One of the things we funded through last year’s locality fund was a bench for the Leybridge Estate.  The Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) wanted a bench so residents could take advantage of the green surroundings of the estate, and also so residents of the Woodville sheltered housing block had somewhere to take the weight off their feet on the way back from the Lee Green shops.

I went up to Leybridge tonight for the TRA’s regular meeting and was really pleased to see the bench has now been installed - and very good it looks too.  Thanks go to Lewisham Homes and Glendale for arranging the installation.

If you’ve got ideas for this year’s locality fund, then we’d like to hear from you!

A couple of other issues raised at the TRA meeting that I’m taking up:

• Residents are concerned that the estate parking scheme isn’t being enforced properly - I’m taking this up with Lewisham Homes and asking them to speak to their contractor.
• Both the gates at the entrances to the estate have faults - again, I’ve taken this up with Lewisham Homes.

I went along to the Mayor and Cabinet meeting tonight as a new round of Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) consultations were on the agenda - including here in Lee Green.

There are three consultations proposed:

• To extend the recent Hither Green East CPZ to cover Kellerton Road and the section of Manor Lane between Soutbrook Road and Kellerton Road.  See map here.
• To extend the Bankwell Road/Old Road CPZ to cover a larger area from Murillo Road up to Brightfield Road.  See map here.
• To introduce a new CPZ covering Holme Lacey and Dallinger Roads and a short stretch of Manor Lane.  There’s a possiblity this might be a two hour CPZ.  See map here.

I’d stress that all that’s been agreed is to consult on a detailed proposal for these areas.  Nothing will happen without a majority vote by residents in favour of the scheme.

The timetables for consulting aren’t firm at present.   The Hither Green East extension and the Bankwell/Old Road extension will be consulted on first - they’re the joint top priorities in the whole borough (though they’re numbered 1&2, it’s been confirmed by officers and the Mayor that they’ll be consulted on together).   Holme Lacey and Dallinger will take a bit longer - it’s priority 8.   If you want to be kept up to date on progress, check back here, or subscribe to E-Focus using the box on the right.

Have a good read of the report, and feel free to let me have your thoughts.  As I say, all that’s been decided is to consult, and I’m well aware there are usually strong opinions for and against parking controls!

We’ve finally got a date for the start of the Hither Green East CPZ.   It’s the 21st April.

As you might be aware, we’ve had a few false dawns on this, so I’ve waited until I’ve received a copy of the notification letter myself at home (I live on Leahurst Road, inside the zone).

This means if you want to park a car within the zone between 9am and 7pm Monday to Friday, you will need a permit!   You can download the application form here - do fill it in and get it back to the Council ASAP as time’s running out.

If you’ve any questions, the person to contact at the Council is Eva Ashley on 8314 2080.  As always, I’m happy to help if I can.

There’s still no official date for the start of the CPZ, and residents will be aware that despite the ‘rough’ marking out on pavements having been completed before Christmas, only limited line marking has been done on the road so far.  

I tabled a question to the Deputy Mayor at last night’s full Council asking when the start date out be, and was told that it’s likely to be in February.   However, since then Paul has learnt that problems with pay-and-display machines may delay the launch still further!

We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more - or to get the news straight to your in-box, you can sign up to our E-Focus using the box on the right (ain’t technology great?)

The Hither Green East Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) will be implemented early next year - you might already have noticed the markings which have been sprayed onto the road surfaces around Hither Green Station.   I thought I’d try and bring everyone up to date with what’s happening.

If you live in the zone, you should have received a brochure like the one on the right.   If you haven’t, you can download one here.  The brochure also contains a map of the zone so you can check whether you’re actually included.

The brochure explains the operating time of the CPZ, the rules of operation, and the various permits etc available.   It contains the forms needed to apply for a permit.  You can either post these back to the parking shop, or drop them in in person (with the necessary documentary evidence, and payment if appropriate).

What isn’t clear from the brochure is when the CPZ actually goes ‘live’ and enforcement starts.    The traffic order permits the Council to enforce the rules of the CPZ (e.g. start fining people!) from January 14th.   However, I’m assured by Council staff that it won’t start on this date.    A firm date has not yet been set, as it all depends how well the marking out of lines and installation of signage goes, given the weather and Christmas.  The start date is likely to be some time late in January, but I’m assured by Council staff that local residents, businesses (and Councillors!) will be informed in good time of the starting date.

If you’ve got any queries, the person at the Council to speak to is Eva Ashley on 8314 2080 or email eva.ashley {at} lewisham.gov(.)uk

Of course, you’re also welcome to contact me if I can help.

There were mixed views on the introduction of the CPZ, and I think the consultation wasn’t as clear as it could be, and I still maintain we weren’t offered all the options by the Council’s ruling administration.  However, the consultation showed a majority in favour of what was proposed, so we’ve now got to try and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible!