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16th December 2008Downtown Defence Campaign newsSee DDC News page
15th December 2008Rotherhithe planning update - email from Steve CornishSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 6:06 PM
12th December 2008Downtown Site updateSee Downtown Defence Campaign News page.
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8th December 2008
Work at St Mary the Virgin Rotherhithe
Steve Cornish tells me, in response to my request for information about the church’s opening hours, that St Mary's church is in the process of undergoing restoration.
A good friend and neighbour of Steve’s named Terry Gardner is hard at work restoring the church’s vast amount of wooden structures and statues. Terry Gardner is a master craftsman in wood restoration, and French polishing, and has just finished 15 years work at Lambeth Palace. Steve reports that he has done a marvellous job restoring the church’s 300 year old oak doors to their original condition, along with the restoration of parts of the altar.
St Mary’s will be looking for funding soon, to help restoration targets for the 300th Anniversary of the church that stands there today (1715-2015).
In addition, a great many thanks to Kay Hammond for providing information about how to access St Mary’s as a visitor. She says that St Mary's is open during the week, although not on Mondays which is the well-deserved day off rector Father Mark Nicholls. Although the main doors and back of the church are open during the week, the main body of the church remains inaccessible during quiet times for reasons of security, but Father Nicholls says Morning and Evening prayer each day (except Monday) at 9am and 5.30pm, and there are also midweek masses on Tuesdays (12 noon), Thursdays (6pm) and Fridays (9.30am). Friday may be the best bet since the mass is followed by church cleaning which means that the church is open at that time. There is also a printed leaflet at the back of the church setting out its vast history.
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7th December 2008
More re Downtown site plans
Kingfishers wintering in the Russia Dock Woodland
Super news that the kingfishers have been back for the last two weeks. Steve has taken many photographs but the one shown here is, in his opinion, the best of the selection. The sticklebacks in the pond seem to be keeping them in the area.
This reoccupation of the Woodland at Downtown Pond is now a regular pattern and Steve believes that the pair feed along the woodlands waterways from early spring until summer then spread their territorial wings further afield when their food source is in abundance.
He has two theories for this pattern. The first is that they come back to Russia Dock Woodland around October or November because the water temperature is slightly higher due to the underground heating pipework feeding the houses around globe pond. this is why we get duck weed problems all year round particularly close to mahogany pond.
His second theory is that the shallower waters in the woodlands are much better suited to kingfishers visual hunting skills during the winter months where smaller fish such has sticklebacks will go into deeper water around the docks.
Congratulations to Surrey Docks Farm for their win
www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk
Congratulations to Surrey Docks Farm for winning £58,000 in the Peoples Millions, which was broadcast on ITV on 25th November at 6pm. The money will be used to purchase a purpose-built horse box for the farm to take animals out to schools and festivals.
Update re the school bridge-sculptures
In the interests of keeping everyone up to date with the ongoing five school bridge-sculptures in Russia Dock Woodland Steve has been able to give us some news.
Steve and Kevin Boys (Surrey Docks Farm blacksmith) met with the headmistress of Albion Street School yesterday morning to discuss the theme for their school sculpture. As soon as the pupils decide on their theme, Kevin and his team will take their mobile forge into the school for a hands-on, all day master class in the art of working with metal.
The theme for Albion school could be an 'Angel', this is because the headmistress told us of the recent discovery of a very old plaster wall sculpture that was found behind an old wall in the grounds of the school. They are pretty certain that there is a connection between the school and the angel. The sculpture has been cleaned and replaced at the front entrance of the school reception. Does anyone know of the history of the angel sculpture? If so, please let Steve know.
Kevin will be taking the forge into Albion school sometime in January. Peter Hills school will be next, we will visit them next week. Then all five bridges will be complete.
REDRIFF, ALFRED SALTER, ST JOHNS, ALBION, & PETER HILLS.
Many thanks to all the funders of the five bridge sculptures. SOUTHWARK COUNCILS CLEANER, GREENER, SAFER FUNDING. THE BRIDGEHOUSE TRUST, AND THE NORTH SOUTHWARK ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.
Rotherhithe Heritage
If you’re interested in the local heritage then you might be interested in a couple of posts that I’ve added to my Rotherhithe blog: http://russiadock.blogspot.com
Also, the Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society (SLAS) upcoming programme of events for 2009 is available on the London-SE1 website and includes a lecture on industry in Rotherhithe and Bermondsey.
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/whatson/series/9/southwark-and-lambeth-archaeological-society
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5th December 2008
Email from Jeremy Leach of Southwark Living Streets, via BARGES: Road Safety Plan Review
From: Jeremy Leach
Sent: 04 December 2008 10:20
Subject: Road Safety Plan Review
Dear All,
As you may know Southwark Council is undertaking a review of its Road Safety Plan.
We are very keen for everybody involved with Southwark Living Streets to take part, so we have altered our webpage to help people in Southwark take part in the consultation that is linked to the review.
Just go to
http://southwarklivingstreets.org.uk/
and follows Steps 1 to 4 on that page. Hopefully completing the whole survey will take no more than 5 or 10 minutes.
Please do get in touch if there are any questions etc.
Many thanks & best wishes - Jeremy
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Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Making Southwark’s Roads Safer
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/1/100325/100325#msg-100325
There’s an interesting thread over on the London-SE1 website at the moment, where a discussion about road safety and Southwark Council’s various initiatives and plans is underway (at the above web address). Rotherhithe is one of the areas that is mentioned by some of the thread’s participants.
www.southwarklivingstreets.org.uk
From the above discussion I found a link to a website which I hadn’t come across before: Southwark Living Streets. Well worth a visit because it is the Southwark branch of the national charity Living Streets that campaigns to create better streets and public spaces for people on foot. Their next meeting is on 15th January 2009. They meet every month on the evening of the third Thursday of the month at 7pm in the upstairs room of The Royal Oak Tavern on Tabard St. London SE1. The nearest tube station is at Borough and the meeting is less than 5 minutes walk away. Everyone is welcome to go along, so if there are any places in Southwark that you feel need improving for those on foot please go along and tell us about them.
Here’s their 25th November website update:
- Step 1. Go to the Southwark Council Road Safety Plan webpage at:
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/transport/RSP.html - Step 2. Look at the draft Road Safety Plan (Road safety plan (pdf 1.3mb)). Important parts are:
- Pages 4 and 5. The Introduction (sets out the aims).
- Page 11. The map of road casualties in Southwark and page 16 the map of the busy roads in Southwark.
- Pages 12 to 32. Why casualties occur, who they happen to and where they happen.
- Pages 41 to 44. The action plan.
- Step 3. Our comments on the plan. You may want to look at our comments on the plan which are in the document below.
- Introduce a 20mph on all of the roads that Southwark Council manages (borough roads) to reduce the high numbers of casualties.
- Lobby TfL strongly for 20mph on Red Routes in our town centres.
- Task the Metropolitan Police with proper enforcement of all speed limits.
- (In the long term) Require that all commercial vehicles operating in Southwark are fitted with devices that ensure they cannot exceed the speed limit.
- Build a network of protected cycle routes that separate bicycles from cars and pedestrians.
- Step 4. Fill in the questionnaire. Just click on the link “Complete the Questionnaire Online” and there is a simple 6 step survey to provide your comments.
- Step 5 (Optional!). Send any comments you wish to make to us. If you would like to join our mailing list (2 or 3 emails only a month, we promise), please leave us your contact details.
Southwark Council is currently reviewing its road safety plan. There is lots that is good in it but it does not tackle strongly enough the problems with the casualties (increasingly amongst pedestrians and cyclists) that are occurring on our main roads.
We have created a 4 step process to help you take part in the consultation that goes with the road safety plan which is running until Tuesday December 23 2008. We hope that this helps you and the whole process should take no longer than 10 minutes or so. Please feel free to post comments to us below as well or send an email to us at Jeremy@southwarklivingstreets.org.uk. No information about you will appear on any of the comments that we post on our site. Many thanks for taking part.
Draft RSP Comments
The main points that we want to make are:
Numbers of serious casualties are no longer falling amongst pedestrians and cyclists. The dangers on our main roads are not being addressed. 20mph zones have worked to reduce casualties in residential areas. The main roads have been neglected. The TfL Red Routes are the worst. Our town centres are dominated by motor vehicles. High casualties make them feel dangerous. They suffer economically as a result.
The action plan is weak. We need to:
Kingdom Come
http://carnaptious.blogspot.com/2008/12/kingdom-come.html
A local resident has mentioned on his blog that he and others received a letter from Southwark Council asking if they have any objections to the erection of a statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Mike Scott replied with a link to an article from Docklands24 which has a photograph of what the statue will look like when constructed, although the actual size of the statue will depend on how much momey can be raised.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/2474248729/sizes/l/
Blacksmith’s forge page on Surrey Docks Farm website
http://surreydocksfarm.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=60
Kevin Boys’ the blacksmith operating a forge at the Surrey Docks Farm now has a web page dedicated to the activities at the forge, with information about what they do and the sort of events they hold.
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Friday 28th November 2008
BARGES update
Update from Mairi Mills:
The BARGES steering group met November 26th and has exciting news!
Rebeka has started organising new site wildlife surveys, which will be an ongoing monthly activity with TRUE’s volunteers. If you have ideas for sites which need surveying, please get in touch. mairimills@bedehouse.org
Tel: 020 7394 7262
Barry and Katie are working on the BARGEs website. We have a general idea of the kinds of things to include, but again, please get in touch if you have ideas to contribute.
There are some regular events coming up in the New Year e.g. Sat Feb 7th Friends of Galleywall Nature Reserve, Sat 14th Feb Stave Hill, Sat 21st Feb SD Farm young farmers.... In addition to member’s own activities, the meeting proposed a spring time bird walk, which Rebeka will do some initial work on, but which should include different spaces in the actual activity.
Rotherhithe Community Project Bank: The deadline for submissions for the Rotherhithe Community Project bank is Monday December 8th.
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/planningandbuildingcontrol/S106/S106CBP.html
If you would like your submission to be forwarded by BARGES, please email or phone Barry barrymasonuk@gmail.com, 07905 889005 by Friday 5th December.
Canada Water Area Action Plan. This is on the agenda at Monday’s Canada Water Consultative Forum (7pm, Alfred Salter Primary School, Quebec Way, SE16), and we now understand consultation will continue until February 20th.
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/planningandbuildingcontrol/planningpolicy/localdevelopmentframework/canadawaterareaactionplan.html
There are lots of issues relating to BARGES, so if you miss the CWCF meetings, please come to the next BARGES meeting. The last meeting agreed it would be appropriate for BARGES to make a submission on behalf of the members – but, however you have your say, do get involved.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Thursday 8th January 6.30pm at Bede Centre, Abbeyfield Road.
Best wishes,
Mairi
Press Release: Mayor Welcomes New Funds for Nature Conservation
Mairi’s Update email also included this press release from GrantsScape and the London Diversity Partnership:
Environmental grant-maker, GrantScape, has launched a £300,000 fund designed to support high priority nature conservation projects in Inner London. This is the charity’s first grant programme dedicated to supporting urban biodiversity.
GrantScape’s exciting new initiative, the “Inner London Nature Conservation Fund” has been designed with support from the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Biodiversity Partnership and London Boroughs Biodiversity Forum.
Welcoming this initiative the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It is fantastic news that GrantScape has £300,000 on offer to help improve the quality of London's inner city green spaces. Londoners can derive a host of benefits from places where nature is encouraged to thrive. This is why I have also pledged funds to plant 10,000 more street trees in the capital and makeover some of London's most rundown parks.”
Also supporting the new grant programme, Naturalist and TV presenter Nick Baker said: “This is great news, because urban wildlife is under increasing threat from pressures such as climate change and development. It’s really good to see GrantScape’s commitment to inner city nature conservation, helping wildlife adapt to these pressures. Bringing nature closer to people is also very important in raising their awareness of this issue.”
Nick White, London Biodiversity Partnership Manager said: "London Biodiversity Partnership is delighted to welcome the launch of GrantScape's 'Inner London Nature Conservation Fund'. GrantScape liaised closely with London Biodiversity Partnership and others to ensure that the fund will target habitats of particular concern to the Partnership and which we would like to ensure receive support within the capital. The fund should play a significant part in ensuring the conservation and expansion of biodiversity within Inner London and provide Londoners with greater access to wildlife and greenspace."
Grants will be available to not-for-profit organisations, including “friends of” groups, charities and Borough Councils. Applications can be made to GrantScape for amounts ranging between £20,000 and £50,000, and grants can be spread over two years. Better still, no match funding is required.
The biodiversity value of applicants’ projects will be the main criteria used by GrantScape in assessing applications, specifically how these contribute to meeting the London Biodiversity Action Plan’s goals. However, in choosing between projects, the charity will also be looking to support the Mayor of London’s objective to improve Londoners’ access to nature, particularly where there is a present deficiency.
For full details of this new grant programme, please visit: www.grantscape.org.uk
Notes for Editors
Inner London comprises the Inner London Boroughs area, as defined by the Office of National Statistics, i.e. Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster.
The priority habitats being targeted through the Fund are parks and urban green spaces, reedbeds, standing water and canals, the River Thames, grassland, built structures (including living/green roofs), churchyards and cemeteries, and open habitat mosaics such as wasteland, plus all the wildlife that they support.
For full details of the new programme’s criteria, including how to apply for grants, please visit: www.grantscape.org.uk
About Nick Baker
Nick is a Naturalist and full-time broadcaster on the subject of Wildlife and Natural History, presenting many popular shows for the television and radio, including BBC, Channel FIVE, National Geographic, and Animal Planet.
He also writes for a number of publications and has written several books. He is currently working with educational ‘toy’ manufacturer, Interplay, designing and advising on a series of wildlife watching kits.
For more information on Nick, visit his website: http://www.nickbaker.tv/
Nick’s agent, David Foster, can be contacted at:
All-Electric Productions
PO BOX 1805
Andover
Hampshire
Phone: 01264 771726
Fax: 01264 771725
Email: info@allelectricproductions.co.uk
About GrantScape
GrantScape is a grant-making charity committed to improving our natural environment and the quality of life of local communities through its grant programmes. GrantScape has a heritage of over 10 years’ experience, and grants totalling in excess of £65 million have been awarded to deserving projects over this time.
Over the last three years, GrantScape has awarded £8 million to 20 major biodiversity projects across England and Wales through its national “Biodiversity Challenge Fund”. Additionally, it has supported many smaller nature conservation projects at a local community level.
GrantScape offers a complete grant programme management service for Regional Development Agencies, Local Authorities and other grant-makers. It specialises in the design and implementation of efficient processes and the cost-effective use of web-based application forms.
For further information, please contact Andrew Budd or Matt Young:
Telephone: 01908 545780
Email: andrew.budd@grantscape.org.uk
For further information on GrantScape, please visit: www.grantscape.org.uk
About London Biodiversity Partnership
Biodiversity means all living things and the places in which they live.
Inner London contains a number of rare or endangered species, such as Black Redstarts, Water voles and Stag Beetles, together with a wide range of important habitats which are vital to wildlife.
The London Biodiversity Partnership (LBP) was established in 1996 and exists to deliver the London Biodiversity Action Plan. It is one of nine regional Biodiversity Partnerships in England.
There are currently 46 organisations who are members of the Partnership and these are drawn from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
The LBP website can be found at www.lbp.org.uk
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Thursday 27th November 2008
New Years Eve fireworks at London Eye
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/3627
Boris Johnson has chosen to continue the tradition established by his City Hall predecessor Ken Livingstone and ordered a fireworks display to start London's New Year with a bang.
Renowned pyrotechnician Christophe Berthonneau will once again light up the night sky though organisers will surely hope to avoid last year's complaints from revellers who said that they couldn't see the fireworks through the clouds of smoke which hung in the air.
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13th November 2008
Email from Steve Cornish - Working towards Green Flag Status
Myself, Ben Dewhurst, Rebeka Clark (TRUE) Paul Highman ( parks manager) and members of Quadron services, have just walked the woodlands from one end to the other visualising where we are today and where we want to be in one and five years time. Paul Highman is one of the national judges for green flag status up and down the length of the country.
Paul has explained what we have to do over the next year or so to get this coveted status that will help protect our areas green spaces. Paul mentioned the things that we have to put in place by this time next year (management plan etc) but told us that many of the things that will decide whether or not we get granted GF status are already in place. i.e. Excellent Community Involvement (local schools) and tree survey and management programme.
He also stated that the Friends of Rrussia Dock Woodland website will be a very big bonus for the judges decision making. Internet communication for the general public is a top priority.
Review: Simplicity, Tunnel Road, Rotherhithe
http://icedinkeats.blogspot.com/2007/07/simplicity-tunnel-rd-rotherhithe.html
An old post (2007), but one that seems perfectly consistent with everything else I’ve heard recently about this award-winning restaurant.
A much-anticipated return visit and I'm going to keep belthering about this place in the hope that the people who read this site (yes, there are regulars, apparently) will go. Better yet, I'm actually going to put my money where my mouth is and try to go at least once a week for breakfast (most likely) or supper (less often).
The perfect refuge on a rain-soaked Monday evening and the chef-patron is chatty, knowledgeable - very - and devises the menus according to what he has bought and likes the look of. Cares about wine.
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9th November 2008
Apologies
Please accept my apologies for ceasing to update this website for the forseeable future. I am moving to north Wales for the next few months, due to my mother’s illness, which is severe. I will post to the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland email forum when I am back and updating the site again, but do not expect this to be until the New Year. Please see below for the latest news items.
I have tried to cobble together the news for the last week from the emails in my Inbox, both on this page and on the Downtown Defence Campaign News page, but apologies if I have missed anything significant.
Best wishes to all. Andie.
Latest Downtown Defence Campaign News
Please go to the DDC News page for all the most recent updates.
New rubbish bins and dog bin in the Russia Dock Woodland
Steve has written to thank Jim Broadrib for the three new rubbish bins, and one new dog bin that he and his team put into Russia Dock woodland last week. This was as a direct response to remarks from local residents and Quadron services to the F.O.R.D.W.. They felt that the Nelsons Walk stretch was short of these items.
Please see the attached photograph of a Quadron employee emptying one of the new bins the day after they were put in. They have told me that "it is far easier emptying the bins than it is foraging amongst the shrubbery to get to the rubbish".
Central South East London Greenways - Consultation
Thanks to Steve Cornish for copying me on his reply to this letter from Paul Nyagah of Southwark Council. Steve will add the topic to the F.R.D.W. Annual General Meeting.
SUSTRANS is carrying out a consultation about the Central South East London Greenways study, a project which aims to identify a network of Greenway walking and cycling routes across the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich.
Between the 3rd of November and the 12th of December a fairly small consultation is being undertaken among key individuals and groups likely to have a particular interest in the project. This comprises: members of relevant borough committees and scrutiny panels, the heads of relevant council departments, friends of park groups, local and London level walking, cycling groups and other relevant interest groups.
You have been identified as a key stakeholder in this consultation and SUSTRANS would greatly appreciate your feedback and input, which will help to guide and shape the potential development of the project from the outset.
Parks has been asked to provide you with the consultation information.
You are also asked to visit www.sustrans.org.uk/goal where an online survey form is available for you to comment on the project.
If you would like a hard copy of this information, please confirm and provide your full address.
Kind regards
Paul Nyagah
Paul.Nyagah@southwark.gov.uk
Support Officer for Parks
Great architecture does not have to cost earth (Letter to Southwark Times from Cllr. Paul Bates)
Councillor Paul Bates (Labour, Housing and Regeneration) has written in response toletter to the Soutwhark News concerning the cost of the new library planned for the Canada Water site. Paul Bates says that he believes that a new library is required, and that it should be “a quality, iconic piece of architecture” this does not mean that a blank cheque should be signed for the project, or that the escalation of the cost for the project by 50& is trivial because that extra money could have been put to very good use elsewhere. See Southwark News Letters (November 6th Issue) for the rest of his comments (print version only - available til Wednesday).
Southwark News review of Rotherhithe Deal Porter bar and bistro
David Yuill from Southwark News got the happy job of going to try out what the Sunday lunchtime offering at the Deal Porter on Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5EF, has to offer local residents and it looks well worth the trial run if you live in the vicinity, although there’s a live jazz singer which might not be everyone’s idea of happiiness. You have until Wednesday to get hold of the November 6th issue of Southwark news (page 22).
4th November 2008
Downtown Defence Campaign
The latest objection to the inclusion of the Downtown planning application comes from Southwark Friends Of The Earth and is now shown on the Downtown Defence Campaign News page.
3rd November 2008
Downtown Defence Campaign
New objection letter to the Head of Development Control for Southwark Council
Please see the Downtown Defence Campaign News page for the latest update.
2nd November 2008
Downtown Defence Campaign News
See the Downtown Defence Campaign News page for the latest update.
More re stolen Nature Girls sculptures
Thanks to Kam for the news that South London Press (31-10-2008, Page 11) has published an article about the removal of the three statues from Surrey Water which is accompanied by a photograph of a well-wrapped Lorraine Smith sitting looking at the remaining red shoes. This issue of the South London Press is available until tomorrow but you can read it online at the following address:
http://www.southlondonpress.co.uk/tn/news.cfm?id=22644&searchword=lorraine%20smith
Congratulations and sincere thanks to Lorraine for doing such a good job of raising awareness about the statues. Keeping tabs on these issues and making sure that we are all aware of potential problems for the future is
31st October 2008, Hallowe’en
SEE THE DOWNTOWN PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS
Go to the Downtown News Page for a full update on the situation following all of today’s email exchanges. It is not particularly good news but Steve and John are battling to prepare a case and represent us in case the decision is not reached to defer the meeting. Thanks to Southwark News for their articles (also summarized on the above page) for raising awareness of what is going on.
A round-up of the news headlines from Southwark News
Thanks as usual to Southwark News for their ongoing coverage of local news and issues. The latest issue came out yesterday. Here’s a round-up of those that may be of most interest to residents in our immediate area. I am very glad that Southwark News has chosen to highlight some of the concerns regarding local development planning. I’ll update the stories with links to the Southwark News features on their website when the stories are online.
See the Downtown Defence News page on this website for some of what Southwark News have to say about the Downtown development plans.
There’s a large feature, spanning pages four and five, about some of the staggering proposals for the Canada Water area, which include the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre: Administration calls its own plans for Rotherhithe peninsula “unacceptable”. It is written by Gavriel Hollander who has an excellent grasp of local issues. Gavriel launches his article with the paragraph “Southwark Council has held back proposals for the redevelopment of the Rotherhithe peninsula, after the executive labeled as “unacceptable” some of the options outlined by officers”. He goes on to explain that a draft version of the Canada Water Area Action Plan, which describes a number of possible choices for development in the area, has been delayed due to fears about the content and how it would be received. Councillor Paul Noblet is quoted saying “Many of you will know that the Executive did not agree the document that was on the website, as we felt that some of the options were unacceptable”. The article details some of the more startling of the proposals. When the full story is available online I will link to it, but if you want to see more before that time the newspaper is available in newsagents now. On page 9 the newspaper also features the new hotel and health centre proposed by Conrad Phoenix for the Canada Water sites C and E.
Another article from Gavriel, Locals fear scrap metal thieves as three park statues disappear, highlights the fact that the Nature girls, mentioned in earlier posts on this page, have been stolen. The items is accompanied by a large photograph of the statues as they used to be before they were sawn off at the ankles. The article quotes Friends of Russia Dock Woodland Secretary Lorraine Smith saying that “This kind of thing will make people give up - they won’t even bother to cut the grass anymore”. As Lorraine says in the article, a little piece of magic is now gone.
Should the Canada Water library go ahead? The News has asked some local residents about whether or not it should be allowed to be built, as Southwark Council are planning, even though the the Canada Water regeneration may go £5 million over budget: “The initial budget put the price of the library at £8.5 m, but rising construction costs as a result of the 2012 Olympic Games have seen the figure leap to a potential £13.7 m”. If you want to add your voice you can email Southwark News: letters@southwarknews.org. At least two residents have already written into the letters page to contribute their opinions. Barry Duckett (of the Rotherhithe Angling Association) says that we should “build a library that the people in the area are proud of” given that the Albion Street library “has passed its sell by date”. An opposing view is held by Lorraine Smith who has also written in to say “Why waste money on a pre-fabricated ark look-a-like bulding, when we have a perfectly good brick build library situated in Albion Street”?
A letter to the News from Paul Noblet, Lisa Rajan and David Hubber (Lib Dem councillors for Surrey Docks Ward) said that they were sorry to see that Sergeant McCluskey is leaving the Surrey Docks Safer Neighbourhood Team following a promotion. I am sure that everyone would like to join them in thanking him for his work to reduce crime in our area.
Another letter picks up on the article published last week which revealed that Fisher Athletic’s stadium proposal appears to have been shelved. Joe Arif, the Fisher Programme Editor, said that he was “very surprised and somewhat alarmed to read the council intend to redevelop the existing site on the edge of Southwark Park without Fisher’s involvement”. He goes on to highlight that Fisher is an important part of the community and its facilities and that new proposals for a facility on the ground would be a ideal base for the club and would take nothing away from plans for the Olympics. He concludes “Fisher is an asset for this borough and with the right backing could flourish into something rather special.”
I am glad to see the the News is continuing to raise the fact that the Poppy Appeal needs more public support in Southwark. In a full page feature on page 16 David Yuill tells the stories of two veterans from the Second World War who “believe that a new battle should be waged to regain the proud spirit of the borough’s residents, who have turned their back on the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal”.
30th October 2008
Hallowe’en (tomorrow, 31st October)
Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night (5th November)
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that there will be increased levels of police on patrolling the area for both nights in both the Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks Wards.
There are all sorts of hazards associated with both Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes night, and Southwark council has put together an advice page for coping with them, which also includes a list of places in London where public displays are being held. The advice for home owners worried about household safety and nuisance callers is actually very practical and I picked up some very useful pointers.
Obviously if you have any problems or observe anything which might require police intervention
- dial 999 for all emergencies
- dial 0300 123 1212 for non-emergencies (the new number provided by Metropolitan Police)
Southwark News also has a page with some good Halloween advice for both householders and young people who are planning to enjoy Halloween
Time Out magazine has an online article entitled Things to Do in London on Hallowe’en
Details of Southwark Council's own free firework display, which will take place at Southwark Park on Guy Fawkes night, are available on the Southwark Council website on the above link.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has a Safer Fireworks website devoted to safe use of fireworks and how to organize your own display, if you are planning to go down that route.
Finally, as mentioned in a previous post the Blue Cross have put up an information page about how to keep pets safe when the fireworks start going off.
29th October 2008
More Downtown planning news
See the Downtown Defence Campaign News page on this website for the latest news.
Nature Girls
The Nature Girls statues which have been so crudely removed from the Surrey Water site, leaving only their shoes were responded to by residents in different ways before their removal. Some thought that they were at the very least eerie and possibly sinister, whilst many others thought that they were charming or amusing. Knowing some of her earlier work from my days studying modern art, I would imagine that Laura Ford would have been completely happy with all these responses.
It was a sad moment for many of us when the little trio was removed. It left a bad feeling in the mouth, to put it mildly. It is to be hoped that the removal of the Nature Girls, the graffiti on the Rizzello sculpture on Stave Hill and the destruction of the brick newt pond are not indicative of a trend which might indicate that we have a growing problem on our hands. We’ll just have to wait and see.
It is great that so many people have expressed their outrage and concerns. We are all now looking at other public art works in the area, and wondering how best to protect them. One of the nicest sets of sculpture is the collection outside the Surrey Docks Farm on the Thames Path at Barnards Wharf. A little gang of animal characters, a pig, some geese, a goat, a donkey, a mouse and a very slinky fox, all make up a fine little line of sculptures which were installed in 1992-1994 by the L.D.D.C, made by a number of artists: Nathan David, Althea Wynne, Marjan Wouda and Philip Bews. But apparently at night time they attract kids who gather around them and the bench between them to socialize with each other, disturbing the tenants of the sheltered accommodation which sits behind the little group of animals. One suggestion, to alleviate the annoyance for the tenants in the homes and to protect the sculptures from potential theft, would be to move them into the Surrey Docks Farm itself. It is only a suggestion at the moment, but it looks like something that is well worth considering seriously.
Bermondsey Square
Apparently the new development at the Bermondsey Square site includes a new shopping centre. It has been featured on the Southwark News website and may be of interest to local residents. It is easily reached from here on the 188 bus.
The Bermondsey Square development will feature new shops, a hotel, restaurant and a new independent cinema, as well as a Sainsbury’s Local, which is one of the first businesses to open on the square. The Shortwaves cinema, scheduled to open at the end of the year or the start of next, will apparently specialise in showing cult and independent films and will also run workshops teaching teenagers to become film directors. Sooo tempting is that news that first feature that they plan to run is the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Happy echoes of my long-gone undergraduate university days!
The famous New Caledonian Antiques Market has been accommodated into the new arrangement, with 200 stalls.
Even the archaeology which was discovered beneath the intended building site, and was the subject of extensive excavations has been preserved for future research. The square lies within the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Bermondsey Abbey which was founded as a monastery around 1086 AD and was eventually dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538. The Southwark News article says that the last upstanding Abbey building, the inner gatehouse, was destroyed in the 19th Century, by which time much of the site was covered in poor houses and factories. The photograph to the left was taken from the PCA website - if you’re interested in excavations at the Abbey this is a great site.
See the Southwark News article for more.
27th October 2008
New pages on the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland website
In a fit of energy, which I must have caught from Kam, I’ve added two new pages to the site.
The first is a Who’s Who? of people who are mentioned on the news pages. This is for the benefit of newcomers who may wonder who everyone talked about actually do. Do have a look and let me know if I should be adding anyone to the page.
I have also added an Archives Index Page which simply removes the Web Log and the Meetings of the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland Minutes archive from the top level navigation and moves them down a level. You can reach them by going to the new Archives Index Page.
More news re Barratt Homes planning application for the Downtown site
There are new news items on the new Dowtown Defence News page today - a document from Steve Cornish which contains an official request for the latest Barratt Homes application meeting to be postponed, and a response to information requests from both Steve and Kam Hong Leung. Please go to the DDC News page to those news posts.
Downtown Defence News, and a small reorganization of the news pages on this site
The two news sections on this website are getting to be quite large now that they are updated nearly daily. Instead of duplicating the latest news about the Downtown site on this page as well as on the Downtown News page I will now only be reporting full stories about the planning applicaiton on the Downtown News page. But I will link to those stories from here so that you if this is the only page you check you will know that I have done it and that there is something to read.
I have also separated the Downtown Defence News page out from the main Downtown Defence Campaign information page, as it was becoming very difficult to navigate all the information on the single page. I hope that this will make life easier for people
New Metropolitan Police number for non-urgent crimes
The issue of the removal of the three small statues at Surrey Water has raised the question of how this type of non-urgent crime should be reported locally and there seems to be some confusion on the subject of the role of the Safer Neighbourhood Police teams which will hopefully be resolved soon.
In the mean time if you need to report non-urgent crimes the correct phone number is 0300 123 1212. This is a new number for all crimes which do not require an immediate response. All crimes on the ward are checked once they have been reported and followed up any as necessary. More information about this non-emergency number are available at the following web page on the Met’s site:
http://www.met.police.uk/contacts/contactnumber.htm
The Metropolitan Police now have a web page which is designed to give advice to members of the public on how to report crimes of different types. For some crimes there is an online crime reporting facility, which would seem to be an excellent idea if it works. Here’s the link to the Met’s Reporting Crime information page:
http://www.met.police.uk/reporting_crime/
26th October 2008
Downtown site information consolidated on the Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum (RCSF)
http://rotherhithe.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!FC4C191A8F51F272!1060.entry
Many thanks to Kam Hong Leung for letting me know that he has updated the RCSF website with an index page at the above address, which is dedicated to archiving the key communications which make up the history of the Downtown site.
The Downtown site has been the subject of dispute since Southwark Council began to consider proposals for the site’s development by property developers. The disputes lie mainly in the precise nature of the plans being proposed by developers, some of which have been completely inappropriate. As a result there has been a long history of planning proposals, meetings, successful challenges to proposals and appeals.
These activities are easy enough to track in real time if you are a member of the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland’s email group, but untangling the history is less straight forward. A good summary exists on this website, on the Downtown Defence Campaign Page, but if you want to see an archive of emails, newspaper articles and official documents then the best place to go is definitely Kam’s newly indexed archive, which consolidates exactly this type of data. Kam has separated the archive into two main sections, both of which can be accessed from the Index page.
Sincere thanks to Kam for going to the trouble of assembling this valuable resource. I can guess how long it took him to do.
Don’t forget to buy your poppy
Armistice Day is 11th November 2008. Poppies are on sale now. For more information about the Poppy Appeal see their website.
If you want to become a poppy collector, which would fill a much needed gap in this area, have a look at the Be A Poppy Collector page.
Here’s the Wikipedia entry about Armistice Day:
Armistice Day is the anniversary of the symbolic end of World War I on 11 November 1918. It commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning - the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month." While this official date to mark the end of the war reflects the ceasefire on the Western Front, hostilities continued in other regions, especially across the former Russian Empire and in parts of the old Ottoman Empire.
The date was a national holiday in many of allied nations to allow people to commemorate those members of the armed forces who were killed during war. This day in Poland is national day (also a public holiday) called Polish Independence Day. After World War II, it was changed to Veterans Day in the United States and to Remembrance Day in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Armistice Day is an official holiday in France. It is also an official holiday in Belgium, known also as the day of peace in the Flanders Fields.
In many parts of the world people take a two minute moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. as a sign of respect for the roughly eight million who died in the war, as suggested by Edward George Honey in a letter to a British newspaper although Wellesley Tudor Pole established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.[1][2] In Germany however, it coincides with the official beginning of the carnival season.
Beginning in 1939 the two-minute silence was moved to the Sunday nearest 11 November in order not to interfere with wartime production should 11 November fall on a weekday. Since the 1990s a growing number of people have observed a two-minute silence on 11 November, resulting in both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday being commemorated formally in the UK (although in 2007 they fell on the same day).
11 November 2008 will be the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day.
How to keep pets safe on bonfire night
I noticed last night that fireworks were already making their presence felt and as it gets nearer to 5th November I imagine that they will be increasingly prominent. The Blue Cross have put up an information page about how to keep pets safe when the fireworks start exploding.
October 25th 2008
Communications with Paul Noblet re Multi Modal Study and the Canada Water Area Action Plan
Below is the email response from Councillor Paul Noblet to Kam Hong Leung regarding Kam’s message about concerns over the Multi Modal Study and the CWAAP (see earlier posts on this page if this does not appear to make sense). Thanks to Paul Noblet for copying the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland on that email - much appreciated.
Hi Kam,
Apologies for copying everyone in but given the importance of this issue I thought it best to do so.
I have asked officers to send copies of the MMS to interested parties asap as it has been used in drawing up the report for the committee, and so I agree that both ward cllrs and residents should have the information too.
On the issue of CW AAP, many of you will know that the Executive did not agree the document that was on the website as we felt that some of the options were unacceptable. We will be drawing up a different version of the issues and options paper over the coming weeks.
I have also asked planning and transport officers to begin drawing up schemes to cut congestion in the area, and more importantly how much they will cost - as the viability of any road improvements will depend on how much money is available from any land sales generated at Canada Water and section 106 agreements.
I will update everyone as I hear more on the MMS.
Best wishes,
Paul
In reply, Steve Cornish has emailed Paul Noblet to say that, on the behalf of the members of the Downtown Defence campaign, and indeed the wider Rotherhithe Community we are demanding that as our Local Coucilllor and head of Regeneration, he withdraw the Downtown Site Planning Application from the November 4th agenda.
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Green Enthusiasts (B.A.R.G.E.s) Update
Please see the email from Mairi Mills about the latest news from BARGEs:
Dear All,
Everyone who attended the BARGEs launch (minutes attached) gave an email contact address, so I am now emailing some updates. I have also tried to include those who didn’t attend the Launch, but have shown interest, and I will forward to Simon Hughes and local Councillors to keep them up to date. Please pass any useful information on to anyone you know without email who may be interested. Sorry, some of the dates are coming up soon…
BARGEs UPDATES:
Steering group
I am attaching the minutes of the launch, which includes the list of those interested in the steering group as follows: Steve, Sue Ramsay, Katie, Rebeka, Helen Vincent, Sylvia, Barry. Apologies if you are interested and I missed you off the list. Hope you will be able to attend or to get back to me. Date for Steering group: Monday 27th October at Bede Centre from 6.30pm, to finish by 8 or 8.30pm.
Several people have said that Monday nights are difficult for them, so we are proposing to hold the following steering group date on Tuesday November 25th at the same venue, starting slightly later at 7pm.
Next BARGES meeting
The planning officers dealing with the Canada Water Area Action Plan are in a period of consultation on the Issues and Options, formally starting at the middle of November and running to the beginning of January. Please see website
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/planningandbuildingcontrol/planningpolicy/
They will of course be holding lots of exhibitions, and visiting the Community Council, Canada Water Consultative Forum, Rotherhithe Housing Forum, etc, but these meetings will cover all the aspects of the Plan. As BARGES members are particularly interested in open and green spaces, cycle and pedestrian routes, etc, and related planning issues, I’ve taken the opportunity to book a date for the officers to come and meet with us. We have gone for Monday 10th November from 7pm at Bede Centre, so I hope lots of you will be able to make this.
OTHER LOCAL MEETINGS:
Rotherhithe Community Council, Tuesday 28th October from 7pm, at the Links, 353 Rotherhithe New Road, will also discuss the Canada Water Area Action Plan, and additional agenda items include Public question time on Albion Street, Project banks (S106), and Road Safety Plan Consultation.
The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM, Thursday 13th November from 7pm at the YHA, 20 Salter Road, SE16 5PR. All welcome, and for more info, contact Steve stevecornish49@hotmail.com
Canada Water Consultative Forum, Monday 1st December from 7pm at Alfred Salter School will also feature the Canada Water Area Action Plan, and the next CWCF meeting on the 12th January gives BARGES a chance to make an input into an Environment focussed agenda; all suggestions welcome.
INPUT WANTED
Southwark Environment Forum forwarded a Consultation on the development of an Environmental Education Strategy for Southwark, queries to sustainable.services@southwark.gov.uk They explain: Southwark Council is looking to develop an Environmental Education Support Programme for schools that reflects the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Sustainable Schools http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools/ Framework and the future needs of Southwark Schools.
Southwark Council is currently seeking input from schools, businesses and the voluntary/community sector about how Southwark Council can best support schools in achieving this. We would appreciate it if you could spare five minutes to complete this questionnaire to help us to do this. Please respond by 31st October 2008.
Click here for the online response form for the consultation on Environmental Education Strategy
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/OnlineForms/ShowForm.asp?fm_fid=548
ACTIVITIES
TODAY! Saturday 25th October, BBC Autumnwatch is filming some Southwark sites, and asked Southwark Cyclists to ride round helping. This is the timetable: (and Mobile TV crew floating round all day) – do join in, bike or not!
Meet 8.45am for live Radio London interviews and look round Southwark Park Young Friends Allotment
Depart 9.30am
10am: Nursery Row for work
Depart: 11:30am
12.15pm: Dulwich Park for work and refreshments
Depart: 2.30pm
3pm: Burgess Park Glengall Wharf
Depart: 3.30pm
3.45pm: Surrey Square for work until 4 .15 pm
4. 30pm: fungii hunt in Burgess Park long grass....we might find these:
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/waxcaps239.html
The November date for Stave Hill Saturdays and Kids@StaveHill has had to be changed to the following week, Saturday 15th November. The December date is still the second Saturday of the month, Saturday the 13th. Tasks for the two dates are bench building and woodland clearance. K@SH will be making leaves etc from salt dough, and building ladybird houses.
Friends of Galleywall Nature Reserve are also working hard and have dates to advertise, with their next Gardening days on November 8th and December 13th 11am -1pm and next meeting Thursday November 20th 7pm at Bede Centre. All welcome.
Aspinden Road Nature Garden also has a workday planned for November 8th from 10am – 1pm – and aim to plan 2009 dates that do not clash!
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Pumphouse Educational Museum has a job vacancy for a post in Education/ Sustainability/ Ecology, 28 hours a week, salary £20,000.
“We invite applications from enthusiastic and experienced environmental educators. This sustainability programme will deliver to preschool families and primary school participants. Challenging but fun!
You will need a good understanding of ecology/ sustainability and the ability to communicate effectively with others. You should also be organised and capable of planning and reporting work, be excellent at recruitment of participants and have a friendly outgoing personality able to deal tactfully with your clients and the public who visit the centre.”
For full details contact c.marais@thepumphouse.org.uk
Closing date: 6th November 08.
Halloween @The Blue, 31st October from 5.30pm – 8.30pm, with Fancy dress competition, Pumpkin lantern making, traditional games, music workshop, story telling, face painting, bouncy castle and free refreshments. Organised by Keetons and St Crispins TRA with support from Carles at South Bermondsey Partnership, tel 7525 0934.
Hope you are well; speak soon.
Best wishes,
Mairi
Mairi Mills
Community Development, Networks and Forums
Bede House Association
Tel: 020 7394 7262
Friends of Southwark Park updates
See the email from Gary Glover, of the Friends of Southwark Park:
“Tuesday November 4th At Parkside TRA Hall, New Place Square, Southwark Park Road, SE16.
Starting at 7pm
On the agenda will be: working towards a successful future for the group, current vacancies on the Committee, and winter events and activities in Southwark Park. If you have any items for the agenda please get in touch.
Please pass on details to anyone interested in coming to the meeting, contributing ideas, volunteering time or skills, or joining the committee. (We are looking for a Treasurer, as always!)
We look forward to seeing you!
Gary Glover, The Friends of Southwark Park
You can join our email group here: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/FriendsofSouthwarkPark”
24th October 2008
Canada Water Area Action Plan (CWAAP)
Please take the time to look at the new C.W.A.A.P. that was mentioned by councillor David Hubber at Monday evening’s Canada Water Campaign Meeting. Steve Cornish has received several phone calls from people that were present on Monday urging him to look at this immediately, and you can see why - you will probably be shocked by what you are going to see.
There will be three different options for the people to pick from regarding the future of the masterplan for this area. One of them is, believe it or not, to "completely demolish the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, the leisure centre, and the Hawkstone Road Estate, and start again. The others are also very radical.
One of the concepts is to build a BMX bike track in Russia Dock Woodland. Speaking for myself, this seems to be ridiculous to the point of absolute lunacy. As if we haven’t got enough problems.
Just go to Southwark Council’s CWAAP web page for the full story.
As Steve highlights, this is all after spending £345.000 on a multi modal study that you might as well throw in the bin.
Update re Rotherhithe Multi-Modal Traffic Study and planning applications
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for copying me in on an email concerning various planning applications and their impacts on the local community.
Apparently, according to Cllr Lisa Rajan, Southwark Council's Planning Committee's Meeting on Downtown Site has been rescheduled for Tuesday 4 November 2008. There are two issues which need to be addressed before the meeting takes place.
1) Barratt Homes has reportedly referred to the content of the Rotherhithe Multi-Modal Traffic Study in support of their case for Downtown Site. However, this “Study” is not available to the public. Steve Cornish reports that many attendees at the Canada Water Consultative Forum's Meeting on Monday 21 October 2008 were very unhappy that in spite of promises from Cllr. Paul Noblet the Study is still not available to the public.
2) It is entirely possible that the Canada Water Area Action Plan may require residents to revisit the planning application for the Downtown Site, due to the potential impact on the whole Rotherhithe Peninsular of the combination of these development projects.
Should the meeting go ahead, there will not be sufficient time for local residents to make an informed assessment of the new proposals, and this seems counter the interests of Rotherhithe. Kam has made a request to local politicians to request a postponement of the meeting.
The latest Rotherhithe news items from Southwark News
Southwark News has a number of news items this week which have items relevant to our part of the borough. There will be online access to the original stories described here in the next week when the Southwark News website is updated. Authors were Gavriel Hollander, Alex Steger, and David Yuill.
Southwark News has covered the response to the latest plans from Conrad Phoenix for the Canada Water (sites C and E). Concerns were expressed at the Canada Water Consultative Forum that the cafe provision was not as extensive as hoped and that plans for a hotel and polyclinic could aggravate the traffic situation. The article reminds residents that an exhibition is being held on Friday (2pm-7pm) and Saturday (11am-4pm) at the Alfred Salter Primary School on Quebec Way. The newspaper also says that an overspend on the new Canada Water library will reach c.£5million as the result of rising labour and material costs associated with the Olympic projects.
Armistice Day will be marked by the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Royal British Legion with a special ceremony to honour those who have fallen in recent conflicts. A new inscription will be added to the war memorial which stands on West Lane to commemorate the life of a local soldier who died in Iraq in August 2004.. Legion members, M.P.s and councillors will attend the ceremony. Please buy a poppy - according to Southwark News it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people to sell poppies and sales are considerably down this year. The sale of poppies is an important way to thank people who have died and been injured in the service of this country. The sale raises funds for the provision of financial, social and emotional support to ex-servicemen and their families.
A good day was had by the 800 people who attended the annual Surrey Docks Farm “Apple Day” to mark the beginning of the autumn harvest. The day made £1800.00 for the farm.
If you were wondering why divers were back at Greenland Dock last Thursday it is because they were looking for the victims of a killer who was given two life sentences recently. The bodies of the victims have never been found and the search is in the interests of giving closure to the families.
The new Fisher Stadium plan has been abandoned. Fisher are not mentioned in the draft proposals for the Southwark park athletics track which was apparently expected to include a proposal for the Fisher grounds in Rotherhithe.
Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is celebrating its 20th birthday with a set of events between 27th and 30th October. One of the most interesting of these is the “Now and Then Exhibition” - a photographic record of how the area has changed from its dockland past, which will be set up in the middle of the shopping centre. By the way, if you hadn’t noticed it already there is now a Starbucks coffee shop down there.
Borough Market soon has its October Plenty festival.
“This is a glorious autumn harvest celebration, mixing ancient seasonal customs and theatre with contemporary festivity. Linking two of London's most olde worlde features, this event begins on Bankside, in the shadow of Shakespeare's Globe, and finishes among the stalls of Borough food market where Apple Day celebrations are taking place.
Attractions include a Corn Queene effigy, the Berry Man, performances of raucous 16th century plays, the Story Orchard - where children can listen to traditional British tales - conker fights, apple bobbing and much more.
A wonderful revival of ancient customs and a great way for Londoners to remember the pleasures of this season, all for free”.
23rd October 2008
Canada Water regeneration proposals
This was waiting on my doormat when I arrived home yesterday afternoon. The two dates to note for viewing the plans at the Alfred Salter school are 24th and 25th October 2008. For more information about the various sites and the proposals for them see the Canada Water Campaign’s “Planning Applications” page.
Vandalism to sculpture at Surrey Water?
Thanks to Lorraine Smith for letting the F.R.D.W. email group know that the well known sculpture at Surrey Water (at the far end of the Albion Channel) has been removed. The sculpture consisted of three plant motifs which had legs and red shoes. When Lorraine passed by this morning all that was left were the three sets of shoes, it looks to Lorraine as though the bodies have been cut off.
Whether you like the little trio of sculptures or loathe them, and opinions seem to be polarised on the subject, if this is vandalism then it should be taken seriously. Recent examples of vandalism in the area include the graffiti on the Michael Rizzello sculpture on Stave Hill and the destruction of a raised brick point which was built to house newts in the ecological park.
Lorraine cannot find out anything about this apparent vandalism. I’ll update this page with any more information that emerges. The photograph is taken from Stuart Rankin’s excellent Maritime Rotherhithe - History Walks (London Borough of Southwark, 2004).
22nd October 2008
Southwark Council consultation on education for sustainable development
Oduwa Idehen (Research and Projects Officer. Director's Office, Southwark Council) has informed Steve that as part of developing a strategy to promote environmental education in Southwark schools, Southwark Council is conducting a consultation with businesses, community and voluntary sector organisations. The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland is being contacted because of it's commendable work in education for sustainable development. The link to an online questionnaire was supplied for Steve to complete. More details of the project are available on the following Southwark Council web page:
www.southwark.gov.uk/environmentaleducation
Update: Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM
Chris Moor, the Contract Manager for Quadron Services Limited has confirmed that he will attend the meeting on 13/11/08 at 7pm, and that he will bring Quadron’s Supervisor for the area as well.
See yesterday’s news update for more details about the Friends AGM.
21st October 2008
Friends of Russia Dock Woodland - Annual General Meeting, 13th November 2008
The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland (FORDW) Annual General Meeting will be held on THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2008.
The venue will be Y.H.A. at 20 Salter Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 5PR, opposite Smith Close. It will start at 7.00pm.
The meeting is open to everyone and we will be very glad to welcome you.
Once again many thanks to Beverley Robinson manager of the Y.H.A. for letting the F.O.R.D.W. use their meeting room on the night.
A copy of the agenda will be sent out shortly and will also be posted on this website.
20th October 2008
Canada Water meeting this evening at Alfred Salter school
Apologies for the last-minute notification but there is a meeting of the Canada Water Campaign this evening at Alfred Salter school. The topics under discussion will include the B2 application and proposals for Sites C and E (see map on the CWC website). In addition Carles Ferrer Miralles (Neighbourhood Management Co-ordinator) will be speaking on the subject of regeneration. Anyone is welcome to attend.
South Bermondsey Partnership magazine
The Autumn 2008 edition of the South Bermondsey Partnership magazine is now available.
Here’s the introductory text from the magazine, to give you an idea of the contents:
Welcome to the Autumn issue of the South Bermondsey Partnership magazine. As the nights draw in and the streets get cluttered with falling leaves, we thought we’d turn our attention to all things green in this edition.
Climate change, global warming are big important issues but here at a local level we feature on what you
can do to help the environmental cause. Just on the edge of our neighbourhood on the Old Kent Road the Southwark Waste Management Facility will be built; you can read about the site in this issue. If you’ve ever thought that your street should be made safer than why not come up with an idea under the Council’s Cleaner Greener Safer programme - we take a look at the successful bids for our neighbourhood in this issue.
Some of us though could take a further step and actually volunteer our time and energy to improve open spaces in South Bermondsey we feature two such areas at Galleywall and Aspinden that have been restored by local people.
By now I hope you’ve got the green buzz so why not come along to the launch of BARGES, which is our Green network in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Find out more as we
interview one of its prominent members in this magazine. And pay a visit to the Surrey Docks Farm not too far away- one of a network of working City Farms in London.
Darryl Telles, Secretary, South Bermondsey Partnership.
19th October 2008
Correction - St. John’s Primary School won not two prizes but three!
Thanks very much to Kam Hong Leung who has updated me with the information that St. John’s has won not just the two prizes that I mentioned for their environmental activities, but a grand total of three as follows:
- London Schools Environment Award 2007/08 (Second Prize for Primary Schools in The London Borough of Southwark)
- First Prize in Tesco's nationwide Environment Award
- First Prize in Thames Water's London-wide Environment Award
The photograph belongs to Kam - click on it to go to the page on Kam’s Flickr page, which is where the photograph can be seen displayed at full size.
18th October 2008
Good news re new bins in Russia Dock Woodland
Steve reports that the new bins in the Russia Dock Woodland organized by Jim Broadrib (Southwark Council) are doing a good job:
The bins now seem to be doing their job. We used to have an overspill of 'picnic rubbish' especially at weekends when the weather was good. Last weekend we had more families and community groups using the green than I can ever remember, which is excellent news. The bins were full on Sunday evening but not overflowing as would have been the case just two months ago.
I have walked the woodlands recently with a few local woodlands users who feel that a couple of extra bins along the 'Nelsons Walk' end of the woodlands would be welcomed and perhaps one dog bin.
Schools in the Parks project
Steve has been contacted by Beth Jones who is Project Officer for the Schools in the Parks project at Lambeth Council. Here’s what she had to say:
The schools in the parks project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Natural England, and aims to encourage more secondary schools across Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark to use their local green spaces to support work across the curriculum. This will then give pupils a better understanding of their local natural and cultural heritage.
In order to achieve this we hope to run workshops for staff, volunteers, and outdoor educators already working in parks, to make working with secondary schools easier and more accessible. Proposed sessions have included, health and safety/risk assessments, curriculum links, fieldwork techniques, and example sessions with schools, although the content of workshops is flexible and will depend on the needs of the people in the boroughs.
The project began in September so it is still in the early stages, but I am initially trying to establish if schools are currently using parks, who is involved with parks and open spaces in the borough, who might be interested in working with secondary schools groups, and identifying projects and areas that cloud be developed for use by schools.
Hopefully the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland and associated groups will be able to assist with their project if required.
St John’s School, Rotherhithe, wins two awards
St John's school was visited and presented with their LSEA (London Schools Environment Award) by Councilor Jeff Hook (Exec Member for the Environment) on 15th October 2008.
In addition the schoo have won the Tesco national environmental competition with a reward worth around £1,500 in environmental prizes.
Congratulations to everyone at the school who participated - two great results
Wednesday November 5th 2008 Fireworks Night
Southwark Park, SE16. Dig out the scarf and gloves and come join in the celebrations at this year's Fireworks Night in Southwark. The event starts at 6.30pm with some fun family entertainment and ends with a great fireworks display at 7.30pm.
6.30pm to 7.45pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. Entry cost: Free
How to get there:
Bus: 1, 47, 188, 225, 381, C10, P12
Tube: Canada Water
Train: South Bermondsey
Fireworks can be extremely dangerous when used irresponsibly so take extra care around fireworks night. To report firework misuse or anti social behaviour call the 24 hour hotline on 020 7525 5777.
Southwark events
Tel: 020 7525 2000
events@southwark.gov.uk
Chatelaine House
186 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JJ
Rotherhithe restaurant a TV award finalist
Southwark News reports that local restaurant Simplicity, which sources some of its products from the Surrey Docks Farm, has been entered for a prestigious award:
A ROTHERHITHE restaurant owner has been nominated for a prestigious televised food award and £40,000 cash prize.
Lawrence Lingard and his restaurant, Simplicity, on Tunnel Road, is one of five London finalists for UKTV Food's Local Food Hero 2008 competition.
Lingard, who opened the restaurant only a year and a half ago, was shocked when he discovered he had been put forward for the award. "I'm not sure who nominated me but it's fantastic," he said. "I just told all my customers to vote for me and now I'm in the final."
Simplicity sources as much of its produce as possible from local suppliers, including nearby Surrey Docks Farm. Lingard believes that this focus on the local community makes people feel that the restaurant is a valuable part of local life.
See the Southwark News article for the full story. Simplicity is at 1 Tunnel Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 4JJ. Tel: 020 7232 5174
Creating websites and magazines for young people
I was on the Southwark Council website for something completely different and found the following which may be of interest to anyone aged between 13 and 19, which can be accessed for the time being by clicking here:
We need your creativity, energy and commitment to help write and produce the Whatever magazine and website – both are created for young people by young people.
If you are 13 to 19 years old and live in Southwark – and are interested in new media, including journalism, web and video production – get involved!
There are lots of perks to being involved with Whatever, including learning new skills, meeting great people and the odd free ticket to special events. You’ll be ahead of the game, letting other young people in Southwark know what's going on.
The magazine is distributed to 20,000 young people in Southwark: a huge audience waiting to see your work!
Join the Whatever team every Wednesday evening, kicking off with a six-week journalism course to build your skills.
Don't miss out! It could be you, or someone you know who fits the bill. For more information:
http://www.whtvr.org/
whatever@southwark.gov.uk
17th October 2008
Vandals return to destroy pond at Rotherhithe ecological park
Gavriel Hollander reports in the latest issue of Southwark News (16th October 2008) that vandals have again been at work in the Stave Hill Ecological Park, destroying a raised brick point which was built to house newts. The most notable previous instance of vandalism in the park was at Stave Hill itself, when the Michael Rizzello sculpture was defaced by graffiti. Fortunately, Rebeka Clark who manages the park remains undeterred by the brainless destruction, and says that the wreckage will be cleaned up and replaced.
The London Tree and Woodland Award 2008 : RCSF's Nomination for "Trust For Urban Ecology (TRUE)'s "Environment, Ecology & Conservation Project" for Russia Dock Woodland (RDW)
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that he has put TRUE (Trust For Urban Ecology) forward for the "London Tree and Woodland Award 2008 - Category (3)". Kam’s proposed project name and nomination has been accepted and will be put before the judging panel. Since photographic evidence and testimonials are specifically requested for to accompany the nomination, Kam has included the web links to 19 photos in his submission.
By-election outcome
Liberal Democrat candidate Wilma Nelson has won the recent by-election. She is the former head of the Millpond Estate Tenants’ Association. Nelson won 56.4% of the vote. Kath Whitham (Labour) polled 30.3% and Loanna Morrison (Conservative) polled 12.5%. See the Southwark News report here.
Harris Hawk reclaimed
The Harris Hawk which was spotted by local residents has now been reclaimed by its owner. For a full report see the Southwark News story online.
5th October 2008
Update re the Harris hawk
The Southwark News website says that the Harris hawk which has been spotted in the Russia Dock Woodland and at the Lavender Hill Pump House Museum has now been reclaimed by its owner.
4th October 2008
Apologies for the lack of recent updates
A quick apology for the fact that I have not updated this page for over two weeks. My mother has been seriously ill and since I returned from Wales, where my family live, I have been struggling with a somewhat horrendous backlog. Please see the most important news items that I have pulled out of my email and from local newspapers below. I’m still struggling with my backlog so if anyone has any additional news items that they would like to see here please email me. Andie@excite.co.uk .
Kingfisher back at Downtown Pond
Many thanks to Mike Scott for letting the Friends know that he observed a kingfisher back at the Downtown Pond last weekend. That is simply wonderful news. Similarly, I observed the heron back on its usual perch in a tree overlooking the pond for the first time in many weeks. I hope that the return of both species is a good sign that the waterways are on their way to recovery. Steve believes that the sticklebacks in the shallower waters of the ponds make for easier pickings than deeper waterways are attractive to kingfishers when the summer resources are depleted.
Stave Hill Open Day photographs
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for his email to confirm that the Stave Hill Open Day was an enjoyable event and a great success. Here it is for the reference of anyone who didn’t see it:
Photos of Stave Hill Ecology Park Open House on 21-9-2008 (Saturday)
It was a sunny and fun day for a good number of visitors of all ages last Saturday that was specially designed for young people to enjoy Mother Nature in a safe setting and took part in drawings, making masks, ladybird boxes, miniature windmills and wind chimes as well as promotion of wildlife knowledge on butterfly, spider and frog via quizzes. There were also a "Poetry Trail" and a "Junkee Tree Fish and Garbage Goblins Trail" for those who wished to explore the eco-friendly site. Due to the restrictions on taking photos of young people, only photos of the nature trails and the Junkee Tree Fish and Garbage Goblins made by pupils of Environmental Awards-Winning St. John's Primary School are made available for public access via the web link :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10325953@N05/sets/72157607392826208/
London-wide Friends Of Woodlands initiatives
Thanks to Steve for the following email:
On the 11th September 2008 the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland were invited to attend the very first London wide Friends Of Woodlands meeting. This was organized and hosted by the Forestry Commission Government Office for London.
The Forestry commission feel that ' working in partnership with the community can develop a sense of responsibility for the ownership of the wood, often providing a platform for continued involvement.
We (the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland group) feel that this 'new initiative' from the forestry commission to ' encourage all urban woodlands groups and friends to improve the standards of woodlands access and infrastructure in London' is a positive move in the right direction.
Steve also also forwarded details of a new award which is being promoted by the Friends of Woodlands, as follows:
The London Tree and Woodland Awards
At the evening reception following the Capital Woodlands Conference on the 1st December 2008, we will be presenting the first annual 'London Tree and Woodland Awards'. This is to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution and commitment that is put into our trees and woodlands in London, by both individuals and teams, but often goes unrecognised.
The Capital Woodlands team has identified 5 separate categories for these awards which are listed on the attached documents. We would like you to nominate who you think should receive the commendations.
A judging panel will make the final decisions and the deadline to submit nominations is 17th October 2008. Please return all completed forms to ben.crofts@london.gov.uk .
Ron Melville
Forestry Commission
(on behalf of the Capital Woodlands Programme)
Steve urges everyone to look at the categories and take some time to look at the awards Categories and support your local woodlands group:
- 1. For excellence in tree and woodland work by a Friends or Community Group.
- 2. For the most effective project connecting schools with London's trees and woodlands.
- 3. For the most innovative woodland project demonstrating community benefits.
- 4. For the most successful community tree project.
- 5. The Trainee Commitment and Achievement award.
These awards will be presented for the year 2008 at the 'Making Woodlands Work' Conference at City Hall on the 1st December. There are 5 awards this year and they will be in the following categories.
Nomination Details · Nominations are open to any group or individual who satisfy the award description. · Each nomination should be a maximum of 800 words (including testimonials if possible) and should clearly illustrate why the entry is worthy of an award based on the specific award criteria and special judging criteria presented. · You can self-nominate or nominate an individual, colleague or project group · You can make as many nominations in as many categories as you wish · Please ensure your entry follows (where possible) the specific award criteria provided · Make sure you include what evidence you have to support your application. If you can, get supporting testimonials · Nominations must be made by Friday 17th October 2008 · Nominee should be made aware of the nomination · Valldation of the entry will be carried out by members of the Judging Panel · Photographic evidence of the award should be provided if possible. · Each nomination MUST include the e-mail or telephone number of the nominee.
Anyone who wants a copy of the nomination form or further details can email me and I will forward all relevant documents:
andie@excite.co.uk
Rotherhithe by-election called for October 9th with two candidates named
The Southwark News reported on September 11th that Wilma Nelson (Liberal Democrats) and Kath Whittam (Labour) have both been nominated for the position of councillor to replace Cllr Anne Yates, who passed away recently. Kath Whittham, who has lived in rotherhithe for more than 20 years, will be well known to local residents as the manager of SurreyDocks Farm. The by-election is scheduled to take place on October 9th 2008.
A pet Harris Hawk in the Russia Dock Woodland
Kam observed a Harris Hawk in the Russia Dock Woodland. It was upsetting a group of magpies with its presence, which alerted him to its presence. Kam then emailed to find if anyone had any further information. For those of you who have not followed the email thread, it has generated quite a lot of local interest but I believe that its owner has been identified.
13th September 2008
OPEN HOUSE 20th & 21st September
Many buildings in Rotherhithe Area will be open to visitors. Walks will leave the Angel Public House at 11.30; 13.30 and 15.30 on both Saturday & Sunday
24th September , 7.30 The Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Local History Group 100 years of the Rotherhithe Road Tunnel.
RBLHG arranges talks and events on the last Wednesday of the month in The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street, SE16 4JE. Visit: www.kingstairs.com/rotherhithe
Stave Hill Ecology Park Open Day 20th September
I was walking in the park yesterday and saw a poster advertising the Stave Hill Open Day on 20th September. All sorts of events will be taking place. Any Bric-a-brac will be welcome for the day’s events, and can be delivered to the TRUE shed.
Historical Walk around Rotherhithe 13th September
Saturday, September 13th at 11.00 meet at Canada Water tube station bus stop 'C' for a Historical Walk around Rotherhithe with a tour guide. This is the first of four FREE walks Time & Talents will be doing in the area. The theme of Saturday, 13th will be the history of the Riverside.
Future ones will be on the history of Surrey Docks, Rotherhithe village and Royalty and Maritime and a Peninsula coastal Walk. All ages are welcome. The tour will finish with refreshments and a tour of The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street.
Further details contact Time and Talents, The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street, LONDON SE16 4JE, Telephone: 0207 231 7845
12th September 2008
Concerns re Southwark Council purdah impacts on Downtown planning application
Councillor Lisa Rajan has asked Steve Cornish, via email, to inform local residents that following concerns raised at Monday's Canada Water Consultative Forum about the Downtown application being heard by the Planning Committee just ahead of the Rotherhithe by-election, she made enquiries of Gary Rice and Paul Noblet, and has been informed that the application will now be heard at the November 2008 meeting of Planning Committee, instead of on October 7th.
Here’s Steve’s reply to Lisa Rajan’s email (sent to Lisa and copied to a number of other parties including the Canada Water Consultative Forum)
Hello Lisa,
Thankyou very much for the quick response below. I will email all the people on our contacts list to let them know. There are however some more questions that were raised at the Canada water Consultative Forum meeting that remain unanswered.
(1)...how can the general public contact the case officer if he is on vacation for the duration of the objection process. It is easy just to say that extra time will be allowed after the 18th, but of course the general public will not know this.
(2) ...how on earth can the general public take on board the 18 page report issued to barratts previous application when they are unaware of the report or it's content in the first place. most people will think that this is a good will gesture from the developer and not as a result of the mayors office involvement.
(3)..the people of Rotherhithe have just recently sent in several hundred objection letters opposing the previous 213 application. If you visit the councils planning website you can see everyone of the scanned responses. I have taken the time to read everyone. Only 3 out of several hundred are for development in it's present form. Over 95% of all the objections point to the fact that this development is totally out of keeping with the immediate area and will have an adverse effect on the woodlands. They have made their statements and to burden them with another slightly different application for them to respond yet again in just ten working days is quite frankly an insult. We the D.D.C are once again putting out all the relevant information through our website, leafleting , or through the Southwark news. people are contacting me constantly asking ' what is this new application, it looks exactly the same as the last one'. They are also saying that their last objection letter remains the same on this application. Therefore the D.D.C will be responding on behalf of all their members.
Regards
Steve Cornish
Canada Water Forum: news re Frogmore and Barratt Homes planning applications
Thanks to Steve for a great summary of the recent Canada Water Consultative Forum, where the Frogmore plans for the Surrey Quays Leisure Park were presented.
It was very well attended with many more people than usual, mainly new attendees from the Brunswick Quays Residents Association.
The Frogmore presentation was very much an early conceptual vision with very little detail. This of course is just to gain a feel for public opinion before they put their outline planning permission into the council. They stated that under the Southwark guidelines they can put in for between 400 to 1000 flats with only 100 car parking places. When asked where all the other cars were supposed to go, the Frogmore representative said that the aim was to encourage people to walk or cycle more. This seems completely unrealistic given that many of the professional people that these flats are aimed at will have two cars per household. One of the blocks of flats on the corner of the development closest to the small roundabout near Tesco's extension is planned to be 16 storeys high. Our councillors couldn't even comment because of 'purdah' coming into effect due to the up and coming bye election.
Steve explained to our councillors the anger that residents felt when receiving an amended application last Friday for the Downtown site so soon after the mayors planning department picked massive holes in the Barratt Homes application. He also demanded that this application be stopped from going before the planning committee on the 7th October for three reasons;
(1)..the 14 day window for people to object is not long enough
(2)..the case officer for the Downtown site is on vacation for the next two weeks, so no members of the public will be able to contact him for an answer to whether this amended application has fulfilled the criteria set out by the mayors office.
(3)..and if purdah means that because of the local bye election taking place, that the council cannot make any decisions then this should also apply here.
The objections were fully backed by the Canada Water Consultative Forum who have sent in their objection.
Friends of Woodlands Groups meeting
Steve has been running around heroically on our behalf. Last night he attended the first meeting of the London-wide Friends of Woodlands Groups chairs, at the invitation of the Forestry Commission at Millbank Tower, Pimlico. He says that he was very impressed with the vision of the commission to get a London-wide forum together that will share each others experiences and help to protect our London woodlands. Some people have been fighting to protect their precious woodlands, and open green spaces for donkeys years. The meeting members were apparently very impressed with our set up, including the website and the links to other community groups. They think it is the way forward. They were also very impressed with getting local youths involved with such things as the bridge sculptures, and the birdboxes project. More on this as Steve gets it.
11th September 2008
Canada Water Exhibition
An exhibition on the proposals for the detailed designs for the next phase of Canada Water for the building known as B2 will be taking place at Seven Islands Leisure Centre from Tuesday 16th September - Thursday 18th September.
The exhibition will be open for the opening hours of the Leisure Centre from 7am - 10pm. Additionally the exhibition will be staffed from 4-8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and 12-6pm on Thursday
Please forward on this email to any contacts you have who may be interested in attending
Older news items archived
If you’re looking for a news item that appeared prior to August you will now find them on the Archive page. This page will always show the current and previous month’s posts, and all older news items will be archived for reference purposes. It will probably be necessary to split the archive into sections in the future, but I’ll update the site with details when I eventually do that.
8th September 2008
Letters of Objection to Downtown planning proposals on Southwark Council website
Thanks again to Kam Hong Leung who has pointed me at a file on the planning section on Southwark Council’s website which has published some of the letters of objection received by them so far.
Kam has also pointed out that both Southwark News and The Doklands 24 have updated their websites with online copies of their stories about the Mayor’s Office report about the Barratt Home plans for the Downtwon site:
REMINDER - TONIGHT - Frogmore Presentation re Surrey Quays Leisure Park
Don’t forget that the presentation by FROGMORE, the Surrey Quays Leisure Park developers, will take place tonight, MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008, at 7PM, at the ALFRED SALTER SCHOOL, Quebec Way, during the Canada Water Consultation Forum meeting.
If you are interested, concerned or wish to know what the owners of the Leisure Park are planning to do in our area, please come to the presentation.
6th September 2008
Update re revised planning application
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that he has (and presumably other residents in the immediate area of the Downtown site) has received a letter a letter from Southwark Council dated 4-9-2008 which invited written comments of objection or support for the revised Barratt Homes planning application to be submitted within 14 days, before which time no decisions will be made. Responses should be submitted to:
Case Office: Brett Henderson
Email Address:
planning.applications@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7525 5521
The case number for the planning application is 08/AP/1563. Details of this can be found on the Southwark Council website by clicking here. The page gives summary details of the application, its history and current status. The top-level description reads as follows:
Demolition of existing health centre and the construction of 213 new dwellings including affordable housing, in 2 part one, part four storey residential buildings with undercroft car park (Blocks A/B and G); 1 part two, part four storey residential building with undercroft car park (Block C); 2 four storey residential buildings (Block D and F); 2 part one, part two and part three storey terraced housing buildings (Block H); 1 part one, part four storey health centre (1425.5 sq ms), community (40sq ms) and residential building (Block E), together with associated car parking, a new children's play area, landscaping and infrastructure works.
There are two other tabs on the page - Documentation and Consultation. The Documentation tab provides just what it says on the tin - links to all the main documentation surrounding the application. There’s some fascinating stuff in there. The Consultation tab is divided into two sections: Internal Consultees and Neighbours Consulted. Thanks very much to Kam for bringing these pages to my attention.
The illustration above was taken from the Landscaping and Open Space Statement (dated 3rd July 2008).
Southwark Council Notice of Election, Rotherhithe Ward
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourCouncil/yourvote/noticeofelectionROT08.html
Notice of Election - Rotherhithe by election
Election for Councillor: Rotherhithe Ward
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election is to be held in the Rotherhithe ward on Thursday, October 9 2008:
Contact details:
Deborah Collins
Returning officer
electoralenquiries@southwark.gov.uk
Central House
Southwark Town Hall
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UB
4th September 2008
Forestry Commission evening meeting in regard to Communities and Woodlands
Steve has had some great news to announce - an invitation has been issued by the Forestry Commission’s Research Agency to attend the first meeting to discuss urban woodlands. Jim Smith, who is heading the meeting, contacted Steve a couple of weeks ago after visiting our website liked some of the content and the way we try to integrate with other groups. There will be other friends of woodlands groups represented from all over London in attendance (Chairs only for the time being).
The purpose of the meetings is for Forest Research (the Forestry Commission's Research Agency) to undertake some data collection and analysis of community interactions with woodlands, especially urban woodlands. At this first meeting the idea is simply to exchange opinions, experiences and ideas. It will be interesting to see how other groups have formed and listen to what they have to say. The date of the meeting is 11th of September 2008. Steve will keep us all informed. Very pleasing!
Water levels in Russia Dock Woodland
I have been asking questions on my blog about why the water levels have fallen so badly this year. Steve very kindly took the time out to explain to me what some of the problems have been in the past. Although it is now known exactly what is causing the problem now, it could be an or all of these.
The most obvious culprits are the plants. The giant reeds and the smaller weed-like dandelion carpets are consuming large quantities of water from the ponds. The reed beds have grown massively and there is simply not enough water in the small ponds to support this expansion.
I hadn't realized that the ponds are actually lined. Steve says that in the past the lining has been breached, and this resulted in water draining out into the groundwater rather than flowing down the channel. Subsidence of some of the granite blocks may have caused damage to the lining which could have contributed to the falling water levels.
Another potential problem is that water-pipes which lie beneath the ground surface may become blocked or may leak. High pressure water hoses can reveal leaks and can reduce blockages, but this has not yet been attempted this year.
Giant truck event at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on Saturday 6th September
Southwark News reports that this weekend the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre has two 30 minute shows at 1.30pm and 3pm with giant monster-trucks (named Big Pete and The Grim Reaper) giving a display which includes jumping up to 15 feet in the air. One of the truck is sixteen feet tall, twelve feet wide and weighs 7.5 tons - and is the biggest monster truck in Europe. See more details in the Monster Truck Madness section on the newly redesigned Surrey Quays Shopping Centre website.
2nd September 2008
Frogmore Presentation re Surrey Quays Leisure Park
Thanks to Mark Del Canto of the Brunswick Quay Residents Association for the following update.
In the event that you have not seen the notices around Brunswick Quay in the last few days, this is a reminder of the next presentation by FROGMORE, the Surrey Quays Leisure Park developers, which will take place on MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008, at 7PM, at the ALFRED SALTER SCHOOL, Quebec Way, during the Canada Water Consultation Forum meeting.
If you are interested, concerned or wish to know what the owners of the Leisure Park are planning to do in our area, please come to the presentation.
After the presentation, the BQRA will meet, on Tuesday 30 September 2008, at the Moby Dick Pub, at 7.30pm, to discuss the Frogmore plan and any subsequent response.
Graffiti update
Just as Steve reported, the graffiti on the Stave Hill sculpture and plinth has been reduced but not eliminated. Basically, there is still a lot of paint on the plinth but enough of it has been removed to ensure that it no longer spells out a word. On the bronze map itself some of the lettering along the perimeter is still picked out in bright red. I wish that the paint had been removed entirely, but it is certainly better than nothing. I have no idea if the removal of the graffiti was carried out by the council or by a private party who decided to take matters into their own hands. I’ve stuck photos on my blog, if of interest.
BBC Breathing Spaces - Do One Thing Open Day Kits
Thanks to Steve for forwarding this to me, on the off-chance that it might inspire some interest. Have a look at the BBC Breathing Spaces and Do One Thing pages for lots more information and some great ideas. The following gives details for how to run a Do One thing event, but the above pages list many things which you can do on your own or as a family to contribute to local “breathing spaces”.
- Health & Safety advice
- Event checklist
- A Media Kit including advice on how to get your story noticed
- A CD with poster templates, logos and more
- Guide to registering your event on the BBC
- Breathing Places online database
- List of local experts and organisations who might be able to help
- Suggested activities and resources. We’ll provide ideas and resources (where appropriate) to ensure your event is filled with fun for all the family.
- Bunting and banners
- Stickers(see picture), Bags and other giveaways
- Breathing Places Sign-up Cards for members of the public to get on our (e)mailing list and learn about the many ways they can Do One Thing themselves.
- Empty-belly Posters to update with your venue details (see picture on next page)
- Breathing Places information booklets
- Free to the public
- Registered online on the Breathing Places website
- Promoted appropriately, using correct BP resources and branding
- Safe for all concerned, from children and other visitors to organisers and volunteers, and H&S guidelines followed closely
- Good for Nature!
- Fun for all the family
- Designed to encourage the public to Do One Thing themselves
This year the BBC is encouraging groups to run a ‘Do One Thing’ event to bring people closer to nature on their doorstep. By running a fun Breathing Places-themed event for all the family, you’ll be able to show people the hard work you’ve done or have planned, get them excited about the nature and wildlife in their area and encourage them to Do One Thing for nature themselves. The BBC will support you by giving the free event kit containing the resources and materials to help you run a Breathing Places Open Day:
Information for running an event
Resources for the event
What type of event can you run?
A Do One Thing event is an opportunity to invite the local community to visit your Breathing Place and take part in some great family-orientated activities. How you actually structure the event is up to you.
The event may be a full day, a few hours (such as an open evening or afternoon) or anything in between. It could even be a weekend if you’re feeling particularly ambitious! You could invite a local expert to give a talk, organise games and scavenger hunts and/or get people to roll up their sleeves and help you (if needed).
An important thing to consider is that the size and activities are appropriate for your Breathing Place. The event should be planned for between 30 to 150 people and you can promote it using resources provided, via local publicity and on the BP website. By running a Do One Thing event, you’ll help give the community a sense of involvement and ownership over the Breathing Place, increasing its chances of survival for years to come.
We would expect a Do One Thing event to be:
Who can apply for a pack?
Please note that we are producing a limited number of these packs and groups will have to satisfy certain suitability criteria. Please contact your BBC Regional Learning Project Manager to find out if you are eligible.
These packs will be available at the beginning of May. For more information contact your BBC Learning Project Manager or email breathingplaces@bbc.co.uk (with ‘Do One Things Kits’ as the subject header).
28th August 2008
Boris questions plans for Docks development
It is good to see that The Docklands (27th August edition) has picked up on the fact that Boris Johnson’s office “has expressed serious reservations about a new housing development in Surrey Docks”. The item goes on to report that “Giles Dolphin, deputy mayor and head of planning decisions, said that the plan for the Downtown site ‘does not comply with the London Plan’.”
27th August 2008
Natural London Photographic Competition
Thanks very much to Sally Dowman for letting me know that there is a photography competition running at thelondonpaper. With so many enthusiastic local photographers here it would seem to be the ideal opportunity for some of us to give it a go. Sally and I both think that it would be great to see a Rotherhithe photo win! See the website for more information and details about the three themes under which to submit photographs (all three are appropriate for this area):
http://naturallondon.thelondonpaper.com/
Stave Hill Graffiti
I haven’t had the chance to get up to Stave Hill for a few days but Steve checked on the statue graffiti on Saturday. He says that most of the graffiti had been removed on the granite side of the statue, but the red paint spray on the bronze top was still there. The graffiti on the stone steps was removed but some of the paint on the stainless steel handrail was still there.
I’ll try to check on it again myself tomorrow.
Nice to know that an article in Southwark News has such powers of persuasion :-)
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Green Enthusiasts (B.A.R.G.E.s)
These details have been forwarded to me, and may be of interest to local residents:
If you are interested in the local green, open or wild spaces, and their plant and wildlife then you might wish to go along to the launch of B.A.R.G.Es on Wednesday 24th September, from 7pm – 9pm at Millpond TRA Hall, 210a Jamaica Road. This meeting will be a chance to meet people from other local projects, and share ideas.
B.A.R.G.Es is also looking for a logo, so if you’re a Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Green Enthusiast and have any talents in that direction, they would be very grateful if you would help to design a Logo for them. If you come up with something you can email it to mairimills@bedehouse.org or send it to: BARGES, Bede House, 351 Southwark Park Road, SE16 2JW with your name and contact details. It needs to be with them by 4pm on Monday 22 September.
If you plan to attend the Launch, please RSVP to Mairi at Bede Centre by the 19th September to help confirm numbers for refreshments. Tel: 020 7394 7262, or email mairimills@bedehouse.org
To join the BARGES e-group, contact barrymasonuk@googlemail.com
RCSF website updated
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for copying me on the following email to Steve Cornish. Kam has updated his Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum website with some new recent (July 2008) archive data.
Please note two new postings for the above-mentioned on the Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum (RCSF) Public Photos Collection Website:
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/sets/72157604053249144/ )
Each of them can now be freely accessed by members of the public via the web link as stated at the end of this email. Please click the 'ALL SIZES' button just above each posting to enlarge it for easy viewing and/or downloading as required. I have added many related information in my possession, including extract from Southwark News of 21-8-2008 that referred to the Deputy Mayor of London's Planning Assessment Report that Val Shawcross AM (London Assembly Labour Party Member for Lambeth & Southwark) has kindly sent us a copy of which can now be accessed for viewing and download via the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland Website in our continual and collective efforts to "Spread The Words" to rally public support for our common cause.
1) Downtown Site : Cllr. Jenny Jones AM's (Green Party Member of London Assembly) Objection Letter dated 17 July 2008
Web Link : http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/2803042076/
2) Downtown Site : Andrew Boff AM (Conservative Party Member of London Assembly) (Right) Site Visit with Steve Cornish (Chair of Downtown Defence Campaign (DDC) and Chair of The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland) (Left) on 24 July 2008
Web Link : http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/2803089274/
26th August 2008
Rotherhithe: A map of the sites of interest
I recently picked up a leaflet at the Moby Dick which is entitled "Rotherhithe: A map of the sites of interest".
This is an A4 page printed on both sides, one side with a map marked with key facilities (e.g. places of warship, health centres), restaurants and pubs, landmarks (e.g. Stave Hil, Nelson Dock) and main roads. The other side has an introduction to Rotherhithe and a detailed key to the map, with a description of each of the sites marked on the map.
25th August 2008
New Rotherhithe Blog - Les Butler, Walks With My Camera
I am delighted to report that we have a new weblog which focuses on Stave Hill Ecological Park and Russia Dock Woodland. Les is still working on the blog, but it already looks absolutely super, with some stunning photographs and helpful commentaries. You can find it at:
http://my.opera.com/lesbutler/albums/
22nd August 2008
The latest from Southwark News
Gavriel Hollander, who is writing for Southwark News, has done a great job of raising awareness of some of Rotherhithe’s interests this week, for which our thanks (Southwark News, August 21st 2008). Here are the highlights:
Report blow for Downtown Plan
Gav has reported that “Controversial plans to develop the land around Rotherhithe’s Surrey Docks Health Centre have been dealt a potentially fatal blow by a damning City hall report” (p.3). He goes on to explain how the report put together by the Deputy Mayor of London last week advised that the Barratt Homes proposal for the redevelopment of the Downtown site does not comply with Mayor of London’s plan for the London area. The report suggested some amendments which could be made to ensure that it would comply, but local groups who have been campaigning against the development for five years believe that it could be the “final nail in the coffin for Barratt’s plans in the area”. Steve Cornish was quoted in the article, saying that the Downtown Defence Campaign welcome the “timely intervention by the Mayor’s office” and that the report “proves beyond doubt” that the application is “fundamentally flawed”. See the Southwark News article for the full story.
Muggings and graffiti create new gang fear
Another report by Gav Hollander (p.8) highlights the graffiti on Stave Hill: “A prestigious sculpture in one of Rotherhithe’s most picturesque spots may have become the focal point for a territorial battle between rival graffiti gangs.” The graffiti on the Michael Rizzello sculpture at the top of Stave Hill has been reported on this blog on several occasions, together with Southwark Council’s failed attempts to remove it. It is possible that the legend painted on the scultpure’s plinth may be related to youth gangs who may have been responsible for two muggings on 12th August. Gav concludes that anyone with information on the subject should phone DC Jo Pimmat Southwark’s robbery squad on 020 7232 7544 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
It is good that Southwark News have highlighted the graffiti issue to a wider audience - perhaps this will encourage the council to remove it.
Gav also reported on the success of the local Rotherhithe Angling Club which runs an annual scheme to attract youngsters to take part in fishing at Greenland Dock.
The letters page has three letters under the heading “Calling for a better service” which focus on the Southwark Council’s call centre. Two letters echoed my own experience with Southwark Council’s call centre in general, although they are specific to the issue of housing repair queries, of which I haven’t any experience. One lady said that after queuing for up to 40 minutes on the phone nothing was done about her complaint a week later. A second letter said that that the council is wasting money by “failing to include all the direct line numbers in An A-Z of Services In Southwark, which leads people to contacting the call centre which is run by a private company and “leaves much to be desired”. However the third letter, whilst agreeing that the call queues are long, also said that that in their experience the operators were “helpful, patient, calm and efficient.”
Finally, Southwark News have set up a series of Fourms to enable local residents with web access to air their opinions in a public and easily accessible environment. These online community forums designed to represent neighbourhoods throughout Southwark. The Southwark News website was launched in 2007, and this is an interesting addition to their online presence. Rotherhithe and Bermondsey have their own dedicated forums. There is never any telling how this type of forum will take off, but it is a good idea to offer the opportunity to residents to have a voice. Instructions are very straight forward, but be warned that if you use Mozilla Firefox the text gets a little jumbled (it works fine in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser):
- go to www.southwarknews.co.uk/forum (also accessible from the Southwark News home page)
- Select which neighbourhood you would like to view from the local drop down list by clicking on its name. You will now be able to see all of the current posts
- You can click on the “register or Login” link on the left hand side to register or select a post on which to comment by clicking on “reply”
- You will now be asked to register by clicking on the “click here” button. You will only need to do this once, it is quick and it is free of charge. You will need your email address to hand. The only compulsory fields are: First and last name, forum nickname, email address and password.
- You will be sent an email with your address and password. Click on the link that is sent to you in that email to activate your account.
- If you have registered via a comment to which you wish to reply you will now be taken back, automatically, to the post on which you wish to comment.
20th August 2008
From John Willis, Secretary of the Downtown Defence Campaign - A Summary of the main implications of the Mayor of London Report
Great news for those of you who are DDC supporters or everyone who cherishes their environment and open green spaces.
The mayor has dropped the threshold on where he can get involved on individual sites by a massive 50%.
He can now be involved with the Downtown Health Centre Site and has responded immediately with a substantial report on Barratt's proposed development.
The GLA's Head of Planning decisions(Giles Dolphin) has stated that the "the Deputy Mayor considers that the that the Downtown application does not comply with the London plan" & there are numerous reasons why this is.
Don't forget Barratts also have to address the three grounds for refusal recieved at last year's planning failure.
This is a massive boost for the DDC and could not have come at a better time. The DDC gives full marks to the Mayor for honouring one of his election pledges to act as a"green" mayor in acting so quickly on something we all know is wrong.
John Wills
Secretary, Downtown Defence Campaign
18th August 2008
And something of a lackluster response from Paul Kyriacou
This is the response from Paul Kyriacou, which seems somewhat lackluster, given the light of the disturbing issues under discussion. I guess we’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt and see what happens next:
Thank you for your e-mail.
I am sorry to hear that you and other residents have been facing these problems. I have just addressed this with the borough commander and as soon as I have a response and a course of action I will let you know. In the meantime I will ask the wardens to increase their patrols.
Also I will ensure that tag that you refer to is dealt with as a priority.
Kind regards,
Cllr Paul Kyriacou
Executive Member for Community Safety
Liberal Democrat Member
South Bermondsey Ward
0207 525 7159
17th August 2008
Paul Noblet response to local concerns re graffiti at Stave Hill
Thanks to Paul Noblet for copying me on a reply to an email from a local resident which raised serious local concerns re the implications of failing to clear the graffiti from Stave Hill. That original email was sent to Paul Kyriacou but Paul Noblet was copied in on that communication. For those unfamiliar with the names, here’s the breakdown: Paul Noblet is a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Surrey Docks ward, as are Lisa Rajan and David Hubber. Paul Kyriacou is a Liberal Democrat councillor for the South Bermondsey ward. This is an extract from Paul Noblet’s email:
I think this is a very timely email. I was shocked to hear of the attacks during the week. . . .
Lisa, David and I have raised the issue of under policing with the local police as because crime is relatively low (and unreported) we sometimes seem not to get a fair deal when it comes to patrols on the ground to crack down on any drug dealing or gang-related muggings etc.
I'm sure Paul Kyriacou will want to respond himself but I wanted to let you and your neighbours know that this is an issue we are already raising with the local police and Simon Hughes. Whilst neither he nor Simon control the police, they can put pressure on them.
In terms of the grafitti, we will get onto it first thing Monday as in my experience people often leave areas looking as they found them - if grafitti builds up it just leads to more.
With best wishes,
Paul Noblet
16th August 2008
Letter to Paul Kyriacou, councillor for the South Bermondsey ward:
Hello Mr Kyriacou,
Looking at Southwark councils website I notice that you have taken over as executive member for community safety for Southwark.
I am contacting you to express my serious concerns regarding a visible deterioration in community safety related matters in Rotherhithe and the Downtown area in particular.
As you can see from the correspondence below we have had some serious attacks on our kids once again from gangs yes, gangs, of youths who come into this area from Deptford and Peckham. They are affiliated to various larger gangs such as the 'Peckham young guns' mentioned below.
I have just been informed by a reliable source that the attempted mugging by this gang that took place immediately after my daughter’s assault, was on a young girl, and her young brother, aged 9 years and 10 years respectively.
I am sure you will agree with me that this beggars belief, and has shocked the whole area. Since the attack I have taken my daughter to work, and also picked her up from work, for her own safety. I have since found out that many other women who work with my daughter in a well established local company in Quebec Way, also walk the long way home along Salter Road, because of the fear of attack from these menacing looking gangs that quickly make their attacks in this area and then get back to where they feel safe.
These are some of the recent events that worry me and local residents that need to be addressed immediately:
(1)..attacks on our local kids by gangs of street robbers as explained above.
(2)..gangs of youths breaking into peoples houses while they are asleep in their beds. as many as 5 youths involved ransacking the properties and stealing their car keys then driving off with the car and their belongings. this has happened recently in Somerford Way and also maple leaf square.
(3)..drug dealing gangs doing their business around Russia Dock Woodlands perimeter on a regular basis which has caused local residents to demand that fencing be erected separating their cul de sac from the woodlands, which is also a very well used natural pathway that residents use to get to Canada Water station.
(4) The graffiti on the Stave Hill sculpture is still there today 16/08/08 as explained below, which is a disgrace. There will soon be 'counter tags' along side the one that has been on the statue for three weeks now, after a promise from the environmental call centre of a 24hr removal. This may seem trivial, but it all ties in with what stated in 1..2..3.. above.
(5)..last but most importantly. I know of several residents that have had valuables stolen from their cars and premises who have not contacted the police. their reasons for not phoning are always the same ' what's the point even if they were caught they would only end up with an “asbo” or a few hours community service' but of course these forgotten crimes are not reflected on the local police crime statistics. so we don't get the policing we deserve in this area.
We will not tolerate the attacks on our kids from these cowards. It is your responsibility to make sure that our area is safe to live, and work in. we need more visible policing ( not in cars) and we also need to keep the 'robbery victim support team' that I witnessed first hand doing an excellent job, with help from the Rotherhithe wardens team.
I look forward to your response.
15th August 2008
Mayor of London report re land on Downtown Road site
Please see an extract, below, from a letter from the Mayor’s office regarding the Downtown site. This is very good news for the Downtown Defence Campaign:
Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended); Greater London Authority Acts 1999 and 2007; Town & Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008, Land at Downtown Road, planning reference 08-AP-1563
I refer to the copy of the above planning application, which was received from you on 8 July 2008. The Mayor has delegated his planning function to his Deputy Mayor, Government Relations, and on 13 August 2008 the latter considered a report on this proposal, reference PDU/221S/0l. A copy of the report is attached, in full. This letter comprises the statement that the Mayor is required to provide under Article 4(2) of the Order.
The Deputy Mayor considers that the application does not comply with the London Plan, for the reasons set out in paragraph 86 of the above-mentioned report; but that the possible remedies set out in paragraph 88 of this report could address these deficiencies. The application represents EIA development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999. The environmental information made available to date has been taken into consideration in formulating these comments.
If your Council subsequently resolves to make a draft decision on the application, it must consult the Mayor again under Article 5 of the Order and allow him fourteen days to decide whether to allow the draft decision to proceed unchanged, or direct the Council under Article 6 to refuse the application, or issue a direction under Article 7 that he is to act as the local planning authority for the purpose of determining the application and any connected application.
14th August 2008
Serious mugging with violence, and gang-related issues
There is no nice way to report on this. A friend's daughter was the victim of a serious mugging on Tuesday. I regret to say that I was in the park a bit earlier and I saw a whole group of kids on bicycles, one of whom yelled "cover your faces". Not being in anyway experienced with this sort of thing I assumed that they were just being melodramatic. They must have been in the 13/14 year age range. Maybe they were involved, maybe they weren't. I'll take photographs next time.
Here is what my friend had to say (keeping his name private for the sake of his daughter's privacy). I've copied his email in full because there is no way of improving on it and it needs to be said:
[Re graffiti on Stave Hill]. It beggars belief that it has taken nearly three weeks for the environmental department to work this out. This is not rocket science. There is some graffiti at the top of stave hill which is inaccessible to the first teams equipment. If that is the case then there should be a simple procedure where the first team then automatically contact the second 'specialist team' to inform them of what type of graffiti is on the sculpture and they should act accordingly. very, very, straight forward and simple. This is the type of thing that gets Southwark Council a bad name. Can you please explain to me how it has taken all this time to come to this simple conclusion. As I have stated before, this is like the broken window effect. If you leave it too long then you will get more broken windows, the same is with graffiti. The next thing we will be talking about is can we build a wall near, or in, the woodlands, so graffiti artists can show their work. this is not a joke, it has been mentioned before at various meetings.
For your information. There was a serious assault on my 16 year old daughter in Russia Dock Woodland on Tuesday afternoon of this week. She was returning from her new place of work at 16.10 pm when she was mugged, and punched in the face, by a gang of four youths calling themselves the 'Peckham Young Guns'. She is ok but shocked. This gang went on to mug another youth 10 minutes later. The police robbery victim response team were on the spot immediately. They were efficient, professional, and meant business, and have arrested one of the four cowards who was attempting to steal bicycles from outside Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. I was told by the officers that this so called 'robbery victim support team' are going to be re-instated to another department after the 6th of October this year. From what I can make out they are not happy about this and will lose their quick response effectiveness which I have now seen first hand.
The point I am trying to make here is that there is a definite link between the graffiti, and the attack. You may not be able to see it but I can. This is territorial, and graffiti is all part of the game. They told my daughter to tell the 'downtown boys' that 'their time is over we are taking over'...This is what the graffiti statement on stave hill is saying O.TERRITORY is a tag for our territory!!!...
I have been in touch with Malcolm Tillyer chief of Southwark Police to express my grave concerns regarding the re- deployment of something that I have seen working effectively at first hand.
I have got to go. I have to escort my daughter home from work very shortly. what a country we live in...
Horrific. Absolutely horrific.
9th August 2008
Bridge to connect Rotherhithe with Canary Wharf?
I just came across this photograph on "Dr Plockta's" Flickr stream. The reflection makes it quite tricky to read, but you can make it out quite easily if you use the zoom facility. It concerns a proposed pedestrian crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf:
This study, funded by Transport for London (TfL) would be the first major purpose-built dedicated cycling and pediestrian bridge over the Thames. The initial idea was mooted over two yeras ago on the back of the announcement that London was to host the 2012 Olympics.
The report indicates that the ideal location for the Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf Bridge is between Durand's Wharf, a park on the Southwark bank, and Westferry Road.
Here's a map of where, on Rotherhithe, the bridge would terminate (taken from the feasibility report mentioned below):
At first glance I though that this was the area occupied by the Surrey Docks Farm, but it is not. It is the small area of greenery just down from there, off Rotherhithe Street. Here's a somewhat clearer map on Streetmap.co.uk. There should be a red arrow marking the park, but is if not it is the green rectangle about half way between the Farm and Nelson Dock.
The poster goes on to say that it would be a lift bridge (self-regulating if I read it right, although I have no idea how that would work), that it would cost in the region of £65,000 and that it is part of a wider range of cycling plans which are being implemented as part of the 2012 Olympic infrastructure.
It looks as though Whitbybird have put forward the design proposal.
There's also a photograph of model showing what the bridge would look like, also on Dr Plockta's site.
8th August 2008
Tube stations to be patrolled
The South London Press this week (August 8th 2008, p.2) says that Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams have been set up at tube stations in south London. They will not be replacing the British Transport Police. In Southwark four teams will police nice tube stations led by four sergeants. Each team has 12 PCs and four Police Community Support Officers. They will conduct regular patrols along the Jubilee Line, amongst others. Apparently public meetings will beheld to identify local needs and priorities.
Battle of the Bands success-story to appear at Rotherhithe Festival
It’s nice to have some cheerful news to post, this article appearing on the Ilford Leader:
“In these times when we're apparently locking up more teenagers than any other European country and some aspects of the national press attempt to demonise our children, it is a delight to bring news of a group of teenagers whipping up some good feeling.
Upminster fourpiece Stereo Decade, who only formed in February, have just completed a remarkable battle of the bands double, by winning both the Raw Talent 2008 at the Dagenham Town Show last week and Havering Rock Band of the Year at Music Tek, Dagenham.
Boasting whimsical tunes and catchy lyrics, the band have augmented their live success with a new debut four track EP, Swing on My Grits, on sale at their gigs.
You can catch them at the Rotherhithe Festival on Saturday and Offset festival, Hainault Country Park, on August 30/31.”
5th August 2008
Val Shawcross objection to revised Downtown planning application
Thanks very much to Kam Hong Leung for forwarding the letter from Val Shawcross which puts forth her objections to the revised Downtown planning application.
Frogmore development proposals for Surrey Quays Leisure Park
The meeting mentioned in a previous post which is going to take place on the 8th September 2008 will be located at the Alfred Salter Primary School, Quebec Way, SE16 7LP at 1900. The meeting will be a presentation to the Canada Water Forum (and anyone else who wishes to attend) about the plans that Frogmore have for development on the site currently occupied by the Surrey Quays Leisure Park.
4th August 2008
Latest news re development proposals a the Downtown Site
1) Members of the Friends hand delivered over 300 objection letters to the council’s planning offices last week where they were all stamped and approved. This is clearly a massive number of objections. Once again local Downtown Defence Campaign supporters have put time aside to help our cause by knocking on doors and collecting their neighbours’ objection letters. Well done and thanks to them.
2) All three of our local councillors accepted a Friends invitation to meet as a matter of urgency, and the meeting took place on site last Thursday, 31st July August. It the first meeting to take place on site with the local councillors. Steve and Friends senior members have now met representatives from all four major political parties. they are:
- Jenny Jones (Green Party & London Assembly Member)
- Valarie Shawcross ( Labour Party & London Assembly Member)
- Andrew Boff (Conservative Party & London Assembly Member)
- Lisa Rajan, Paul Noblet, & David Hubber, (our three local Surrey Docks councillors.)
The meeting participants talked about the latest application from Barratt Homes and whether it addresses the three grounds for refusal received at last years planning failure. It would be fair to say that all agreed that there are still major issues with the removal of the community benefits i.e.
- community hall re-provision
- breakfast club and creche
- failure to address the poor urban design and poor traffic flows through the new proposal
- the size of the new 'buffer zone' extension' that has been achieved by removing the above.
The best thing to come from the meeting was that our councillors are going to request that the planning committee visit the Downtown site to take a closer look for themselves in order to assess the physical reality of site, and the proximity of the “buffer zone” to the Russia Dock Woodlands ponds and waterways.
Proposal for a Community Sustainable Drainage System
Steve Cornish has forwarded me details of a community sustainable drainage scheme proposing the collection and storage of rainwater to top up the waterways in Russia Dock Woodland. The benefits will be as follows:
- Water flow improvement
- Flood Alleviation
- Water Quality
- Reduce water weed
- Reduce Water Bills
- Wildlife Conservation
- Water conservation
Steve met with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust earlier in the year and they feel this would be a wonderful project that would not only enhance the woodland waterways but bring even more wildlife and wetlands habitat to the area. They were very very impressed with the concept of a woodlands habitat so close to central London.
We have a problem with the southern end of the system i.e. Downtown Ponds. Steve and others diverted the underground water from the wind turbine into Downtown Pond over the weekend. This has managed to get the water levels up in the front section of that end of the section as you will see when you visit next. but we really do need this Sustainable Drainage System to get the go ahead from the council. Apparently our councillors are going to back this scheme, so we are crossing our fingers!
Frogmore Development Proposal Update
I missed the meeting held by the Brunswick Quay Residents Association but the main news to come out of that meeting are as follows.
Frogmore are hoping to hold a second public consultation exhibition once they have developed the scheme further, and they envisage that this will take place towards the end of the year. No venue has been arranged yet. In the meantime, Frogmore will be presenting the scheme to the Canada Water Forum on 8th September 2008.
I emailed the Frogmore representative Azizun Choudhury to ask where the meeting would take place and he has no details yet. However, he will contact me to let me know when the venue has been decided upon so I will let you know when I hear from him. But please do keep that date clear in your diaries! Anyone who believes that they will be impacted by the developments (which, given the state of our infrastructure I would argue is all of us!) should try to attend that presentation. Please pass this on, so that we shall have a good attendance and show our strength and interest.
Following the 8th September meeting the Brunswick Quay Residents Association plan to meet soon afterwards to discuss how best to proceed in the light of the presentation to the Canada Water Forum.
28th July 2008
Downtown Site update
Steve and other volunteers spent over two hours with Andrew Boff, walking all around the Downtown Site, as well as other parts of Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park. Everyone agreed that it was amazing to think that the Downtown site came under the heading of a “brownfield” site. Andrew Boff has promised to bring this to the attention of Boris Johnson as a matter of urgency. Steve has explained to him that other assembly members such as Valarie Shawcross, and Jenny Jones, have opposed this development from the very start.
Good news is that Steve was able to hand in 251 individual objection letters to the planning department last Friday afternoon. We still have more to deliver over the next couple of days.
The local public have responded to our call for help once again.
Graffiti and water flow
Steve will contact the graffiti team regarding the Stave Hill sculpture, for which my thanks.
There has been a problem getting the fresh water from the wind turbine pump to divert to Downtown ponds, which are now becoming dry. They have been desperately trying to solve this problem over the weekend by 'rodding' the associated pipework to this area of the waterways.
We now have some flow into Downtown pond, but it is very slow. Steve will keep checking it.
Update re Wednesday’s meeting about Frogmore plans for the Leisure Park
The meeting is to take place at 22 Brunswick Quays on Wednesday 30th July at 7pm, but if there are too many of us on arrival we will move outside or, if the weather lets us down, to a nearby hostelry.
27th July 2008
Top picnic venue!
The Independent newspaper has named the Russia Dock Woodland as one of the Best 50 Picnic Spots to visit in its urban category. Here's what they say about us:
This long, thin park in Rotherhithe was formed in 1980 when a former dock (which was originally used for importing timber from Norway, Russia and Sweden – hence the name) was infilled and planted as a 35-acre woodland. An artificial hill, Stave Hill, was later added and it's now a popular picnic spot for those in the know.
Getting there: the closest Tube station is Canada Water, with open access.
For more information visit www.russiadockwood.ukfriends.com
It is really rather nice to know that we have made it into the nationals! Thanks very much to Mike Scott for spreading the good news.
26th July 2008
Meeting re Frogmore development plans for Leisure Park on Wednesday upstairs at the 22 Brunswick Quay
The Brunswick Quay Residents’ Association (BQRA) is holding a meeting to discuss the Frogmore plans for the Leisure Park, which is immediately behind their homes. Anyone interested in attending this meeting is welcome to attend on 30th July (this Wednesday) at 1900. But if you are planning to attend can you let me know first so that I can check with the organizer that the numbers don’t exceed the capacity of the venue: andie@excite.co.uk.
I will be taking minutes at the meeting and will circulate the gist of these after the meeting.
Proposed Bust Stop Accessibility Improvements - Redriff road near Onega Gate (entrance to Russia Dock Woodland)
A leaflet dropped through my letterbox a week or so ago giving details of proposed bus stop changes. The introduction of low floor buses throughout London, fitted with ramps for wheelchair users, has led to to a requirement for appropriate kerbside access to bus stops. A consultation is being held by Southwark Counil to receive comments regarding proposals to help improve bus stop accessibility in Redriff Road at the entrance to Russia Dock Woodland.
The proposed changed include moving the bus stop on the Russia Dock side to the north and adding new red surface dressing wand new footway surfacing. the opposite bus stop will be moved to the south, with the same changes. The gaps left by the old bus stops will be infilled to match the adjacent grass verge.
There’s no website address to point you to, and the illustration of the changes is on A3 so it is too big to scan, but you can see it on the door of the Moby Dick pub, thanks to Joe and Terry. If you want a copy you might try the email address given on the brochure itself: chris.mascord@southwark.gov.uk. Responses must be in by Friday 1st August 2008.
Redriff School celebrated its 100 year anniversary
Redriff Primary School was founded in 1908 in Cow Lane and was rebuilt twice - first in 1949 following Second World War bombing and again in 1990 as part of the docklands redevelopment project. Jon Surtees, in Southwark News, reports that old pupils joined current pupils and teachers to enjoy daytime and evening events including singing and dancing and a performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Congratulations to them.
Rotherhithe Angling Club summer holiday programme
The RAC has now launched its programme, which offers free events between 10.00 and 16.00 each Monday, Wednesday and Friday until August 29th 2008. These events will be held in the Canada Water dock in front of Decathlon.
18th July 2008
Help required
Steve Cornish and the DDC need as much help as possible this coming weekend:
We now have a couple of hundred downtown site objection letters printed. We now need some help to knock on a few doors this Saturday/Sunday to get local residents names, and addresses, plus post codes, put on the letters, which will then be hand delivered to the planning office by the end of next week. Please let Steve know if you are available to help this coming Sat/Sun. you can get anyone to fill in the objection letters. It’s all about numbers. if you need some please contact Steve direct on telephone
0207 237 7586 or 07947 275386
or collect at
5 Somerford Way, off Downtown Road.
More re Frogmore plans
Brunswick Quay Residents’ Association are planning a meeting early/mid next week to discuss the Frogmore plans for the Leisure Park. I will post here when I know the date and time. The venue will probably be the upper bar of the Moby Dick pub in Russell Place.
Councillors’ anger over police closure proposal
In Southwark News (July 10 2008, p.9) David Yuill has reported that councillors are angry about the Metropolitan Police Authority’s proposals to close three of Southwark’s police stations. Rotherhithe police station is included in the proposed closures. The others are Camberwell and East Dulwich. Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks Lib Dem councillors expressed concerns in a letter to Southwark News (p.10): “We are angered and concerned about the Met police’s proposal to close Rotherhithe police station without suggesting any alternative. They have also not fully explained to us why it is necesary or how ‘front counter provision’ will work. Rotherhithe already misses out because the response teams are not based there and don’t know the area.” It seems clear from the Southwark News article although the proposals appear to have the support of Southwark’s Borough Commander Malcolm Tillyer, the process of consultation has a long way to go before being implemented,
16th July 2008
Frogmore plans for Leisure Park
Thanks very much to Mark Del Canto of the Brunswick Quay Residents’ Association for forwarding me the PDF file showing Frogmore’s proposed plans for the Leisure Park site. Here is an extract from the introduction.
The site is located in Surrey Docks ward in the London Borough of Southwark. Surrey Quays Leisure Site is situated to the east of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and is currently used for entertainment and leisure facilities as well as on grade car parking. The existing first generation leisure boxes are nearing the end of their life cycle. The current layout of the site is outdated and arguably does not create a positive public space.
The site is identified in the already adopted Local Plan, The Southwark Plan 2007, which states that the site is suitable for a residential led mixed use development. The guidelines for the site indicate that the site could provide up to 1000 residential homes and that the cinema should be relocated on the site or elsewhere in the Canada Water area.
The site is also included within the emerging local area action plan which will help to guide and implement future development in the area.
Doubtless I haven’t been paying sufficient attention, but what is the “emerging local area action plan” all about?
Here is an extract from the letter that homes which will be impacted by the proposed development were sent by their management company, Russia Court Management, which draws attention to some important points!:
- Up to 1,000 new mixed social/private homes proposed for the existing site.
- Additionally a student residential block proposed
- Existing "Leisure Complex" facilities to be relocated and rehoused towards the western end of the site
- Existing car parking capacity presumably relocated underground
- Increased pedestrian traffic through and around the site - as well as proposed funnelling of pedestrian traffic through Brunswick Quay
- A new traffic junction or roundabout at the mouth of Brunswick Quay - although this is not terribly clear from the outline plans
- Anticipating 1,000 new homes on the site - is incredibly dense for an already well-populated area. That's more than five times the number of homes than currently occupy the whole of Brunswick Quay on a site not much bigger than Brunswick Quay! That's not including the re-housing of the existing leisure facilities or the student residence!
- Provision of underground parking for 1,000 new homes AND the current leisure park customers will involve massive earth-workings and local traffic disruption.
The need to stagger development - re-siting the leisure facilities whilst the old site continues to operate - will involve an extended period of construction and substantial disruption lasting several years. - It's not clear what height the new residential buildings would achieve, but in order to accommodate 1,000 homes, they will have to be considerably higher than the surrounding buildings. Furthermore, the residential buildings are proposed to be fully adjacent to Redriff Road - and not offset like the existing leisure park.
Dear Russia Court Management Resident,
As you have probably gathered, there are plans afoot to completely redevelop the Surrey Quays Leisure Park site across Redriff Road from your home.
Incredible though it may seem, the site's owners have decreed that the cinema, bowling and bingo etc., are coming to the end of their useful life - even though the site was only fully completed ten years ago!
Last weekend, the developers - Frogmore - showed off their preliminary plans for the site to residents and interested parties. If you were unable to attend, then Russia Court has obtained a copy of the presentation - and preliminary plans.
The headlines to immediately note are:
It should be remembered that this is only an outline plan at the moment - but it does appear that Morley, the site owners, are committed to a dramatic reconstruction of the original site. (The Quebec Curve has already closed - and its future seems very uncertain at the moment.) A formal planning application to Southwark Council is anticipated for later in the year.
Although few local residents are probably very fond of the existing site - with its bleak, wind-swept appearance and immensely unattractive facades, these proposals have the potential to have a dramatic effect on the immediate vicinity:
At this point with the development, Frogmore, are apparently keen to hear the views and reactions of local residents. Attached you will find the presentation unveiled last weekend. Following shortly is a feedback/survey form. Although the feedback form would appear to be somewhat skewed in favour of the proposals- most of the questions are seemingly uncontroversial and it offers only the opportunity to "Strongly Agree" but not "Strongly Disagree" it is important Frogmore get a feeling for the views of Brunswick Quay residents. Respondents can also add further comments or objections.
Russia Court Management would urge all residents to make their views known - in an effort to get a new Leisure Park that actually provides wanted services and contributes positively to the attractive neighbourhood. Don't forget, you can also lobby our local MP, Simon Hughes - who was also present at the presentation on Saturday. (Simon@simonhughes.org.uk)
9th July 2008
Information and objection package
Please be aware that the DDC team have been working hard on getting an overall information and objection package together for the general public to take on board, in order to make a judgment on the new application.
The DDC has also put together a letter to the supporters of the DDC.
Our objection letter for the general public will be finalised and printed by this weekend and we will be knocking on their doors for members of the public to put their names and addresses down if they agree that this application still does not go anywhere near satisfying the people of Rotherhithe.
As Chairman of the DDC Steve Cornish has written an objection letter.
5th July 2008
Oil slick hits dock after Rotherhithe boat sinks
Southwark news writer Jon Surtees reported in this week's Southwark News on the soil slick in Rotherhithe's South Dock, which links both to Greenland Dock and the Thames. It was caused by the sinking of a boat which was moored at the eastern end of the dock last Friday. The oil had already damaged some of the local bird life soon after the slick had formed, and was expected to have a negative impact on fish stocks. The Anglers' Co-Operative Association is looking at the possibility of bringing legal action against Southwark Council. Southwark Council, however, say that they have done everything possible to control the situation in close consulation with the Environment Agency.
Jenny Jones letter re proposed Downtown Development
A letter to the South London Press from Jenny Jones, from the Green Party Group, London Assembly, has raised some of the concerns about the Barratt Homes Downtown development proposals. She writes:
With Southwark Executive's decision to grant Barratt Homes a "new contract" for the sale of the Downtown site in the north of Southwark, who have moved a step close to losing public land, plus its valuable 300 mature trees. Whilst most people accept that some development is necessary, it seems unwise to do this now, in a time of falling prices and unresolved planning applications with Barratt Homes.
Southwark News Rotherhithe interview left out key issues
Pauline E. Adenwalla, Chair of the Canada Water Consultative Forum has highlighted various gaps in the interview with Tim Thompson in the June 26th edition of Southwark News. She says that the regeneration interview omitted to mention "a number of very important key issues, namely non river transport, employment, sustainability, poor air quality and commitment to deliver the swimming pool as per the Master Plan. All of which are major inter-related concerns of the current population - before regeneration has really started." Her points about the transport infrastructure (or lack of it) are most pertinent, and she adds that the Downtown proposals for over 200 dwellings include plans for minimal family units and limited employment opportunities which would raise overall levels of commuter traffic in the area.
Councillors Paul Noblet and Lisa Rajan of the Surrey Docks ward also reopened jointly to the interview. Whilst making it clear that they are not against all development discussions they say that they "are opposed to any plans to move Surrey Docks Farm". They go on "We are against plans to redevelop the cinema site and replace it with flats. And if the Quebec Way does not turn out to be the optimum site for the new Rotherhithe Academy, we will oppose any residential scheme which threatens the unique, low rise character of much of the area."
The staff at the Surrey Docks Farm were predictably and understandably angry about the proposals, with Kath Wittham saying that "No one in their right mind would want to get rid of it [the farm] to build another wharf."
See the newspaper for the full letters.
Locations of ten new police bases revealed
David Yuill from Southwark News has reported this week on the new locations proposed for the Safer Neighbourhood bases, to be introduced as part of police modernisation plans. Plans include the Rotherithe police station which will be replaced with a new base "with front counter provisions".
Bermondsey hit by wave of fake £20.00 notes
Southwark News have reported this week that fake twenty pound notes have been cirucalating in Bermondsey.
Leisure Park Developments
I posted about the proposed development of the Leisure Park by Frogmore last week. Southwark News added some details in their 26th June edition - the Odeon cinema, Hollywood Bowl and Gala Bingo, plus the restaurants, would be relocated under the new plans, into a multi-storey leisure complex. This will be located behind the newly enlarged Tesco store and the rest of the land will be taken up with over 400 houses and flats. The full planning application is expected to be unveiled in Autumn.
I still have the Frogmore flyer sitting on my desk - there is no mention of the 400 houses and flats on that page and it will be interesting to see how the space is going to be used when their initial proposals are unveiled on the 11th and 12th July at Alfred Salter Primary School.
Rotherhithe Festival - Saturday 9th August
The main festival is planned to take place in King George's Fields off Lower Road. It will include a live concert, face painting, stilt walkers, a bouncy fun run, Punch and Judy, a balloon race, fancy dress and a fishing competition. There will be food and information stalls which will include police and wardens, Southwark libraries, BL Canada Quays, Barratt Homes, Conrad Phoenix, St Crhisopher's Hospice, Army Cadets and Time and Talents. Opening days on various sites around Rotherhithe will include St Mary's Church, Sands Films, Time and Talents, Brunel Engine House, Lavender Pumphouse, Docklands Settlement, Surrey Docks Farm, Swedish and Finnish churches and Stave Hill Ecological Park.
Nominations wanted for the Our Heroes 2008 awards
Categories for 2008 are
* Child of courage
* Community campaigner
* Young ambassador
* Sport achiever
* Carer of the year
* Good Samaritan
* Community project
* Fundraiser of the year
* South London Press Award
* Star of the South, London
Nominations can be submitted online at the South London Our Heroes Awards 2008 web page (or by a form in the newspaper itself). The closing date for nominations is September 19th 2008.
Redriff Primary School Centenary Celebrations
As part of their Centenary celebrations Redriff Primary school are holding two events to which they are inviting past pupils, parents and members of staff. The events are on Wednesday 9th July 2008 and Friday 11th July 2008. They are asking for memorabilia that you might have from any past connection with the school on a strictly loan basis. Contact the School Office on 020 7237 4272.
4th July 2008
Latest news re Downtown development plans
Thanks very much to Steve Cornish, Chairman of the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland, for the following email, received this morning:
The application for full planning permission landed on local residents doormats this morning. The 21 day consultation period started from the 1/07/08. So we now only have 19 days to object to the latest proposal. Will the council ever learn. I sometimes wonder who's side they are on.
The new application remarks on the 'new children's play area' which Barratts had to address because of the last applications failure to provide amenity play space. But in no way whatsoever do they mention that to make way for this 'new children's play area' they have taken away the Downtown Community hall re- provision that has always been part of the plans from day one, six years ago. In effect to address this ground for refusal from the previous application Barratts have taken away a large part of the community benefits along with Redriff Schools creche, and breakfast club. Removing these community benefits also helps to address Barratts other grounds for refusal 'poor urban design'. . . the planning committee stated that the school drop off point would be a disaster with only 15 spaces available to park while the entire school, plus the youngsters at the new creche/breakfast were being taken into the school by their parents. Removing these facilities has created a win, win, win, situation for Barratts and a lose lose lose situation for the people of Downtown.
Ruth kelly's reasons for overruling her own planning inspector were "that the community benefits outweigh the dis-benefits". We must remind ourselves that southwark council unanimously decided to challenge her decision at judicial review. So I am now completely lost. We have gone full circle.
We will of course be knocking on doors once again to canvas peoples views on whether this application is in anyway acceptable to them. Early opinion is much to be expected. This new application gives slightly with one hand, while taking massively with the other. with some members of the public stating 'this is now an insult to the local community'. . . .
We will be drafting our objection letter over the weekend so that local people can fill in their names addresses, post code, then we will hand deliver them to the planning dept.
If anyone wishes to look at the new proposals and drawings, they can do so by visiting;
REGENERATION AND NEIGHBOURHOODS
COUNCIL OFFICES
CHILTERN
PORTLAND ST
LONDON SE17 2ES
Between the hours of 10:00 & 4:00, Monday to Friday
3rd July 2008
Proposed redevelopment of Surrey Quays Leisure Park
Following quite neatly on from my previous post (see below), I found on my doormat a single glossy page of A4 outlining Frogmore's proposals for the Surrey Quays Leisure Park (the cinema, bowling alley etc). For those of you who haven't received the page, here's a summary.
There is an exhibition to be held, with the purpose of obtaining feedback, on Friday 11th July 2008 (1700-1900) and Saturday 12th July 2008 (1000-1300) at Alfred Salter Primary School, Quebec Way, Rotherhithe, London SE16 7PL. They say that at the exhibition "the local community will have the opportunity to discuss the potential for this site and view our initial ideas for its redevelopment". Project members will be there to discuss ideas with members of the public.
If you are unable to attend you can contact Aziun Choudhury on 0870 066 8734 or by email at azizun.choudhury@fourcommunications.com.
You can also write to FREEPOST RLSX-KHXT-BGSR, Four Communications, 48 Leicester Square, Lodnon, WC2H 7FG.
Southwark News: The Future of Rotherhithe
Southwark News / Southwark Weekender
An interesting double-page spread in our local newspaper the Southwark News has just featured and interview with senior council officer Tim Thompson, and looks at many aspects of plans for Rotherhithe including the Downtown site and the Surrey Dock Farm.
The term "regeneration" is one of those words which benefits from close consideration - it sounds so positive but can be a disguise for the inauguration of money spinning projects which may regenerate the local government's coffers but can have a far from happy effect on the community itself. It is therefore good to be able to have a chance to review what is being said, proposed and planned.
How will regeneration bosses change the area?
In the first in a series of features looking at the borough’s regeneration, the ‘News’ speaks to senior council officer Tim Thompson
THE MAN at the helm of the Canada Water regeneration scheme says he would like the redevelopment to encompass the whole of Rotherhithe - to address what he called ‘some fundamentally dysfunctional areas’.
Tim Thompson, the council's point man for massive regeneration efforts in both Canada Water and Bermondsey Spa, revealed his hopes during a wide ranging interview where he raised the spectre of the possible destruction of Surrey Docks City Farm, took a controversial swipe at a major local land owner, and revealed he would have "serious doubts" about Fisher Athletic's ability to sustain a 10,000 seat stadium.
The question constantly asked by local residents - just how big is the scheme going to grow? - took well over an hour to answer, with Mr. Thompson eventually concluding: "Well, I hope it is [the whole peninsular] because there are some fundamentally dysfunctional areas that we can address if we do consider it in the round and that is what we're trying to do."
Throughout the interview, Mr. Thompson lifted the lid on radical council thinking that could dramatically reshape the area over the next fifteen years, by potentially demolishing local landmarks such as the Hawkstone Estate and Seven Islands Leisure Centre and building new infrastructure including a revolutionary pedestrian and cycle bridge, that would give the area an above ground link to economic giant Canary Wharf for the first time in its history.
Here's a taster from later on in the interview when Mr Thompson speaks about the Downtown site and the Surrey Docks Farm (which doesn't leave me feeling exactly warm and cosy inside, but I guess you have to make up your own mind):
Bearing in mind the largely private and residential ownership of the Rotherhithe river frontage, what council land could be used to fulfil his objective?
"We own the Surrey Docks Farm", he says. "That's a great local resource but what would people think if you said: 'We want to take the farm away and we want to build a wharf there'? I think you can imagine there would be hue and cry about that. But what's the bigger picture?"
Asked whether he thought the area would benefit more from a new jetty or a City Farm he replies: "Open question. I think you know the answer to it though. But making that decision and getting to a decision making point having consulted with people would be incredibly difficult."
Moving around the peninsular, Mr. Thompson says he is confident that the marathon row over plans to develop the 'Downtown' site of Surrey Docks Health Centre will be sorted "one way or the other" before the end of this year.
See the above page for the full story.
1st July 2008
Rotherhithe Festival date announced
Those in the know have probably been aware of the date for some time, but its news to me so it may be to others as well. The Rotherhithe Festival will take place this year on August 9th. The community festival will be graced with stalls, workshops and performances. At the moment there doesn’t appear to be any information about it on Southwark Council’s Events Page, but I dare say that it will be updated soon. The telephone number for more information is 020 7525 2000. If anyone has any more information about it that I could post please do let me know: andie@excite.co.uk
30th June 2008
Surrey Docks Farm
Great news from Surrey Docks Farm. Their new website has been launched, with more to be added soon, at http://www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk/. The website looks excellent - it is not quite finished but there is already a lot of useful information available.
Not only that but the Farm has a new event has been planned for July 19th between 1300 and 1600 - the Surrey Docks Farm Young Farmers’ Club.
Sunken boat is potential environmental risk to Greenland Dock
A boat has sunk in Greenland Dock. At the time of writing it is by no means clear who is going to take responsibility for the boat or the potential environmental damage to the dock’s wildlife.
28th June 2008
Threat to Surrey Docks Farm?
There is a double page article in this weeks Southwark News in which Council Officer Tim Thompson, the Head of Regeneration is quoted stating that the Surrey Docks Farm “could be destroyed to make way for development”. He goes on to say “we own the land”. His view is that the council must look at all possibilities.
24th June 2008
Update re Barratt Homes proposal for the Downtown Site
On the 24th June 2008 Southwark Council’s Executive Committee decided to grant Barratt Homes a 'new contract' for the sale of the Downtown site. The Downtown Defence Campaign put its case to the executive but they decided to go with the Planning Department recommendation to delegate the power of sale to an un-elected council officer. One executive member stated “How do you think we will get the pot holes in our roads repaired if we don’t get the money in capital receipts from this type of development?”.
Barratt Homes will now put in their revised application some time in September 2008. If this gets the nod then the 300 + trees on the downtown site will be cut down before Christmas 2008. Its now down to you, the local public, to make your voices heard loud and clear.
We will be holding our D.D.C AGM very shortly (before September) to decide on on our future plans. All is not lost, Barratts still have to address the three grounds for refusal received after the last planning failure.
Please see the Deputation presented by Steve Cornish on behalf of the Downtown Defence Campaign on its own page.
20th June 2008
Bermondsey Carnival
Bermondsey Carnival will take place on Saturday July 12 2008. The Southwark website states that this year's theme is 'Countdown to 2012' - unfortunately the website focuses more on terms and conditions rather than explaining what it is all about. However, it appears that a trading event will take place at Southwark Park. I have no idea what that is supposed to be so I suppose that the best strategy is to go along and see! It begins at Spa Road and travels along Grange Road and Southwark Park Road into Southwark Park.
15th June 2008
New photographs on RCSF Photos Collection Website
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for emailing to let Steve and I know that he has updated his RCSF Photos Collection Website with recent photographs, including 11 new photos of insects from the Russia Dock Woodland, which were recently donated to Rebeka Clark (of the Trust for Urban Ecology) by an entomologist. They can be found at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/sets/72157604053249144
3rd June 2008
Downtown Development Report - Clarification
Clarification by Councillor Paul Noblet, Executive member for Regeneration (Surrey Docks Ward, Lib. Dem., paul.noblet@southwark.gov.uk) re Downtown Site development report that will go to the Executive on 24th June:
I wanted to respond to this email to clear up any confusion around the report that will go to the Executive on the 24th June.
To be absolutely clear, the report is an extension of a development agreement with Barretts which was first signed in 2003, which because the council has had to take the Government to court to judicially review Ruth Kelly’s decision to force the previous application on residents, has now expired.
As some of you will now be aware Barretts will be submitting a new application and are already talking to the Downtown Defence Committee about it. This report does not mean that the application will be automatically granted, it does not mean that the Planning Committee will do anything other than consider any application objectively and it does not mean that the council or the executive have a view on the development one way or the other.
As ward councillors, David, Lisa and I are always happy to hear from residents with their views and if people would like to bring a deputation to the Town Hall on the 24th they would be welcome. However, I think we might all be better reserving our energies for when the Planning Committee considers the new application, I presume at some time during July.
June 1st 2008
Items of interest in Southwark Life Magazine
Southwark Council’s June 2008 magazine hit my doormat today. It is a mainly “green” edition and there are one or two items of interest to those of us in Rotherhithe. I’ve highlighted a couple of points below:
- A trip around Rotherhithe from Tower Bridge is detailed and recommended. The two-page spread says that a tourist map of Rotherhithe peninsular is being produced (it doesn’t say when this will be available).
- A Southwark bike trail has been produced which mentions a Rotherhithe Bike Trail. It says that it is a traffic-free route around Canada Water, Russia Dock Woodland, Greenland Dock and Surrey Quays. Maps are available from Decathlon or can be ordered (see the London Cycling Campaign for details and links to the TFL ordering page).
- On July 11th and 12th a green fair will be taking place as part of Southwark Park’s “The Event”.
- Scam artists have been posing as charity collectors in the area by putting flyers through peoples doors asking for unwanted clothes which are then resold. The advice is to donate clothes only to registered charities - you can check registered numbers with the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218.
25th April 2008
Rare birds at home in haven
The Docklands newspaper recently published an article about the discovery of kingfishers who were seen fishing at the Downtown Pond in the Russia Dock Woodland. The photograph, taken by Steve Cornish, and the accompanying article have been posted by Kam Hong Leung on his Flickr Photstream at the following address:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/2441986794/