Monday, February 25, 2008

query about your train service

SOUTH EASTERN TRAINS

Meet the Manager, 28 February

 
February 18th 2008
 
 
Senior Southeastern managers will be available at Charing Cross station on 28 February between 8am and 10am to answer any questions you may have about our service.
 
If you would like to talk to them, please make your way to the Southeastern stand located on the main platform concourse.
 
For details of all future sessions please visit our Meet the Manager page.
 
Southeastern
February 2008


# posted by paul : 25.2.08  0 Comments

"Crime magnet" phone boxes finally removed from Brixton after council campaign

20 February 2008
Phone boxes in Brixton that were being used by drug dealers as cover from CCTV have finally been removed after a long campaign by Lambeth Council.
Six phones boxes were removed from Brixton High Street last week after the council, police and other partners in the Safer Lambeth Partnership persuaded BT that they were helping dealers peddle drugs without fear of being caught on camera.

# posted by paul : 25.2.08  0 Comments

Saturday, February 23, 2008

A MOMENT OF YOUR LIFETIME

LAMBETH COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS
 
Thanks to Alan Piper  of the Brixton Society for  the following.
 
In addition to "Future Brixton", there are several other planning documents out for comment at present.  There is some further detail about all of these on the Lambeth Council website, but I will try to advise if you want to know the background.
Please feed back to me any comments that you think should be included in a Brixton Society response to any of these (even if it's only "ignore it"!).

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGY
This is a borough-wide document that embraces the work of most public agencies in the borough, including Health and Police.  There are strong emphases on crime prevention and job training but little about sustainability.
Comments by Friday 29 February.

PLANNING OBLIGATIONS (Section 106)
This concerns the sort of community benefits or public works that the Council would seek as an official "bribe" from developers in exchange for granting planning permission for a development.
Comments by Friday 14 March.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
In particular, to identify any planning issues or policies that need revision.
Comments by Monday 17 March.

PLANNING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Essentially, to confirm what information the Council should ask to be included with any planning applications.
Comments by Wednesday 26 March.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
A draft "Supplementary Planning Document" has been produced to clarify the Council's requirements for energy conservation, micro-generation and more efficient modes of transport etc. in any planning applications.
Comments by Friday 25 March.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS:
An important Supplementary Planning Document because it sets the standards of space and quality for new and converted housing.  However this was withdrawn at the last minute from the January Cabinet agenda for a re-write, so for the time being it's rather vague about what developers should provide.

FUTURE BRIXTON
The Regeneration team aim to write up their report from the current consultation events during MARCH in order to present it to the Council's Cabinet for approval on 28 APRIL.
We were due to have a presentation on 14 February, but the Council speaker got the time wrong.  I am still trying (as the meeting requested) to re-arrange for our next committee date on Thursday 13 March.  Given that this is a late date in the process, it might be best to focus on one or two specific areas OR issues that have arisen from workshops/ roadshows/ conversations in the pub etc. so far - but tell me soon!

I will try to circulate more material soon, but subject to currently working 6 days a week on the day job.  Thanks for recent feedback - it is valued, even if I cannot always respond directly.

Regards,

Alan Piper,
Hon. Secretary, The Brixton Society.



# posted by paul : 23.2.08  0 Comments

Friday, February 22, 2008

POST OFFICES/ GARDENS SURVEY

POST OFFICE CLOSURES
& PROTECTING STREETS AND GARDENS
 
Sent on behalf of Valerie Shawcross AM
 
 
Planning survey results
Thank you so much to the 255 people who completed my "Protecting London's Streets and Gardens" survey. The results of the survey are now available on my website http://www.valshawcross.com/index.php?id=352.
The vast majority of you agreed with me that councils need more planning powers to protect the character of our area. I am using the results of the survey to keep up the pressure on Ken Livingstone to bring these proposals forward as soon as possible. I will be posting the further updates on this issue in the Campaigns section of my website http://www.valshawcross.com/index.php?id=351
Post Offices Survey
As many of you will have heard, on Tuesday Post Office Ltd announced that they wish to close 171 post office branches in London - 14 of which are in Lambeth & Southwark.
I am extremely angry at the proposals. Post Offices play a vital link in the social and economic life of local communities. I am very worried that at a time when we are seeking to regenerate poorer areas of London that local shopping parades will be hit by the loss of an important local service which attracts shoppers to use their local shops and facilities. I am particularly concerned that the criteria for access to Post Offices has been downgraded in London - previously deprived communities in London had to be within a half mile of a post office. Now this has been reduced to 1 mile. I will be making strong representations to Post Office Ltd and I would encourage any one worried about the impact of losing these post offices to do the same.
I am seeking to gather evidence and views about Post Offices to help strengthen my response to the consultation and I have launched a new survey which I would be very grateful if you could take the time to complete http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=ztoyudu9qi9pdvl397535
Please feel free to circulate this email to any of your friends and contacts who you think would be interested.
Kind regards
Valerie Shawcross AM
LONDON Assembly Member
Lambeth & Southwark
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 2AA
020 7983 4371
www.london.gov.uk
Fax: 020 7983 4418

# posted by paul : 22.2.08  0 Comments

Thursday, February 21, 2008

BRIXTON BRIEFING ON TFL PROJECTS

BRIEFING BY TRANSPORT FOR LONDON ON CENTRAL BRIXTON TRANSPORT
PROJECTS  28TH  FEBRUARY  08
 
Sent on behalf of Cllr Nigel Haselden
 
As you may be aware Transport for London (TfL) and Lambeth are taking forward a number of schemes to improve Brixton Town Centre, including Brixton Central Squares, Brixton High Road refurbishment and various other highway and railway viaduct refurbishment works in and around the market.
 
We have been able to secure, at relatively short notice unfortunately, the attendance of Principal Engineer for Road Network Development at TfL, Andrej Znak, who will give us an update on the TfL-led activities in Brixton.
 
We will also be able to give an update on Lambeth-led street and railway improvement works.
 
This meeting will be in Room 8 of the Town Hall, next Thursday the 28th February.
 
While this is principally a briefing for ward members in all 4 relevant wards AND for Transport Forum members, the invitation has also been extended to transport forum attendees and other interested parties that we are aware of. If you would like to forward this invitation on to any other representatives of interested groups/ organisations please feel free to do so.
 
Please note that this is part of an ongoing engagement and communications process for the various works in Brixton and there will be further opportunities for meetings and other briefings on more specific detailed issues as and when required.
 
If you can attend next week's meeting, could you please RSVP to Genstacia Bull on GBull@Lambeth.gov.uk or 020 7926 9002.
 
Kind regards
 
Cllr Nigel Haselden
Chair of Lambeth Transport Forum
Deputy Member for Parking and Transport

# posted by paul : 21.2.08  0 Comments

PARK ASSAULTS

LOCAL GANG  DISRUPT COMMUNITY.
 
A gang  of four young  men  have been touring Brockwell Park  on bikes and causing distress to local people.
Two regular users were mugged  in the "Green Shelter".
Last Friday- they cycled within the park after closing time  dismounted at the Herne Hill Gate  jumped over and carried out a mugging on a passer by.
BE ON YOUR GUARD.

# posted by paul : 21.2.08  0 Comments

MURDER ENQUIRY

PECKHAM
3 HERNE HILL MEN ARRESTED
 
Threelocal men have been arrested in connection  with the murder of a man in Peckham. One released on bail has absconded.

# posted by paul : 21.2.08  0 Comments

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

NORTH DULWICH BRIDGE

NORTH DULWICH  BRIDGE 
 
A NOVELLA BY MIKE COLVIN,
CHAPTER  2
 
 
Hi everyone
 
You may recall that on the original plan both North Dulwich station and the adjacent road bridge were to be well and truly closed (no trains, no crossing of the bridge, not even pedestrians) on 3 weekends: 13-14jan08, 23-24 feb08, 13-14apr08.
 
As you know, they missed the first weekend completely since they had neglected to get planning permission in time, and now that work on the bridge has started I keep looking by from time to time to see how they are doing, and  wondering whether it looked like they were going to meet this all important second closure weekend.
 
Frankly, for the last few weeks activity on the Red Post Hill bridge site has been pretty minimal. The number of major items of plant well outnumbered the number of staff, and in true British workman style if you were lucky enough to find one actually working then there were another three advising or simply watching. When I queried the guys on site about the lack of action it was attributed to the managers of the various utilities (MOVU), whose services run over the bridge,  who seemingly could not make up their mind about the essential rerouting of the services involved. Naively I imagined that because of the expense involved, that you did not move heavy plant in until you knew what you were going to do, and how you are going to do it. Clearly that is considered to be an old fashioned idea by modern "managers" J.
 
Earlier this week it became evident that effort was being cranked up: more equipment had appeared along with generators, site offices and latrine blocks on the banks of the railway cutting alongside Half Moon Lane. A substantial mini bridge had been built out of scaffolding on the Half Moon Lane side of the road bridge to take the diverted services in chunky, flexible ducting which was then being put in place. Even so it looked like a lot of work still needed to be done and I queried whether enough would be done in time for the closure to go ahead this weekend as planned.
 
Now I don't really believe that it was my innocent enquiry that has caused activity to more than double in the last two days, but more than double it has. It was positively swarming with orange coated ants in white hard hats this morning, and quite a few of them (maybe even as many as half of them) were actually doing something. OK, taping screening to the railings to spare us the embarrassment of seeing "hairy bummed workers" (his words) using the latrines may not seem like a major contribution to the all important task of replacing the existing bridge structure, but apparently it is all necessary preparatory work J. So is diverting the services, but progress on that so far is pretty minimal. Lots of old ducting pipes have been exposed but not a single one has yet been diverted.
 
Sadly the flexible ducting put in place on Monday has now been removed, apparently to be replaced by something more substantial at the request of MOVU, and so the orange ants are now busily building an even more substantial gantry on the station side of the bridge. Whilst I believe that they probably now have enough staff on site to get that done in time, there seems to me to be a high risk that MOVU may well strike again J . Frankly, it is all far too last minute for me to feel anything other than whoever is running this project, is flying it by the seat of his pants.
 
Anyway the guys on site seem convinced that the close down will indeed take place this weekend and the major works (removing the bridge structure) will take place. Heavy cranes are due to move in on Friday evening and my guess is that from then on it will be continuous 24 hour working. They seem to think it will attract a lot of spectators, and if they have a crane on the Half Moon Lane side of the bridge, then that whole junction is going to be pretty congested, which may possibly impact on the P4 bus service.
 
 

# posted by paul : 20.2.08  0 Comments

HERNE HILL- SAFE?

IS  HERNE  HILL STATION.  SAFE ?
 
 
Herne Hill station is not a nice place to be after 7 in the evening. The area once you come off the platforms to the front entrance around the corner to the alley way to Milkwood Road is quite spooky and the fact that it is not manned after approx. 7pm is disgracefully.
 
My girlfriend was mugged in this precise area a couple of years ago by the ticket machine. It's such an easy place to be mugged as it is very enclosed and not in view of the main front area. Which is closed in the evenings!!
 
As my girlfriend was going out for the evening, on a Friday night, at 7.30 you would imagine that she would feel safe going to her local station to get her ticket and then catch a train. This is a disgrace especially as fares continue to rise every year. The front area of Herne Hill station should be open until at least 11pm with staff attending platforms on a regular basis. And finally, the spooky area should be opened out so it's not a nice little target area for the vermin that target vulnerable people who have to use the station in the evening.
 
LOCAL  RESIDENT
 

# posted by paul : 20.2.08  0 Comments

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

GREEN CHAIN

GREEN CHAIN  WALK
 
Dear Councillor Eckersley,
 
I am writing to you to provide an update on Southwark's bid to become a part of the South East London Green Chain.
It's been a long process but finally Southwark's proposal to extend the South East London Green Chain has now been formally accepted!
A formal invitation to Cllr Rajan will be extended in the coming weeks with a view to Southwark becoming a member borough from the 1st April 2008. The first stages will be to undertake a review of the feasibility study and establish where infrastructure is required in order to get the route functional. Following initial discussions  with the Green Chain Project Officer it is hoped that the signage will be in place this summer. Amendments to the Green Chain marketing would then follow to incorporate the Southwark extension. 
Thank you for your continued support throughout the last 4 years including the approval of the original CGS applications back in 2004 and the capital bid during 2007. By becoming a part of the Green Chain, many of Southwark's core objectives will be met while taking advantage of the cultural, educational, recreational and ecological benefits that the Green Chain has to offer.
For your information I have included a weblink for the South East London Green Chain Website which provides some useful information as to the purpose and aims of the Green Chain: www.greenchain.com

Kind regards,
John Cordner
Principal Service Development Officer
Parks & Open Spaces

# posted by paul : 19.2.08  0 Comments

MAYOR FOR LONDON

Who is running for mayor?

The known candidates so far (in alphabetical order):
  • Alan Craig - Christian Peoples Alliance & The Christian Party
  • Boris Johnson – Conservative party
  • Brian Paddick – Liberal Democrat party
  • Chris Prior – Stop The Congestion Charge party
  • Damian Hockney - One London party
  • Gerard Batten – UKIP
  • Ken Livingstone – Labour party
  • Lindsey German – Respect party
  • Matt O'Connor – English Democrats party
  • Richard Barnbrook – BNP
  • Sian Berry – Green party
  • Winston McKenzie – Independent party

# posted by paul : 19.2.08  0 Comments

LAMBETH CRIME AUDIT

LAMBETH CRIME  AUDIT COMMISSION REPORT
 
Source: Audit Commission
10 The service is a good, two-star service because:
  • there has been significant achievement in reducing crime;
  • the majority of performance targets have been met;
  • the service has engaged with the community and priorities reflect community concerns;
  • fear of crime has reduced;
  • there are positive examples of joint working; and
  • the service can demonstrate value for money across a range of activities.
However:
  • first time entrants into the criminal justice system are increasing and black and minority ethnic young men are disproportionately affected;
  • levels of violent crime remain high; and
  • the Drugs market in Brixton is still in place despite partnership efforts.
  • http://uk.f870.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?YY=51989&y5beta=yes

# posted by paul : 19.2.08  0 Comments

AWARD FOR VILLAGE WARD COUNCILLOR

HOME OFFICE RECOGNITION FOR WORK OF LOCAL COUNCILLOR
 
Last year Southwark councillor Robin Crookshank Hilton won a Home Office 'Respect' Award for her work on local anti-social behaviour issues and donated the £1,000 community award to the Millwall Community Scheme, to provide football sessions in the north part of Village ward.
 
"In this current social climate, kids don't feel safe travelling out of their 'patch' and all the existing facilities were in the 'wrong' place, so this award was a real breakthrough," Robin says.
 
The success of the local Millwall sessions has enabled Robin to raise more funding through the council to continue the scheme as a regular weekly football program, along with the launch of a local Youth Club in the early part of the year.
24th January 2008

# posted by paul : 19.2.08  0 Comments

MPS REPORT

MONTHLY REPORT FROM MP TESSA  JOWELL
 
 
My monthly report for January is now available on my website at: http://www.tessajowell.net/publications
(just click on the link or insert it into the address line on your web browser).
As usual, if you would like a paper copy of my report, do let me know, by providing your name and postal address in a return email.

With all best wishes,
Tessa Jowell MP

# posted by paul : 19.2.08  0 Comments

Monday, February 18, 2008

STAFFING OF PLAT FORMS HERNE HILL STATION

STAFFING AT HERNE   HILL  STATION.
 
Comments   welcome  on visible platform  staff especially during the peak periods.
We understand there as an incident (Fire) last Monday  11th February during he morning rush hour and any feed back on this is sought.
 
hernehillforum@btinternet.com


 
 
Paul Reynolds
http://www.hernehillforum.blogspot.com/
 
 

# posted by paul : 18.2.08  0 Comments

Sunday, February 17, 2008

INCREASE IN LOCAL BURGLARIES

 
BURGLARIES  ADVICE FROM SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD SGT. TOM CORNISH
 
 
There has been a recent increase in burglaries in Herne Hill particularly in the Dulwich Road area.
Houses divided into flats have been targeted when the front door has not been double-locked. This enables burglars to gain easy access by "slipping" the lock. Once inside the house burglars can then break down the door to each flat out of sight from the street.
Laptop computers are commonly stolen.
Please ensure that communal front doors are kept locked at all times and if possible leave a radio and lights on when you are out. Tuning the radio to a talk station rather than to music will provide a better deterrent.
Please contact the Herne Hill safer neighbourhood police team for any further information on 0208 649 2007
Thankyou
Sergeant Tom Cornish"
 

# posted by paul : 17.2.08  0 Comments

HERNE HILL GATE

LETS IMPROVE  THE HERNE  HILL GATE ENTRANCE AT BROCKWELL PARK
 
Public spaces are a barometer of a community. As human beings we respond positively and instinctively to places that are welcoming. We want to spend time - and money - in such a community. But all too often, we experience places that are unwelcoming, unkempt and difficult - or even dangerous - to use. The quality of public spaces affects all of us wherever we live and work.
Safe, well-maintained and attractive public spaces have a critical role in creating pride in the places where we live which, in turn, is essential to building community cohesion and successful communities. That is why the Government is committed to action to make public spaces cleaner, safer, greener places that enhance the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities.
(Exract  from Communities and Local Government Website)

# posted by paul : 17.2.08  0 Comments

SOUTHWARK MAINTAINS 3 STAR STATUS

Southwark Council gets thumbs up from Audit Commission again

Southwark Council's performance has been given the thumbs up by the Audit Commission, which has given the council a three star rating and said that the council is 'improving well'.

In its report the Audit Commission, which rates all councils nationally, highlights the improvement in children's educational attainment in Southwark schools - pupils in Southwark had the second highest rate of improvement nationally this year - and the council's environmental policies, which have helped to quadruple the recycling rate and promote the use of sustainable transport.

The report also praises the council's efforts to make the borough safer. Overall crime in Southwark has reduced by 8 per cent in the year to date. The council's social care service was again awarded a four star rating, the highest performance rating available.

Cllr Nick Stanton, leader of Southwark Council, said: "This report is an important acknowledgement that the council is delivering real change for residents and that we are continuing to improve services.

"I am particularly pleased that the commission has acknowledged that Southwark is cleaner, greener, and safer and the fact that we have one of the highest levels of community cohesion in the country.

"I'd like to thank our staff and partners as this report shows that their hard work is making a real improvement to the lives of people in the borough.

"Southwark has made huge progress and it is encouraging that the Audit Commission believe, as we do, that there are no significant weaknesses to stop us from continuing to improve.

"This is good news but we cannot afford to be complacent. We have just received a very harsh funding settlement from the government that means we have to make some very tough decisions about the services we offer but we will continue to work with residents to make Southwark a world class quarter of our world city."




# posted by paul : 17.2.08  0 Comments

Saturday, February 16, 2008

COMMUNITY POLICING IN SOUTHWARK

THE BIG CHAT
11-4PM
SAT 1ST MARCH
Avonmouth House
6 Avonmouth Street SE1 6NX
 
Come and see  how the community and police  work together.
How do people get involved and make a difference in Southwark?
I am scared to report crimes who else can I talk to?
Is it true that some police stations  are closing?
Why do police stop  young people so often ?
 
Lunch and refreshments provided.
People from the following communities  are  especially  welcome
 
Refugees
Young People
Businesses
Safer Neighbourhoods
Contact Avril Jones 7525 0918
Sam Zlosnik 7232  6011
 

# posted by paul : 16.2.08  0 Comments

Friday, February 15, 2008

COMMENS WELCOME

ALL  VIEWS WELCOME.
 
Paul K has left a new comment on your post "NEW BAKER FOR RAILTON ROAD":

Forum: "An assembly, meeting place etc for the DISCUSSION of questions of public interest."

This website is biased, attrociously designed, undemocratic, unclear about who is funding it and has to date zero - zilch, not even one - posted comments from any Herne Hill residents. Frankly, as far as public forums go it is stuck in the Dark Ages. It is not 1968; people should be able to post concerns and viewpoints without some bizarre, long drawn-out registering process. If there's no discussion, the whole site is pointless, one-sided propoganda

Publish this comment.
 
 


# posted by paul : 15.2.08  0 Comments

TRIDENT

Trident Information Evening
 
Venue:    Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton SW2 1RW

Date:       Monday 18th February 2008
 
Time:       7pm- 8.30pm
 
 
Trident works with communities across London to prevent shootings.  To help us work with your community, we're holding an Information Evening. We'll tell you about real cases that have been solved and talk about how we can support witnesses.
 
If you feel unable to talk to the police, we'll explain how you can still give information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not a part of the police.
For more information visit stoptheguns.org
 
 
AGENDA
 
Introduction and Trident campaign video…………………………. ……      5 minutes
 
Court Video and voice distortion examples – DCI  Andy  Simon                10 minutes
 
Explanation of previously solved cases  - DCI  Scott Wilson                         5 minutes
 
Presentation on special measures - Derek Frame / Paul Smith (CPS)     15 minutes
 
 
Introduction of Appeals on unsolved murder cases  starting with Crimewatch reconstruction re Op Chinabee
 
 

# posted by paul : 15.2.08  0 Comments

NEW BAKER FOR RAILTON ROAD

NEW  BAKER   FOR  RAILTON  ROAD
 
HOT ON THE TAIL OF THE NEW  WET FISH SHOP WE UNDERSTAND HAT THE  FORMER   FRIEND  CHICKEN  SHOP CLOSED FOR A YEAR AND FORMERLY CRUSTY
COB  HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY LOCAL BUSINESS INTERESTS AND WILL OPEN AS A BAKERS  WITH BAKING OF BREAD  ON THE PREMISES.

# posted by paul : 15.2.08  1 Comments

Thursday, February 14, 2008

REDUCE YOUR PHONE BILLS

GOT STITCHED UP BY USING  AN  0845  0870  MP  ETC ??
 
Most large organisations such as banks will give you a non-geographical number
to call them  back  cost unknown but could be 10p per minute.
This  website gives  you the Freephone number where they are almost always available.
 
http://www.saynoto0870.com/numbersearch.php


 
 
Paul Reynolds
http://www.hernehillforum.blogspot.com/
 
 

# posted by paul : 14.2.08  0 Comments

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

LAMBETH PROGRESS

Some Lambeth improvements include:
  • Lambeth's GCSE results are up for the tenth successive year and a £250 million BSF programme is bringing about extensive improvements for the borough's schools, including the opening of Elmgreen School in Norwood this year and Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton next year.
  • Lambeth has achieved a 24 per cent reduction in crime since 2003/4 - among the best results in London. Fear of crime has also been reduced.
  • Lambeth's new customer centre in Brixton is now handling approximately 5,000 customers a week with customers waiting on average 18 minutes to be served. Previously customers for parking services waited more than 40 minutes and customers with benefit queries waited for over an hour.
  • Independent researchers found that 83 per cent of the borough's streets were considered to be above a reasonable standard of cleanliness, putting Lambeth firmly in the top ten performing London boroughs.
  • Vauxhall Park joined Milkwood Community Park in achieving prestigious 'Green Flag' status this year, singling them out as among the best open spaces in the country. The council hopes that even more parks will achieve Green flag status in the coming year.
  • Brixton Recreation Centre became home to the biggest and best equipped gym especially for young people in the country, following a £2.85 million revamp.
  • Lambeth Council's mobile library, or library on wheels, brings books out to the community and is a lifeline for many Lambeth residents, particularly those who find it hard to get out and about. The route the library takes was changed this year so that there is now a library stop within half a mile from every home in the borough, and more people can borrow from its comprehensive range of books, DVDs and tapes.
  • Last year, Lambeth's libraries were named as one of five finalists in a national competition to find the libraries that offer the best services to young people.
  • An Audit Commission report this year found that older people in Lambeth are more likely to live independently.
  • Clapham town centre is set to benefit from a £75 million regeneration programme to transform leisure services. The area will become a state-of-the-art hub of modern, well designed eco-friendly buildings and facilities, including 40 per cent affordable housing.
  • Plans to bring a new regional standard ice rink, swimming pool and leisure centre to Streatham are also on the cards, to include the replacement of existing outdated leisure facilities and provision of 250 new homes - 87 of which are earmarked for social housing.
  • The housing benefits service has moved from one of the lowest performing to highest performing teams, officially recognised by the Audit Commission as three stars in December 2006. The service now has a fast turnaround on claims and has saved £1million in running costs
  • Lambeth has established an innovative partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, to combat fraud. During 2006/07, as a result of the Benefits Investigations team's work, Lambeth recovered 35 properties, with estimated savings to Lambeth of £1,750,000 (Audit Commission estimate).
Published on 06 February 2008
Top of PageTop


 
 
Paul Reynolds
http://www.hernehillforum.blogspot.com/
 
 

# posted by paul : 13.2.08  0 Comments

Lambeth 3 STAR SERVICES

Lambeth 'most improved London council' gets  three stars rating 

Three stars
Lambeth is the most improved London council and one of only two councils nationally to have jumped from a one star to three star 'good' rating in just one year, according to an announcement from the Audit Commission today.
Inspectors found the council had 'improved strongly', following their annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment, which rates councils across England on a scale from one to four stars.
The three star scorecard - which is a first for Lambeth - shows the council has significantly improved in a number of areas, exceeding targets to cut crime, increasing visitor numbers to libraries by seven percent and creating one of the highest performing housing benefits team in the country.
The council's award winning X-it programme received a mention for its work to keep young people away from violent crime, and inspectors noted that value for money was 'good' and that children's services had particularly improved.
Last year Town Hall bosses were disappointed when Lambeth was rated as the only one star authority in London, despite improvements in over 75 percent of services. The result was attributed to a low rating for the borough's cultural services which decreased the overall score, although this area has since shown significant improvement.
Cllr Steve Reed, leader of Lambeth Council, said: "Residents demanded change in 2006 and that is what this administration has delivered. Moving up from one star to three stars is evidence that we're now focusing on the things that matter most to residents, including quality services, value for money, and action on crime and climate change. Lambeth is now the fastest improving council in London and is in the upper performance bands nationally for the first time ever - that's the result of real teamwork right across the organisation.
"This marks a turning point for Lambeth. The days of 'loony Lambeth' are now behind us. But I'm keenly aware this isn't a job finished, it's a job that's only just beginning. There's further to go and this year's rating will be a spur to all of us to move further and faster on the journey towards excellence that our residents expect from us."
Derrick Anderson, Chief executive at Lambeth Council, said: "We couldn't have made this leap without the dedicated staff who are committed to making Lambeth a better place for the people who live and work here. I'd like to congratulate all of them for their hard work.
"We've still got work to do, but together we'll be focusing on making Lambeth even better for its residents."
Further information, including Lambeth's Comprehensive Performance Assessment scorecard, is available on our Comprehensive Performance Assessment pages.

# posted by paul : 13.2.08  0 Comments

Sunday, February 10, 2008

FISH OPPORTUNITIES

FRESH FISH RETURNS TO HERNE HILL
 
 
Just to let you know that the Cape Clear Fish Shop in the old Kennedys shop by HH station (319 Railton Road) opened for business yesterday, Saturday, February 9. They told me they'd had a very good day. They'll be opening again next Tuesday.
Regards,
Peter

# posted by paul : 10.2.08  0 Comments

Friday, February 08, 2008

VAL SHAWCROSS NEWSLETTER

GREATER  LONDON  ASSEMBLEY
Valerie Shawcross AM
 
 
 
Dear Friend
I have just published my latest newsletter which includes details about the Mayor's Youth Offer, plans for new police bases, updates on Herne Hill Junction, Crystal Palace Park and Brixton Central Square as well as many other updates on my work as your London Assembly Member.
You can find it on my website at http://www.valshawcross.com/fileadmin/files-shawcross/downloads/ValShawcrossNewsletterWinter2008.pdf. If you need a paper copy please do let me know.
Kind regards
Valerie Shawcross AM
LONDON Assembly Member
Lambeth & Southwark
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 2AA
020 7983 4371
 
THE FORUM IS HAPPY TO PUBLISH  REPORTS FROM ELECTED MEMBERS
IDEALLY IN EMAIL OR HYPERLINK-DOCUMENTS  HAVE TO  BE  RETYPED


# posted by paul : 8.2.08  0 Comments


RECENT VISIT TO THE JUNCTION JIM DICKSON, TESSA JOWELL, VAL SHAWCROSS

# posted by paul : 8.2.08  0 Comments

Thursday, February 07, 2008

BRIXON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

BRIXTON   ROAD  IMPROVEMENTS   STAGE 2
Lambeth Transport Partnership
COMMUNITIES FIRST
 
The implementaion is about to start.
The  plan to turn  southbound buses 35 and 355  into AcreLane  hasbeen dropped andwill not be includedin phase 3. This is what happens  when the current fragmented  consultation takes place and the forums are not recognised as a partner for consultation
 
We  were  assured at are recent  meeting of  the Karibu about the future shape of Brixon
that  this feature would still be included.
Lambeth cyclists were  hpoping thatcyclistswouldbe able to go direct Coldharbour oAcre
Lane  ............ .his is not  to be.
 

# posted by paul : 7.2.08  0 Comments

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

MORE PUBLIC ACCESS TOILETS FOR LAMBETH

Council takes action to increase public toilet access

31 January 2008
Businesses in Lambeth are to be given grants of up to £1,000 a year to open their toilets to the public as part of a council plan to ensure people have better access to loos.
The new scheme is part of a package of proposals that aim to make sure no-one has to walk more than 500 metres to find a toilet in town centres in Lambeth by 2010.
Under the 'community toilet scheme' shops, restaurants and other businesses will be given cash incentives to open their toilets to the public. The cash is designed to help towards maintaining the toilets to a reasonable standard, and signs will be put up so visitors to town centres know which businesses are participating in the scheme.
Council inspectors will ensure that standards are maintained and that grants are being spent effectively.
The council has signed up 23 small to medium-sized businesses to the scheme, which is scheduled to be in place by the end of the summer.
The plans, which were given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council's cabinet, also include the introduction of a number of space age 'pop-up' urinals in town centre areas to cater for late night drinkers and tackle the problem of people urinating in the street.
The council has earmarked £120,000 for these urinals, and has secured extra funding from the private sector that should allow seven new urinals to be installed in the borough.
The council is also looking at the possibility of relocating three existing toilets, called Universal Super Loos, to busier areas that have higher numbers of visitors, so they are better used. It is also investigating making a charge for some existing facilities, in order provide additional funding to help pay for the toilet improvement plan.
Cllr Lib Peck, Cabinet member for environment and culture on Lambeth Council, said: "We believe that people have a right to expect access to decent toilet facilities when they visit town centres. Public toilets have been neglected over the years, but these plans start to put this right and I very much welcome them.
"Offering grants to businesses to open their toilets to the public will benefit shoppers. It also makes sense financially, because it is a more cost-effective solution than building new public toilet blocks, which are expensive to build and maintain.

# posted by paul : 6.2.08  0 Comments

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

PETROL STATION SITE

OLD PETROL STATION SITE PURCHASED  BY OFFSHORE
INVESTORS.
 
Coast and Capital representing a group of over 60  off shore investors  are the present owners
128 Herne Hill the former petrol station
 
 
http://coastandcapital.com/

# posted by paul : 5.2.08  0 Comments

Sunday, February 03, 2008

MARY SEACOLE -HEARD THE NAME?

MARY  SEACOLE.  13TH  FEBRUARY
AT UNITED REFORMED  CHURCH HALL  7.45PM
CORNER OF RED POST HILL AND HERNE  HILL.
BUSES  68/468  42   AND  P4
 
Talk  by Daphne Marchant  on the life of the heroic black nurse  of the Crimean War
at HERNE HILL  SOCIETY  monthly meeting  7.30  for 7.45 ( second Wednesdays)
 
Daphne is a well known and long serving  Lambeth Councillor, has been Mayor  twice and is very active  in championing Senior citizens issues.
The meetings are  open to everyone.

# posted by paul : 3.2.08  0 Comments

OLD VIC OFFERS £5 TICKETS

 
Please visit Box Office in person to claim your ticket.
 
£5 COMMUNITY TICKETS FOR RESIDENTS OF LAMBETH AND SOUTHWARK  at The Old Vic 

 
Speed-the-Plow

By David Mamet.  Starring Jeff Goldblum, Laura Michelle Kelly & Kevin Spacey
 
Hollywood producers Bobby Gould (Goldblum) and Charlie Fox (Spacey) engage in a verbal boxing match centered around the eternal debate of art versus money
 
Monday Evenings only
£5 for tickets usually priced £15 or below
Proof of address needed (bank statement, utility bill)
Max two tickets per person 
 
1st Febuary - 26th April
Mon - Sat 7.30pm and Sat at 2.30pm

# posted by paul : 3.2.08  0 Comments

Saturday, February 02, 2008

CAPE FISH

CAPE    FISH  RAILTON ROAD
 
www.capefish..co.uk  ( under  construction)
 
Paul    We should have our new fish shop this week, 
or at the latest the    beginning of next week. 
So I am told by the owner Nick (Wilson). 
He    was up a ladder painting the facade himself when I quizzed him!   
 VBW    Richard  Thompson  28.01.08

# posted by paul : 2.2.08  0 Comments

ART CURATOR FOR 198

Job Opportunity 198  GALLERY
 
·          198 Curator
198 Contemporary Arts and Learning is looking for a curator (1 year post, renewable subject to funding). Salary: £22,000p.a. (full time)
198 is offering an exclusive opportunity for an emerging or mid-career arts manager. Working with the Director, and the Creative Learning Team, you will have the opportunity to influence the design of our visual arts programme, and manage its day to day running.

The ideal candidate must have:
·           A strong desire to help shape and support the development of the artistic vision of 198.
·           Knowledge and experience of the visual arts, with a particular emphasis on issue based work
·           Compelling commitment to and interest in cultural diversity in a local, national and international context.
·           The ability to make connections and identify new opportunities; turning ideas into action.
·           Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
 
To apply, please submit, via email, to the Director, Lucy Davies (lucy@198.org.uk) your CV (max 2 sides of A4) and a 1,000 word statement outlining your understanding of the role of 198 in London's contemporary Art scene, and how you might develop its artistic vision and programming. For a full job description and person specification please visit www.198.org.uk
Application deadline: Friday 15 February 2008 at 5.00 pm. Interviews to be held on 25 and 26 February 2008.
198 is an equal opportunities employer.
 

# posted by paul : 2.2.08  0 Comments

CIRURGIA das POLICIAS

CIRURGIA  das   POLICIAS
 
Saturday 16th  Feb  11am-3pm
 
A new monthly police surgery  especially for Portuguese
and Spanish speakers is being held  at Stockwell Resource Centre
1Studley Road.
 
Residents will be able  to meet  and talk  to Portuguese  and Spanish-speaking
officers  about  issues like crime reporting and prevention, counselling and police procedures.

# posted by paul : 2.2.08  0 Comments

Friday, February 01, 2008

Flickr Group

WHATS  A FLICKR  GROUP  ??
 
 
I wonder if you'd like to advertise our Herne Hill and Dulwich Flickr photo group! Yes; we now have an astounding 37 members all dedicated to recording, in glorious colour, our beautiful and ever-changing.... ever-changing... hill. Yes! It's really cool and we're all really proud of it so please welcome others to join the:

The Herne Hill & Dulwich photo group on Flickr. We can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/94972299@N00/

Please encourage Herne Hillians to join it and upload their own masterpieces.

Nick Baker
Herne Hill Residents


Paul Reynolds  
http://www.hernehillforum.blogspot.com/  
 
 
 
 
 
 

# posted by paul : 1.2.08  0 Comments

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