Dean's Green Blog

Dull and uneventful.

2010-05-24T08:18:00.001+01:00

My commute to work today took about 39 minutes Brockley to Euston Square via Whitechapel.

At Brockley there was a train within a couple of minutes of me arriving - train was bright airy cool and I could sit down - changing at Whitechapel was a breeze and the 4 minute wait was taken up with a quick phone call.

No crowds at all.

How dull and uneventful - which for commuting is how it should always be.

New Signs and Services for Brockley Station

2010-05-23T09:24:00.007+01:00

It was warm, not a cloud in the sky and it's about ten to seven. A few of us (well Darren, Kate, Tamsin and myself) assembled at Brockley Station to catch the first train to Dalston Junction on this the first day of the new London Overground service. The entrance to Brockley Station has had a bit of a makeover to rival the Brockley Common. A somewhat exciting start to our journey.

The first train is actually delayed and this is the first train that called at Brockley this morning. I think Brockley Central should have a competition for the first person to have a picture of every one of the 20 trains on the London Overground service at Brockley Station.

Our delayed train came along shortly...and here it is in the sun.

The journey continued over the new bridge at New Cross Gate offering a good view of the new depot, incinerator and the various railway lines criss-crossing the area. The train soon rattled through the various stops.

In no time at all we arrive at Dalston Junction. The balloons are here too...but in what looks like the aftermath of a party celebrating Diane Abbot's decision to make a pitch for the Labour leadership some of them have been burst

The journey back was smooth and uneventful and when we got back to Brockley new signs were being erected.

Welcome to the London Overground.

It's looking good

2010-05-17T07:30:00.002+01:00

First day back at work for me after the elections - and a bit of a shock to the system to be up and on a train so early. Yet the recently completed planting has started to transform the area and when established will create a lovely green slope welcoming us to the station.

It reminded me that the Brockley Assemby should be receiving a report from the nely-elected Mayor soon on any proposals for the Coulgate Street area in general. I will look forward to that.

The train driver also helpfully announced that there will be 'serious changes' to the timetable on Sunday because of the East London Line. It's probably just as well that his bosses and others in charge of our railways didn't describe these changes in quite the same way all those years ago. Still the East London Line will be a welcome addition to public transport in Brockley and I'm looking forward to catching one of the new trains next Monday (Brockley - Whitechapel, Whitechapel-Euston Square). Commuters hate changes to schedules - it's just as well that I've only got a week to get used to the current timetable.

On elections, winning, and losing

2010-05-08T12:23:00.003+01:00

For those of you who don't know it, I was unsuccessful in my bid to get re-elected for a second term in Brockley Ward and as the Mayor of Lewisham. However I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people in Brockley who voted for me in the local and Mayoral elections - it is much appreciated.

I really enjoyed the campaign - and in particular my bid as Mayor of Lewisham. The hustings were a real plus point for me - in addition to the Brockley Cross Action Group Hustings I attended one hosted by the Lewisham Churches and the Lewisham Pensioners' Forum. The audiences in the context of the Lewisham-wide electorate were small - however they do offer a snapshot of views and opinions on a wide range of issues - and ensure that you as a candidate have credible policies. Long may the hustings continue... #

I have thoroughly enjoyed representing Brockley over the last 4 years and found it an enormously enriching and enjoyable experience. Understandably I am disappointed to have lost - but in politics if you want to enjoy the considerable pleasure of winning, you have to also accept the risk of losing and all that goes with it.

On a personal positive note Darren was successful and Brockley still has a Green councillor - and of course the Greens got their first MP elected to Westminster from Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas.

I am going away for a few days - to relax, unwind and generally recover...and it's back to work the following week.

Mayoral and Councillor Count

2010-05-07T16:32:00.003+01:00

After a very very long night observing the parliamentary election counts and far too little sleep today to make up for that, I'll be setting off for the Mayor of Lewisham and Councillor count that should have started at about 1530 today.

Doorstep Pledges

2010-05-04T23:17:00.006+01:00

Over the past few weeks I have had the chance to personally meet literally hundreds of people in Brockley - either on the street or more likely on their doorsteps - but also I have received a number of emails. Throughout that time I have made a number of pledges as to what I would seek to do if I am re-elected on May 6th. As part of that process I though it would be interesting to let others in Brockley know what issues I have pledged to adopt as initial priorities and in so doing I can be held to account for these in due course.

(1) Upper Brockley Road - The problems at the Parade on Upper Brockley Road have not gone away. One of my first priorities will be to seek a meeting with senior officers at Lewisham Police and the officers of Lewisham to determine how they intend to ensure that this area remains a safe and welcoming part of the borough. I will retain this as a key priority until myself and local residents are satisfied that a long term solution has been implemented.

(2) Services offered at Job Centre Plus. A local person who has been unemployed for a long time was concerned that the service offered was inadequate and the staff rude and not trained sufficiently for the job. I pledged to find a way to look into this and would hope to use the scrutiny process to follow this up.

(3) Coulgate Street - I pledged to continue working to bring plans forward for this street - and now that Lewisham's officers are bringing forward a report on the plans we can hope to see some progress on this.

(4) Pavements on Brockley Road - I pledged to continue working to get these brought up to scratch as soon as possible. My wider pledge on improving pavements is about eradicating the 13 year backlog on pavement repairs - I will push for this to happen if I am not elected Mayor myself.

(5) High Level Station - as Mayoral candidate I supported the re-opening of this station along with the other candidates. If unsuccessful as Mayoral candidate I will make it a priority to seek action from the Mayor on providing a framework and timescale for re-opening this station.

(6) Support for the Tanners Hill Tenants and Residents Association - the association has struggled to get off the ground and I want to see it thrive.

(7) Improving the way the local police work with the community - the shootings exposed a gap in the way in which the police work and inform the community about incidents in the area. I pledge to find a way of working with the Police to help improve such communications.

(8) Developing a better framework and understanding as to how the mews in Brockley might change for the better and how to bring this about.

UPDATE from evening of 05/06

(8A) To call on more people outside of the election period.

I would like to add to the above list some of what I consider to be priorities for Ward Councillors in Brockley:

(9) An immediate one - watching the impact of the East London Line on commuters in Brockley and being ready to put pressure on Southern and TfL if the overall service to Brockley fails to bring the improvements promised and results in worse over-crowding at peak times.

(10) Working to improve the Brockley Assembly - pushing for more decisions to be devolved, ensuring it can be an effective voice for local people and their issues and concerns.

(11) Keeping in touch with local residents - either through the blog, via newsletters or by simply being out and about at fairs, events, in the street and community meetings.

(12) Play a constructive role in the Council as whole - a role that properly considers the issues and reaches an informed decision.

(13) Tackling the Brockley Cross roundabout/local environment.

It's late and I'm going to be up early again - this list is just a start. We'll know whether I'll continue as one of the Ward Councillors or Mayor on Friday evening, Saturday I'll have off, Sunday we're clearing out the campaign shop. On Monday, with the consent of the electorate, I hope to start on my second term as a Brockley Ward Councillor and to get on with tackling my initial list as set out above.

Things l learnt about running the London marathon today

2010-04-25T23:33:00.005+01:00

Having had the chance to think about by experience today I'd like to share a few things I learnt with others thinking of participating in the marathon in the future:

* It is far more of an amazing spectacle than I ever thought it would be - crowds lined the 26m395yd route all the way - and the crowds cheering are great encouragement
* crowds near pubs cheer the loudest
* The music along the route is a tremendous boost - offering a couple of minutes respite from the physical toll of the running
* Lucozade Sport is not very nice - it's sweet and sickly and certainly does not quench your thirst - judging by the relatively full bottles discarded on the course others agree (I did not even think about trying Lucozade gel - it's here at home) - I was annoyed at having drunk this stuff as I had to wait about 10 minutes to get some water to get the nasty taste out of my mouth
* I prefer the sweets, biscuits, fruit provided by the people along the route to the 'technical' stuff offered by sponsors of the event - these sweets taste nice and appear to do some good!
* The first half of the race is very different to the second half
* The last 2 miles pass very quickly and the the last 800m even more so
* Having your name printed on your t-shirt means more cheers!
* Training helps
* The baggage deposit and retrieval system appears very efficient - do not worry about using it if you run in future marathons
* there is an enormous amount of waste from bottles - it would good if we could think about finding a way of reducing this.
* Your legs are still tired and achy after a few pints down the pub

5h 08mins...and now back to the campaign proper

2010-04-25T16:33:00.002+01:00

Today I completed my first London Marathon in 5h and 8mins - something that I've been waiting do for a few years. I won a place in the ballot last year but had to pull out because of injury - but today had no such excuses...a fantastic experience - but not sure whether I'd want to repeat - certainly not in an election year!

After a day off of sorts it's now back to the election campaign and looking forward to the Councillor and Mayoral Hustings tomorrow night.

London's Skies

2010-04-18T22:38:00.003+01:00

A friend of mine is stuck in Naples following the closure of UK airspace after the Icelandic volcano eruption - she's found space on a sleeper service from Zurich to Amsterdam and I spent the best part of an hour finding out whether she could get a reasonably-priced train from Cologne to London via Brussels. However it appears that Eurostar is clearly trying to make up for the losses it made just before Christmas and is charging silly prices for its trains from Brussels - something like £600. Stena Line meanwhile provided a single ticket for two from Hook of Holland to London Liverpool Street of 110 Euros. Their 'Dutch Flyer' is well worth looking into if you want to go to Amsterdam or easy connections from the Hook of Holland to other places in mainland Europe (but that's another story and the Man in Seat 61 covers that far better than me). Whilst I was sorting this friend out, another asked me how her partner should get back from Copenhagen - I suggested ferry from Esjberg to Harwich. The reason for mentioning this is that I am all too aware of the hassle that has been caused to thousands of British people by this abrupt and totally unplanned shutting of UK airspace.

This morning I went for a long run along the Thames from Greenwich to Crossness and back - my final long run before the marathon on Sunday - and it was absolutely lovely. The sky was clear, the sun was warm, it was very quiet, the tide was just turning and there were no boats meaning the river was very flat. But for the third day running I couldn't help but notice how quiet it was without the planes and that there were no condensation trails criss-crossing the sky. I'd noticed the same the previous two nights and the times I'd been outside in the garden. The peace and quiet was noted in areas around Heathrow as this article on the BBC websites shows

Message from the Metropolitan Police

2010-04-14T14:53:00.004+01:00

In response to questions raised by the recent incidents in Brockley, the Metropolitan Police have issued the following statement.

Superintendent Lisa Crook said: "We understand the community are anxious about recent incidents of violence in Brockley and share these concerns. Our officers take this very seriously and are committed to putting a stop to violence on our streets. Officers from Trident are investigating these matters and urge anyone with information to contact them."

"Members of Brockley Safer Neighbourhoods team are patrolling the ward to reassure local people, and if you need to discuss any concerns please contact the team."

Anyone with information should contact Trident on 020 8785 8580

Another incident in Brockley (updated)

2010-04-13T15:33:00.006+01:00

I have just returned from Brockley Station and seen that Coulgate Street and Foxberry Road are zoned off with blue and white Police tape.

[A SENTENCE HAS BEEN DELETED FROM HERE]

I genuinely hope that the short time between this incident and the shooting last week have arisen by chance rather than indications of a larger problem that has until now been below the radar of most people's experience. However the sight of blue and white tape and diversions on the way home tonight will cause concern to many and particularly when this has come so soon after the shooting incident in Brockley Cross.

I have asked for information and a response from Lewisham's officers and will let you know when I have this.

UPDATE 18:05
I spoke earlier with one of the senior police officers at Lewisham. He confirmed that (thankfully) the injuries sustained by the victim were 'not life-threatening or life-changing' - and I have taken that to mean that the victim will survive.

I expect to speak with the Brockley Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Sergeant tomorrow morning to learn about the plans for explaining the incidents to members of the local community and how the Police and Lewisham intend to respond to these incidents.

Quite rightly the local people need reassurance that they remain safe - but very visible and unsettling events like these can damage their sense of safety.

UPDATE 13:00 14 April 2010
I have spoken with the Police Sergeant at the Safer Neighbourhood Team and confirmed that the incident was in fact another shooting incident.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team will be conducting additional patrols in the area. Depending on how the investigation proceeds and whether there is a need to provide greater reassurance the Police may take some further actions.

Official List of Lewisham Candidates Now Available

2010-04-09T21:00:00.003+01:00

Lewisham has posted the 'Statements of Persons Nominated' on the website here. The statement for Brockley and that for the Mayor are here.

As stated previously the Greens are standing a full slate of candidates - don't believe anyone who says otherwise and question why they might be saying if it they are!

Still a Chance for Deptford Green School to be Outstanding

2010-04-08T21:46:00.002+01:00

Tonight's Strategic Planning Committee considered the plans for the rebuilding of Deptford Green School. The plans set out committed the school to reaching 'Excellent' in the BREEAM rating for sustainable construction - rather than the highest level 'Outstanding'. This is a bit of a let down - but it was explained away by the fact that going for 'Outstanding' could cost more. However what was more of a concern was that the architects who presented the scheme sprung a proposal to downgrade the sustainability rating to 'Very Good' - the applicants had given no advance warning of this to the planning officers or the committee members. The applicants provided no evidence as to why they might not be able to afford the 'Outstanding' rating that they had prepared.

Deptford Green is a major public redevelopment - Lewisham should be trailblazing sustainable construction and development - not reluctantly complying with the very minimal planning policies and then trying to wriggle out of those by trying to change a complicated scheme at committee.

So, the end of term report for this might read "Deptford Green missed the chance to be outstanding, did some good work to show how it could be excellent but rather blotted their copy book with a bit of a cheeky bid to be only 'very good' at the final stage."

The new buildings, bringing about a school on one site and a new small open space to compensate for grabbing a bit of Fordham Park should be a major and immediate improvement in this area. It is to be hoped that as the plans work their way into being actually built the emphasis is on moving closer to 'Outstanding' rather than 'Very Good' over this period.

The Planning Inspector's Report

2010-04-08T15:03:00.004+01:00

It's unusual for me to refer to the 'Town Planning Appeal Decisions' that come before my Committee. The paper I am referring to is available from here.

The first item I'm interested in is 32 Arbuthnot Road, DC/08/69828. This was turned down by my committee last year. One of the grounds that we referred to was

"the adequacy of the garden area for future occupiers"

I recall at the meeting that we were quite clear that the garden was small and was inconsistent with planning policy. It is chilling therefore to hear what the Planning Inspector thought:

"He found no evidence that existing residential amenities would be compromised and whilst acknowledging that the garden area set aside for the future occupiers of the development was limited, he considered that the prospective residents would best be able to make their own decision as to whether this would be sufficient for their needs."

Lewisham's planning policies look at a whole range of issues dealing with the residential amenity of future occupiers with the aim that we don't repeat the errors of the past - building homes that are too small, where people don't have easy access to good outdoor space, homes that people can live in throughout their lives (so-called lifetime homes) - so I find it depressing that this planning inspector has sought to ride roughshod over the views of the committee and our belief that the standards set in our planning policies represent good standards for future residents of Lewisham. I guess he's not a local!

The other decision in this report is one that will of interest to Brockley's residents - it's the dismissal of the appeal against the nursery at 60 Manor Avenue. This planning inspector upheld the decision of that Planning Committee - so perhaps they're not all bad! The inspector's comments should influence any future proposals for that site and ensure that its change from the current social club use to something else will have the support of local residents.

The Other Elections

2010-04-06T09:12:00.003+01:00

The General Election is expected to be called this morning - but I want to remind everyone that the elections to Lewisham Council will be taking place on 6th May alongside the General Election.

We'll be contesting every seat on the Council plus the Mayor giving every voter in Lewisham the chance to vote Green.

We've missed a neat trick...

2010-04-05T23:18:00.004+01:00

One of the defining features of London as compared with my home city of Hull , was the inclusion of part of the postcode on the street signs. However it goes a bit further than that - the street signs as a simple black writing on white background with red for the postcode are something of a design classic. That the design is adopted across various parts of London works on a higher level too - it unifies the area into being 'part of London' - it is both neat and tidy.

However I have no idea what's happened here in Lewisham. I noticed something like five different designs of signs on the junction of Manor Avenue/Ashby Road alone - in varying states of repair. And why is this a bit of mess - well we can just compare with neighbouring Bromley. When you cross the boundary you see instantly that the street signs have changed to white lettering on green...and it's consistent throughout the Borough. You know you're in Bromley - because of the signs.

It is pretty odd that Lewisham has a media team, corporate identity and the like that we spend good money on promoting and protecting but so little thought has been given to the very solid and permanent reminders to the the population that are placed on every street corner. The only common item on the streets that remind people they are in Lewisham are the bins.

I know it seems a tall order..but a simple and common street identity - rather like the one that Bromley appears to have developed - is a very simple and relatively cheap way of reminding people whether they are in Downham, Blackheath, Brockley or New Cross that they are in Lewisham. Certainly as Mayor I would insist on common standards for signs and street furniture - at the time they are renewed so it would not require us to waste good money.

A Future Use for Ladywell Pool

2010-04-01T06:31:00.005+01:00

Ladywell Pool was at the centre of the last local elections and rightly so. However if all goes to plan then it seems quite right that we start thinking carefully about future plans for this site. An orchard is taking shape on Breakspears Road and others are planned, but whilst many enjoy a vegetarian diet some like fish. Only a mad person would suggest using the old pools at Ladywell as a fish farm, which is why I am suggesting a far more practical use - for crayfish. Removing the tiles and introducing reed beds would allow for a series of natural seeming pools and an innovative environment perfectly suited for the growing the cuddly crustacea. If we chose to farm the native species, the white-clawed crayfish, we could be supporting the re-establishment of this species in areas currently afflicted by the rampant expansion of the freshwater equivalent of the grey squirrel, the American crayfish introduced in the 1970s (Pacifastacus leniusculus) with disastrous results. However this would not provide much in the way of locally-produced food.

Lewisham, by virtue of being within an area with extensive populations of signal crayfish, would not require a licence to farm biggger American signal crayfish and this could provide a good source of locally produced food. The signal crayfish that can crawl overland would be in a suitably enclosed space and retaining the outdoor waterslide could provide a useful distraction for the animals combating the boredom observed in some captive animals. The flowing hard water for the farm could be provided by one of the naturally occurring springs found in the local area.

By bringing fresh crayfish back to the heart of city life and marketing them under the 'Produce of Lewisham' brand they could be used as a healthy addition to the menu in local schools - supplemented with wild rocket grown on Hilly Fields or fresh watercress from the Ravensbourne in Ladywell Fields, it would make the basis of a truly wonderful locally sourced sandwich and could be a useful weapon in combating the high levels of childhood obesity in Lewisham.

The scheme would literally put Lewisham on the map as I am sure there would be many restaurants across London willing to put the fishy delights from Ladywell on their menus emphasising the locally-sourced credentials and low-impact living.

In practical terms the Mayor could support such a venture not only by finding sources of funding or providing the land and buildings for free but also by working with our partners to introduce relevant training courses at Lewisham College and also to make proposals in the Local Development Framework that introduce a fish-farming zone in the Ladywell area thereby securing this as a food production area with the same level of protections as allottments and metropolitan open land.

By installing suitable solar panels and other low-carbon technologies I believe we could make the farm carbon-neutral too. A real first in London.

Another Cllr Dean Walton...

2010-03-23T16:22:00.004Z

The number of Green Councillors increased today on account of a defection from the Conservatives by Cllr Dean Walton of Babergh District Council to the Greens.

Defections are relatively unusual in their own right, defections from the Conservatives to the Greens even less so...but those with the same name as me must be unique.

Welcome to the Green Party Dean, I am sure that you have made the right decision.

The full story is here.

Lydd Half Marathon and More...

2010-03-14T21:40:00.002Z

Absolutely shattered - took part (and completed) the Lydd Half Marathon today - coming in at around 2hrs 10mins. Very happy to have finished at all - but was cheered on by a friend and her three children which really helped!

I have an entry for the London marathon - I won the place in the ballot last year but carried it over to this year due to injury. I'll be continuing my training for the next few weeks - alternating long runs with 'power-leafleting'.

I have nominated the Mayor's Charity, the Lavender Trust, for receiving any sponsorship for my entry in the London Marathon..click here to find out more.

A New and Visible Police Presence

2010-03-12T08:51:00.007Z

The Safer Neighbourhood Team has had some changes - two new members of staff PS Don Shrimpton and PC Adam Elwood have joined the team (replacing PS Tyrone Taylor and PC Greg Poynter). However these changes have also coincided with the introduction of some changes to operations across the teams - new shift patterns, the introduction of single-patrolling and the allocation of members of the team to 'micro-beats'.

What does this mean for us - well in very simple terms each officer has a small patch of Brockley allocated to him/her for regular patrols - in police-language a 'micro-beat' - and this should help them to get to know the area and the people within that area much better. In the past there have been some concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police Federation about the introduction of single-patrolling but these now appear to have been overcome. From the public point of view the benefits of single-patrols are clear - police officers are covering a wider area more quickly their visible and reassuring presence is more widely appreciated. (Despite the increase in police numbers in past years and the safer neighbourhood teams at the last Brockley Assembly the apparent lack of a police presence in the local area was raised by a local business man.) Further it is said that police patrolling in pairs talk to themselves rather than local people. I have some sympathy with this view - based on regularly seeing groups of police officers chatting amongst themselves at railway station with their backs to the crowds that they are presumably supposed to be assisting. The final argument is that people are understood to be less likely to approach in police officers walking along in pairs - members of the public can be made to feel as if they are interupting a private conversation and are less likely to stop and chat as a consequence.

Of course the safety of the police officers should not be compromised by the introduction of single-patrols and policing can be a dangerous job. However, what we are talking is trained police constables and community support officers walking the streets that we walk about every day.These new patrols and beats have every chance of increasing the visibility of police on our streets and also increasing the frequency of conversations that take place between the police and Brockley's residents.

Scope for Savings on Senior Staff Salaries

2010-03-08T00:30:00.000Z

A lot has been written about the levels of pay in the public sector - many commenting on the salaries of in particular senior staff in the public sector. Comparisons have been made with the PM's salary - and with those earning minimum wage in low-skill jobs.

The argument in favour of the seemingly high salaries for senior staff is generally along the lines of "we need to pay attractive salaries to get the best staff" - and to some extent I think that's a good one. An effective set of senior staff in a local authority is essential if we're to deliver the services that we need and want and get the very best value for money from the Council Tax and Central Government Grants that pay for these. It's about having staff that can see ahead, plan ahead, bring froward the best range of choices for the political leadership - the Mayor and Council to discuss, shape and agree. The focus on the actual salary paid is understandable - and as a politician I have to have a credible response to that.

As a Councillor I'm always keen to find ways of driving down the cost of running Lewisham without having an adverse impact on services available to residents. In terms of senior staff that offers us the following:

(a) having few of them
(b) paying them less
(c) sharing the cost with others

Of the above (a) and (b) are easy to understand - but it is (c) that interests me at the moment.

Some work has already taken place about sharing the cost of Chief Executives across different local authorities. As a London Borough with responsibility for a very large range of services that presents a challenge. Would we support a joint arrangement with say the London Borough of Greenwich? Would this be a step on the way to creating 'Super Boroughs' across London?

I think that if we are to consider joint arrangements as a means of reducing the cost of senior pay or justifying the higher pay of some senior staff we need to look first at other public sectors in Lewisham rather than our local government neighbours. In April last year in Hammersmith the Primary Care Trust and the Local Authority took a decision to do just this.

Doing this in Lewisham could save us a bit of cash...but it perhaps has more important points.

The advantages claimed by the Hammersmith and Fulham Team:

"move designed to better target resources on residents in need and boost future comprehensive area assessment scores"

The local Government article also states:

"Hammersmith & Fulham said it planned to create an integrated management team from the executives of both structures, with the appointment of a new managing director of health who will have day-to-day responsibility for the PCT."

Looking at the points raised in some more detail: Anne McDonald , the Local Government Association director of community wellbeing, said evidence from collaborations so far showed areas with roughly 300,000 residents appeared to be around the right size for shared directors and chief executives to work.

Lewisham would appear to fit the bill...but is it Green?

We've long thought that there is a clear role for increasing the democratic accountability of the NHS to its local users. The ability of Lewisham's Healthier Communities Select Committee to scrutinise the local NHS is a step in the right direction. Such joint arrangements would fit in nicely to the Green view of a locally and democratically accountable NHS.

As it is getting the organisations to work more closely together via joint Chief Executive arrangements could lead to a significant saving of public money, better democratic accountability and more joined up services for Lewisham's residents. It's co-operation both within the NHS and with others working with the NHS that will lead to lower costs and better services.

New Plans for the Tiger's Head - A Missed Opportunity

2010-03-05T08:12:00.003Z

Amicus Horizon was given planning permission for a revised building on the site of the Tiger's Head in Southend Village at my planning committee last night. In my view it was a depressing failure of Lewisham's ability to work with developers to bring about the aspirations of the Bromley Road Supplementary Planning Document agreed just weeks ago in January.

The plan outlines some of the aspirations for this area particular site within the Southend Village area:

* shops or similar at ground floor level
* no more than 5 storeys high
* consideration to saving the historic buildings
* a mix of tenures

Instead what we have is a 100% affordable housing with no shops or commercial development that completely demolishes the pub.

At the committee weight was given to the pledge from Amicus that they were intent on ploughing ahead with the original plans for this site if we turned down their new application. A bullying approach from a body supported with public funds is never a good start in my book. Worse still, even though Amicus intend to proceed with 100% affordable housing - in planning terms we are only able to request 35% - if this housing association sells the site on with the new planning permission we really are stuffed. But I should add that I don't believe there are any plans to sell the property on - but if Amicus are unable for whatever reason to get the grants they need then that of course will be an option. In planning terms unless it's in writing, guaranteed by a condition or a S106 agreement it has little weight - when push comes to shove in the building phase many fine promises made at committee can be conveniently forgotten if needed.

So there it is - a housing association has turned down the opportunity to make use of the Bromley Road SPD to build on the Tigers Head site in line with community aspirations for the area. On the plus side there will be a larger number of affordable homes available in Lewisham when this development is built - but many local people in the local area will also feel let down that a significant opportunity for improvement in the area has been missed - and I share that feeling.

Brockley News, Brockley Views

2010-03-03T22:47:00.003Z

Brockley News
The Mayor agreed to ask Lewisham's Officers on possible plans for improvements/part pedestrianisation of Coulgate Street. The short report had one simple recommendation:

"It is recommended that the Mayor asks the Executive Director fora Regeneration to consider and report back to him on the implications of the `Statement of Community Views’ from the Brockley Assembly."

Those views were simply put:

" i) supporting the people of Brockley to develop Coulgate Street as a pedestrian friendly, shared surface street where a regular street market can be held and the many commuters and shoppers that use it can do so in safety and pleasure.

(ii) consulting with residents, station users and local businesses about bringing forward plans to improve the area with the possibility of full or part pedestrianisation to be considered within the options"

I personally am very pleased that what has been a major priority for many in the local area is now being seriously addressed by Lewisham Council. Whilst local people have enjoyed participating in the spending of the Mayor's Fund and the Localities Funds - it is great that we have used this mechanism to put a formal report on the table for discussion by the Mayor. It is truly a step forward in seeing major improvements to this historic street

Brockley Views

After Mayor and Cabinet I rushed to Lewisham College for the last Assembly meeting before the local elections - but the subject of the elections did not come up. I am sure there will be many more opportunities to talk about elections over the next weeks.

We started with an 'end of term' review - which has given some great pointers as to how the next Assemblies can be improved. More and better communication of the time/place of the Assemblies was a key theme. Community updates were well-liked.

We ended with a section in which a number of local groups/people were invited to put forward their views of what they would like to see the Assembly working on in the future. Here are some of the points I noted:

Brockley Society - improvements to Lewisham Way - making it a place that joins the two sides of Brockley rather than divides it as it currently does; the Brockley Mews - improving and preserving these - preventing inappropriate development, misuse by inappropriate industry

Transition Brockley - helping Brockley move to a low carbon economy, more sustainable and protected against the economic shocks that the end of cheap oil could bring; working to get more food produced and sourced locally

Brockley Traders - the representative of the Brockley Traders (owner of Speedicars) expressed a desire for the introduction of short-term parking controls around the Brockley Station area so that people can continue to visit to use the shops and other businesses but without the parking problems caused by commuter parking; concern about the crime and community safety including the need for a real visible Police presence.

Brockley Cross Action Group - the Group reported that it was celebrating its tenth anniversary very soon - yet in many ways the problems it faces are similar to those it faced when being set up - the need for a safe and well-protected environment; and support for small shops in the area that provide a good range of local services. The Group expressed the view that the current shopping hierarchy which places Brockley and other parades of shops at the bottom and Lewisham Town Centre at the top in terms of support and importance given by Lewisham's planners was upside down. The Group sees that one of the main ways of improving the lot of our shops is to improve the physical environment around.

Overall a load of very interesting ideas and initiatives there - and I certainly hope to see some of these themes taken up by the next Assembly which will be on 17 July 2010 - and of course I hope to be there as one of the Brockley Ward Councillors.

Boris will face a fight if he proposes reducing the Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Lewisham

2010-02-25T22:40:00.002Z

Chief Inspector Barham came to the Stronger Safer Communities Select Committee this evening to give evidence on the Safer Neighbourhood Teams that he heads up. During our quizzing Cllr Parmar asked whether there were any cuts planned in the level of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) in Lewisham following the London-wide reduction in policing numbers by Boris Johnson and his steadfast refusal to rule out reducing the size of the SNT teams. CI Barham said there were no plans to change from the current basic complement of a SNT is 1 x Sergeant, 2 x PCs and 3 x PCSOs. How I pressed CI Barham to explain whether in policing terms the structure of the teams was effective - he agreed it was.

So, it's clear that if London's Mayor, Boris Johnson, is planning to cut SNTs then he'll be dismantling an element of neighbourhood policing considered to be a good working model. What's more with this type of support from within the Met and the cross-party support in the Council, Boris would be up for a major fight if any of his cuts led to smaller less effective SNT in Lewisham and elsewhere.

The Inspector was also quizzed on the priority-setting of the Ward Panels that support the work of the SNTs. He was clear that ultimately the Ward Priorities were set by the Panel - but that he considered that some of the priorities that had been adopted by some Panels were in fact part and parcel of the day-to-day job of policing in the wards. Two examples given of this were establising neighbourhood watch schemes and cycling on pavements.

Heathside and Lethbridge Estate Update

2010-02-25T15:49:00.002Z

Within a few days of contacting CABE I received a response - and not one that I was expecting. CABE had no knowledge of Lewisham's plans for this estate. CABE duly called Lewisham and updated their contact details but at this stage in the development's plans CABE did not consider that they should have any further involvement. I sent the email to the Head of Planning for comment and he confirmed that they will look again at how they might involve CABE in the future.

Quite apart from the possibility that we might have given planning permission to a large estate that could produce social problems at least as great as any coming from 1960s council estates we really need to be sure that good design when rebuilding estates is at the heart. There are swathes of estates in parts of Lewisham that could be redeveloped at some time over the next few years. Unless we work with organisations like CABE, listen carefully to bodies such as our own Design Panel and get the residents involved at a stage where they can have a positive impact we will risk as a corporate body encouraging the redevelopment of our estates in spite of local people rather than with them.

I contrast this with the plans for the redevelopment of one of the estates close to New Cross gate - residents came along to SUPPORT the plans - not oppose. A lesson for us all.

An extreme example of the failure of targets culture?

2010-02-25T08:38:00.003Z

I have blogged about the effect that 'targets culture' can have on public services. The extremely distressing news from Mid Staffs Hospital, see here on this BBC article should help those who run and are accountable for public services to stop and think again whether the 'targets approach' is the right one.

The BBC article states:

"The trust had been climbing the NHS ratings ladder during the period in question and was even given elite foundation trust status."

The Guardian refers to :

"Staff were equally critical about the hospital's management, and described bosses who bred "an atmosphere of fear of adverse repercussions", stressed NHS targets were the top priority and were secretive when things went wrong.

The trust's board, which was meant to hold managers to account and ensure high clinical standards were maintained, were aware of the weaknesses but failed to ensure improvements were made, the report says."

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said there could be "no excuses" for the failings.
But he added: "This was ultimately a local failure, but it is vital that we learn the lessons nationally to ensure that it won't happen again - we expect everyone in the NHS to read the report and act on it."

I am not so sure that the human failings and above all the desire to hit targets based on not clinical and medical demands of running a modern hospital but instead by distant managers and others can have a corrosive impact on the actual service itself. Appropriate targets set locally as part of the range of management tools fine - centrally driven targets which can erode the professional judgement of managers and clinicians, lead to false reporting (Baby P) and undermine the proper functioning of the services not fine.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!! or “Report from the Constitution Working Group Meeting 17 February 2010, Civic Suite, Lewisham Town Hall”

2010-02-19T23:27:00.001Z

I have written about the Constitution Working Group (CWG) before – it is an ad-hoc group used by councillors and officers to explore changes to Lewisham's constitution prior to formal motions put before full Council for adoption, hopefully by consensus. There were three main items this week – my proposals about the appointment of the Directors to the new council-owned company which owns and runs the Catford Shopping Centre, a review of the scrutiny committees and the issue that I think is likely to be of most interest to bloggers – petitions.

When the final legislative hurdles have been overcome, Lewisham will be introducing a formal petitions scheme for residents to bring matters to the attention of Councillors, officers and the Mayor. This will mean that in general, if a significant number of people living in Lewisham call for a matter to be debated by the Council or one of its committees it will be. There are also provisions for certain senior officers to be called to give evidence on issues to again the Council or one its committees.

The CWG discussed the merits of how many signatures a petition needs to trigger a debate. The range discussed varied from 3,000 to 13,000 (5% of our population and the legal maximum we would have been allowed to set). A concern raised at the meeting was that if the threshold was set too low far too many issues could be brought forward creating a logjam at Council or our committees. I was not particularly convinced by this argument for raising the threshold above 3,000. For me, it was important to understand what Lewisham's residents might expect the threshold to be. I was far more concerned that residents understood what the purpose of the threshold is – it is not to limit the workload of the Council or its committees – for me it is convey to the residents that this is a mechanism whereby Councillors and the Mayor can confidently assert that this is an issue that warrants serious consideration and that ultimately it may mean that we have to do things differently. It is part of listening to and understanding what a significant proportion of our residents think are important.

This was why I was in favour of adopting a threshold of 10,000 – 10,000 as with any figure we could have chosen without further evidence is arbitrary. 'Ten thousand' is a number that people can understand as being 'a lot' – in voter terms it's about the size of an electoral ward in Lewisham. Some members thought the statutory maximum of 13,000 (5% of the population as a good figure) was appropriate, others believed a lower figure was better. In the end, as this is very friendly CWG we compromised on 8,000.

The threshold can and should be reviewed in a few months – then we'll have a better idea as to how it is used in Lewisham.

There will be no change to the way in which smaller petitions typically presented by a smaller number of residents in a tighter geographical area will be dealt with – these won't be downgraded – and of course it needs to be added that Lewisham will be developing a way whereby petitions can be held on line. With Lewisham's active bloggers and other online activities this will become the main way that petitions are fed into the Council.

UPDATE

An about turn from the Lib Dems caused this discussion to descend into chaos. We noted that the consensus on the issue had clearly fallen down when the Lib Dems changed their position quite dramatically to reducing the threshold to 1500 (I think that was their proposal but can't recall) we called for the issue to be referred back. In the end the proposals were passed as proposed in the paper on account of Labour's majority.

Campaign Update

2010-02-16T07:03:00.004Z

My candidacy has been covered in the local papers (Mercury, Newshopper and South London Press) and local blogs. Yesterday, in my first appearance on radio, I was called by Lewis Schaffer, who hosts the Voice of Americans on Resonance FM to participate in his show. He's already had Steve Bullock and Chris Maines so I was a natural choice. Lewis did announce on air that he'd wanted the Tories but despite many calls and emails they had no got back to him. As I reminded his listeners I was very happy to be there, and in fact the results of the 2009 European Elections when the Greens beat both the Conservatives and the Lib Dems in a Lewisham were instructive.

It was good to talk about the campaign including support for local shops and services within walking distance and the need to provide cycle facilities there. Lewis's main gripe was the failure in his borough (Southwark) to provide short-term parking facilities at local shopping parades and as a consequence he considers they miss out on a lot of passing trade. Recent experience from Crofton Park has shown that short-term parking can facilitate this type of shopping, but all day parking can merely be filled by the trader's vehicles themselves which rather defeats the point...

A missed opportunity for affordable housing in Lewisham?

2010-02-12T06:49:00.002Z

Last night's meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee concerned the entire regeneration of the Heathside and Lethbridge Estates. The estate is in a poor condition and residents on that estate have waited for a long time for this project. Many of you will remember that the subsidence on the A2 caused serious problems a few years ago. The project also has wider implications as it will lead to far more homes on the estate than there are now - over 1,100 new homes built in six phases over an eleven year period.

By any measure the proposals are a significant development worthy of being termed 'strategic'. It is not simply the size of the development that demands attention but also many of the comments that arose during the consultation were damning. In particular Lewisham's own Design Panel were scathing. Calls for the plans to be reviewed by CABE were made - and the plans/application were sent to CABE. By the time of last night's meeting, CABE had not replied - but no-one from the planning department had been able to confirm whether there was going to be a response. CABE's services are in great demand (either a desire to want to promote good design and development or as a consequence of the number of poor designs coming forward across the UK - you decide). At the meeting, the head of planning confirmed there was no reason why a call could not be made. To be fair I put the same question to the person speaking on behalf of the objectors and whilst she supported the call for the application to be submitted to CABE had not followed this up with them either. So despite many people requesting the input of CABE, this had not happened and no-one really knew why CABE had not bothered to respond to this development of over 1,100 homes in our borough - overwork, indifference, oversight or so overwhelmed by the quality of the deisgn they had no reason to respond. For the time being we don't know. I have sent an email to CABE this morning to find out. There's no point in asking for CABE to be involved if they as a matter of policy don't.

Moving on to the issue of affordable housing - a subject I have written about before. It's a bit complicated but as the proposals replace something like 550 existing homes (of which about 110 are now private under the right to buy policies) these are rightly discounted from the equation - leaving us to consider how much of the genuine new homes (the 'uplift') should be affordable. The financial viability study demonstrated that the scheme could support no more than 35%. As a result of this the application proposed that a fixed number of private and affordable homes be agreed at this stage of an 11 year demolition and new built project.

However there are two main problems with the financial viability study. First it relies on making projections as to the land values over an 11 year period and secondly these land values were not independently verified. As the Head of Planning explained Lewisham, as the landowner, would know how much it was planning to sell the land for. A good point well made, but does not take account of what the District Auditor might say as to whether these values represent good value for money for Lewisham as a corporate body whose aim would be to sell to the highest bidder and/or clearly demonstrated public benefits. Without that assurance there's a risk of a covert subsidy to our 'preferred developer'. In terms of getting a view on the land values within the study, I was hoping that we could wait until City Hall's planners had reviewed the financial viabilty study.

There was a more elegant way of ensuring that the number of affordable homes being built on Lewisham's own land using public money from the Housing and Communities Agency was higher - that was to use a review mechanism throughout the 11 year development at each phase of the development. This review would take account of the changes in funding available and any changes in policy. One change in policy that is supported by all political parties in Lewisham is that new larger developments should have at least 50% affordable housing. A policy that will never be applied to this application using Lewisham's land and public money from the HCA. But also, remember this, the application was driven and negotiated by Lewisham - in other words read Mayor and Cabinet.

The Chair of last night's meeting, Cllr Alan Smith, dismissed my suggestion of a review mechanism. Yet the Head of Planning explained that such a review mechanism had already been discussed between the applicant and the planning officers. The Head of Planning reported that whilst this approach been rejected by the applicant it was open for us to discuss. Given that this was a significant change to the application I would have been quite happy for the application to have been deferred to seek better advice on this point. The other members of the committee disagreed.

On the plus side a similar review mechanism was put in place to guarantee that the project as a whole was consistent with present and emerging policies in relation to the reduction of CO2 emissions and on-site renewable energy despite the fact that Phase 1 by itself was very clearly inconsistent with policy.

On account of all of these outstanding problems I proposed that we deferred the consideration of the application and take advice from our officers on what the impact of such a deferral might be. However Cllr Smith did not wish to 'waste the time of our legal officers' and confirmed that none of the other members present - himself, Cllrs Klier and Paschoud were prepared to support my proposal.

The application was approved by Lewisham 3-1.

The next stage is for Mayor of London to consider the application. We'll see how this turns out in due course. I will follow this up with City Hall.

On Standing for Mayor

2010-01-29T16:26:00.008Z

Many people in Lewisham are struggling with unemployment, low wages, inadequate housing and a council that doesn't do enough to help them live a greener lifestyle. As Mayor, I will push for policies that make Lewisham a better place to live by offering people the help they need.

Yesterday I was joined by London's Green MEP outside the Town Hall at the start of my official campaign as the Green Party Candidate for Mayor.

Jean Lambert MEP has represented London as its Green MEP since 1999.

Commenting on the record of the Green Group in Lewisham, Jean said:

"Greens on Lewisham council have successfully fought against cuts to essential services, they have secured a living wage for low-paid council workers, and they continue to push for a scheme to provide free home insulation for every household in Lewisham. If this is what can be achieved by half a dozen councillors, imagne what a Green Mayor could do for the people of Lewisham."

Indeed this is something I have done for quite sometime both before putting my nomination for selection by the Party and in the run up to the official launch.

The key pledges announced yesterday are :

* ensuring 50% affordable housing in larger new developments
* no cuts to social care support for elderly and disabled people
* an extensive programme of tree planting scheme throughout the Borough
* free insulation for every home to cut fuel bills and save energy
* working to keep new and existing schools in local authority control
* expansion of the operating hours of Safer Neighbourhood teams to ensure more visible community policing

At the last Lewisham-wide election in 2009 the Greens came second with 18% of the Lewisham-wide vote - click here (page 16).

Looking ahead to May 6th, as well as candidate a for Mayor, Lewisham Green Party we'll be standing candidates in every ward in Lewisham. We have a very good chance of increasing the number of Greens on the Council and having an even stronger Green voice over the next 4 years.

Town Hall - The Sequel

2010-01-28T08:25:00.004Z

What started years ago with the TV cameras following the internal workings of Lewisham in the BBC programme "Town Hall" in 1992 has spawned a sequel. With frequent outbursts from members of one particular group, regular votes to go home before we've finished working through the business of the agenda from another, and a common tut-tutting across the chamber when one group chooses to allow its members to make its own decisions, it's guaranteed to be a real ratings hit.

Last night, Lewisham Council agreed that it should look into finding ways of webcasting meetings and providing podcasts for later consumption at little additional cost using modern technology.

Of course this should open up the opportunity for local blogs, websites, news sites etc to see much more how business is done, what's happening and hold their local councillors to account.

Here's the text of the amended motion:

This council:
Believes webcasting or podcasting would strengthen equality, access and open democracy by making meetings more accessible for residents with disabilities, residents who are unwell and residents whose family, caring or work responsibilities make attendance impossible;
Notes that webcasting or podcasting of council meetings is increasingly used by other local authorities and that Lewisham Council is developing a new web platform which has the capability for webcasting or podcasting;
Calls for the webcasting or podcasting and archiving of full council meetings to be introduced in Lewisham, as well as of planning committee meetings and Mayor & Cabinet meetings where feasible; and
Calls on the Mayor to commission a report setting out a comparison with other authorities experience, and the costs and, where these are reasonable, a timetable for implementation”.

East London Line Depot Looking Good

2010-01-26T17:42:00.002Z

Travelling backwards on train from London Bridge gave me a good view of the new East London Line Depot just before New Cross Gate and it looked impressive with its rows of platforms and shiny new trains.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Something you might not have known about libraries...

2010-01-23T10:51:00.002Z

Following an item on the library service in Lewisham, one of our officers sent some further briefing about the library services across the UK and how they work together. Holidaying in the UK, short on space in the suitcase for holiday reading...some people might not know about this so I have posted the information here below:

"Antonio Rizzo, the Head of the Library and Information Service has helpfully provided the following to the Select Committee:

Anyone living, studying or working in the borough is entitled to join Lewisham's libraries. On 28 September 2009, the Society of Chief Librarians (www.goscl.com) launched the Universal Membership initiative. This scheme allows anyone with a Lewisham library card to join (and gain privileges from) more than 4,000 other public libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Customers are able to borrow books from any library, and in some cases use other services such as DVD rental, online resources and classes. Library users simply need to show their existing library card, or proof of ID and address, to join or access the library they are visiting.

The card is being marketed through the Council Website and through specific initiatives (e.g. Free Swim initiative), shared marketing campaigns (e.g. Be More), and direct recruitment (particularly with schools). The service is continuing to look at ways in which to extend coverage and usage, particularly targetting those under the age of 16."

And one of the last ones home - 2237 From Charing Cross to Brockley

2009-12-11T23:07:00.001Z

On account of the engineering works this weekend I am now on one of the last direct services from Charing Cross to Brockley. It feels very civilised - and a bit sad that this is happening - there is not even the prospect of a high frequency tube service to make up for it.

To me it does not feel that the publicly-supported railway industry is addressing the wants of either hard-pressed commuters coming home in the early evening or the people who actually live in London so that they can enjoy the West End, the theatre, a drink, meet with friends or like me go to my German nightclass.

I am sure I will find a new routine quickly - but it won't be as convenient. It will take a bit longer, will involve changing trains and using tubes more but will not be any cheaper - how I love being able to sit in a comfy seat for a good 20 mins reading a book or a paper. I am sure my irritations will be shared by a sizeable proportion of the 11.5 million people going in and out of our stations in a year.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The last train to Charing Cross.

2009-12-11T05:50:00.001Z

Southern's service cuts programme came closer today with the last 0532 direct service to Charing Cross.

Tonight I'll be catching the direct service from Charing Cross for the last time.

From a personal perspective these services provide a very convenient and direct link with Central London. I am sure I'm not alone in regretting the cutting of these services - and certainly the level of interest shown by the local groups, commuters and Lewisham Council demonstrates this.

Planning timetables and the like takes months - so it was almost inevitable that when the new timetable was published without the direct services to Charing Cross it was a 'done deal'. I hope we have an opportunity now to push once again to reverse the proposed changes brought in on the back of the East London Line (saw one of the trains the other day).

The meeting with Southern, local Councillors and the Mayor to discuss these cuts has been set for 17th of this month. Too late for these cuts to the Charing Cross service.

And so it is I arrive, for the last time, on a direct train, at Charing Cross. For once it's on time and I'll arrive on the tube platform just as a train arrives...and I did!

Tribute to Mallaig

2009-12-01T20:49:00.003Z

Not an article about the small fishing town on the west coast of Scotland, but a tribute to our cat, Mallaig, who died this morning.

We got Mallaig when he was a kitten in September 1995. For those of you who met him you'll know that he had a bit of a character and a few bad habits - the worse of which was to urinate in places other than his litter tray. He was very purry and also dribbled a bit, he liked lying around on soft cushions, duvets and in front of the fire. However, now is the time when I can go public about the time when unbeknown to us he wet the sofa just before a local party meeting. It was not until after the meeting we realised that a potential new member had spent the entire evening sitting on that patch. She never came again. Still Mallaig's attempts at marking his territory and single-pawedly attempting to restrain the Green Party in Lewisham do not appear to have worked terribly well.

On a lighter note there was also the time when the cat took a liking to bright stringy Christmas decorations - we'd not used these previously. He certainly looked festive with the strings hanging out of his bottom - however the sight of him playing with strands of pooh wrapped around the same strings was less so.

I hope that the wren he caught a few years ago will be able to forgive him - I was not at all impressed when he brought the lovely little fellow in.

Mallaig was clearly getting older in recent months, had lost a bit of weight, had a heart murmur and was under the vet for treatment for a thyroid problem. I found him lying dead in the garden this morning and his posture appeared to show a very sudden and hopefully relatively painless death. We quickly buried him this morning and gave all of his remaining cat food to the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.

Thinking about myself, when I looked through some old pictures of the cat, I was struck by (a) how young I looked in the photographs and (b) I didn't have any idea of how my life could develop over those 14 or so years when the cat would be alive.

Despite his flaws, we loved him and will miss him.

More bling

2009-10-18T18:27:00.003+01:00

I had the pleasure of accompanying Darren Johnson to Westminster today in the London Mayor's Association annual service at Westminster Abbey...the service was very pleasant, the choir sung very well (as they would). Here's the Mayors - Lewisham was represented by Cllr Barrie Anderson, Chair of the Council.

Are these real savings?

2009-10-16T13:40:00.000+01:00

Lewisham's Officers have published their initial proposals for achieving the efficiency savings that are required to both drive more efficient use of public money and also to provide new money for new services and/or changes in the Council Tax.

This aspect of the budget setting process always causes interest as the focus is on which of the services are 'up for the chop' - when the picture is probably better painted as being 'pruned' or 'shaped' or 'adapted' to reflect a change in the demand for the services or different ways of doing things.

Lewisham's Officers have proposed replacing some of own funded programmes with grants from other government initiatives including Sure Start (see CYP07 £56k, CYP08 £91k, CYP17 £6k, CYP18 £82k, CYP21 £40) totalling £275,000 a year. Of course this means that public money is being spent - but not from the Council tax in Lewisham. Each of these proposals is rightly described as having a 'neutral impact' in terms of 'Inspiring efficiency, effectiveness and equity' - simply because all they do is transfer funding for the service from Lewisham to another Government Body - and do little to determine whether the service could be better run altogether.

The full report is available here

Meet the Manager

2009-10-13T10:30:00.002+01:00

Following the motion to full Council, the Mayor has written the following letter on behalf of Lewisham Council.

I hope to get along to the 'Meet the Manager' session at London Bridge - however I regularly catch the 0532 direct service to Charing Cross (not sure if that's going to be cut - will need to check the timetable) and therefore could miss this session.

Nevertheless, if I'm not able to make this Thursday then I'll be sure to make any meeting that comes from the letter from the Mayor.

Hanging baskets gone...Christmas on the way

2009-10-12T23:48:00.002+01:00

Only this morning I commented that the now the hanging baskets had gone from Brockley Cross it won't be long before Christmas. Perhaps Lewisham's Highways Department heard me - I noticed that the lights have been installed on the lamp posts this evening.

Not got a date for when these will be switched on - but I'm hoping that there'll be a tree again in Brockley and that there'll be a market in Coulgate Street again - and I'm hoping that I won't have to hear Christmas music until 1 December.

What else do I want for Christmas - well a direct service to Charing Cross would be good for a start...

Guess we all have something to be pleased about now that Coulgate Street has reopened...

2009-10-05T08:59:00.002+01:00

31 Homes Kept Emtpy in Lewisham

2009-09-30T17:17:00.002+01:00

It appears that Lewisham is keeping at least 31 homes vacant at the moment - some for over 2 years. No reason is given for this. The financial cost of the lost rent is currently estimated at £50,000.

The full question and answer is repeated below:

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM

COUNCIL MEETING

24 SEPTEMBER 2009

Question by Councillor Walton
of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services

Question

How many long term voids does Lewisham Homes have and for how long has each of the properties been left vacant? How much rent has been lost? How many of these have been squatted and how much has it cost to remove the squatters? Should Lewisham Homes decide to sell off these properties how many replacement homes would be bought?

Reply

Further to your question concerning long term voids within Lewisham Homes,
the information you have requested is detailed below:

The total number of long term void properties is 31 –

13 Lewisham Homes properties
18 ex-Dunlop Hayward properties

The average duration of a vacant property is:

Lewisham Homes Stock = 61 weeks
Ex Dunlop Hayward - LTV's Interim Managed = 135 weeks

The approximate rental loss for the period is £50,000

2 of the properties have been squatted and it costs an average of £650 per property to remove the squatters

With regard to selling the properties, as Lewisham Homes only manage the stock for the Council any decision concerning the sale of property and the assets from that sale would be with the London Borough of Lewisham.

Extra Traffic for Hard Cash

2009-09-26T10:46:00.003+01:00

Travelling to central London yesterday morning (change at London Bridge - yawn) I saw this advert on the Southeastern train.

I can't be the only one who is outraged by the idea that a major business in Lewisham's congested town centre is actively promoting itself as a commuters' car park.

I doubt there's little that can be done to curtail what I consider to be an irresponsible action that could easily increase congestion and degrade air quality. Moreover it could encourage people who currently use the train from Kent to drive into Lewisham instead.

Of course, when our station finally reopens (and I used the stairs on saturday and friday so it can't be far off) we'll have our very own commuter parking back.

Cross Party Support for Defending Rail Services through Brockley

2009-09-25T00:18:00.003+01:00

Following a good debate which was surprisingly bitter, Lewisham Council unaminously passed the following motion (see below).

I'll report back to the response from the train companies and others when we've heard what they've got to say.

I sincerely hope that we can change things and retain our vital services to London Bridge and Charing Cross.

No End In Sight??

2009-09-25T00:04:00.003+01:00

Following my question on the Brockley Station scheme, the Deputy Mayor was unable to confirm when the works at Brockley Station will be finished. This is a shame and I am sure we all hope it will be finished very soon.

The Deputy Mayor did take issue with my comments that the 'long drawn out' nature of the scheme had left many local people distintcly unimpressd with Lewisham's performance. The Deputy Mayor was keen instead to stress that the scheme will be seen to improve the area - which is due in part to the doggedness of the local groups and people in making sure that high quality materials are used.

By way of example I noticed how attractive the paving outside the Civic Suite is following its complete replacement. Of course the Civic Suite should look welcolming - it's seen by many and will be used to judge Lewisham by many. Brockley Station fulfills a similar role of setting a tone for how visitors will feel about Brockley.

As a closing remark, you'll know what I want for Christmas...but I would expect to have it well before then.

Safety Improvements for Brockley Cross Proposed

2009-09-18T17:12:00.002+01:00

Wednesday's Mayor and Cabinet proposed saftey improvements for Brockley Cross. The report titled "LIP Funding 2010-11" contains the following proposals to Transport for London:

"First year: Design and implement safety scheme improvements at
Brockley Cross and Brockley Road between Brockley Cross and
Adelaide Avenue. Footway improvements in Coulgate Street
south of the ramp and some public realm improvement projects
along Brockley Road to enhance the local safety scheme. The
works in Coulgate Street will complement the works already
carried out as part of the Brockley Common scheme. St Asaph
Road has recently been subject to two highway schemes and
further footway improvements will integrate these works. Design
of public realm improvements to Brockley Cross will commence
for implementation in the second year.

Second year: Implement public realm improvements at Brockley
Cross and implement any station access scheme proposals,
subject to funding approval from TfL as part of the Area Based
Schemes programme."

The bid needs to be signed off by TfL - however it'l; be interesting to find out what is actually being proposed. In fact I'll think I'll ask a question about it!

Decent Homes not Fewer Homes

2009-09-16T10:49:00.004+01:00

The selling off of Council Housing has resulted in a severe shortfall in the level of social housing available - and the evidence for this is the waiting list in Lewisham. For this reason I was really concerned when I discovered that Lewisham Homes appear to be holding properties vacant, leaving them open to squatters who have been poor neighbours for other residents and resulting in a loss of possible rent. Surely there must be an answer to this. Well we'll find out soon...I have put the following question down for the next full Council.

How many long term voids does Lewisham Homes have and for how long has each of the properties been left vacant? How much rent has been lost? How many of these have been squatted and how much has it cost to remove the squatters? Should Lewisham Homes decide to sell off these properties how many replacement homes would be bought?
I believe that the reason for selling off these homes is to pay for one-off improvements to other homes. When was the last time it was sound financial advice to sell a chunk of your fixed assets to pay for overdue maintenance work?

Of course many of these issues is about perception as it is about actual policy matters. Yet, in simple terms if it appears the policy is to sell off some properties to pay for the refurbishment of others - what are the criteria being used to determine which properties are sold - what impact does that have on the social make-up of our neighbourhoods - what impact on people waiting for Council housing who feel that their hope for secure tenancy allowing them to get on with their lives is drifting away further?

Decent homes should mean just that and not fewer homes.

Defending Rail Services in Lewisham

2009-09-15T13:56:00.003+01:00

Following the recent concerns expressed about the curtailment of rail services from stations along the South London Line I have proposed the following motion to the Council on 24 September:.

"This council calls on the Mayor to write to Southern rail, Transport for London and the Secretary of State for Transport to:

• Express the council's grave concerns about Southern's plans to reduce off-peak and evening peaktime services to and from London Bridge on the Brockley/Sydenham line from six to four per hour, a reduction of one third, and to oppose these service cuts;
• Ask for an explanation for Southern's refusal to attend a recent meeting with council officials and residents to explain the planned service cuts and invite them to a further meeting, to include the Mayor himself and ward councillors from affected areas;
• Seek a full explanation of the planned service cuts and clarification on the maximum capacity of the rail line for both East London Line and London Bridge services; and
• While wholeheartedly welcoming the new East London Line service, oppose any reduction in services to London Bridge that are carried out purely for financial reasons rather than capacity reasons and lobby instead for the maximum possible services to London Bridge."

I hope that the motion can acheive support from all Parties on Lewisham Council - and if you're reading this please do encourage your local Councillors to support this motion. Find out who your local councillor is from here

Off the Rails

2009-09-09T15:03:00.004+01:00

I'm a supporter of the East London Line - but am frankly appalled at the prospect of the significant reduction of services to London Bridge for no apparent reason - other than presumably the level of funding available.

In April 2008, Network Rail published a FAQs about the South London Route Utilisation Study explaining:

"The 2010 timetable is being developed to the following weekday peak period specification (shown in trains per hour - tph)
•
6tph stopping services via Sydenham to London Bridge
•
4tph fast services from Norwood Junction to London Bridge
•
Up to 10tph to the East London Line
•
2tph stopping services from London Bridge to Victoria via Crystal Palace
Based on arrivals into London Bridge between 0800-0859 these are the changes relative to today:
•
New Cross Gate would maintain today’s 6tph in the high peak to London Bridge
•
Brockley and Honor Oak Park would each see an increase from today’s 4tph to 6tph in the high peak to London Bridge
•
Forest Hill and Sydenham would each see a reduction from 7tph to 6tph in the high peak to London Bridge, but see below.
•
Penge West and Anerley would each have 4tph to London Bridge, approximately double the service today.
•
Norwood Junction would have 4tph running fast to London Bridge, with an improved spread of services to today, plus the stopping services.
The slight reduction into London Bridge for Sydenham and Forest Hill is seen as unavoidable and is based on the maximum number of trains that can be fitted onto the network. Whilst this is a small overall reduction at these two stations it would be offset by:
•
Originating these services from much nearer to Sydenham. At present they start from places as far away as Caterham. By starting them much nearer, we expect there to be more space available on them
•
Diversion of an increasing level of the demand onto the East London Line services
The Sydenham line will also gain from 12-car trains to London Bridge and, from 2015 onwards, the indicative Thameslink train service proposal shown in the RUS has a 4tph all stations service from the Croydon area to the Thameslink network."

This clearly demonstrates that the line can carry both the ELL and London Bridge services. The RUS explains that in general off-peak services are a matter for the franchising arrangements.

We have already seen the cancellation of the Victoria - Bellingham services - the reduction of services to London Bridge when the ELL opens risks will inconvenience many local residents before they have time to charge up their Oyster cards.

The next full Council meeting is 24th September and I'm hoping that by then we will have a suitable consensus across all parties in Lewisham expressing our concern at this cynical move.

Lewisham Country Fayre - 20 September

2009-09-07T17:30:00.002+01:00

I'm back and blogging again! I have received notice of the third Lewisham Country Fayre - details below. I hope to go along - and if I do I'll be entering a jar of my home-made marmalade. Enjoy!

Lewisham Country Fayre: 20 September (12noon-6pm)
Lewisham’s kitschy Country Fayre is back for the third year on Sunday 20 September at the award-winning Cornmill Gardens opposite Lewisham train station.

The free retro style event will include vintage frocks, prize jams, London's meatiest sausages and the best of Lewisham’s home grown talent.
With 70s pop legends Boney M headlining, the fayre promises to be a fun day out for the whole family. The setting, in the multi-award winning Cornmill Gardens, will offer visitors a treat of open green spaces, revived railway arches and access to a scenic strip of the River Ravensbourne.

The fayre is also rousing locals to test their talents on a range of horticultural, craft and cookery competitions. Anyone with green fingers or artistic talents is invited to showcase their creative skills. Non-specialist, light-hearted categories include: best vegetable sculpture, best knitted item, best photograph of rural Lewisham, funniest shaped vegetable, and the yummiest jams and cakes.

Arrived in Iceland

2009-08-11T00:03:00.006+01:00

Probably not a bad thing - but been without internet access for a few days - so quite a bit to catch up...we were warmly welcomed in Seydisfjordur by a puffin. Unfortunately the puffin's warm welcome was not matched by the Customs who kept us waiting for over an hour to tell us that we were not carrying drugs. The sniffer dog was distinctly unimpressed by the car - and so it seemed the police handlers too!

The difficulty about blogging about this trip is that the scenery and the pictures that I have taken can dominate the blog. However the scenery is pretty much what I've come for.

The journey into the port was another spectactular view of hills, mountains, waterfalls, ice and mist. Splendid! A quick shopping expedition on the edge of town and then make our way to the ringroad. Obviously not a dual carriageway avoiding the city centre but a signposted road around the edge of Iceland - helpfully numbered '1'. Most of the road is covered with tarmac, but on this first section I came across one of the longest sections of 'gravel roads' - but I'd call them tracks. They appear to have two features that residents in Lewisham might find useful - they slow cars down and they are cheap to maintain.

Being used to just a few on the pond or in the river the sight of literally thousands of swans in the sea was amazing.

What a treat - I'd missed this in the guidebook - a glacial lagoon. Bascially the glacier is melting - and the lagoon created by the glacial melt accessible. We took a boat trip amongst the blue, white and grey icebergs floating around in the mist. Truly amazing. The physics behind why icebergs are blue is interesting.

I think it is the colours that make the place seem so unworldy. Pastel blues and the like are not normally seen in nature in the UK - other than in small quantities on plants - to see something that has the colour of a cheap toilet cleaning block floating around is quite startling.

Later on we went for a walk on one of the glaciers - complete with crampons and ice-axes. Brilliant to see deep crevices in the ice and what the guide called cauldrons - deep wells within the glacier where the water flows down and away. Scary looking places and the stuff of nightmares. However I didn't notice any flooding on the glacier so it appears they are far more efficient at removing vast quantities of melting water than the gullies on Wickham Road.

Another unexpected feature of the glacier was the moraines - basically piles of stones and rubble left by the glacier which look amazingly similar to rubble found on a demolition or building site.

We carried along on the ring road and this is the third night of three in Reykjavik. Iceland has continued to delight - hot springs and bubbling mud. The Blue Lagoon (perhaps this could be Lewisham's answer to the wasted heat from Selchp - The Deptford Lagoon?).

Much of Iceland's energy is provided by geothermal or hydroelectricty. This is an example of Iceland's emerging hydrogen network as part of preparing for a post-carbon world. The hydrogen in this station is used to power a whale-watching ship.

Tomorrow we leave Reykjavik and set off to see the site of the first parliment, geysir and gullfoss.

A Fair Ol' Treat!

2009-08-05T23:37:00.004+01:00

We left Torshavn bang on schedule. Unexpectedly the boat took a course between the islands giving the passengers the chance to see some stunning scenery for about 2 hours.

Blogging in Torshavn

2009-08-05T17:27:00.005+01:00

Modern technology again - and the luxury of a two day ferry journey means that I have wifi onboard, my camera and the time to post to the blog. The ferry arrived at Torshavn about 90 minutes ago and will be leaving in about 20; the crossing was very smooth and the sun came out to welcome us to the Faroes.

The journey to the Faroes was particularly pleasant - the sun was shining and we sailed along the Norwegian coast for quite some time. Most of the passengers spent the day out on deck enjoying the sun, a beer and relaxing - and most of those now have bright red faces.

On Holiday

2009-08-03T22:18:00.011+01:00

The benefits of a laptop and free wifi access in the hotel means that I can put a few pictures up and comments even whilst on holiday.

August is a time a relaxing - taking some time out -the schools are closed, cities are hot and tiring, and no-one likes politics.

My holiday this year is a bit of a childhood dream come true - a tour of Iceland. The name itself is one of those descriptive names. However, for many years I've wanted to come to Iceland - this I'm on my way!

The journey so far has been good fun and relatively uneventful. On Thursday morning we set set off for Dover at about 7 and arrived in good time for the ferry to Dunkirk. Making good progress we arrived in Muenster at aroun 19:00 and checked in. Muenster apparently has one of the highest levels of bicylce ownership in Germany - the number cyclists and cycles tracks in the City seemed to confirm this!Another advantage of Muenster is that you can still buy pick and mix - but we left too early...

Whenever we go on holiday there always seem to be elections - we saw this in Muenster:

Friday we travelled on to Copenhagen - catching the ferry from Puttgarden. A relatively expensive way to travel - but giving me, the driver, the chance to have a rest. From the ferry we get the first views of Denmark - wonder what caught my eye about Denmark?

Up early for the ferry to Iceland this morning and thought I'd finish off the holiday blog so far. It was Pride week in Copenhagen. Flags everywhere. One of the churches got in on the act too. And the photo shows my preferred way of getting around - hire a bike - loads of dedicated cycle lanes.

Even though we had the bikes, we did use public transport once - the cross river service.

And the greener alternative to patio heaters and the smoking ban (I don't smoke) - brewery-sponsored warm blankets

Must get up now - down to breakfast and then to the portt for the ferry to Iceland via the Faroes.

Brockley Station - An Update

2009-07-27T06:56:00.003+01:00

I received an update from Lewisham's officers on 22 July:

"Dear All,

I am writing to update you with regard to the Brockley Station Ramp.
Our contractor has worked extremely hard to re-open the footbridge to the station and access to the ticket office, and we can now confirm that the ramp section will be open by the end of next week.

Unfortunately it is not possible to open the ramp earlier as there are some landscaping works to be undertaken along the front edge of the site involving the use of heavy machinery. This could pose a safety risk to members of the public. I'm sure you will appreciate that the safety of the public must always be the Council's primary concern.

It is hoped that works to the steps will be completed in the next few weeks. We are awaiting delivery of specially commissioned railings and surfacing materials. Every effort is being made to complete this was soon as possible.

We are very aware of the difficulties the closure of the footbridge is causing to the many commuters who use Brockley Station on a daily basis. I'm sure the opening will be welcomed by both local people and by commuters. The project is now nearing completion and looks extremely impressive. It is a great addition to the Brockley Cross area and our thanks go to all who have contributed to the design and construction of it.

I hope this information is useful."

However I have also received a letter dated 17 July 2009 sent to me in another way...

"Firstly let me update you on progress to the ramp at Brockley Station. The works began in March, but our original programme had to be revised following the delays due to the discovery of asbestos on the site. This revised programme indicated a completion date during the week commencing 10th August. However recent discussions with the Contractor have allowed us to reduce this to the w/c 27th July.

It was originally anticipated that the footbridge would be closed for 10 weeks - which would have been until the end of May. Following the asbestos removal, this was revised to the end of June. Unfortunately, there have been delays in sourcing some of the materials needed to complete the works, some of which are specialist and individually commissioned. The intention now is to open the footbridge (as long as this can be done safely) by the latest next Friday - 24 July."

There is no obvious explanation for the differences between these updates - occurring less than a week between them. However I have been extremely concerned with the way in which users and people living around the station have been kept up to date with the project.

A very simply board with updates on this seemingly never-ending project would have been sufficient. Instead the only 'official' communication has been the rather testy notice still on Platform 1 at Brockley Station rather hopefully suggesting that the delay was to be only 2 weeks.

Soon be on holiday

2009-07-25T23:46:00.011+01:00

I've had a very busy few weeks - trying to get through a lot of stuff before I go on holiday for the best part of August. Today however I have started to move into holiday mode.

Yesterday I had an earlyish start with my surgery at St Andrews Church - knowing that I won't be holding another one until late September - after the summer, the autumn conferences and the autumnal equinox. I may have had to turn the heating on for an hour or too by that time.

This afternoon I helped out at the Clare Road Estate Community Fun Day. After spending years seeing the Brockley Society BBQ at Hilly Fields, I finally got to use it. It's a fierce beast, but very efficient at cooking lots of food quickly.

After that, I had a quick break and freshen up before joining other members of the local party in Whitstable for the evening. This day is the traditional Lewisham Green Party day out - and we have returned to Whitstable. Today was the last day of the Oyster Festival:

In the picture above I am faking the eating of an oyster by the harbour - I'd had half a dozen earlier. I was slightly dissappointed that the oysters were from Maldon not Whitstable this time...and yes that is Sue Luxton, a bit cold and warming herself up with a glass of Pimms.

Being in Whitstable on a clear night gives a great opportunity for some arty shots:

Anyway at home now, enjoying a glass of wine. Will be in the office tomorrow finishing stuff off and go on holiday Thursday morning and I can't wait.

Lisa's hangover

2009-07-24T20:58:00.005+01:00

Earlier this week I stopped to help a young man prevent a young woman (23), Lisa (name changed) from throwing herself back into the Regents Canal. The woman was clearly drunkand very wet - according to the man she'd had the best part of a bottle of vodka. This probably explained some of her behaviour. It was about 07:45 in the morning.

I stopped a passing cyclist and asked him to call the police and an ambulance. For the next twenty minutes we restrained the woman, people passed, stared and wanted to say something - they didn't. The people in the gardens on the other side of the canal continued to eat their breakfasts. Finally a burly policeman arrived. He was harsh in a sympathetic way - but at least you knew that he'd be able to prevent the woman from harming herself any further. I left my details and went back to my office.

About 2 hours later I received a call from the policeman. Lisa had been to hospital, received treatment for possible hypothermia and Weil's disease. She was now in a police cell having been arrested for her own safety. The policeman asked for my account of the events. However the policeman was also concerned that I might have been affected or found the incident disturbing. Of course it was unsettling - it's not every day that you get involved in a situation like that - but my concern was more for the woman than myself - was she ok? Did she have people who could look after her? It transpires that the policeman was considering charging Lisa with an offence of causing distress in a public place or similar. Does anyone think that treating mental health or social issues as criminal matters really helps solve anything? At the end of the day the only person who has probably suffered any harm from the events is Lisa - the hangover she's got is punishment enough for most; the reality that her life appears to be falling apart at just 23 is even worse.

Council Houses, Homelessness and Decent Homes

2009-07-23T18:58:00.001+01:00

Occasionally I come across issues that seem so straightforward that I am left struggling to imagine what it is that I am missing. Today I came across one of those.

A number of residents have identified two small houses on Friendly Street that are empty. They have been empty for some time and one of them was subsequently squatted. They remain empty. So I asked Officers for an explanation. I have removed the actual properties from the answer and amended it very slightly so it makes sense.

"I have been informed by the Empty Homes Manager that the properties on Friendly Street are owned by the Council, but managed by Lewisham Homes and have been void since Feb and May 2009 respectively. I have been informed that Lewisham Homes have 12 long term voids on their books awaiting a decision on either disposal or awaiting identification of funds to renovate."

So now we have it confirmed that the two properties on Friendly Street are joined by a further 10.

The reply goes on to explain about the costs of rennovating these two properties and the dangers of leaving them void - quite apart from the scandalous waste of voids when we have such a large waiting list:

"One property had been used by squatters however, possession was regained in May 2009. Both properties are being monitored and one is currently being treated by Pest Control. Both properties require substantial investment (possibly in excess of £60K) to repair and bring them up to a decent homes standard. A proposed full survey and schedule of condition is planned so that an informed decision can be made."

It is good news that we will find out how much it will cost renovate the properties - £60k sounds a lot - and perhaps has arisen on account of poor maintenance over the years.

"The Empty Homes Manager has confirmed that even when improved, both these dwellings would not be ideal and will remain small and poorly arranged dwellings. Therefore it may well be that disposal may free up substantial capital receipts that can be made available to improve other urgently needed repairs on other non- decent dwellings."

Lewisham has a large waiting list of people and families waiting for social housing -and I know these include a large number of people in Brockley. I think many would be happy to live in a property in Friendly Street and the reply says nothing about the suitablity of the other 10 homes that could be up for sale.

The argument goes that the money from the sale of these houses would allow more homes to be made 'decent'. Now why does that not work - Lewisham has a legal obligation to make all its homes decent - and has put in place or has plans for all its properties through such things as the Brockley PFI or Lewisham Homes. In fact one of the big drivers for creating Lewisham Homes was to allow money to flow in to create decent homes...

However what that course of action means that for want of money to pay for a backlog of repairs we could be losing twelve Council homes - at a time when waiting lists are astronomically high already and the recession will only put more pressure on to the lists.

There's also another issue - in new build in Lewisham we insist (rightly) on a range of housing tenures not just because we need more affordable housing in Lewisham but that it contributes to balanced communities. This proposal seems to work against our wider planning policies.

Brockley Station

2009-07-21T19:07:00.001+01:00

Just to keep you informed - here's the latest update I received on the works at Brockley Station on 14 July. I have followed this up with a further request today as whilst progress is being made on the works - it isn't at all clear that it will be finished anytime soon.

"Dear Cllr Walton

We are urgently discussing progress on this scheme with the contractor. We are concerned to get the steps opened as quickly as possible.

I will advise you as soon as I have firmer information."

Cracks in the pavement

2009-07-15T05:44:00.002+01:00

I noticed these paving slabs on my way to the station this morning. Users of Brockley Station will be aware that this section pavement was repaired last week. However, either the slabs used were seconds and already cracked - or the vehicles that park up to service the advertising hoardings have already started to cause damage.

Either way it is pretty poor that within a week of the pavement being repaired it is cracking up. I will draw this to the attention of our highways people - who I am sure will be just as annoyed as I am. Whoever is at fault - the contractors or the advertising people - we should not just accept that Lewisham pays hundreds of thousands of pounds in an annual cycle of pavement repair and replacement just have them crumble in a matter of days.

Managing railway embankments

2009-07-14T16:59:00.008+01:00

We have received a reply from the Chief Executive of Network Rail follwing concerns raised about the seemingly brutal works carried out along the tracks in Brockley and around. The reply is here:

About 4 or 5 years ago we had agressive cutting back of the embankments along the line that runs from Nunhead through Brockley to Lewisham (via the High Level Link). At the time the embankment was a barren place. However last night I walked past and was struck by the thickness of the vegetation and what appears to be a good mix of species. What do you think?

Looking back at Network Rail's response - it would appear to suggest that the overall plans for the embankments is to provide cover of the type pictured above at Brockley. The question has to be how best to get there - the brutal works undertaken in Brockley a few years whilst they appear to be successful now were a great cause of concern. The works undertaken that led to the motion and the letter from Network Rail show that things have not moved on sufficiently. Is it not possible to find ways of phasing such works to meet the demands of all, acheive the comprehensive cover, create a real leafy corridor, enhance biodiversity and increase the reliability of the trains and whilst not costing too much?

A poor pastiche...or good job

2009-07-14T10:33:00.009+01:00

A year a two ago there was a tragic fire destroying this building at the corner Upper Brockley and Geoffrey Roads. The bulding has been replaced. I was struck by how similar it was to the building that was there before, and how it has now been brought in use as housing again. The point being that frequently in the Conservation Area buildings proposed such as this have been dismissed as a 'poor pastiche' - what do you think? Isn't the building whilst not being an exact copy (but at a quick glance it is hard to spot the difference) of the existing buildings, simply good enough? Too good to be d

More delays...

2009-07-13T07:23:00.004+01:00

The site this morning...

I have asked the Deputy Mayor for a further update this morning. On 24th June she indicated that the bridge would be open soon and that the project was only 'three weeks behind schedule' and the bridge could open 'weather permitting'. It's just as well we had some good weather - goodness knows where we'd be otherwise.

Question by Councillor Walton
of the Deputy Mayor

Question

Please provide a comprehensive update on the progress of the Brockley Station ramp including what the original budget was for this scheme; what the expected final cost of the current scheme is; what explanations there are for any differences; where any additional money has been allocated from; when or whether asbestos was detected on the site; what the implications of this was; whether the original soil surveys should have picked this up? Were diversions put in place for cyclists and fully signed?

Reply

The Brockley Station ramp has been planned as a high quality scheme to improve the area, and forms the core of the Brockley Common project, which originated as a local initiative. The ramp has been developed in close collaboration with Brockley Cross Action Group with a steering group chaired by Joan Ruddock MP. Funding for the Common has been obtained from a variety of sources and Lewisham has managed to find the overwhelming majority of funding from its own resources and by bidding to Department for Transport (DfT) for disabled access funding.

The total budget for the scheme was £182k, which it was hoped would be enough to regrade the area, creating a new ramp and steps from the southern part of the site, along with a small performance area and steps at the northern end of the site. The budget comprised:

• Nearly £8k from the remainder of the Mayor’s growth fund for the area.

• £146k from the Council’s other services Capital programme of which £71k would be reimbursed by DfT once the southern steps and ramp are completed.
• £28k from Section 106 funding.

The scheme was split into two phases, with the performance area and northern steps to be constructed as a second phase if funds permitted.

It was expected that the final cost of the initial phase of the scheme would be £150k. It is now expected to be £331k, but there are some costs still to be resolved with the contractor.

Prior to this phase of the scheme commencing, soil tests had been carried out to determine if the area was contaminated. These are of necessity sample tests, but they were taken across the site in areas that were accessible. They did not show any general soil contamination, nor identify any asbestos. However, once works commenced extensive excavation had to take place and unfortunately on 16 April asbestos was found in a small area of the site opposite the northern corner of the ticket office and then a larger area of about 4 square metres was found towards the northern end of the site. These are isolated pieces of asbestos and could not have been foreseen when work commenced. However, once they had been found, removal and disposal of a considerable amount of soil was unavoidable as a much larger area had to be assumed to be potentially contaminated. This had to removed by a specialist contractor and tipped at a specialist site. At that stage there was no option but to complete the phase under construction.

As a result the project has had to be reviewed, to ensure that the current works can be completed to reopen the station access. Furthermore, costs must be contained to avoid any further unplanned or unfunded expenditure.

There has been no additional money allocated to remove the asbestos. lt is proposed to seek approval from Mayor and Cabinet to reallocate some funds from the Council’s Other Services Capital Programme, identified for other stations on the line. However, it will not be possible to construct the northern steps and performance area and the area will be left with topsoil for seeding and planting. It is possible that other pieces of asbestos lie buried in the remainder of the site and there is therefore the possibility of a similar cost being incurred if and when those works are done.

Despite this problem, the scheme is progressing well, only about three weeks behind schedule, with paving being laid to the steps and ticket office access at the moment. The footbridge should reopen at the end of the month, weather permitting. The final result will be an enormous improvement and turn the area into an asset for the community.

A diversion was put in place for users of the footbridge along Coulgate Street to Brockley Cross then along Endwell Road to Mantle Road and back to the other end of the bridge. The diversion was fully signed and checked by the contractor regularly. However, concern has been expressed that the signage did not explicitly refer to cyclists and for future schemes we will be seeking advice from the Council’s Cycling Officer.

An update from Highways 14 July 2009:

"Dear Cllr Walton

We are urgently discussing progress on this scheme with the contractor. We are concerned to get the steps opened as quickly as possible.

I will advise you as soon as I have firmer information."

I am sure we all agree with the need to get the steps opened as quickly as possible.

However the significant delays to the project - which by my reckoning will be more than six weeks have caused serious concerns to both myself as one the local councillors and local residents and businesses alike. The discovery of asbestos on the site caused some delays - however the delays have dragged on beyond that without explanation.

With regards to the looking at what Lewisham should be doing - it is difficult as a local Councillor and poor practice to extrapolate from one scheme, like this, that has had problems. I have heard suggestions that the contract has not been managed properly, that the terms of the contract with Conways might contribute to the problems, that the soil surveys should have identified problems ahead of the scheme starting, that the discussions over the materials might have caused delays etc etc. But without proper evidence it is hard to know what is the answer. We will not know for some time what has gone wrong with this project, what problems could have been avoided, and what actually went well in the implementation of this project. But what I am most keen to hear about is whether there are any policy changes at a Lewisham level which should be made to avoid these problems coming in the future.

Such changes that come to mind are the way in which Highways communicate with local people over such disruptive schemes, how local people are involved in the detailed implementation of such schemes, and how we keep people on board when delays inevitably occcur. In terms of contracts and the like, I understand that (presumably for cost reasons) the contract with Conways specifies a standard paving slab - the use of a different style causing problems for the Brockley Station contract - given the important role our pavements have in terms of setting the scene for our roads, has enough thought been given to this element of the contract, can we not build in more flexibility and given how many of these slabs appear to be cracked can we be sure they are fit for purpose.

Great Day at the Fun Run

2009-07-13T07:22:00.003+01:00

A very quick update - I had a fantastic fun run - beating my time from last year by a whopping five minutes - testament to eating fewer pies I guess than any particular athletic ability! Pictures to follow.

Dean

We're running - are you?

2009-06-20T18:40:00.004+01:00

Cllr Ute Michel (Ladywell Ward) and myself have entered the Brockley Fun Run on 5th July.We're encouraging as many local people as possible to enter the run. The run is supported financially by money from the Brockley & Ladywell localities funds - which mean that entry costs are just £5 for adults (£10 on the day) and all children under 12 are free.

Tree Works in Ladywell

2009-06-19T11:28:00.002+01:00

Why is this particularly boring picture of tree roots in Ladywell here? Residents will be aware that tree works in Brockley, undertaken by the Brockley PFI have caused many problems - typically the problems are brutal works to mature trees. The PFI applied to fell 4 London plane trees - much like this one in the picture for causing very similar damage to a wall on Upper Brockley Road. The works look fairly straightforward and eminently doable - yet the pavement on Upper Brockley Road across from the Parade is still fenced off.

More delays

2009-06-14T11:19:00.001+01:00

This poster advises of delays to the station ramps works - and pointedly puts the blame on Lewisham Council.

We have heard that delays may have occurred due to unforeseen soil contamination - despite soil surveys; or is it poor project management. I have put a full question down for next full Council.

"Can the Deputy Mayor provide a comprehensive update on the progress of the Brockley Station ramp including what the original budget was for this scheme; what the expected final cost of the current scheme is; what explanations there are for any differences; where any additional money has allocated from; when or whether asbestos was detected on the site; what the implications of this was; whether the original soil surveys should have picked this up? Were diversions put in place for cyclists and fully signed?"

Many, many times we are told that money is tight - yet financial rabbits appear out of hats all the time. Given the important location of this site in terms of the numbers of people expected to use it, it is vital to make it as welcoming and attractive as possible. We need to make sure every last penny is put to effective use and that means continuing to work closely with the community backing these improvements.

Whilst there appears to have been good liaison through the 'Partnership Group' incorporating Network Rail, Lewisham, Transport for London and the Brockley Cross Action Group - this liaison when the project is actually being implemented appears to work less effectively.

Hopefully, by the time I get a full answer the station will have reopened - but I'm still waiting for my invitation to the opening ceremony!

Little Cheyne Wind Farm

2009-06-11T17:37:00.006+01:00

I went to an event organised by the British Wind Energy Association at new wind farm, Little Cheyne,
close to Rye in East Sussex.

The event was an opportunity to hear about planning rules, technical issues and other matters
relevant to the installation of wind energy schemes in the UK.

Of particular interest is the role played by local authorities in this process. Schemes over 50MW come within the realms of the 'Electricity Act' and are determined by the Secretary of State for Industry rather than the local planning authority.
For this relatively modest scheme of 59MW installed capacity the process was drawn out over many years - the installation was opposed by Shepway DC and Kent County Council against the technical advice of their officers - 'Councillors speaking up for local people'. However, given the siting of these turbines, right adjacent to Dungeness Power Station I find it difficult to understand how these machines can be in any way more offensive than an old-fashioned nuclear power station.

Here's Dungeness:

Here's the wind farm:

In addition we had an interesting presentation from a member of Swale Borough Council. Swale BC blocked the planning permission for a vital piece of the on-shore equipment for the London Array - adding years to its development and threatening its viability. Although I'm not clear whether this councillor opposed the London Array at that time, it seemed an unusual choice for the BWEA to make on this day. There was clearly a degree of sceptism from some of the other Councillors there today - but the staff from the BWEA and others there reassured me that this was falling.

One of the new things that I learnt today is that planning permission for these farms is for 25 years only - and that proper provision for the decommisioning of the farm is included in the plans - if only the same were true of our nuclear power stations!

Much of the land around the farm and possibly across is open - there are many paths - take the kids and have a picnic - the Marsh Line running from Ashford to Hastings is a lovely ride; Rye is delightful too.

Hook Switches

2009-06-10T20:50:00.002+01:00

This caught my eye - perhaps it says more about me than it does about the railways. It's taken from the 'Southern Stakeholders Brief May 2009'. At least the brochure that it came in was sent electronically rather than as a paper document. However when you see a headline of 'Infrastructure improvements' we tend to think of new lines, platforms and stations...

Infrastructure improvements
We continually strive to improve punctuality and are pleased to report a number of recent improvements to the network by Network Rail, which will help our train running performance. These include the installation of a number of motorised ‘hook switches’ in the South London Metro area.
A hook switch allows the electricity running through a section of conductor rail to be isolated when a failed train needs to be examined, when there has been a fatality or to repair track and infrastructure. Motorised hook switches allow the isolation to be done quickly from a central location and help deal with incidents more efficiently.

Permission for Nursery at 60 Manor Avenue Refused

2009-05-28T21:26:00.002+01:00

Planning C refused planning permission for a 64 place nursery at 60 Manor Avenue tonight. After a full hour of evidence and debate, Cllr John Muldoon failed to get support from the other members of the committee for his proposal to accept. Following advice from officers Cllr Cathy Priddey and Cllr Sue Luxton proposed to reject the application on account of the detrimental impact of the 3m acoustic fence on neighbouring amenity and the impact on parking.

I spoke against the application citing the concerns of the fence, the loss of residential use, the impact on the contra-flow cycle lane in Ashby Road and noise. However I am not fundamentally opposed to nurseries and I also believe they can operate successfully in residential areas. But this nursery, for 64 places, would have been a particularly intensive operation in what is currently a quiet residential street. In short it appears that the commercial rationale for such a large nursery resulted in unacceptable impacts on other residents.

London Loop - Source of the Ravensbourne

2009-05-24T19:04:00.003+01:00

Inspired by a desire to find out more about surburban London and why they appeared to have voted in droves for Boris, I took the first step on the London Loop, a circular route around the edge of London.

Today's leg was from Petts Wood to Hayes - with particularly convenient transport from St Johns Station. My hope is to complete all of the route over the next year or so. All of the route is easu accessible from stations such as Hayes, Cockfosters & Hatton Cross - making it truly at the edge of London.

Highlights along the way included a stone bench as a memorial to the abolition of slavery (Pitt discussed the abolition of slavery with William Wilberforce here); an interesting selection of suburban architecture, (bungalows, Victorian terraces and sixties masionettes, and neat front gardens paved over of course with a garage adjacent to the house), the source of the Ravensbourne river (picture above) which of course comes through Lewisham and merges with the Quaggy at Lewisham Town Centre and then flows into Deptford Creek via Brockley's very own Brookmill Park.

Personally I think the source of the Ravensbourne could be much improved by finding a way to produce fresh water for visitors to drink it.

Anyway, the London Loop seems to be an excellent and green way to find out about London and it's very cheap - ideal at any time but particularly relevant in these recession-hit times.

Not sure if I'm any further to understanding why they voted for Boris Johnson in such numbers but suburban London certainly seems very different to Lewisham.

Lewisham Bridge School Update

2009-05-20T23:57:00.003+01:00

This evening's Council meeting was dominated by a debate on the future of the Council's plans for a new school at Lewisham Bridge following the listing of that school by English Heritage.

The Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the following motion (something like 50 in favour, 2 against - the others being absent for various reasons, including Cllr Phoenix and the Mayor):

“This council reaffirms its commitment to addressing the need for additional secondary school places in the North of the borough and the growing demand for primary school places boroughwide; notes that a review of the decision by English Heritage to list Lewisham Bridge Primary School has been sought by the Council; understands the concerns of parents about the impact of the current decant upon their children’s education; therefore calls upon the Mayor to review these arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity; and further calls upon the Mayor to explore all options for building an all through school at Lewisham Bridge.”

Brockley Fun Run 5 July 2009

2009-05-14T17:47:00.002+01:00

Now that the date for the Fun Run has been confirmed as 5 July 2009 I have decided to enter once again.

I'll be getting into training soon - and will post some comments on progress as the day approaches. Last time out I achieved a time of about 30mins - so lots of room for improvement there!

Do look out for the publicity, get involved and start training now.

I believe people will be able to enter online - I'll publish the link when I get it.

Air Quality at Further Risk in Lewisham Town Centre?

2009-05-13T14:13:00.003+01:00

At the last full Council I tabled a question for the Deputy Mayor about the Lewisham Gateway and the likely impact on air quality. It's question 12 - I've reproduced it below:

Question by Councillor Walton of the Deputy Mayor
What measures have been agreed as part of the Lewisham Gateway to alleviate the acknowledged decrease in air quality that will arise as a direct consequence if this scheme is built?

Reply
In terms of mitigation of construction impacts on air quality the applicant submitted a draft Construction Code of Practice (CoCP) as part of the planning submission and a condition was imposed requiring the submission and approval of a full CoCP incorporating identified measures (and others as appropriate) prior to any work commencing on site. Full details of any plant will also be required to be submitted and approved by the local planning authority prior to commencement to ensure that residual air quality impacts are acceptable. The developer would also be required to pay a sum of £50,000 towards the installation of an air quality monitoring station within the town centre to monitor air quality.

The scheme also proposes low levels of car parking, cycle parking for each unit and a restriction on future residents applying for parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone along with the active promotion of more sustainable modes of transport to reduce reliance on private motor vehicles.

The applicant is required to submit for approval both site wide and individual travel plans to set out how this would be achieved and to monitor and review the plans.

The officers' report in 2007 was a lot more blunt than the Deputy Mayor. His report on air quality states (see para 7.6.9)

"The environmental statement states that there are no
mitigation measures available other than those already designed into the
scheme (i.e. the promotion of more sustainable modes of transport to
reduce road traffic) and as a consequence there is considered to be a major
residual adverse impact."

However what appears to have been forgotten is that under the current Mayor the expansion of the bus network in London has essentially been stopped - as was revealed by Cllr Darren Johnson in a question to the other Johnson at City Hall.

As a result of this, the Deputy Mayor is now attempting to get an answer to the question of what could happen to air quality in Lewisham should the Gateway go ahead and the buses as originally planned simply don't turn up.

My reading of the original officer's report is that this could be bad news for the future occupants of the Gateway.

It's a real mess...

2009-05-12T16:09:00.003+01:00

Following the recent debates on the effectiveness/decency of the dog stencils to control dog mess I decided to do a bit of research on how many dogs there are in the UK and whether one of the reasons for the prevalence of dog mess was due to a general increase in the numbers. My gut feeling was that dog owners, like smokers, must be aware of the issues but for some reason continue to allow their dogs to defaecate on the pavements...

My starting point, the office for national statistics led me to a blank. Digging a bit deeper (well doing a search on google) led me to DEFRA, confirmed that there are no official statistics on the numbers of dogs in the UK - why not?

Undeterred I looked up the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association who estimate that the number of dogs in 2004 was 6.8 million in 5.2 million households. The PFMA now estimate that the number of dogs in the UK is about 8million - a staggering increase of almost 20% over just a few years. What does this mean for Brockley? Well at first sight it could mean a lot. The statistics from the PFMA suggest that about a quarter of households have a dog - so in Brockley this could mean that the number of dogs could have increased from 1250 to 1500 - an increase of 250 over a 4 year period.

However, the PFMA survey suggests that London significantly bucks the trend for dog ownership per household. In London only 9% of households have a dog, nationally 23% have a dog. Meaning that in Brockley the estimate for the dog population is something more like 500 today - and was probably about 400 4 years ago.

Taken together the estimate for the increase of the dog population in Brockley is a more modest 90-100 over the 4 year period - still a lot.

From a public policy point of view - there could well be something like 90-100 households that have not previously or recently owned a dog who may need education - and overall the proportion of households that could be in need of reeducation is just under 10%.

It is truly amazing how such a relatively small number of people - the number of dog owners who do clear up after their dogs - manage to cause so much annoyance. Further it also sets out a clear challenge for us, as politicians to find effective ways of dealing with the problem.

The stencils, as indiscrimate as they are, are a serious case of being seen to do something about the problem. What we really need is a proper way of speaking to the majority of dog owners directly and thanking them for clearing up after their dogs, and tackling the minority with fines if necessary, of those who don't.

Darren Johnson Elected as New Chair of London Assembly

2009-05-06T13:23:00.005+01:00

Brockley Councillor, Darren Johnson AM, was elected as Chair of the London Assembly today.

Darren was elected 13 votes to 11. This is the picture of those voting for Darren.

Immediately following the vote set to the formal business of chairing the rest of the meeting. The meeting appeared to have finished ahead of schedule - which is perhaps a taste of Darren's style in efficiently chairing these meetings - or perhaps members were keen to have lunch.

And for those of you interested in such things, here's a close up of that chain.

It's definitely not Lewisham

2009-05-05T10:08:00.004+01:00

I had a fantastic time visiting the Steam Gala at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this weekend. I go tthe chance to see Tornado, and see loads of fantastic scenery. I bought a souvenir fridge magnet of this sign and casually remarked to the volunteer in the shop that I was from Lewisham - which is why I was buying this particular magnet. His response was something along the lines of "you must be one of the last white people left in Lewisham" - which to say the least surprised me. I simply replied that I love the diversity of Lewisham. It transpired that the man had moved from Bromley about 20 years previously having loved spending time on the railway.

It is a bit sad that what appears to have infected his love of trains is a casual racism. Thankfully it appears to be a very unsophisticated form that simply assumes all white people share similar views - how wrong he was that day, how wrongly I believe he has misjudged the views of residents of Lewisham and how pleased I am that I had the opportunity to challenge his views.

A Short Break in the North East

2009-05-02T19:12:00.016+01:00

I've been away for a few days, staying in a cottage at a lighthouse in South Shields. The location of the lighthouse, close to the cliffs was fantastic. There is a fascinating industrial heritage to the area of Marsden/Whitburn where we were staying. Until the late sixties the whole area was home to a massive coal mine under the sea, a large village and railway sidings etc. Following the closure of the mine the railway was dismantled, the village demolished and the site has been restored as a sort of cliff-top park.

On the way up, I called in at a diesel railway gala on the Battlefield Line. I'd not been to such a gala before - and it was interesting that many of those present seemed just as thrilled at the puff of smoke produced by these locomotives as followers of steam trains. Many of the people there (including me of course) will never remember the days when steam trains were in service in Britain. The term for producing such smoke I have learnt is 'clagging'. The engine in the picture I think is a class 37.

The line is called the Battle Field line on account of its proximity to Bosworth Field...

No visit to the North East would be complete without a trip to Hadrian's Wall. Its bleak and remote location and length from Tynemouth to Carisle make the wall seem even more spectactular. The fort at Housesteads is particularly good.

And Hexham, with its abbey is well worth a visit too.

I made a brief visit to Holy Island - returning after a week long stay sometime in the early eighties. The island was a bit changed and I have changed a bit too. The Island is far more commercial and busier than I remember it previously.

...and a picture from my files.

Of course I had to make a visit to Newcastle, which I combined with meeting a school friend who I'd not seen for about 15 years. Loads of great buildings in the City and of course bridges. Thankfully there isn't a 6-lane motorway across the Tyne here - and no plans for one.

Not that I am obsessed with lighthouses, they always make a good picture. I came across this lighthouse, St Mary's, just north of Whitley Bay. A good arty shot!

And just to prove that it's not all grim up North, here's an example of the Nortumbrian Coast - truly lovely long clean and empty beaches!

These turbines were spotted at Blyth. An information plaque at the port explained that there are ambitions for industry in the North East to develop renewables - much like our call for Lewisham top open a Green Technology Park - proving that where the political will exists these things can happen.

I also called in at the 'Historic Market Town' of Alnwick - I wasn't sure that we were building new market towns. Similarly, Gravesend is described as 'Heritage Riverside Town' or similar on the signs on the A2. Perhaps I'm getting a bit old, but it seems a bit daft to me.

And this gruesome find is not what you want to stumble across whilst driving across the moors in the twilight! The gallows are at Elsdon. The wikipedia entry has a bit more information about the victim, William Winter. Let's hope that we have something less gruesome in Coulgate Street if it gets pedestrianised.

A rainy day (you get a few of these in the North East) and a visit to the 'branch' of York's National Railway Museum, called Locomotion. The museum houses amongst other things the prototype for the Deltic, the Timothy Hackworth steam engine that raced (and lost) against Stephenson's Rocket and this rather interesting gem, an electric locomotive built for North Eastern Railway (NER) No 1, LNER No 4075-6480, Ex BR number 26500. It was built in 1905 for working the Newcastle Riverside Branch. Notice the third rail collector and the pantograph. I think I'd be delighted if something with this amount of style rattled through Brockley rather than the rather boring EMUs used on the Thameslink.

The museum is at Shildon, which until 1984 was home to a massive coach building plant for British Rail Engineering Ltd employing half of the town. The decision to close the plant, presumably presented at the time as being about 'efficiency' is particularly poignant as we remember the thirty years since Thatcher came to power. Another great product of Shildon is interestingly fake fur.

Chocolate lovers will be pleased to see this shunter that worked at Fawdon, the Newcastle plant for Rowntrees.

Perhaps Boris could have made good use of this when this February?

And do you think passengers on this carriage, from the first passenger railway, the Stockton-Darlington would have suffered from the same levels of overcrowding commuters regularly experience at Brockley?

And finally the trip home, via the Middlesborough Transporter Bridge. Built in 1911 and still working. Made particularly famous by the Auf Weidersehen Pet series about its supposed dismantling and sale to the Americans - presumably a taken on the story of London Bridge. It took me a while to work out why it doesn't look as old as it is - and I think it's the paint colour. This blue is not very Edwardian - but still the structure can be seen and has an excellent form. Recommended if you're in the area.

I really enjoyed the North East and intend to go back sometime soon to spend some time on the beaches and to explore some more of the archaelogical and historic monuments of this great part of Britain.

Boris Johnson's First Year Report

2009-04-24T14:03:00.003+01:00

A slight departure from me but a first year report on Boris Johnson prepared by the other Johnson in City Hall, local Councillor, Darren Johnson

"As Boris Johnson marks his first year anniversary as London Mayor, Green Assembly Members have reflected on his first year in office.

He says he wants a fairer London for those at the bottom of the pile while championing low taxes and high bonuses for the rich. His record on the environmental agenda has been equally confusing. In spite of promising a greener, cleaner London he has abandoned the next phase of the Low Emission Zone, scrapped the higher congestion charge for the most polluting vehicles, backed the expansion of City Airport, cut funding for the London Cycle Network and cancelled work on a whole swathe of new public transport projects.

It is true that he has planted more trees and campaigned against Heathrow expansion. But overall his first year has been marked by one depressing announcement after another as yet more green initiatives are cancelled, abandoned or cut back.

Give Boris your marks out of ten for his first year!

Dog Fouling Stencils - The Official Answer

2009-04-22T19:41:00.001+01:00

I have received the following comprehensive reply concerning the use of dog stencils to control dog fouling:-

"The graffiti team are instructed to apply stencils in areas that are not directly intrusive to individual properties, i.e. corners of the affected street or at locations in-between properties, next to lampposts and pillar boxes. They have been instructed not to apply stencils directly outside the gates of properties. Following a number of complaints from residents in Tyrwhitt Road regarding excessive dog fouling in the area, we carried out stencilling in this location.

As stencils are not permanent and only put down on a request basis, we have in general had very few complaints as to their use, especially if compared to the number of requests although the graffiti team have removed stencils in the past if a resident has felt they are intrusive.

With regards to the effectiveness of stencilling we will continue to use them and although we do not have any current data, we did see a drop in dog fouling following their introduction 9 years ago. This year we will be monitoring the levels of dog fouling in order that we can assess the effectiveness of the Dog Control Orders when they come into force.

In terms of new enforcement powers, these come under under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act once we have officially adopted the borough wide Dog Control Order. Anyone who commits an offence under any of the provisions of the Dog Control Order may be liable on conviction in the Magistrates Court to a fine of up to £1,000. The Council will issue £75 Fixed Penalty Notices for Dog Control offences, including dog fouling and anyone who fails to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice may be prosecuted. The parks contractor and street wardens have been identified as officers that can deal with low level anti-social behaviour and will work alongside Environmental Enforcement Officers who are currently authorised to issue Fixed Penalty Notices. Section 62 extends the same powers to Police Community Support Officers and other persons accredited by Chief Police Officers under the Police Reform Act 2002."

Listing for Lewisham Bridge School Site - Your Thoughts

2009-04-17T17:58:00.003+01:00

Cllr Sue Luxton reported on her blog about the recent decision to grant the existing primary school at Lewisham Bridge grade II listing.

What this means for plans for the site at Lewisham Bridge is not clear. Additionally as a member of a planning committee that might be called upon to determine a formal planning application, I will need to review all the relevant evidence prepared by Lewisham's officers before I can reach a decision on the particular application.

However the Mayor has taken a somewhat more robust approach to the plans with his press release today:

Lewisham Council has vowed to use all available processes to get the project to provide a new secondary school in the north of the borough back on track.
The declaration has come after the shock decision by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), on the advice of English Heritage, to list Lewisham Bridge primary school. The Council had been about to demolish the school to make way for a brand new state-of-the-art all-age school providing 835 pupils with the best possible learning environment, the latest technology and inspiring new surroundings.
“This decision beggars belief,” said Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock. “It has been made by an undisclosed civil servant with no regard whatsoever for local need. The future prospects of our children and young people cannot be sacrificed for the sake of somebody’s fancy for Edwardian sinks, butterfly designs and tiling.
“Protecting our heritage is important, but while there must be hundreds of schools like this across London, the Lewisham Bridge site is uniquely suited to provide a desperately needed new school to serve the children, young people and families of this area. We know that from our exhaustive searches and consultation over recent years. We have looked at no less than 29 sites, this was the only possible realistic option.
“I will be doing everything I can to get this project back on track.”
The Council will be writing to the Secretary of State at the DCMS to object to the listing. It has until 6 May to do this.
Even if the building remains listed it may still be possible to get consent to demolish.
Lewisham needs additional secondary school capacity to meet current needs and its population is growing, with increased housing capacity on the Sundermead Estate, Heathside and in the Lewisham corridor of the Thames Gateway. The Lewisham Bridge site, close to all these new developments, is ideally located to meet the demand for new school places this will create.

The press release explains that Lewisham has 28 days to formally object to the listing - what do you think?

There's a poll on my blog.

Cllr Darren Johnson puts on his Apron in Support of Pensions Action Day

2009-04-07T10:52:00.002+01:00

See article below.

Crime Prevention Day in Brockley - 7th April

2009-04-07T09:09:00.001+01:00

The Council and the Police will be working together in the Brockley ward on crime prevention.

FREE CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

ON 7 APRIL FROM 2 – 5PM

AT THE SAFER LEWISHAM PARTNERSHIP BUS PARKED IN WICKHAM ROAD

A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF BURGLARIES ARE THROUGH OPEN OR UNLOCKED DOORS AND WINDOWS. FIND OUT HOW TO SECURE YOUR HOME.

MEET YOUR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

LEARN ABOUT MARKING YOUR PROPERTY WITH SMARTWATER

Officially Endorsed Fly Tipping?

2009-04-07T08:58:00.002+01:00

I was very dissappointed to notice that this mess on Vulcan Road has still not been cleared up - despite it clearly relating to the road resurfacing works that have been completed on Malpas Road some days ago. This small road has had a number of flytips in recent years and despite the barriers placed around this pile of rubble, it does nothing to reinforce the message that flytipping is simply not acceptable.

I have drawn the poor judgement of the contractors, Conway, to the attention of the Head of Transport and also the Head of Environmental Services (the man who runs the Love Lewisham website) and see what can be done. It will of course be interesting to see if Conway actually has a licence to dump this waste on the street.

Make a Stand for a Decent Pension - Pensions Action Day 6 April 2009

2009-04-02T22:19:00.002+01:00

Lewisham Pensioners' Forum are inviting local people to join them between 11:30 and 13:30 on Monday 6th April by the Age Concern offices, Catford Broadway to show your support your for a better state pension.

Report from Lewisham Council AGM & EGM

2009-04-02T00:28:00.004+01:00

In a truly efficient manner, Lewisham Councillors steered themselves through the Annual General Meeting, followed by meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Planning A, Planning B and then Planning C committees, then the Licensing Committee, then finally an Emergency General Meeting (EGM).

The EGM had three substantive issues to consider:

(1) Members' Allowances - as predicted we voted unaminously to a freeze in allowances this year.

(2) Housing Rents - following additional money from Central Government it has been possible to reduce Lewisham's rents slightly. However because of the late notice of the additional cash it has resulted in a lot of unnessary work for Lewisham at an estimated cost of about £6,500. Given that we'd agreed to set the rents at full Council about a month ago we need to suspend standing orders to permit us to look at that decision again - we did and rents will not increase as much as previously expected.

(3) Motion on the Lewisham Bridge School

In November 2006, Cllrs Flood and Page, along with every other Councillor present at that meeting voted for the following motion:

“This Council wholeheartedly endorses the decision by Mayor and Cabinet to select Lewisham Bridge as its preferred site for the new school to create an all-through 3-16 integrated school. This Council therefore agrees to work constructively with Mayor and Cabinet to minimise the risks associated with this project and overcome any potential obstacles in order to ensure the new school is delivered by the target date of 2010.

This Council also wishes to congratulate the long standing and vigorous campaign run by the Save Ladywell Campaign and The School for New Cross/Local Education by Parents groups. In particular this council commends the significant roles played by both Max Calo and former Councillor Helen Le Fevre”.

In April 2009, Cllrs Flood and Page proposed the following motion:

“This council notes that:
• Planning permission for the new school has not been given.
• The Environment Agency states that without further surveys the “proposed development poses unacceptable risks to the environment and we would object to the application”.
• The designs for the new school do not meet government recommendations for the provision of facilities across these age groups.
• Children are being disrupted just as they take their SATs by being decanted to the Mornington Centre.
• Concerns of the parents and local community have been consistently ignored.

This meeting calls on:
• Lewisham council to stop the decant and any changes to this site so long as all these issues are outstanding. Including a guarantee that the existing Lewisham Bridge building will not be demolished over the Easter period.
• Lewisham council and The Leathersellers Company to meet with parents and respond to their concerns.”

Following the formal proposal of the motion it was decided that the business be 'Not Put' - this was passed and as a result there was no formal vote on the actual motion proposed by Cllrs Page & Flood.

Dean

PS I was re-elected as Chair of Planning A!

Hobgoblin Stays Open

2009-03-31T22:44:00.002+01:00

The Hobgoblin has kept hold of its license following a detailed review of the pub and the impact it has had on its neighbours in nearby Telegraph Hill. After hearing evidence from New Cross Councillors, Cross, Page and Flood, Lewisham's Officers, the Police, the licensee, his solicitor, his manager and his noise consultant and myself (the pub is in Brockleyt Ward), the committee decided to vary the licence and imposed 16 conditions.

One of the conditions was to agree to the setting up of quarterly monitoring meetings with local residents, which I will attend. It was clear from the evidence that there was an issue with noise from this premises, and this was acknowledged by the Licensee. If these conditions and the like fail to address the problem (and I'm hopeful they will) I want to ensure that we know about it and can help find a prompt solution without the time-consuming and slow recourse to the Committee.

Proposed Freeze on Lewisham Councillors' Allowances

2009-03-31T14:03:00.002+01:00

The BBC website reports, MPs awarded 2.33% salary increase , the headline of which pretty much says it all.

In contrast, it is expected that Lewisham Councillors will waive a 2.75% increase that was proposed by the Independent Remuneration Panel (which does not have any councillors on its membership) a year or two ago. The implausibly high inflationary increase has arisen due to an anomaly that means that Councillors' allowances are related to the increases in officers' salaries the previous year. Clearly since that agreement was put forward, inflation has fallen significantly meaning that such an increase although agreed, is probably not warranted.

The schedule of allowances payable to each Councillor is set out in the papers for tomorrow's AGM and will of interest to some readers. The question as to whether Councillors should be entitled to an allowance etc is one that crops up every now and then...and I don't intend to go into the issues just yet. However one point I will make is if we want to ensure that people can stand for election and devote the time needed to allow them to properly represent local people then we need to be sure that this option is not just restricted to those with a significant personal income.

A Very Early Easter Festival - A Brockley Pub Tour

2009-03-28T08:02:00.003Z

I noticed this poster attached to the railings at the entry to Brockley Station for quite a few weeks ago. I know that Easter moves around from year to year, but 28 March is very early. On thursday I sent a picture of the poster to a friend and we decided that it would be interesting to go hunting for eggs in Crystal Palace around the various bars listed on the posters.

Perhaps Brockley could have an Easter event...closer to Easter and based on an interesting tour of the pubs (aka a crawl) around Brockley - The Royal Albert, The Little Crown (think that's its name), Goldsmiths Tavern, Hobgoblin, Marquis of Granby, Rose of Denmark, Albertines, Wickham Arms, Brockley Barge, I think there's a pub at Deals Gateway (hope I've not missed any of Brockley's pubs), Amersham Arms...also I think the kind and generous people of Brockley would allow adults to get stuck into chocolate bunny decorating - not like the mean people in Crystal Palace!

Speed Bumps on Malpas Road

2009-03-26T06:58:00.000Z

A local resident asked whether the speed bumps will be reinstated on Malpas Road. The official response - received the day before the works are likely to start is below:

"The speed humps in Malpas Road will be replaced when the resurfacing is complete. The original speed humps would have complied with regulations which specify a maximum 100mm height, and the guidance that was in place when they were constructed as to the appropriate height within that maximum figure to be used. However the guidance regarding the appropriate height for physical traffic calming measures (within that maximum figure) is reviewed and amended from time to time and when the Council resurfaces a road containing traffic calming features these are upgraded to comply with current guidance"

Boost for Coulgate Street Petition

2009-03-24T13:14:00.002Z

This article was published in today's South London Press

Hobgoblin - Review of Licence

2009-03-24T08:54:00.002Z

Following complaints of noise nuisance in the Telegraph Hill area, the three Ward Councillors for the area, Cllrs Page, Flood & Cross, have called for a review of the for the Hobgoblin, a sports & music bar opposite New Cross Gate Station.

The complaints have been documented over a large period, but are understood to have started when the current licensee took over the premises - and probably coincide with the smoking ban.

As the Hobgoblin is in my Ward, I was contacted by the licensee for advice or assistance on handling the formal review of his licence. I visited him at the pub at a lunchtime. I noted that the background noise levels in the New Cross area were very high - in particular the railway and road. However also noted that these sources of noise can become less important at night. It was interesting to note that not one person in Brockley Ward had complained about noise from the pub and in support of the review the licensee has provided a large petition.

This review throws up a number of issues that shows how difficult the judgement call that politicians have to make, can be. In sheer numbers we have probably hundreds of people wanting to have somewhere to go that they enjoy (the Hobgoblin), we have a man running what appears to be a profitable business, we have local residents disturbed by the noise. Added to this the committee will need to look at the evidence to see whether the noise is 'noisy enough' for action.

In the face of conflicting demands, the committee will need to be thorough in its review of the evidence - which certainly appears contradictory.

More on wind turbines...

2009-03-24T08:48:00.002Z

Interesting article in today's Guardian. Cust & pasted below - the link is here

Opposing wind farms should be socially taboo, says Ed Miliband
Allegra Stratton, political correspondent The Guardian, Tuesday 24 March 2009

Opposition to wind farms should become as socially unacceptable as failing to wear a seatbelt, Ed Miliband, the climate change secretary, has said.

Speaking at a screening in London of the climate change documentary The Age of Stupid, Miliband said the government needed to be stronger in facing down local opposition to wind farms.

He said: "The government needs to be saying, 'It is socially unacceptable to be against wind turbines in your area - like not wearing your seatbelt or driving past a zebra crossing'."

Wind power is crucial to government attempts to meet an EU target of producing 20% of all energy through renewables by 2020, but plans to build some 4,000 onshore wind turbines are being opposed by more than 200 anti-wind farm groups. High-profile individuals such as Melvyn Bragg, mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and David Bellamy have also been involved in stopping the construction of turbines. Residents are concerned about the detrimental effect on their landscape - wind turbines are located on hills for maximum exposure - noise levels and disturbance to TV reception. Campaigners also point out that the irregularity of wind-power generation requires the turbines to be backed up by nuclear power and coal.

The government has also been criticised by the energy regulator, Ofgem, for the "unfair" way in which consumers' energy bills are subsidising renewable technology.

Though the decision rests with the local authority planning process, opponents say that after June 2008, the new Planning Act will give the government powers to intervene via the newly created infrastructure planning commission (IPC).

Bob Barfoot, Devon chair of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said that while his organisation was not opposed to the principle of wind farms, popular opposition in the last three months had seen two of three proposals fail, pending appeal. Barfoot said the new act - which could see the secretary of state able to intervene in unsuccessful attempts - was "undermining democracy".

Miliband faces discomfort over the new Planning Act within the House of Commons. In a recent debate in the Commons, the Tory MP Malcolm Moss questioned whether planning inspectors in the Fens should have been able to overturn local authority planning decisions.

However, Friends of the Earth said fears that the IPC would intervene were unfounded since most proposals were likely to be too small to be reconsidered centrally. Only rejected projects larger than 50 megawatts go to the IPC.

Brockley Common - Short Update

2009-03-21T06:31:00.003Z

Some readers may be aware that there's been an exchange of views on the progress/implementation of the station ramp and its relationship with the wider Brockley Common project. However the Civil Engineering Manager at Lewisham confirmed yesterday:

"You will be pleased to know that the project engineer met with BXAG's designer for the Brockley Common project this morning and that all design issues revolving around the agreed works in future will be discussed at this local forum [the steering group] which will be convened as and when required."

Which sounds like a good step forward.

If the idea of a pedestrianisation scheme is to work out, we will need to work with Lewisham's officers, highways and the like as well as building a broad base of support amongst the local people. It's good to see that the relationship which has come under some strain in recent months appears to be improving now.

24 March 2009 Further Update

A member of the BXAG has confirmed:

"I can confirm that i am meeting Gill Redrup tomorrow at 10.30 (Tuesday 24/3) at which various design issues will be discussed and I hope that all outstanding matters will be clarified and agreed. Obviously relieved to receive confirmation that the works that are proceeding will involve the agreed Cathedra Stone paving materials and step units and that orders have been placed to this effect. Hope all other concerns can be allayed/addressed tomorrow."

Coulgate Street

2009-03-19T23:13:00.004Z

I was contacted by the Mercury today in relation to the proposals to pedestrianise Coulgate Street that have been discussed here, on Brockley Central, at the Brockley Assembly and also by the Brockley Cross Action Group and the petition organised by them.

I am thrilled at the way that this campaign appears to have taken off - there's a real buzz about it. The closure of the street for works to the station ramp, offers an opportunity to see what the permanent impact of the closure would be and how of the downsides can be accomodated.

There is the scope for bringing about a massive improvement in and around Brockley Station, working on the firm foundations of the lovely garden close to the entrance, the Brockley Common, and the station ramp. The buildings on Coulgate with the unique (for Brockley) row of small cottages would be a lovely backdrop to a new public space.

I see a new public space where there could be an outdoor cafe, space for a street market, the Christmas Fair, other events. Fantastic. The pedestrianisation is an idea that's way overdue - and I believe that we have an opportunity to bring it about.

12:00 An update

It takes a bit of imagination, and the ability to ignore the ugly fence, but at its heart, there's a big space here. Add it to the garden, get rid of kerbs, nice paving stones, good lighting, a piece of public art and we're there!

Joan Ruddock MP: Don't Talk Out the Bill

2009-03-18T10:53:00.000Z

I've been contacted by campaigners for the Fuel Poverty Bill, a private members bill that is currently going through parliament and which would tighten up the government's legal duty to tackle fuel poverty.*

The campaigners behind this bill have reported that the Government is considering whether to kill the Bill this Friday by 'talking it out'. This would be an outrage since this Bill gives an excellent opportunity to end fuel poverty and further this bill and its measures have widespread support across the UK. The following groups supoprt the Bill : Age Concern England, the Association for the Conservation of Energy, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Child Poverty Action Group, Consumer Focus, Disability Alliance, Friends of the Earth, Help the Aged, National Right to Fuel Campaign, SERA, Sustainable Energy Partnership and UNISON. I believe that The National Federation of Women’s Institutes are about to come on board too (and would be an excellent campaigning issue for the new Goldsmiths Branch!).

It is understood that the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives are willing to close the debate on Friday so that the Bill gets a Second Reading - which means it can go to the next stage on the route to becoming law, the Committee Stage.

It is important that people in Joan Ruddock's constituency contact her and insist that she supports the Bill and allows it go to the next stage. Please call her consituency office on 020 8691 5992 or e-mail her TODAY.

The Fuel Poverty Bill aims to ‘fuel poverty proof' homes by bringing 6 million homes up to the energy efficiency standards of modern homes.

The very quick background to the Bill is that in 2000 the Labour Government passed the Warm Homes Act, which required the Government to publish a Fuel Poverty Strategy setting out the ways and timescale in which they were going to end fuel poverty. The resulting Fuel Poverty Strategy set dates for the eradication of fuel poverty in the vulnerable sector (2010) and in the rest of the sector (2016). MPs and Ministers believed that this was an absolute duty – until the High Court ruled otherwise on 17 October. In a judgment that campaigners believe to be perverse (and that is being appealed), the judge, Mr Justice McCombe, ruled that the duty to end fuel poverty was not a duty at all – merely a duty to make efforts.

Put simply, the Fuel Poverty Bill reinstates the duty in the Warm Homes Act. It aims to ‘fuel poverty proof’ the homes of the fuel poor by bringing them up to the energy efficiency standards of modern homes. Joan Ruddock recently confirmed that this can be done for the relatively modest sum of £7,500 per (average) fuel poor household. In addition, the Bill will give a much-needed boost to the UK “green construction” industry and create tens of thousands of new jobs. The Bill also requires energy suppliers to provide a social tariff to vulnerable households in the short term.

Back in 2000, Joan Ruddock enthusiastically supported the original 2000 Warm Homes Act with its aim of ending fuel poverty in the United Kingdom. In addition, just a month ago (on 14 January 2009), in giving evidence to the EFRA Select Committee, she expressly confirmed that the Government “do not intend to miss the 2016 target”.

*The official definition of fuel poverty is if you spend 10% or more of your income on heating your home.

A busy day

2009-03-17T09:15:00.004Z

Moving away from the issues of the day - to my day.

In addition to being a councillor I have a full-time job. I have an agreement with my employer that subject to the ability of me to deliver on my committments, I can work my 36 hours a week over 4 rather than the traditional 5, which leaves me free to concentrate on councillor issues/stuff on a Tuesday. This also explains why I am able to take photos at Brockley Station at 0600. Today is such a 'day off'.

Today I plan to :

(1) Read the Local Development Framework and draft comments

(2) Meet with the Local Assemblies Co-ordinator to discuss issues coming out of the last Brockley Assembly

(3) Meet with Planning Officers in preparation for the meeting of Planning Committee A on Thursday

(4) Meet with the Director of a local charity that I met at the Brockley Assembly to see how we might work together in a innovative project in the run up to the Olympics. More on this later

(5) Meet with a local resident to discuss private casework issues

The above is in addition to reading and responding to the various issues that have cropped up, new queries that residents have raised with me.

So, if I have so much to do, why am I blogging about this? Simple - I enjoy blogging and have 5-10 minutes spare after a spot of housework and before I get on with working through my to-do list.

1510 An update
Well running behind schedule - and still not had the chance to read the LDF. A copuple of urgent issues have come that I need to deal with. Another cup of tea, a couple of calls and then I'm off to Deptford.

2150 An update
I have spent the evening researching the Sustainable Communities Act for an item that is coming up to the Constitution Working Party on Thursday.

The envelope arrived this evening at about 2000 - twice a week (tuesday and thursday) I get an envelope delivered to my home with all the papers, documents, agendas etc that I have been sent. I have been through it and recycled a lot straight away.

Still not had a chance to read that LDF!

Off to bed soon - perhaps my bedtime reading could be...perhaps not.

Let's make it more of a regular feature!

2009-03-16T09:07:00.003Z

The controversial station access ramp and revamp works are due to start! The works involve the closure of Coulgate Street for 16 weeks.

I really hope this encourages more people to see the potential benefits of either a permanent closure or certainly more frequent closures in relation to community events and market days.

My gut feeling is that the most significant hurdle to the full scale pedestrianisation is the budget and there is a concern that budgetary constraints will therefore impact negatively on any final shape implementent.

In addressng this hurdle, there is every chance of having a phased approach...think closure, then softening of pavements and kerbs to emphasis the shared 'pedestrian' first nature of the scheme, then full on blown proper surface to bring the scheme in its final full-on Brockley moves forward glory!

18:15 15 March 2009. An update.

Following comments to this blog, I followed up the non-siting of a sign at one end of Coulgate Street. I am pleased to say that a sign was clearly visible this evening as I came home.

In addition officers confirmed earlier this afternoon that letters were sent to residents and businesses in the local area on 3 March 2009.

An afternoon by the coast - sea, shingle, tea, historic buildings and turbines

2009-03-15T17:22:00.011Z

Went for an afternoon stroll on the coast at Reculver.

A hazy view of the wind turbines out in the estuary.

A close up shot a row of turbines whose blades have stopped. This answers the question as to what happens to wind turbines when the wind stops blowing - they stop turning and create opportunities to make artistic shots of them.

This wind farm, known as the Kentish Flats scheme. According to the company website, the turbines at Kentish Flats are expected to produce an annual output of 280,000,000 kilowatt-hours. By comparison, the total domestic consumption of electricty here in Lewisham was 440,140,000 kilowatt-hours in 2006.

Clearly the visual impact of these turbines was a significant impact in the decision to grant permission to build it. However neither Drax (or Kingsnorth in the same part of Kent) nor Heysham power stations are pretty. Heysham in particular with its very special location on the North West Coast is groteseque. Further these sources of electricity bring significant and permanent risks with them. If our ingenuity finds a source of energy such as nuclear fission that can literally produce energy 'too cheap to meter' then we can simply remove the wind turbines from the sea bed...can the same be said about radioactive waste from a nuclear power station or carbon dioxide from a coal-powered station? Of course not. Further, some, and me included actually find the turbines to be a pleasant and strangely relaxing addition to the landscape. You can judge (well almost) for yourself what you think about the turbines at Reculver.

On a completely different note - there's a great cycle path from along this part of the North Kent Coast - really recommend it. Close the sea for most of the way, start off with oysters at Whitstable and finish with candy floss at Margate.

Women's Institute in Brockley

2009-03-14T08:26:00.004Z

The Evening Standard reports that some students at Goldsmiths College are planning to start a students-branch of the Women's Institute.

Having lived in London since 18 (before that Hull) I've not had many dealings with the WI, but what I have seen or heard suggests that such a group could be a welcome addition to the civic scene here in Brockley. The WI have supported a number of 'Green Bills' including the Home Energy Conservation Act and the Sustainable Communities Act. I have seen WI markets where locally produced surplus food is traded amongst villagers at knock-down prices.

The traditional jam-making view may be out of date but it is popular. A local marmalade competition would be great - I already have 12 pots (all made with locally bought Seville oranges - the Broca market - thanks Erin).

The article is here

And in a way that shows how with the times they are, they've started a facebook group!