I welcome this fairly open approach by the new owners and hope that by having this meeting with various interested parties early on, the property can be brought back into use in a way that will benefit, rather than bring down, the local shopping parade. Time, of course, will tell, but that's the hope!

It's been a very long drawn out process to get this far, but credit is due to the empty homes officer and the environmental health officer for doggedly pursuing this, along with LVIG members for keeping the pressure up alongside ward councillors.

I look forward to seeing 46 Ladywell Road back in us and if re-elected on 6th May, 63a Loampit Hill, the other most problematic property in the ward, will remain firmly on our radar. Its fate currently resides with lawyers wrangling over probate issues, as I understand it, which seems to be an incredibly protracted and frustrating process.

Green Party Election Broadcast 2010

2010-04-12T20:34:00.007+01:00

The Green Party launched its election broadcast today, with a new website. As well as watching the broadcast, you can personalise it and email it to your friends, and they can visit the site and not only look at our key policies but take a Policy Matchmaker test to see how close to the Green Party they are.

We don't get a great deal of national broadcast media exposure, so when we do, we need to get it right. I think this is pretty nifty, but what do you think?

New Campaign Video from Darren

2010-04-12T20:19:00.003+01:00

There is also an article about Darren and our campaign in Lewisham Deptford at Red Pepper. You can find out more at Darren for Lewisham Deptford. We welcome any offers of help - just pop into our campaign shop at 252 Brockley Road - open daily 10am-7pm.

Ladywell Young Greens!

2010-04-12T17:28:00.003+01:00

I've been feeling a bit exhausted today after canvassing most of the weekend (and for most weekends since well before Christmas), so it brought a smile to my face when a local resident and Green supporter sent me this picture of his baby daughter 'reading' our latest leaflet!

Letters with 'Vote Green' posters are going out now across the ward to many of our supporters. If you would like to put a poster up for us, please drop me an e-mail and we'll get one round to you - thanks!

Licensing Application: Cafe Oscars

2010-03-31T10:36:00.004+01:00

Café Oscars
48 Ladywell Road
Lewisham
London
SE13 7UZ

Applied for sale of alcohol Monday – Friday 1100 – 1800, Saturday 1100 - 1700 & Sunday 1100 – 1600.

Any representations either way should reach Lewisham Licensing Team by 28th April 2010. E-mail licensing@lewisham.gov.uk.

Prendergast Hilly Fields Plans - what did you think?

2010-03-29T20:52:00.004+01:00

I popped in to look at the proposals for Prendergast Hilly Fields at the drop in session this evening. I was quite favourably impressed, but would be keen to hear what others who saw the plans thought.

I suspect the two potentially most contentious aspects of the plans will be where to place the temporary classrooms while the lower site is decanted and rebuilt, and the extra height of the lower site buildings. The two options proposed for the decant classrooms are either to put them on two of the tennis courts for the year while the work takes place, or to put them on the land adjacent to the upper site school, near the basketball courts. With the first option, the community would lose the use of the tennis courts for a year, but potentially at the end of it, get brand new, resurfaced tennis courts. The second option would involve temporary loss of green space adjacent to the school but not, I'm told, involve needing to remove any mature trees. I need to go and take a look at the site to get a clear picture of it in my mind, and would be keen to hear the community's views on this, and the thoughts of Friends of Hilly Fields.

I like the idea of having one, high quality building on the lower site rather than the mish mash that is currently there. The proposals involve keeping the existing sports hall, but building around and above it. The new buildings would be 4 storeys in the middle and 3 storeys at the sides adjacent to the neighbouring houses. The extra height would enable the sixth form to grow, while the plans also include more landscaped outside space in the middle, with a sightline from Hilly Fields through to the cemeteries, 'connecting the two green spaces'.

The boundary treatment would be a combination of brick wall and quality railings, rather than the rather tatty chainlink fence currently there. There haven't decided on the exact materials they plan to use the the building itself, but are looking at brick, rather than a rendered finish, which should age better. The architect seemed keen to go for a brick colour that contrasted with the neighbouring red brick buildings on Adelaide Avenue rather than trying to match it.

I was keen to see how they envisaged the new building relating to Ivy Road, which has been problematic in the past. The windows of the exam hall that face onto Ivy Road have been boarded up almost since it was built, due to vandalism problems. Ivy Road is looking better these days, with less graffiti and flytipping, but there is still limited footfall along there and security is an issue. They seemed to be planning a delivery entrance on the Ivy Road side, and a bit more landscaping, rather than just the back wall of buildings, but it's a tricky issue to resolve.

The flat roofs on the new building incorporate both brown and green living roofs, which if done properly could look good from Hilly Fields, and while they were uncertain how they would attain the 20% renewables target, were looking at using air source heat pumps and solar thermal on the roof. Previous BSF schools in Lewisham have tended to go for biomass boilers, as they proved the most cost-effective way to meet the 20% target, but now there are concerns over the impact these may have on air quality and they are looking at other options. Solar thermal is not normally a viable option at schools, as there isn't a huge demand for hot water, but if the kitchens and sports facilities are all on the lower site, this may be more viable.

The changes to the top site building are fairly minor and, as far as I can tell involve adding a lift inside the main building, moving the kitchens down to the lower site to create more space next to the main hall, demolishing the rather tatty white toilet block and replacing it with outside space, and, rearranging some of the classrooms to create extra space.

The project team are looking to submit the planning application in April with a view to getting planning permission over the summer and starting the rebuild/refurb in the Autumn term. I would be keen to hear your views on the plans, if you saw them. I've asked if they can also be made available online for those who were unable to attend the drop-in session.

New refuse bins and recycling box/bin changes in the pipeline

2010-03-29T20:38:00.004+01:00

Over on his Love Lewisham blog, Nigel Tyrell, the Council's head of environment, has outlined his team's plans to make black bins smaller and green bins bigger, in a bid to encourage people to throw away less and recycle more. The new bins are being rolled out over the next few months and if it's affecting your street, you should get a leaflet beforehand. I supported the plans when we scrutinised them on Sustainable Development Committee and think it's a step in the right direction. I suspect they may be more suitable for houses rather than houses converted into flats. More details here.

Smaller wheelie bins will of course also block less of the pavement than bigger wheelie bins, though clearly the optimum is no wheelie bins blocking the pavement! This particular issue is clearly a bug bear of a number of residents I've been speaking to recently and I'd be keen to hear from more people about how you think the Council should approach the issue.

Future Community Garden?

2010-03-29T15:51:00.008+01:00

This little patch of ground, between Huxbear Street and Elsiemaud Road, has long been a bit of an overgrown spot, that has tended to attract fly-tipping. It probably did also provide a useful bit of habitat for a bit of wildlife, but it has now been cleared under the Community Payback scheme. It seems like an ideal spot for a few trees and a mini community garden.

After speaking to a number of residents on Huxbear Street and Elsiemaud Road, there seems to be support for something along these lines, along with some kind of path to maintain the short cut between the two streets. I've had a chat with an officer from the Council's Greenscene today, who is going to check who the land belongs to, but he was potentially up for offering support for a community garden there.

Any thoughts or offers to get involved? Leave a note in the comments box or e-mail me if you prefer.

Ladywell to get its own conservation area

2010-03-26T09:00:00.001Z

Back in December I posted about the consultation Lewisham's Planning Department were running to find out residents' views on establishing a conservation area in Ladywell. The report on this, went to Mayor & Cabinet on Wednesday and the Mayor agreed the recommendation to create a conservation area in Ladywell and approve the making of article 4 directions to the residential streets .

The area includes Algiers Road, Gillian Street and sections of Embleton Road, Ermine Road, Algernon Road, Ladywell Road and Vicar's Hill. You can see a (not very clear) map of the proposed area here, the report for Mayor & Cabinet here, and the report on the consultation responses here.

A bit of background from the report on the reasons behind establishing the conservation area:

"When the review of the nearby St. Mary’s Conservation Area was considered by Mayor & Cabinet on 29 November 2006, members of the public asked for the boundary to be extended to include the Ladywell area. Officers’ advice was not to include Ladywell into the St. Mary’s Conservation Area, but to consider it as a conservation area in its own right. Subsequent to this, this year’s conservation area review programme included the survey of Ladywell to assess the architectural and historic interest of the area and the drafting of a conservation area appraisal. The proposed Ladywell Conservation Area comprises a late Victorian residential suburban development which was built by Lewisham local developer Samuel J. Jerrard through the 1880s and 1890s. Jerrard built up long stretches of Vicars Hill and the newly laid out streets Algernon Road, Algiers Road, Ermine and Embleton Road, taking advantage of the topography and the good transport links to London. His houses are generously sized and stylistically highly distinctive as a group. The proposed conservation area also includes the infill development of the late 19th and early 20th century that completed the Jerrard streets as well as the commercial core of Ladywell, known as Ladywell Village, along Ladywell Road between the railway bridge and Slagrove Place. This area contains some of the oldest houses and pubs of Ladywell and Edwardian commercial properties that were constructed around 1900 in response to the rapidly increasing community around them."

The report states that the Article 4 direction will "withdraw permitted development rights currently allowed under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008 where visible from any public viewpoint. This means that planning permission will be required for alterations such as the replacement of windows or doors, retiling of roofs, rooflights, alterations to chimneys, demolition of garden walls, pebbledashing or painting of elevations and other minor alterations. The effect is not that those developments can not be carried out, but simply that they are no longer automatically permitted. This enables the planning service to retain some control over the design and detailing of proposed alterations".

The report explains that making an Article 4 Direction "usually involves formally serving a notice upon owner and occupiers and inviting representations. The notice will be accompanied by a guidance sheet explaining what an Article 4 Direction is, and why one has been served in this particular case. The need to apply for planning permission comes into force with serving the notice, but the Council will have to confirm the direction within six months, or it lapses."

Gordonbrock update

2010-03-25T12:46:00.001Z

Sue and I attended a meeting with council officers yesterday, and this is the update on the situation (further information will be available at the meeting with parents tonight):

Legal challenge: Judicial review proceedings have been issued against the Council in relation to the planning permission for Gordonbrock School granted on 21st December 2009. They were issued by an individual with the support of the Brockley Society on 18th March under reference CO/3771/2010. The basis of the claim is essentially that the planning decision is procedurally flawed. Following receipt of a pre-action protocol letter, which is part of the standard procedure in these cases, the Council instructed Leading Counsel, attended a consultation with him, and responded to the pre-action protocol letter. At all times the Council has acted in accordance with the advice of Leading Counsel. It was his advice that the Council could not resist the claim – in other words the Council has accepted that the planning application was procedurally flawed as it was claimed (even if legally correct), and notified the claimant accordingly. The claimant is pursuing the judicial review proceedings in spite of this.

Funding: As notified earlier, the funding for this scheme is less at risk than initially feared as it does not consist of government grants that have to be spent by a certain time. However, there are still financial risks associated with the delay. These are primarily due to the fact that we are close to elections both at national and local level. As the project is far advanced, in spite of the current situation, it seems unlikely that funding would be withdrawn after the general election. However, theoretically this could happen if an incoming government issued a moratorium on spending whilst all funding commitments of the previous government were reviewed. Likewise, at the local level, as financial decisions are made by the mayor, the decision to fund the Gordonbrock scheme could theoretically be reviewed by the incoming administration after the local election on 6th May. In responding to parents Mayor Steve Bullock has stated very clearly that he is fully supporting the part rebuild/part refurbishment of the school as planned. As ward councillors, we are writing to the mayoral candidates to ask for a formal commitment for funding for Gordonbrock school from them should they be elected. All responses will be posted on the blog in due course.

It is worth noting that these risks are less significant than a direct government grant funding scheme would have been but nevertheless they exist and need to be considered in assessing the situation and the impact of the delay on the Gordonbrock project and the overall funding required for it. It is clear now that there will be additional costs in implementing improvements at Gordonbrock and that the council will have to cover them.

Next steps: The Council is committed to the Gordonbrock project as planned and officers continue to work on it in light of the new circumstances and new timeframe. As stated above, the legal challenge is still being pursued. This means that the whole planning process has to be completed again and the decant would be more likely to take place in December/January. If the legal challenge were to be withdrawn (and we are not in a position to assess how likely or unlikely this may be), the decant could probably happen in time for September because different requirements would apply and a shorter timetable would be possible.

The Council's appraisal of Brockley Society's feasibility study will be discussed with Broc Soc representatives at a meeting on Friday in the first instance.

Access to documents: Some parents have written to Council officers requesting access to documents related to the legal challenge. Please note that the Council is not prepared to disclose the documents as they are currently the subject of legal professional privilege as litigation is now in progress (Section 42 FOIA 2000). The Council is also acting in accordance with Leading Counsel's advice with a view to securing that the flaws in the Council decision making are resolved as soon as possible.

The bigger picture: Understandably this may be of no importance to Gordonbrock parents, but the delay also adds pressure on the Council's provision of primary places as Gordonbrock won't be able to go up to 3 form entry from September as would have been possible with the planned decant to Greenvale. This shortage is substantial in the whole borough (and not related locally to the reduction at Lewisham Bridge School) and the Council has to take this into account when planning future provision of primary school places.

As the different issues above show, it is not possible to see just one concern in isolation when assessing the situation and the merits of different proposals for Gordonbrock School. It is rather a jigsaw of different factors that need to be considered together, and ultimately this means in most cases that the outcome is a compromise. The main objective in this case is to improve the learning environment for pupils at Gordonbrock – with the added complications of previous delays, limited funding available, limited space, inevitable disruption for pupils, staff and parents, increased school place requirements and beautiful old but no longer entirely fit for purpose buildings. Noone has probably ever claimed that the plans for Gordonbrock that were passed in December were anything other than a compromise, but we feel they were acceptable in the existing circumstances that should finally enable much needed and long overdue improvements to be made for the benefits of current and future generations of pupils. It is laudable to strive for the perfect solution – it is even more ambitious to aim for the best that is practically possible. We don't think solely pursuing the preservation of the buildings regardless of the consequences, even if this ultimately might mean no changes were made at all, is a responsible position to take.

This blog is 4 years old today!

2010-03-24T11:59:00.001Z

I've just belatedly realised that it was 4 years ago today (24th March), in the run-up to the 2006 local elections, that I started this blog, more of an experiment than anything. Rather pleased that notwithstanding the occasional break we've managed to keep posting on it right through our term as councillors.

Hopefully it's served its purpose and has been another way for us to let residents know what we're up to, in addition to our newsletters, ward assemblies and face to face contact with people.

It's late now and time to sleep, but we will post tomorrow on Gordonbrock (Ute's writing up notes from our meeting with officers today), Ladywell Conservation Area and the Street Markets Review my committee has just finished . . .

Gordonbrock decant delay - a bit more info

2010-03-21T22:40:00.005Z

I've been out and about in the ward over the past few days, spoken to a fair few residents and understandably the delay to Gordonbrock School's decant is the number one issue on many people's minds. Lots of concern over the impact this will have on pupils, some children in tears at the news (having spent a large part of this term preparing for the decant), parents left out of pocket having arranged childcare for the extended holidays that wouldn't now be needed and on the whole, great annoyance.

Even some of those who had not been keen on the rebuild plans or the prospect of their children being bussed to Greenville for 18 months said they had got used to the idea, prepared their children, and now the rug has been pulled from under them. Unsurprisingly, I didn't meet a single parent delighted at the prospect of their children being educated in those awful huts in the playground for another 6 months.

A little more info I gleaned from officers:

Parents Meeting: There will be a meeting for parents of Gordonbrock pupils at the school on Thursday 25th March at 7pm to discuss the situation.

Funding:
One of the key concerns parents have raised is whether the funding will still be there in 6 months time, given the economic climate, the forthcoming general and local elections, and the prospect of a new government making big cuts. Officers said that a large part of the funding for the work is due to come from council prudential borrowing rather than central government funding which means that, assuming the incoming Mayor after 6th May supports the project, the chances of it going ahead are pretty high and not wholly at the mercy of a new national government.

A lot of people I spoke to were highly suspicious about the reasons given for the delay, given that funding was withdrawn in 2005, and thought it was some kind of council ruse to avoid rebuilding Gordonbrock. Nothing I've heard from officers so far makes me think this is the case and I believe the Mayor is still fully committed to the project (and will hopefully confirm this to reassure parents in the next few days). Never say never, however.

What happens next?
Things should become clearer to everyone by the end of this week, but it looks like the planning application will have to be resubmitted and the process gone through again. As I understand it, this is due to a mistake by the planning department and picked up on by Brockley Society lawyers, in not getting an Environmental Impact Assessment done, which apparently is required for sites over half a hectare.

Clearly there are lessons to be learnt by the planning department here, and potentially exceedingly expensive ones for the Council (going through the whole planning process again, securing the decant site and temporary classrooms for six months, legal costs etc won't come cheaply).

Council Officers, together with the head teacher and a governor, are meeting with representatives from Brockley Society this Friday, to discuss their legal letter and feasibility study and have promised to update ward councillors shortly after that.

In addition, Ute and I have a meeting with the Council officers leading on the project this Wednesday. If you have specific questions you would like us to put to them, do let us know, or of course you can ask them at the parents meeting on Thursday evening.

Ladywell Pub Quiz in aid of LVIG, Tuesday 30th March

2010-03-19T11:00:00.000Z

Prendergast Hilly Fields - drop in session to view designs for rebuild/refurb, Monday 29th March

2010-03-18T23:06:00.007Z

Gordonbrock Primary isn't the only school in Ladywell earmarked for rebuild/refurb plans - Prendergast Hilly Fields is also due to have millions of pounds spent on it, under the BSF (Building Schools for the Future) programme. The plans involve demolishing and rebuilding the existing buildings at the lower site on Adelaide Avenue, and refurbing the existing listed building on Hilly Fields "in line with English Heritage guidelines".

A drop in session has been arranged for local residents to see the designs and meet the project team on Monday 29th March, from 5-8pm, in the hall on the Adelaide Avenue site.

I would urge people to go along and have their say. Let's see if this can be third time lucky, after the problems with both the Lewisham Bridge and Gordonbrock school projects. Done properly, Lewisham could make this an exemplar of how to refurbish a historical building to high modern standards of energy efficiency. As with the other BSF projects, the funding is PFI, so as we'll be paying through the nose for it for the next 25 years, let's at least make sure it's good.

Gordonbrock Decant - delayed

2010-03-18T18:16:00.005Z

I found out today that the decant and rebuilding programme for Gordonbrock School has been delayed by six months due to a legal challenge by Brockley Society. I heard from Council officers on Tuesday evening that a delay was likely, and letters were sent home to parents yesterday confirming this. I understand that Council officers and Brockley Society representatives will be meeting next week to discuss the legal challenge, and hopefully more will become clear after that. There will also be a meeting for parents at the school soon, date tbc.

I don't know the details, but my understanding is that the challenge is to do with whether or not the Council carried out an environmental impact assessment as part of the planning process.

At this stage I've got a lot more questions than I have answers, and am keen to get more information from officers as soon as possible, particularly about what the financial implications of this latest delay will be. While I've been quite vocal in my criticism of aspects of the planning application, in particular the appearance of the new building, I worked constructively with officers to secure some (modest) improvements to it, and was clear that the latest application was an improvement on the 2005 application in a number of ways. I am concerned that this latest delay may jeopardise the funding, and while I think the current plans are far from perfect, they are far better than no improvements at all. It would be awful for the school to once again lose the funding, as happened 5 years ago.

In addition to the legal challenge, Brockley Society have published a feasibility study suggesting an alternative way of refurbishing the existing buildings, without demolishing any of them, but still increasing capacity to three form entry, creating larger classrooms, a large assembly hall etc. The document, looks professionally produced and clearly the society have put a lot of time and effort into it, but comes very late in the day, just a few weeks before the decant was scheduled to start. I've asked officers for their views on the viability of what is proposed in it, and what the financial implications would be.

I hope to be able to be able to post more information soon, when I have it. In the meantime I've set up a straw poll on the site to gauge readers' opinions. If the options I've given don't cover your view, please use the comments section of this post to share them.

Questions to Mayor & Cabinet - responses

2010-03-11T23:21:00.004Z

On 1st March, we had our final full council meeting of this term. I took the opportunity to submit a number of written questions to Mayor & Cabinet on a number of issues, including several long-term unresolved pieces of casework. Sometimes it can be useful to get a formal response on record, rather than just e-mail, and sometimes it can trigger useful action. I asked questions on:

road safety at the junction of Tyrwhitt Road and Hilly Fields Crescent
the state of the footpaths in Hilly Fields
environmental enforcement action on 46 Ladywell Road
Brockley PFI: leaseholder major works repayment terms
Brockley PFI: living roofs on garages
school places and discussions with the owners of Convoys Wharf about plans for the new school there

The questions and responses to these are below, plus one Ute asked about 63a Loampit Hill, another long-term unresolved piece of casework we've been chasing for 4 years.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Deputy Mayor
A number of local residents have raised safety concerns about the junction of Hilly Fields Crescent with Tyrwhitt Road. It is a popular place to cross to get to Hilly Fields, but something of a blind spot for all road users due to the bend in the road. Has the Highways department ever carried out a safety audit at this location and have highways officers got any recommendations on how safety could be improved here? Have there been any recorded accidents here in the past 5 years?

Reply
Hilly Fields Crescent and Tyrwhitt Road are within a 20mph zone with traffic calming, which was installed in 2005. There are no recorded accidents at this junction in the 5 year period to the end of October 2009, the latest available data.

There are no current proposals for this junction and safety audits are carried out only on planned schemes. Visibility at this junction on the western side is poor with the added complication of a bus stop there.

The Council maintains a list of small scale traffic management and pedestrian crossing requests. A proposal for a controlled crossing just east of this junction is on the list of locations to be assessed as to whether a zebra crossing is viable. An assessment will include pedestrian counts, vehicle speeds, desired crossing points and visibility before a crossing can be designed. If viable it will be added to the list of small scale schemes to be prioritised and those to be progressed will be the schemes with the highest priority and within the budget available.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
For the past two years Brockley Cross Action Group have organised a popular and well-attended Fun Run on Hilly Fields. However this year they are so concerned about the state of the footpaths on Hilly Fields that they fear it will be unsafe to do so. Obviously, this is very disappointing for the many local residents who take part in this event. Please could you provide an update on what progress has been made with plans to resurface the footpaths on Hilly Fields?

Reply
The poor condition of footpaths in a number of our public parks is one that we are keenly aware of and continue to make repairs through both planned maintenance and externally funded works. We were successful, in the spring of 2009, in securing funding to resurface and repair the east to west pathway.

Lewisham is very fortunate to have many great parks situated on high ground, affording wonderful views across London, however these hills are made up of London clay which cause more problems in laying pathways. The costs of resurfacing is therefore extremely high.

In partnership with the local community, we are actively making improvements at Hilly Fields, this Spring will see the installation of a new children’s playground and works are progressing with the exciting cricket project. These improvements make the need for good footpaths a priority. With this in mind we have bid for Transport for London cycling and walking funding to resurface the north to south pathway, from the bowls club to Eastern Road. We will learn the outcome of the bid in March, and if successful works can take place early in the new financial year. Should the bid not be successful some repairs will be made to this pathway, but not a full resurface.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
In September 2008 the Council’s environmental health team served an enforcement notice on 46 Ladywell Road, a long-term derelict property, regarding the state of the property and a pigeon infestation. Please can you outline what steps have been taken since then to bring the property back into a state of repair and whether the notice to carry out works in default will now be carried out, given that the owner has not taken any remedial action?

Reply
There is a Notice served under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that requires the owner to abate a statutory nuisance being caused by pigeons infesting his property through holes in the rear main roof.

The notice requires the roof be repaired or renewed.

The owner has made no attempt to comply with the notice or accept offers of help made by the Empty Properties Officer. The Council has little option therefore but to carry out the works in his default if this nuisance is to be abated. Officers are currently arranging for the property to be viewed by a contractor to have the roof repaired.

The Council will pursue the owner for all its costs and charges for this work.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
Please provide an update on when a decision on leaseholder repayment terms for major works bills will be taken?

Reply
A proposal on extending leaseholder repayment terms for service charges and major works has been sent to Lewisham Homes and Regenter B3 for their leaseholders to consider and provide comments on. It is hoped that a report setting out the extended repayment proposals will be made to Mayor & Cabinet during March for consideration.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
In answer to a question I asked in May 2009, I was told that Regenter B3 were looking at the possibility of constructing a living roof utilizing some of the garage roofs they manage. Please can you provide an update on how many garage roofs have been replaced under the Brockley PFI contract, and of these, how many to date have incorporated living roofs?

Reply
The construction of a living roof is still a possibility within the Brockley PFI. This scheme is non contractual and RB3 has had difficulty locating the owners and keys to the majority of the garages. RB3 is now in a better position to consider this scheme and will consult with councillors in the spring time to locate and construct a living roof.

Question by Councillor Luxton of the Deputy Mayor
Further to my question in June 2009, have Council officers had any recent discussions with the owners of Convoys Wharf about the proposals to build a school on the site? Have the discussions focussed purely on primary school provision, or have officers discussed including some secondary school provision? Please can you also confirm whether any discussions have taken place with Greenwich Council about Lewisham utilising the now closed Charlotte Turner Primary School, which is almost adjacent to the Convoys Wharf site?

Reply
The Council is now in ongoing discussions with Hutchison Whampoa, the owners of Convoys Wharf, regarding their proposals for the site. The Council is seeking to secure the delivery of a primary school on the site together with a contribution to the cost of providing off-site secondary school places.

A variety of options are currently being considered about how to expand our primary place as well as ensure sufficient decant space is available for our building programmes. Officers are liaising with their counterparts in other boroughs so that a strategic response can be taken across borough boundaries.

Question by Councillor Michel of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
Please could you provide an update on what steps the Council is taking to recoup the money it has spent on repairs in default to 63a Loampit Hill? Please outline the reasons for the latest delays and give an indication of how long you think it will take for this to be resolved?

Reply
A new roof was placed on this property, by contractors, who carried out works in default following an abatement notice under the Environment Protection Act 1990. The failed roof was giving rise to a pigeon infestation. Notice was served on 21.5.05 and works completed in November 2007. A charge of £20,442 has been placed on the property. This debt remains outstanding along with interest.

The elderly owner of the property has since died. Legal Services have been endeavouring to serve notice on the relevant proprietor to chase the outstanding debt and interest. Only recently has it been established that an application for probate has been made but outside of the jurisdiction of the UK. As soon as the issue of probate has been resolved the authority will pursue its outstanding charge. If the debt remains outstanding the council will seek to take possession of the property under the Law of Property Act 1925 and dispose of the property in auction.

Consultation on Lewisham's Planning Policy

2010-03-11T20:54:00.003Z

A Council consultation is currently underway on the Local Development Framework (LDF). This is the proposed new overarching planning policy, which if approved will replace the existing Urban Development Plan (UDP). It is these policies, along with the London Plan, that planning officers and planning committees have to use when reaching decisions on planning applications.

This is the third attempt Lewisham's Planning Department has had at consulting on this document after the two previous version of the LDF had to be scrapped when government guidelines changed. Lewisham Green Party councillors submitted detailed comments on the previous version and we will do so again on this version. A few of our points from previous consultations were taken on board and incorporated into the new framework, but most were not.

I would encourage local residents to respond to this consultation and make their views known. Concerns over the major developments planned for Lewisham town centre have been far and away the biggest issue on the doorstep when we've been speaking to Ladywell residents recently, particularly those living near to Loampit Vale. This document enshrines in policy the 'growth corridor' vision for Lewisham, Deptford and Catford town centres and it's important that residents views on this are taken on board.

That said, however far this planning framework is from what I'd like to see, it is a considerable improvement on the existing UDP. It's been incredibly frustrating over the past 4 years to sit on a planning committee with local planning policy that is not fit for purpose and leaves you all too often powerless to turn down inappropriate developments.

You can see and respond to the consulation online here. The deadline for comments is Tuesday 6th April.

Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries: Friends meeting next Tuesday

2010-03-11T20:16:00.003Z

The next meeting of the Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries is on Tuesday 16th March at 7.30pm at the Brockley Grove depot. I've had several people contact me concerned about work taking place in the cemeteries so I'm keen to hear from Council officers what work is being done and why, and what progress has been made on producing a longer-term management plan for the cemeteries, both as historical cemeteries and a borough site of nature conservation importance.

It is also hoped that the person who is seeking to renovate the grave of poet Ernest Dowson will be present to give an update on their plans.

FOBLC are having a workday jointly with the Council Nature Conservation Department’s Nature’s Gym on Saturday 20th March 11am – 2pm. Please meet at the chapel near the Ladywell Road gate. Note that this a change of date from that previously announced

After that, their next workday is scheduled for Sunday 18th April 10am – 1pm.

Friends of Hilly Fields - record turnout for meeting

2010-03-10T15:17:00.008Z

There was a record turnout of around 40 people for last night's meeting of Friends of Hilly Fields, with standing room only in the park keeper's office. Normally between 5 and 10 people show up. The reason that so many people came last night was due to concern over the wording of an article on the Friends of Hilly Fields' website, which was rather anti-dog and threatening to try and ban dogs from Hilly Fields.

The post wasn't written by the chair, or the other active members of the group, didn't represent their views, and has since been removed, but had clearly caused distress to a number of responsible dog owners who had read it. Once this was clarified, a very productive meeting ensued, with lots of dog walkers hopefully leaving with an appreciation of the hard work that a relatively small number of committed friends of Hilly Fields have been carrying out on a voluntary basis for a number of years.

Among the items discussed, some of which Rachel, the chair of the group will be following up on directly, and others which I will follow up on, were:

The failure of Glendale to clear away the Autumn leaves in a timely fashion. The park keeper Keith had done his bit, and collected all the leaves in one area, but they were only removed in January/February, by which time, the Spring bulbs were already coming up and the eventual removal of the leaves from the shaded garden area caused damage to the usually impressive display of crocuses and snowdrops in that part of the park. Glendale have apologised, but the Friends are keen to make sure we don't see a similar occurence next year. This has something that had already been flagged up to me and I have followed up on via the casework system.
The spraying of fungicide on the tennis courts - a gentleman present wanted to know what was sprayed, whether this was within guidelines and whether there was any risk to children on the adjacent play area. (Mike knows a lot more about this kind of thing than I do, and chatted to the resident concerned afterwards).
The poor state of the steps to the park from Vicar's Hill, and the fact that the corpse of a dead fox had been near the Vicar's Hill entrance since the beginning of February and not removed despite being reported.
The perceived increase in vehicle usage in the park, on paths rather than just on the roads around, and the damage this was doing both to paths and the grass alongside them, with muddy ruts appearing. This is something I've noticed more of recently too, and think Glendale need to make clear to their staff that they should only be driving their trucks on the park when they need to move equipment, not everytime they want to get from A to B rather than walking.
The proposals for a mini-orchard of 8 apple trees between the stone circle and the nature reserve.
The fact that Friends of Hilly Fields have affiliated to the Octavia Hill society and are looking to commemorate the centenary of her birth with a project in the shaded garden area in her honour. Octavia Hill was a leading social reformer and one of the founders of the National Trust. She lived locally (on Elswick Road I believe) and was instrumental in raising subscriptions to save Hilly Fields from being built over. More info on the history section of the Friends of Hilly Fields website.
Keith, the Hilly Fields bird champion, (who has a blog too), reported that 18 species were spotted during the Hilly Fields Big Bird Watch at the end of January.
The state of the footpaths in the park and concern over safety at the Tyrwhitt Road/Hilly Fields Crescent junction (I'll blog about this separately as I asked questions at the recent Council meeting on this subject).
The gate to the shaded garden area still not having been fixed, which means that dogs off leads wander in, when it is supposed to be a dog free area (I've reported this twice now via the casework system, and been told it's on the list, but why it takes so long to repair a gate I don't know).
The possibility of organising another Dawn Chorus (for those who like to get up and listen to birdsong at 6am). Apparently the beginning of April is the best time to do this.
Josh from Lewisham Community Sports was there to answer questions about his organisation's work in the park. Some concern was expressed that the grass by the stone circle has still not recovered from the lengthy period the marquee was up last year, and there was some discussion as to whether Glendale should have done remedial work out of the license fees paid by Lewisham Community Sports and Brockley Max to hold their events in the park.
Peter Rankin from Envirowork Lewisham spoke about their proposals for the cricket pitch (see previous post), which were broadly welcomed.
The gates on Eastern Road - discussion over the fact that there are lovely gates, a previous successful Friends of Hilly Fields project, but that they are rarely locked by Glendale due to issues over who has keys, Prendergast needing access etc. In addition the 'no unauthorised vehicles' sign is too small and too far up the road, so people don't notice it or ignore it. As a consequence, lots of vehicles that ought not to are getting on to the park and it also leads to other problems such as fly-tippping.
Dog-fouling: those present at the meeting suggested it was time for some concerted action on this, not just by Council officers, but more of a community effort, and maybe to have another day of putting flags next to all the dog muck, so dog owners (the irresponsible minority of them, that is) could appreciate the cumulatie effect of not clearing up after their mutt.

All in all, a very useful meeting, with lots of things to follow up on.

Things I never expected to hear myself saying, part 1

2010-03-05T12:55:00.006Z

"This isn't about ethics, or climate change or the environment, this is about primary fiduciary duty."

Gulp.

Me, a week or two back, in pensions committee, arguing that we should instruct our fund managers to support the BP and Shell Shareholder motions going to their AGMs, which call for them to further consider and justify the economic as well as environmental grounds for investing in tar sand oils.

Tar sands (or oil sands) are among the world’s dirtiest fuels: their extraction produces on average three times the greenhouse gases of conventional oil. The pollution, deforestation and wildlife disturbance associated with tar sands developments also threaten the traditional livelihoods, health and wellbeing of indigenous communities. In addition, serious questions have been raised about the financial risks of oil sands. It's far from clear that they represent a prudent investment.

Fair Pensions is campaigning alongside a number of other organisations, including Greenpeace, to encourage pension funds to support the shareholder motions which are going to the BP and Shell AGMs in April and May. You can find out more about their campaign, and contact your pension fund to ask them to support the motions, by going to their Counting the Cost website.

As a member of Lewisham's Pension Committee, we are regularly reminded by officers that a 1% drop in pension fund value equates to having to find £1m from the Council's budget to meet its pension liabilities and that we can be held personally responsible if we go against legal advice and the fund loses money (don't think it works the other way round). And I've gradually learnt over the past few years that talking about ethics gets you nowhere with fund managers and gets lawyers very alarmed and reminding you of your primary fiduciary duty - our main responsibility is to maximise profits for the pension fund and sod the consequences. So a campaign that encourages pension fund members to challenge fund managers on their own terms, rather than 'woolly ethics' was music to my ears.

In this case, with regards to the tar sands motions, officers advised us to delay making a decision until a report on the tar sands issue has been published by the Local Authority Pension Funds Forum (LAPFF), of which Lewisham is a member. If the LAPFF recommends supporting the motions, then Lewisham is likely to do so, although the decision has ultimately been delegated to the Exective Director for Resources, as the committee won't be meeting again before the AGMs. If all the local authority pension funds that are members of the LAPFF support the shareholder motions, this will send a clear and powerful message to the management of BP and Shell.

Do take a look at the Counting the Cost website for details of how you can support the campaign.

Lewisham Green Party campaign shop, 252 Brockley Road

2010-02-26T20:29:00.009Z

One of the reasons I've not posted to this blog much recently is that my day job as constituency organiser for Lewisham Deptford has been getting much busier (and there's unlikely to be much let up before 6th May!).

However our campaign took a big step forward this week with the opening of our campaign shop at 252 Brockley Road.

It's open 10am - 7pm daily (volunteers permitting), and will be our base for the duration of the local and general election campaigns.

Do pop in if you'd like to say hello or to:

Find out a bit more about our policies and pick up a mini manifesto.
Browse our range of second-hand books for sale at £1 (from next Tuesday; donations of good quality books welcome)
Find out more about how you can support our campaign.

We also need volunteers to help us staff the shop. We are looking for people able to do a 3-hour shift (10-1pm, 1-4pm or 4-7pm) on any day of the week. Pop in or e-mail me if you can help.

For those who don't remember, this is the shop as it was before. After a busy day of moving tombstones (no, really!), sweeping and mopping, by the end of Monday our campaign shop was starting to take shape.

Crowley Memorials have moved to a larger site on Stanstead Road. Our lease on 252 Brockley Road is just until after the general election, and Home2U estate agents are looking for a longer-term tenant for after that. The shop needs a bit of work doing to it (we have strategically-placed spider plants to absorb some of the water leaking through the roof and it's flipping freezing due to lack of insulation), but it's in a prime location. There is also a huge cellar area that would be ideal for someone needing workshop space. It would be great to see a good A1 retail use on this site again once we've vacated it.

*For those wondering, yes, I did pick up that litter by the door, but didn't notice it until after I had taken the photo unfortunately!

Caroline Lucas MEP on Channel 4 Political Slot

2010-02-26T20:20:00.004Z

Aargh! It's been one of those months where I've barely had time to breathe, let alone post on this blog. I will make a supreme effort to catch up on loads of local stuff v soon. In the meantime, a bit of party political propaganda from the Green Party:

Gordonbrock Decant and Rebuild

2010-02-10T01:19:00.003Z

I realise I've been slightly out of the loop on the Gordonbrock decant and rebuild plans since the planning committee meeting. Just seen on the school website that there was a meeting for parents on 21st January about the decant and the presentation can be viewed here. The decant is scheduled to start on 10th April, after the Easter Hols and Ladywell Day Centre Sports Hall in Dressington Ave to be used as drop off collection point.

I've asked for a briefing from officers to update me - any specific queries/concerns about the decant that you want me to raise on your behalf?

Ladywell Social Assembly on Saturday

2010-02-03T23:03:00.001Z

Invites to the Assembly were delivered to all households in the ward yesterday, so this is just a reminder that it’s going to happen on 6th February at Prendergast School’s lower site on Adelaide Avenue. It is not an ordinary sit down Assembly – you can drop in at any time between 1 and 3pm, wander about the stalls and find out what’s happening locally. About 20 local groups, the organisations that received funding from the Assembly and some council services will have stalls to present their work and answer questions.

I am really excited about this Assembly for two reasons: Firstly, there is so much happening in the ward, and this is an opportunity to see it all in one place – literally from provision for young children and their parents to the history and wildlife of the cemeteries.

Secondly, this is the first opportunity after the funding decisions made by the Assembly meetings last year to catch up with the successful organisations and their projects – some ongoing, some just started, some waiting for better weather. A considerable part of the funding was allocated to activities for young people, but it also supports arts, local history, leisure activities for all ages, tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and a streetscape design project.

It seems unfair to single out particular organisations or activities here so please come along and find out for yourself!

Lewisham Green Drinks - tonight, 7.30pm onwards

2010-02-01T16:49:00.002Z

Just a quick plug for Lewisham Green Drinks, which is taking place at Mr Lawrence Wine Bar, Brockley Road, 7.30pm onwards tonight.

Guest speakers - At 7.45pm we will have guests Kristina and Joe from Lewisham's Waste and Recycling department to give us the latest update from their department.

All welcome! It's green rather than Green, ie not party political. Although I helped to organise it a couple of years back, I've long since handed the organising over to non-politically aligned greens, so we (hopefully) don't put off anyone who is more into green than Green! Anyway, I'm babbling, full details below:

LEWISHAM GREEN DRINKS
What: A group set up with the aim of helping green-minded people network with other green-minded people living and working in Lewisham.

When: 1st Monday of every month from 7.30pm
Where: Mr Lawrence Wine Bar, 389 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, SE4 2PH
Why? For anyone with an interest in green/environmental issues to meet up and chat/network informally with like-minded individuals.

Same principle as London Green Drinks, see http://www.greendrinks.org for further info.

Hope to see you there!

Gate designs for Hilly Fields Playground

2010-01-28T23:11:00.011Z

I'm aware this is my third consecutive post about Hilly Fields, but it's all happening there at the moment, and these designs by Gordonbrock School pupils are too lovely not to post about.

They are for the gates for the playground on Hilly Fields and this Saturday, from 12.30-3pm, APT Studios in Creekside will have an exhibition of the designs.

This is part of the exciting playground works which will be taking place over the next few months. More details over at the Hilly Fields Users' Group website.

Hilly Fields to get investment in new cricket pitch

2010-01-23T20:13:00.004Z

A project that I know has been in the pipeline for a few years now, to restore the cricket pitch on Hilly Fields, is finally set to come to fruition, with the announcement this week that funding totalling £600,000 has been secured from the Big Lottery, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the London Marathon Charitable Trust to regenerate the pitches both at Hilly Fields and in Mayow Park (Sydenham).

Congratulations are due to Peter Rankin from local social enterprise Envirowork Lewisham, who has played a key role in driving this project forward, together with Teachsport and officers from Lewisham's parks department. Former England cricket captain Mike Gatting has been involved and supportive of the project and has visited the site in Hilly Fields.

The pitch will be on part of the flat bit by Francis Drake Bowling Club, alongside Hilly Fields Crescent. I believe this is where a cricket pitch was originally located in the park, many years back.

This is great news, along with the new playground which should be going ahead shortly too.

Now, all we need to do is find some lovely grant-giving organisations to foot the bill for resurfacing the footpaths on Hilly Fields (six figure sum required) and we'll be sorted! (Easier said than done, I fear!)

RSPB Big Birdwatch on Hilly Fields

2010-01-22T14:06:00.006Z

Visit Hilly Fields on Saturday 30th January to take part in the RSPB’s Big Birdwatch: the world’s largest bird survey. Bird-lovers will be congregating at 11am beside the park keeper’s office for two hours of surveillance. Last year, 20 different species were spotted.

No need to worry about restless children spoiling your view, either: there will also be various children’s activities going on as part of the event, including birdfeeder-making and drawing workshops.

For more information, visit Hilly Fields Users' Group website or email them.

Coming up this week . . .

2010-01-18T17:21:00.002Z

Tomorrow night (Tuesday 19th Jan) there is a public meeting to discuss the planning application for a children's playground in Foxborough Gardens. The meeting is at 7pm in Ladywell Centre. The planning committee that will consider the application is on Thursday (21st), from 7.30pm, in the town hall.

Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries have their next meeting on Wednesday (20th Jan), 7.30pm, in Brockley Grove depot, Brockley Grove (opposite Crofton Park Baptist Church). They will be reviewing the 'Up the Line' event that took place for Armistice Day, and planning future events. Their planned workday for this weekend had to be cancelled due to the weather.

Transition Brockley/Lewisham (it's mostly Brockley people but those from elsewhere are also welcome) are having their next meeting this Thursday (21st), 8pm onwards, at The Orchard Bar/Kitchen, Harefield Road.

And a bit further afield, this Sunday (24th) is Seedy Sunday, and South London Garden Organic have details of a seed swapping event in Dulwich.

Exciting activities in Ladywell

2010-01-18T16:13:00.003Z

Eight projects in Ladywell ward are soon going to make a difference after the final go-ahead for the funding from the 2009/10 Locality Fund was given by the council last week:

· A second notice board cabinet for the Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries (£1,000), at the Brockley Road end to complement the one that went up at the Ladywell end in the autumn.
· Street trees for the stretch of Brockley Road between Ivy Road and Wickham Road (£1,900), in addition to the funding for street trees in Arabin and Braxfield Road – trees are scheduled to be planted in the spring.
· Bowling equipment for Hilly Fields bowling green (£500), which will enable the bowling club to extend their programme of free bowling coaching for residents of all ages.
· A plaque to commemorate the original Lady Well in Ladywell Road (£500).
· A contribution to the Brockley Max Festival in 2010 (£1,300); this year the focus of activities is going to be on younger and older people (under 25s and over 55s).
· Start-up funding for youth provision 'Vessel Works' (£1,900) for equipment to set up a production studio for music production, graphic design and video editing, to be based at Crofton Park Baptist Church.
· Printing costs for a Ladywell walking tour leaflet (£1,200) which will highlight the local natural history and the built environment and encourage residents and visitors to the area to find out more.
· Contribution to the Saturday School in Ladywell Centre in Dressington Avenue (£700); this takes place every Saturday during term-time from 10am-12pm for children aged 4-15.

Thanks are due to the 318 residents who participated in the online poll about the funding that was held in November – a very good turnout and strong support for improving the area in different ways.

You can find out more about those projects (and much more!) at the next Ladywell Assembly, which is going to take place in Prendergast School (lower site on Adelaide Avenue) on Saturday, 6 February from 1-3pm. This is going to be a social assembly with stalls from community groups and council services so you can drop in at any time and find out more about what is happening in the area. Refreshments are provided and there are probably going to be activities for children (tbc).

And finally, good news about the Youth Village project that received funding from the Mayor’s Fund. The Assembly allocated £1,000 (also from the Locality Fund) to upgrading the alarm system at the Ladywell Centre so that the sports hall could be accessed separately, in order to allow extended community use. This work has been completed and the Youth Village offering activities for 13-19 year olds is starting there now! Watch this space for further details.

Royal Mail and Posties on Bikes

2010-01-12T11:36:00.010Z

There's an interesting petition on the Number 10 site at the moment, calling for Royal Mail to keep posties on bikes. The blurb with the petition reads:

"The sight of a postman pedalling down the street will become much rarer under plans by the Royal Mail to phase out thousands of bicycles and replace them with vans.

Environmental groups have queried why the Royal Mail would replace a sustainable form of transport with one that causes congestion and is dependent on fossil fuels. Bicycles have been used to deliver post since 1880 and the Royal Mail has more than 16,000, made by the British company Pashley."

I've signed it, as I agree with the general gist of it (ie 2 wheels no combustion engine good, 4 wheels lots of co2 bad), but I suspect the reality on the ground is a bit more complex and varies considerably around the country.

Yes bicycles are a green way to get around, and it is crazy for the Royal Mail to do away with them entirely and to foist changes on its workforce from above, but they are more practical in some situations than others.

In Lewisham, for example, most of the posties have electric trolleys, because the volume and weight of post is too great for them to carry comfortably on their shoulders, and the distances they cover fairly short compared perhaps to more rural or suburban areas, where bikes and vans might be more practical.

Musculoskeletal problems are the number one health issue for Royal Mail delivery staff, and reducing the weight delivery staff have to carry around is key to tackling this. The CWU have also been very concerned about the number of posties using private vehicles to get their deliveries to their delivery round due to the weight of the deliveries and a lack of Royal Mail vehicles. They are not covered by insurance when they do this.

Clearly we want the Royal Mail to be opting for the greenest, lowest carbon delivery method possible, but I wouldn't want to be on some kind of evangelical green mission to cut carbon, at the cost of ignoring health & safety issues for workers.

That said, as this CWU letter to the Guardian points out, there is a potential contradication between Royal Mail signing up to 10:10 (great), which commits it to reducing its carbon emissions by 10% in 2010, and introducing 24,000 extra vehicles to its fleet.

I think the Royal Mail needs to:

agree changes with its workforce, who know their patches well.
not adopt a one size fits all approach but look at it on an area by area, round by round basis
acknowledge that there is still an important role for bicycles to play within their delivery fleet.
invest in the most low-carbon and fuel efficient vehicle fleet they can (I'm told that BT are currently leading the field in this - anyone know if that's true?).
ensure that any bicycles surplus to their requirements go to a good home and are not thrown on the scrap heap.

You can find the Royal Mail's CSR (Corporate and Social Responsibility Report) here. There's lots of promising-sounding stuff in it - they've already reduced their CO2 emissions by about 12% over the past few years, they are aiming to be the lowest carbon postal operator in Europe, but there's still plenty of scope for improvement/potential for them to go backwards.

If we're to cut our carbon emissions by the amount required to avoid runaway climate change (we may already have missed the boat there of course), we need companies with large vehicle fleets, such as Royal Mail and BT, to lead the way in getting the most sustainable vehicles available, which should then shift the whole market further in that direction.

However, it does also beg the question of what we do when oil prices shoot up and petrol becomes harder to come by, due to diminishing supplies? Go back to bikes, and just ban junk mail, perhaps?!

If there are by chance any posties out there reading this, I would love to hear your views!

What do you think of Lewisham's markets?

2010-01-11T13:11:00.003Z

The Council's Sustainable Development Committee, which I chair, is undertaking a review of Lewisham's markets and would welcome feedback from local residents on what they think of them.

This week I have a series of meetings with market traders to get their input, and we will be holding a couple of stalls at markets to get customer feedback. There is also an online survey that you can complete on the Lewisham Council website.

We're keen to get feedback on both the street markets and farmers' markets - what you think works well, anything that you think is missing or could be done better, what would encourage you to use them more often etc.

Hilly Fields looking lovely

2010-01-07T15:58:00.012Z

Just got back from a walk on Hilly Fields, which is looking absolutely lovely. Loads of people are out enjoying the snow, including lots of 'big children' off work and sledging. The photos were only taken on my phone, so nothing spectacular, but they give a flavour.

For info on what Lewisham is doing to try and minimise disruption to residents during the wintry weather, see the Council's website here.

Mattress recycling and clearer labelling on recycling bins: two good new initiatives from the Council's Environment Team

2010-01-07T11:07:00.005Z

Lewisham's head of environment, Nigel Tyrell has a blog. He very wisely steers clear of politics but uses it to let people know about new initiatives within the team, developments on the lovelewisham site etc. It's well worth adding to your blogroll.

Earlier this week came the welcome announcement that Lewisham is going to start offering a free mattress collection and recycling service, in partnership with a new company, Matt-UK, which has set up near our Landmann's Way waste site. All you have to do is get a sticker from the local library, put it on the mattress and leave it out on the evenign before your normal waste day and it will be taken away. They estimate that they will be able to recycle about 97% of the materials and sell them on to be made into new products, while also avoiding waste going to landfill or (in Lewisham's case) incineration. Sounds like a great idea to me. The icing on the cake would be to have a market to sell on the recyclate in the UK, rather than Asia, but it looks like that isn't possible just yet.

The other good bit of news, which is something I know a number of councillors have flagged up before, is that bins are going to have stickers on them explaining what can/can't be recycled. The ones we had before looked great, but didn't have the necessary detail on them, so many people have been unsure about what can/can't go in their green bin. Hopefully this will help to reduce the recycling contamination rates, which are currently very high in certain parts of the borough and result in a lot of the recyclate collected being incinerated rather than recycled, because it has got food or garden waste mixed in with it. (Pat on the back for Brockley and Ladywell, which our waste officers said had the lowest level of contamination in green bins, when they carried out a waste analysis).

And of course, at the end of last year the battery recycling scheme started at Lewisham libraries and the Christmas tree recycling service is again being well used by residents locally, judging by the numbers of them piling up on the corners of Hilly Fields. You can find details of these and other recycling facilities on the waste and recycling page on the Council's website.

These are all good initiatives and I don't want to belittle the progress that has been made, but Lewisham still has a pretty low recycling rate compared to other boroughs and there is lots more we need to do. One of my bug bears at the moment are the things that you struggle to recycle if you don't have a car to take them to Landmanns Way. Things like broken electrical goods, which you shouldn't put in wheelie bins. Also, the garden waste scheme that ran over the summer, while better than nothing, wasn't much use for us gardeners without cars (and only about half the borough owns a car). I've lost track of the number of residents on the doorstep who've asked when they are getting their brown wheelie bins back (a garden waste collection pilot that took place a couple of years back). I've also got a whole stash of defunct low energy light bulbs in my cellar waiting for an opportunity to recycle them.

The other thing I'm keen to see some progress on is what happens to our collected paper, cardboard and glass. British paper mills won't take paper and cardboard that has been collected together with glass, as happens in Lewisham, so it is generally shipped abroad (China or Malaysia, if I recall correctly) where there is a market for it. Likewise, because the glass has been crushed and the colours mixed, it is unsuitable for reycling back into glass, so is used for aggregate for roads etc. Unfortunately any solution is likely to cost more and/or add an extra layer of complication into recycling for local residents, as it would either involve separate bins for paper and glass, separate recycling days (eg one week paper, one week glass), extra rubbish trucks on the roads collecting them separately or perhaps a return to the street corner recycling bins for glass.

Another thing that residents often ask about, is why tetrapaks and other juice cartons can't be collected in the green bins. Until now, the problem has been that because they are mixed materials (card, plastic and metal), the MRF (materials recycling facility) have been unable to separate them mechanically, as they do with the other types of recycling. I understand that we might be getting some good news about this in a few months, but in the meantime, juice cartons can still be taken to a number of reycling points in the borough, including New Cross Sainsbury and Lewisham Tesco.

What would be next on your shopping list to improve waste and recycling facilities in Lewisham?

Brookbank Road and Hilly Fields Crescent resurfacing works to start tomorrow

2010-01-04T17:38:00.002Z

Highways have contacted us to let us know that the long-awaited resurfacing works on Brookbank Road are starting tomorrow (Tuesday 5th January), and Hilly Fields Crescent on 11th January. I'm told that just the section of Brookbank Road between Hilly Fields Crescent and Shell Road is being done, but all of Hilly Fields Crescent. I suspect this is because it is the section on the bus route, and it is the top half of Brookbank that is in the worst state.

Residents in those streets should have got a letter through their doors a few days ago asking them to move their cars. The 484 bus route will be diverted along Montague Avenue and Adelaide Avenue while the works take place.

Congratulations to Rev Barry Carter OBE!

2010-01-01T10:57:00.002Z

A quick post to say happy new year and congratulations to Rev Barry Carter, from St Andrews Chuch, Brockley Road, who has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's honours list for services to the community in Brockley.

Although Barry theoretically retired a couple of months back, after 30 years at St Andrew's, he is still leading services until his successor is in position and with his wife Christine will still, I'm sure, be playing at active role in the church after that.

St Andrew's Centre is very much at the heart of the local community, with loads of events held there every week, from pensioner lunch clubs to mother and baby groups, and I suspect a sizeable chunk of its continued success is down to Barry's hard work over the years.

(hat tip to Nick from Brockley Central who beat me to it with this one)

No surgery on 26 December

2009-12-22T11:00:00.002Z

The surgery at St Andrew's Church which would be scheduled to take place on 26 December (the fourth Saturday of the month) is not going to take place. The next surgery is on 9 January at Hilly Fields Medical Centre on Ladywell Road, the next surgery at St Andrew's is on 23 January, both from 11am - 12noon.

In case of emergencies over the festive period please call the council's switchboard on 020 8314 6000.

Hilly Fields Playground Plans - update

2009-12-21T22:53:00.003Z

Rachel from Hilly Fields Users’ Group has posted an update on their website about how plans for the playground are progressing, and reports that if all goes well work should start on site at the end of January.

Transition Brockley - end of year update

2009-12-20T13:16:00.006Z

I've just received the following end of year report from Transition Brockley. It's pretty impressive to see what they've already done in the first 8 months. Local people just getting on with things and preparing their community for a low carbon future, without waiting for politicians to get their act together.

After the depressing news from Copenhagen this weekend, in which the US and its cohorts effectively condemned the world to catastrophic climate change, there's a stark contrast and it's a small light in what otherwise makes for a rather gloomy state of global affairs right now!

SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR TRANSITIONERS! !
End of year update for Transition Brockley/Lewisham.

We had our first meeting in April of this year and can report that we have:

* FILM SHOWINGS: hosted a couple of film events at St.Andrews Church in Brockley and Manor House Library in Lee showing the Power of Community and A Farm for the Future as well as couple of short films about Transition Towns Totnes and Brockley to highlight the importance of moving away from reliance on fossil fuels and how urban sustainable food-growing is possible;

* VISIONING: had people contributing many ideas about how they envision a future low-carbon and community friendly Brockley at film showings and the Flux event (see below);

* REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT: discussed our own small steps to reduce our carbon footprint and build our resilience to peak oil. Assisted by the 3 Tonne Handbook and the 10-10 campaign;

* COMMUNITY VEGETABLE PLOT: helped with the setting up of a vegetable garden at St Saviour's Church, one of the 2012 community food growing spaces to be created by the year 2012 under the Capital Growth scheme;

* FRENDSBURY GARDENS: supported this community garden with their successful application for funding to continue to be able to provide the facilities for giving courses in all aspects of sustainable growing and to increase its wildlife habitat;

* FLUX: held a very successful awareness raising and fun evening at the Brockley Social Club with a magician, live band, DJs, swopshop, wheel of fortune and other visioning activities on a transition theme. It was a real community event with all ages enjoying the fun! We look forward to the next one....;

* THE WAVE: taken part as TT Brockley / Lewisham (with banner!) in the Wave, climate change march on Saturday 5th December; and

* ORCHARD: supported an initiative of local Brockley residents with plans for an orchard in an overgrown plot behind their flats. The ground has been cleared, soil has been taken for testing, and, together with the London Orchard Project, they will be planting trees in the spring.

OTHER INITIATIVES:

* 9carrots: Various local businesses have joined the 9carrots scheme, whereby they pledge to put aside 10% of the money they take from 9carrots customers for an upgrade to make their business more energy efficient. The scheme really NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT, so do tell your friends and if you can, go along and spend with them and say you would like a 9carrots voucher. This will help them to achieve their target and also support our local businesses. Signed up so far are:

* The Shop On The Hill, 7a Harefield Road
* The Broca Food Market, 209-211 Mantle Road
* Mr Lawrence Wine Bar, 391 Brockley Road
* Royal Tandoori, 387 Brockley Road
* EXP Chinese Experience, 390 Brockley Road

If you know of any businesses who would like to join the scheme, feel free to sign them up (contact us for details).

* GLOBAL ACTION PLAN: We organised for GAP (an independent charity which advises business on energy saving measures) to visit a couple of local small businesses to discuss how they might make energy savings, and help them survive the current economic downturn. The visits were welcomed and the businesses have asked GAP to return to work with them in the new year.

* BEEKEEPING: With the invaluable help of our local beekeeper, Camilla, we have sparked off a substantial increase in the number of beehives being set up in the area, following two 'veils-on' sessions with buzzing bees and a film showing of The Mysterious Bee. There has been a huge interest in beekeeping in response to the worrying decline of the rural bee and the (by contrast) fortunate good health of the urban bee.

* PERMACULTURE COURSES: Courses (for individuals) in sustainable growing using permaculture principles are planned for the spring and being organised with Frendsbury Gardens. Negotiations are also under way for permaculture courses to be held for Lewisham's Envirowork, and Glendale, the council's parks and gardens maintenance team, have expressed interest.

* SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT: The proposal Transition Brockley submitted to increase the Government fund for grants towards renewable energy installations (the Low Carbon Building Programme) has been shortlisted by the LGA for review by the Secretary of State, who will decide whether to recommend this proposal for acceptance by the Government.

* TRANSITION SYDENHAM: Alona from our group has started up a Transition Sydenham initiative with a meeting at the end of November. This group will focus on two garden-related topics: a) twinning underused gardens with gardeners who want a growing space, and b) community gardens for growing food. A meeting in January 2010 will plan in more detail what the group can do and the next steps to take.

Let us know if we've missed anything. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

As we'd like to support local venues, our NEXT MEETING will be at the recently opened Orchard bar/kitchen, 5 Harefield Road, Brockley at 8.00pm, Thursday 21 January.

Happy Christmas!

Alex, Alona, Fran, Katie

If you aren't already on the Transition Lewisham e-mail list, you can sign up here.

Should Ladywell have a conservation area?

2009-12-17T22:48:00.004Z

Lewisham Planning Department is consulting residents in Ladywell about whether or not a Ladywell Conservation Area should be introduced. The area between the leisure centre and the railway bridge is already part of St Mary's Conservation area, and the area from halfway up Adelaide Avenue comes under Brockley Conservation area, but the main streets in Ladywell, such as Algernon Road, Algiers Road, Veda Road, Embleton Road, Ermine Road and Ladywell Road are not currently in a conservation area. It is this area that is currently being consulted.

One of the main differences between living in a conservation area or not is that planning regulations for conservation areas are stricter, and you need permission for certain changes to your home that you might not need outside it, such as replacing windows and the intention behind this is to preserve the aesthetic and architectural character of the area.

I've included below a bit more information from officers about the proposals and you can also find the documents on the Council's website.

The proposals are supported by a conservation area appraisal that sets out the special interest of the area and explains why it may warrant designation, including recommendations for the future management of the area. These proposals are out to public consultation from now until 27 January 2010. Residents, businesses and stakeholders in the area should all have been sent an explanatory leaflet and a questionnaire asking for their views.

Officers will be available to explain the proposals on Saturday, 9th January between 12.00noon and 3pm at the Foyer of the Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham.

Background to the conservation area review:
Local Planning Authorities are required to identify from time to time which parts of their areas are of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Unitary development plan policy URB 15 says that the Council will periodically review its conservation areas programme, designate new Conservation Areas and extend existing ones as appropriate, and formulate and publish special guidance for their preservation, protection or enhancement.

The new Ladywell Conservation Area:
The core of the proposed Ladywell Conservation Area contains a late Victorian residential suburb which was developed by the local builder Samuel J. Jerrard. Through the 1880s and 1890s he built up long stretches of Vicars Hill and the newly laid out streets Algernon Road, Algiers Road, Ermine and Embleton Road. His houses are highly distinctive as a group and his development survives nearly complete. The conservation area also encompasses some good later infill development of the late 19th and early 20th century and the commercial core of Ladywell along Ladywell Road, which contains some of the oldest houses and pubs of the area.

Much of the special character of the proposed Ladywell Conservation Area lies in the historic detail of its buildings. The survey of the area has identified the incremental loss of architectural details and inappropriate alterations as a cause of the area’s loss of historic character. If designation as a Conservation Area is considered it is recommended to make an Article 4(2) direction at the same time to cover all the residential properties. This will mean that planning permission will be required before changes are made to features such as windows, doors, porches, rooflights, brickwork, front gardens and boundary walls.

We would be interested to hear local residents views on these proposals. To make sure your views count, do remember to return the form you get through your door, or you can complete the online version here.

Copenhagen - 1 day left to get the deal

2009-12-17T17:51:00.005Z

Just got the latest e-mail update from Franny Armstrong and the Age of Stupid team. They are in Copenhagen and running a nightly TV show (The Stupid Show) for the duration of the talks. She sends pretty bleak news:

"With just one day to go here in Copenhagen, the deal is on target to commit us all to a 3.9 degree temperature rise, which would equate to something like:
- Africa uninhabitable
- Southern Europe a desert
- Australian agricultural system wiped out
- All coral reefs gone
- Most forests gone

The world leaders are now starting to arrive - 120 of them are expected, which would be their biggest-ever get-together - and have certainly got their work cut out if they're going to shift things to the extent that's needed to avoid disaster."

We need to commit to no more than a 2 degree temperature rise, and developing countries, including a number of small island nations most vulnerable to sea level rises, are calling for 1.5 degrees. It's primarily the developed countries that have created the CO2 and burned up the planet's resources, yet it will be the poorest countries that pay the highest price and suffer the harshest effects of climate change.

The widget above should provide updates on how the negotiations are progressing and the Green Party website is also being regularly updated with news. If you're aren't one of the 11m who has already signed Avaaz's petition to world leaders calling for a strong climate deal, then you can still do so here - I think they must have handed the first 11m or so in and started again, as it's now at 240,000.

Don't forget the Christmas Markets tomorrow!

2009-12-11T13:26:00.003Z

A quick reminder about the Ladywell and Brockley Christmas markets tomorrow. The Ladywell one is outside Ladywell Station from 10am-4pm, while the Brockley one is on Coulgate Street from 12-6pm. Lots of food and crafts stalls, including my neighbour Eleanor's deli stall, which is part of her ongoing market research before (hopefully) setting up a shop in Ladywell. According to flyers in Ladywell Chippy, a new boutique/gift shop is also opening at 89 Ladywell Road tomorrow, though it looked some way from being ready when I walked passed earlier.

And don't forget that after the market the festive fun continues with LVIG's fundraising gig in Ladywell Tavern from 7pm onwards.

In other news:

The surplus railguards on Ladywell Road and Algernon Road have been removed today/yesterday. Hurray! Ladywell Road and Algernon Road are already looking better. We may need a couple more bike racks now though, eg outside the pub.

EDF Energy are cutting power to half the businesses on Ladywell Road this Sunday, in order to connect the new Oyster card machines at Ladywell Station. Despite having planned this work since the end of October when they applied to the Council for a street works permit, they only saw fit to notify their business customers on Ladywell Road earlier this week. They've indicated that the work should be completed by around 10am - if it's not, businesses face losing a day's trade on one of the busiest days of the year. If you're planning to go and buy your Christmas tree from Ladywell DIY on Sunday morning- take some cash as their credit card machine won't be working until the power is restored.

Ladywell ward councillors' advice surgery - tomorrow at 11am

2009-12-11T13:20:00.000Z

Our next councillors' surgery is taking place tomorrow, 11am-12pm, at Hilly Fields Medical Centre, Adelaide Avenue. Do pop along if you've got any queries/problems about council-related services that you want to raise with us.

Planning Applications: Foxborough Gardens, Algernon Road, Kneller Road

2009-12-08T15:54:00.005Z

3 new planning applications in the ward that I thought worth flagging up.

1) DC/09/71852/X: The provision of children's play equipment on the communal open space at 105-151 and 153-199 Foxborough Gardens SE4.

2) DC/09/72886/X: The continued use of land adjacent to 48 Kneller Road SE4, as storage land, for the parking of motorhome vehicles thereon as a security measure.

3) DC/09/72782/X: Redevelopment of land to the rear of 6-24 Algernon Road SE13, involving the demolition of existing buildings; the erection of 3 buildings between 2 and 4 storeys in height and accommodating 34 residential units; the provision of access and car parking, landscaping, amenity space and play space; and the erection of retaining walls.

The first is an application to build a new play area on the green in front of the tower blocks in Foxborough Gardens. This is one of the projects which was awarded funding as part of the Playbuilder scheme and which I blogged on back in February.

The second application for Kneller Road is something that was flagged up to me by Kneller Road residents concerned about on street parking and noise disturbance.

The third application is probably the largest housing development to come up in the ward in recent years, and is for housing on the mews to the rear of Algernon Road, where Mersh Brothers MOT Centre is currently.

If you click on the links above, it should take you to the application details online. Any comments should be sent to Lewisham Planning, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4SW, or they can be e-mailed to planning@lewisham.gov.uk. Don't forget to include the address and application number with your comments.

Foxberry Court bins - sorted!

2009-12-08T15:19:00.008Z

We've been picking up a few extra bits and pieces of casework recently, while out speaking to residents. In Foxberry Road, residents complained that because the bins in Foxberry Court did not have lids, the rubbish was blowing down the road and foxes etc were getting into the bins. Happily, this was an easy one to solve and our waste officers acting promptly to get new lids fitted on the bins - thanks Paddy! If only all casework was resolved this easily . . .

The number to call to request new bin lids, report lost bins, fly-tipping, graffiti, or for pretty much anything else to do with the Council's Environment services is 020 8314 7171.

The Wave - Act fast and fair on CO2 cuts

2009-12-05T23:46:00.023Z

There was a big turnout for 'The Wave', the climate change protest in central London today, including lots of people from Lewisham. The protests were called as part of the build up to the Copenhagen talks on climate change and designed to send a clear message to world leaders that we want a fair deal for all, and legally-binding targets for cuts in carbon emissions.

Pictured above are Charlotte Dingle and Jim Jepps, Green Party candidates for Ladywell and Crofton Park respectively.

I marched with my sister and nephew who travelled up from Suffolk for the day, with lots of others from Suffolk Wildlife Trust. It was my 6 year-old nephew's first protest, and he was most impressed with all the planes overhead in London as he sees more tractors than planes back home! Hmm, he was, however, wearing his 'Keep the planet cool' t-shirt a certain aunty bought him!
There was also a fair-sized contingent from Transition Brockley

There's a handy guide to the Copenhagen talks and what campaigners want from them on the Green Party's website.

Left: Charlotte, me and Ute in parliament square at the end of the march.

Lewisham and Greenwich Young Cyclists win another award!

2009-11-29T23:41:00.005Z

Congratulations to Lewisham and Greenwich Young Cyclists and John Ball Primary School, who have won another award for their pioneering work. Their prize was the Grizelda cartoon above. To find out more about what they do, their next rides etc, check out their website.

Local meeting on Gordonbrock Planning Application

2009-11-23T15:03:00.003Z

A meeting has been arranged by planning officers to give local residents a chance to discuss the planning application for Gordonbrock Primary School with officers and the applicants. The meeting will take place this Thursday, 26th November, 7pm, at the school.

These meetings are normally held if there are more than 10 objections to an application, which is the case in this instance. I have been asked to chair the meeting so will be remaining neutral. Officers have indicated that a living roof and rainwater harvesting have been added to the plans since the consultation event at the school. I have also asked them to provide further information about the building footprint and the size and design of the outside play areas, as this is one of the aspects of the application that seems to have caused most concern to those who commented on my previous post on this.

Do come along if you want to discuss the proposals in more detail with officers. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Ward - 25 years service award

2009-11-18T23:59:00.008Z

Congratulations to Elizabeth Ward, who today received her Long Service Award for 25 years working for the Council. For the past 13 years, Elizabeth has worked at Ladywell Day Centre in Dressington Avenue, and before that she worked at other day centres and care homes in the borough.

She is popular with both staff and centre users and known for the energy and enthusiasm she puts into her work.

Elizabeth lives locally and is also an active member of our ward assembly steering group and Foxborough Garden's TRA (tenants and residents association). She is persistent in flagging up repairs and issues on her estate and prodding the necessary people (often us!) until action is taken.

It was a real pleasure to be invited along to the day centre today to see Elizabeth get her award. And no, she didn't pass up the opportunity to give me a bit of casework!

New Yoga Class starting in Ladywell this Monday

2009-11-18T23:56:00.004Z

Just got sent this by a friend - sounds good . . .

Online poll on funding to improve Ladywell

2009-11-14T15:18:00.015Z

Following the decisions made by the Ladywell Assembly on allocating the Mayor's Fund, there is also £9,000 to be spent from the annual Locality Fund for smaller scale projects. Eight projects aiming to involve the community and improve the area have been submitted, and there is an online poll for you to vote for those you would like to see funded.

The projects are:
1. Noticeboard cabinet for Brockley Cemetery
2. Street trees for Brockley Road
3. Equipment for Hilly Fields Community Bowling Green
4. Plaque to commemorate the original Lady Well
5. Contribution to Brockley Max Festival
6. Social enterprise “Vessel Works” for young people
7. Ladywell Walking Tour leaflet
8. Contribution to Saturday School

The poll with brief descriptions of the proposals can be accessed here, and it will only take a couple of minutes to complete - so please take part and have a say in how Ladywell should be improved!

The poll is open to anyone who lives, works, studies or uses facilities in Ladywell ward – this is a much larger area than Ladywell village. The deadline for the poll is 30 November 2009.

If you would like to find out more about the Ladywell Assembly, local facilities and previous funding, click here.

New notice board for cemeteries group

2009-11-14T14:26:00.001Z

The new notice board for the FOBLC (Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries) is now up at the Ladywell Road end of the cemeteries, and looking very smart. This is one of the items funded by last year's localities fund. Ute has just posted details of bids for this year's fund, and how you can have your say. (I'm cheating and pre-dating this post by an hour or so, in order for the poll post to stay at the top for a while!).

On the downside, this smart new notice board makes the various council ones at the Ladywell end of the cemetery look a bit tatty now. Given that the Council also now needs to advertise the changes the new dog control orders (which come into force this Monday) mean for the cemeteries (dogs allowed on leads), and there is probably a case for a bit of rationalisation of the various council signs into one, with opening times, dog restrictions, contact details, etc all on one good quality sign.

On a slight tangent, one of the various notices currently at the entrance to the cemeteries says 'no cycling'. What do readers think about this? Personally, I think that we should open up the entrance on Brockley Road (by Brockley Primary School) and encourage considerate cyclists to use the cemeteries. We could potentially draw in some funding to resurface one of the footpaths if it was also a designated cycle path. It could provide a useful alternative to get from Ladywell to Brockley avoiding the main roads and in my opinion, as long as cyclists are considerate of other cemetery users, the more people we have using the cemeteries, the better, as it will help improve security there.

I always think it's a bit unfair that cars are allowed into the cemetery but that cyclists have to dismount. I can understand the need for those with mobility problems or carrying tools to tend graves to park near their graves, but don't see why those on bikes shouldn't be able to do the same. What do others think?

Date for Diaries: Ladywell Christmas Market: 12th December.

2009-11-13T00:39:00.005Z

Brockley Christmas market is back again too, on the same day, but from 12-6pm, so plenty of time to pop across Hilly Fields from one to the other.

Application to turn former off-licence on Algernon Road into a hot food take away

2009-11-11T16:47:00.004Z

We've just been notified of the following planning application for change of use from A1 retail to A5 (hot food take away).

DC/09/72751: 222 ALGERNON ROAD, LONDON, SE13 7AG
Proposal: The change of use of the ground floor unit at the front of 222 Algernon Road SE13, from retail (Class Use A1) to Hot food Takeaway (Use Class A5), together with the installation of an extract flue on the rear elevation.

This is the former off-licence, next to the tattoo parlour. You can view the application online here.
If you wish to comment on this application, you should do so in writing by 26th November. You can e-mail planning@lewisham.gov.uk, or write to them at Planning, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU.

Thames Water contractors go AWOL with job half-done on Ladywell Road

2009-11-11T14:30:00.007Z

This was the scene on Ladywell Road today, thanks to Thames Water contractors, who on Sunday dug up the road (presumably to fix a leak), did a temporary fix of the pavement, blocked off the pedestrian crossing and, as far as I can tell, haven't been back since.

Meanwhile, pedestrians, including many school pupils from Gordonbrock and the two Prendergast schools are being forced to jump over railings or make a long detour to cross the road, which is surely an accident waiting to happen.

I have called Lewisham's Highways team to raise my concerns and asked them to chase Thames Water, and also logged a call directly with Thames Water, in the hope this will get fixed asap. I am also curious to see whether this complies with the recently-launched street works permits scheme.

I'll be pushing to make sure the pavement is made right as soon as possible, rather than left with yet another patchwork of tarmac for months on end. Of course, if highways had carried out the works we were promised back in the Spring, to remove some of the railings, things wouldn't be quite as bad as they are today!

It is infuriating when local residents go to such effort to spruce up the street, only for utilities companies come along and trash it again!

UPDATE, 4.30pm: Just got a call from Thames Water to say their contractors are en route to clear the site and reopen the crossing, so hopefully that will be sorted today. They will still need to come back to do a proper reinstatement of the paving at a later date.

New Schools Programme: could do better

2009-11-10T16:59:00.005Z

The Sustainable Development committee, which I chair, has been carrying out a review of the extent to which the ongoing BSF (Building Schools for the Future) programme is sustainable. As well as the more obvious things like solar panels on roofs, we've been looking at things like community access to buildings out of hours, school travel plans and the procurement process.

Members of the committee visited 3 recently-built schools in the borough (Prendergast Ladywell Fields, Catford High and Sedgehill) and last week I presented our interim recommendations to the Mayor & Cabinet. Some of the recurring issues with these new schools are problems with ventilation (classrooms with windows that don't open and air conditioning that doesn't work), limited/no community use of buildings out of hours and ongoing issues with facilities management.

The article above from the South London Press has a bit more detail. Note to self: send a more flattering/photoshopped portrait photo to SLP for future use!

Coming up over the next few days

2009-11-10T11:09:00.005Z

First up, tonight (Tuesday 10th November) we have Brockley Society AGM. 8pm, Brockley Social Club, 230 Brockley Road, SE4 2SU (cnr Foxberry Road, next to Esso Garage).

An illustrated talk by John Coulter, Lewisham Local Studies Librarian: "THE BUILDINGS AND HISTORY OF LEWISHAM WAY" followed by the AGM. Broc Soc has several vacancies on the committee and wants local residents' ideas for the year ahead. All are welcome!

Tomorrow: Armistice Remembrance Under Moonlight: Up The Line, Wednesday 11 November, 7.15pm until 8.30pm, Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries.

Arrive between 7.15pm and 8pm for the 20 minute walk, starting from either Brockley Road or the Ladywell Gate. Children's lantern procession at 7.30pm from the Brockley Road Gate.
Lanterns can be made at St Andrews Church from 4-6pm (£2 per child).

The event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Wear sturdy shoes, warm clothing and bring a torch.

Thursday (12th Nov): Action for Lewisham meeting, 7.30pm, the Tabernacle, Algernon Road. A meeting organised by local residents concerned at the impact of the Lewisham Gateway, Loampit Vale and other big Lewisham town centre developments will have on the area. Although the development has now been approved by Lewisham’s Strategic Planning Committee, the organisers of the meeting feel there are still avenues that can be followed in order to persuade the Council and developers to provide a plan more suited to the area, and more in keeping with future needs (eg low energy). They say they are not against high density developments per se, but want good quality housing to meet local needs.

Saturday (14th Nov) Transition Brockley is excited to present FLUX at Brockley Social Club on Saturday 14th November. It's a night of music, magic and dance, with a freecycle twist - bring your old unwanted stuff and let our resident magician transform it into something new.. There'll be a Wheel of Fortune, live band, magic, DJs and more. All ages welcome, come ready to play and have fun... and please let all your friends and neighbours know and help us make the night a success!
Saturday 14th November: Hedge whip planting session in the northern field, Ladywell Fields, from 1.30 p.m, organised by Ladywell Fields Users' Group.

Sunday 15th November: River clean-up in Ladywell Fields, Meet in the Park at the end of Malyons Road at 10am, organised by Thames21 in conjunction with Ladywell Fields Users' Group.

New Council Guide to Community Gardens

2009-10-31T20:01:00.008Z

I spent a pleasant morning today down at Beckenham Place Park in the mansion house for the annual Parks and Open Spaces Conference, and the launch of the Council's new community gardens guide. (If you haven't ever been to Beckenham Place Park, it is well worth a visit, and a pleasant 25 minute cycle ride along the Waterlink Way).

The event was well attended by members of parks users groups and residents already involved in community garden schemes, such as Ruth from St Saviours in Crofton Park (as featured in this month's Lewisham Life!).

The Mayor in his speech to launch the guide recognised the value of community gardens for health and community cohesions, not to mention the potential to grow your own food. Then Seb from Capital Growth, the London-wide scheme to have 2012 new places to grow food in London by 2012 talked about some of the projects being set up across London, and the theoretical potential for London to grow up to 25% of its own food.

He also told a great story about a young boy at a community gardening event last Wednesday, who asked if the potato he planted would be ready for when he came back on Saturday. Seb said that the 'delayed reward' aspect to gardening was something many people weren't used to in these days of expecting everything to be instant. Personally, I don't mind waiting for things to grown in my garden, so long as ultimately I manage to pick them before the birds/squirrels/foxes or slugs and snails get to them!

He also flagged up that the next round of funding from Capital Growth kicks off next month, so if you are interested in setting up a project locally, take a look at their website as well as the Council's Community Gardens guide for further information.

On my travels around the ward, there are a number of patches of land that I often think would make great growing spaces, particularly on a couple of estates in the ward, and I've been following up with Council officers and Regenter B3 about a couple of plots, but I would welcome residents getting in touch with ideas for a project you'd like to take forward.

Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:50:00.003Z

Couldn't resist posting this rather impressive pumpkin lantern with Green Party logo carved into it, from the blog of Brighton Green Cllr Amy Kennedy.

Ute and I spent a couple of hours speaking to residents on Braxfield Road today, which was fine when it was light, but as it got towards dusk we called it a day to avoid being mistaken for trick or treaters!

Council Committee recommends free insulation across Lewisham

2009-10-29T10:44:00.013Z

Regular readers of this blog may have noticed a slight preoccupation with insulation over the past year or so. On a personal level, I've been getting my draughty ground floor Victorian flat insulated, while on a political level, the Green Group on the Council has been pushing for a borough-wide free insulation scheme to be introduced.

Back in April, I mentioned that the Sustainable Development Committee, which I chair, was carrying out a review into home insulation in the borough. Over the last few months we've gathered evidence and heard from a number of witnesses, including housing associations, energy companies, other local authorities and the Energy Saving Trust. I spent many hours in September, together with officers, working on the final report, which is now available on the Council's website.

The key recommendations of the committee's report include:
A free insulation scheme for homes across Lewisham. The Committee's report describes a possible three-year programme that would insulate around 25,000 homes and calls on the Mayor to set a target date by which every eligible householder has been offered free cavity wall insulation. The scheme would run in partnership with an energy supplier, who would meet half of the costs, as part of their obligations under the national Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). The remainder would potentially come from prudential borrowing.

A pilot scheme to start insulating 'hard to treat' properties: The Committee wants to see harder-to-insulate solid-wall homes tackled too, as these older houses make up around 40 per cent of Lewisham's stock. The Committee suggested that building up expertise by insulating the 200 Council-owned solid-wall homes that become vacant each year could make Lewisham a national leader in solid-wall insulation work.

Creating new jobs locally: The Committee wants local people to benefit from the jobs and training that could result from the home insulation programme, and has recommended that the Mayor asks Council officers to look at potential training schemes.

Homes have the biggest potential source of energy savings in the borough
An unusually high percentage of Lewisham's CO2 emissions come from its homes - 44 per cent compared to 27 per cent nationally. This isn't because Lewisham's housing stock is less efficient than elsewhere, but more due to the lack of employment and industry in the borough, which means that housing makes up a much greater proportion of total emissions.

The Committee found that while a range of useful initiatives have been introduced to increase energy efficiency, a more systematic, street-by-street approach to insulation is now required in order to save residents money on their fuel bills and to meet the carbon reduction targets in the borough's Carbon Reduction and Climate Change Strategy.

Other recommendations in the report include:

Creating a register of insulation installers to make it easier for householders to get work done
The Mayor to consider a demonstration eco-home in the borough for local people to visit
A new planning rule which says home extensions can be built only if the whole property's energy efficiency is improved
Investigating how to incentivise private landlords to insulate their homes and help vulnerable tenants

I'll be presenting the Committee's recommendations to the Mayor and Cabinet next week. Since the report was finalised, there have been several more national reports published calling for free home insulation schemes ('Lofty Ambitions' from the Audit Commission and this from the independent Committee on Climate Change) and it seems that barely a week goes by without another body echoing their calls.

I no longer think it's a question of if we get a free home insulation scheme, but more when, and who leads on it. I'd very much like to see Lewisham in the vanguard on this, rather than 'lagging behind' (excuse the pun from yet another report calling for free home insulation, this time from the London Assembly).

A copy of the full report 'Local Warming: Increasing Home Insulation in Lewisham: a scrutiny review' can be viewed here.

NB: Really observant regular readers of this blog may notice some similarity between the key recommendations of this review and the Green Group budget amendment from earlier this year. Personally, I think it's great that our proposals now have cross-party support.

Ladywell Parking Consultation Results

2009-10-28T12:23:00.007Z

Over the summer, a large number of households in Ladywell ward were consulted on whether residents wanted a controlled parking zone. Parking zones are something of a Marmite issue - residents either love them or hate them. The issue has been hotly debated both in the comments on this blog, and on the Ladywell Society e-mail group.

The results have now been collated and analysed by the Council's Highways team and I've just been sent a copy. As predicted, the results showed high levels of support from the areas closest to Lewisham Station, Ladywell Station and Lewisham Hospital, but support for the proposal was less in the roads further away. Highways hope to send a letter round to residents within the next week or so summarising the results and they propose going ahead with a CPZ (subject to the results of the Statutory Consultation) just in the area that had a high level of support.

The response rate was pretty good compared to other CPZ surveys in the borough, with 620 respondents. In the area where support for a CPZ was high, 298 questionnaires were returned, which represents a 27% response rate. Out of these 298 respondents 199 (67%) were in favour and 99 (33%) were against the proposed CPZ.

In a nutshell, Algernon Road, Marsala Road, Malyons Road, Gillian Street and Ellerdale Street were clearly in favour, while Embleton, Ermine, Algiers, Veda, Brookbank and all the siblings off Ladywell Road (Francemary, Arthurdon, Phoebeth) were clearly against. More marginal areas included Vicar's Hill, Chudleigh Road and Adelaide Avenue.

Two tables follow - the first shows the results overall by street, the second shows the results in the area now proposed to be included in a CPZ, statutory consultation pending. Apologies if these aren't very easy to read - I've tried and failed to work out how to paste tables in to this blog. A clearer map of the proposed zone will be on the back of the letter circulated to residents next week.

Ladywell area CPZ

Road Yes No % for % against
Adelaide Avenue 9, 10, 47.4% 52.6%
Algernon Road 49, 33, 59.8% 40.2%
Algiers Road 8, 27, 22.9% 77.1%
Arthurdon Road 3, 23, 11.5% 88.5%
Brookbank Road 6, 11, 35.3% 64.7%
Chudleigh Road 12, 31, 27.9% 72.1%
Eastern Road 1, 6, 14.3% 85.7%
Ellerdale Street 17, 12, 58.6% 41.4%
Embleton Road 15, 39, 27.8% 72.2%
Ermine road 4, 42, 8.7% 91.3%
Francemary Road 1, 26, 3.7% 96.3%
Gillian Street 9, 1, 90.0% 10.0%
Ladywell Road 7, 21, 25.0% 75.0%
Malyons Court* 1, 0, 100.0% 0.0%
Malyons Road 56, 15, 78.9% 21.1%
Malyons Terrace 1, 1, 50.0% 50.0%
Marsala Road 43, 11, 79.6% 20.4%
Peppermead Square 1, 3, 25.0% 75.0%
Phoebeth Road 1, 10, 9.1% 90.9%
Railway Terrace 1, 1, 50.0% 50.0%
Slagrove Road 3, 6, 33.3% 66.7%
Veda Road 3, 21, 12.5% 87.5%
Vicars Hill 9, 10, 47.4% 52.6%
Total 260, 360, 41.9% 58.1%
*I'm assuming this means Keswick Court.

Breakdown of results in area of proposed CPZ
Road Yes No % for % against
Algernon Road 49, 33, 59.8% 40.2%
Chudleigh Road 11, 10, 52.4% 47.6%
Ellerdale Street 13, 1, 92.9% 7.1%
Gillian Street 9, 1, 90.0% 10.0%
Ladywell Road 2, 7, 22.2% 77.8%
Malyons Court 1, 0, 100.0% 0.0%
Malyons Road 56, 15, 78.9% 21.1%
Malyons Terrace 1, 1, 50.0% 50.0%
Marsala Road 43, 11, 79.6% 20.4%
Peppermead Square 1, 3, 25.0% 75.0%
Railway Terrace 1, 1, 50.0% 50.0%
Slagrove Road 3, 6, 33.3% 66.7%
Vicars Hill 9, 10, 47.4% 52.6%
Total 199, 99, 66.8% 33.2%

So on the whole, the streets in the newly-proposed zones are in favour, with the clear exceptions being Ladywell Road, Slagrove Place and Peppermead Square. With Ladywell Road, the proposals is just to include the section from the station to Adelaide Avenue. Most of those opposed in this area were shopkeepers who are understandably reluctant to pay for the business parking permits. However, if Ladywell Road isn't included in the CPZ but all the surrounding streets are, businesses effectively won't have anywhere to park, as they won't be entitled to buy a permit and as at the moment they won't be able to park on Ladywell Road. Officers therefore feel that they need to include this section of the road in the scheme. The upside for businesses is that there will be more short stay (30 minutes) and pay & display parking for customers.

As far as Slagrove Place and Peppermead Square are concerned, highways have agreed to write to residents and explain the situation and ask them again if they would like to be in or out of the zone. Officers' concern is that if they are not in the zone, they will bear the brunt of the commuter parking from the hospital, which Malyons currently suffers from.

Chudleigh Road and Vicar's Hill - with both of these roads, TfL have been pushing strongly for double yellow lines in places, including outside some houses to allow buses to get passed. Although the majority in Chudleigh Road were against the CPZ, there was support at the end nearest Ladywell Road. Therefore the proposal is to make that part of the CPZ in the hope that it will also ease the situation for buses, without the need for yellow lines. The same is proposed for Vicar's Hill, which was marginally against the CPZ.

I asked about the car club bay, and there is likely to be one, but I'm waiting for confirmation of where.

I hope this helps to clarify any confusion

Utilities Companies to need permit to dig up Lewisham's roads

2009-10-27T15:17:00.004Z

I've recently received the following briefing note from Lewisham Highways department, which might be of interest, and sounds like good news:

"Lewisham has been successful in its application to run a street works permitting scheme.

Lewisham along with Transport for London, The City of London and 17 other boroughs submitted a common application called The London Permit Scheme to the Department of Transport in August. This application has now been approved with an expected start date of 11th January, although this date has yet to be confirmed.

The scheme requires a permit to be granted before works can be undertaken on the public highway. Permitting will enable Lewisham to better plan and coordinate road works throughout the borough offering benefits such as opportunities for utility companies to work together at sites. This will aid the smooth flow of traffic and reduce disruption for road users.
For further information please follow link to the TfL media page."

Green MEP Jean Lambert calls on Sri Lanka government to return camp detainees

2009-10-23T21:08:00.004+01:00

I thought this might be of interest in particular to the many members of Lewisham's Tamil community who marched in London last weekend calling for an end to the detention in camps of many thousands of civilians in Sri Lanka.

The European Parliament yesterday passed a resolution calling for the rapid return of the 250,000 detainees still held in camps in northern Sri Lanka following the defeat of the LTTE by the government earlier this year. MEPs also called on the Sri Lankan government to urgently deliver humanitarian assistance to the Tamil civilians held in the camps, where there are serious concerns over living conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and medical facilities.

Humanitarian and human rights organisations also claim that the Government has denied adequate access to the camps, where citizens are being screened before resettlement.

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and Chair of the South Asia Delegation in the European Parliament, commented:

“It is deeply worrying that so many people are still being held in these camps. The Sri Lankan government must now take every necessary step to return home those detained as quickly as possible and ensure that humanitarian agencies are able to deliver assistance.

“Press freedom has severely suffered during the years of conflict and it is now imperative that the media is able to operate without the fear of violent repercussions and intimidation.

“The people of Sri Lanka deserve lasting peace and freedom, now that this 25 year battle has finally come to an end. The European Parliament therefore calls on all sides to work towards a lasting, peaceful settlement based on democracy and respect for human rights.”

Click here to view the full text of the resolution.

For previous posts on Sri Lanka see here and here.

Ladywell Village Improvement Group gets 'certificate of excellence' at Lewisham in Bloom awards

2009-10-20T20:38:00.008+01:00

Congratulations to Ladywell Village Improvement Group, who were awarded a 'Certificate of Excellence' at last week's Lewisham in Bloom awards.

The picture above shows LVIG volunteers getting their hands dirty planting bulbs, cyclamen etc in the troughs along Ladywell Road and Algernon Road last weekend.

LVIG writes:
"LVIG had no time to formally enter the competition as the first planters were installed just before the deadline. However, the judging panel stopped to look at what the local community had achieved in Ladywell while on their tour of the borough, and were suitably impressed by the effort we had made.

Lewisham has gone on to pick up a Silver Gilt Award in this year’s prestigious London in Bloom awards - and we are equally proud to have contributed to that success.

A huge thank you to all who have contributed to our community planting, whether it be helping fill the planters and baskets with colourful displays, keeping them watered and free of litter, or supporting fundraising events, such as our benefits gigs at the Ladywell Tavern. All these activities have changed Ladywell for the better through the addition of greenery and colour into the streetscape environment.

We have made a fantastic start and hope to build on this with re-stocked planters and eventually new trees - let's continue to work together towards winning first prize next year!"

Thanks are also due to Envirowork Lewisham and the Council's Green Scene Team for their support.

LVIG have also confirmed that the Christmas Market will again take place outside Ladywell train station this year on 12th December. Organisers write:

"This year (as well as hoping for a little less rain!) we hope to include a vibrant mix of arts and crafts, local produce and hot and cold food, all supplied by craftspeople and businesses from the local community.

A number of us are busily working away on the finer details of making the market happen, however we still need a little help. If you know a generous local electrician who would be willing to help set up generators and lighting on the day then please get in touch.

We also still have some availability for stalls, so if you or anyone you know is a budding crafter, or who bakes a mean mince pie, then please email us to find out more about how to get involved."

The benefit gig in Ladywell Tavern the week before last was well attended, which should hopefully help to boost the coffers for the Christmas Market slightly.