Agenda item

·  Launch of the Neighbourhoods fund 2015-16 – announcement

·  The Rehabilitation Service on Half Moon Lane – update

·  Wheels for Wellbeing at the Velodrome – cycling issues

·  East Dulwich Christmas Cracker – announcement

·  The new Charter School in East Dulwich – update

·  Police updates

·  Update from Helen Hayes MP

·  Youth community slot:

Information about Kingswood Summer Provision (attached)

Rehabilitation Service on Half Moon Lane

Jeremy Peakin, project manager at Optima Care talked about the rehabilitation service located in Half Moon Lane.  It would be a project that caters for vulnerable people.  Jeremy thanked councillors for taking interest in the project.

Jeremy provided an update on progress and explained that tenders for the project was due to take place shortly.  He said a contractor would be appointed in April 2016.  The proposal was to have eight flats for ten people, a communal kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and activity centre.  Jeremy said there would be an open day after the completion date in October 2016.  People were encouraged to speak to him during the break about any queries they had about the project.

East Dulwich Christmas cracker

Councillor Charlie Smith announced that the East Dulwich Christmas Cracker would take place on Saturday 5 December 2015 from 11.00am to 5.00pm at Lordship Lane, North Cross Road and beyond.  Councillor Smith said he would encourage everyone to attend to help promote local businesses in the area.

Herne Hill Christmas market

Councillor Jane Lyons announced that there would be a Christmas market in Herne Hill. Details of the event was publicised on the council website.

Visit the website at:

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents/homepage/43/herne_hill_xmas_fair

Wheels for Wellbeing

Abigail Tripp talked about Wheels for Wellbeing which was an award winning charity that supported people of all ages. It included people who had a disability which enabled them to enjoy the benefits of cycling. Abigail said it was also an alternative to swimming or going to the gym and was a great form of exercise.  She referred to some of the users who had shared their experiences on how the project had benefitted them.  The project ran regular cycling sessions and co-ordinated a number of cycling networks. They offer advice, training and consultancy on access, disability and equality issues. 

The sessions are held on Monday and costs £5 and for a relative or carer, it would be free from 11.00 am to 1.30pm at Herne Hill Velodrome.

For more information contact Abigail Tripp on 020 7346 8482 or email

abs@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk

Launch of Neighbourhoods Fund 2015 – 2016

The chair announced that the neighbourhood fund 2016-17, had been launched on 2 November 2015 and would be open until 12 noon on 6 January 2016. Southwark’s community councils had a total of £630,000 to support activities run by local groups, for local people, across the borough.

Each ward had been allocated approximately £30,000 for community projects. Awards would generally be between £500 and £5,000. Residents were encouraged to apply if they had an idea for a community project that would enhance their local area or bring local people together.

For more information contact: grace.semakula@southwark.gov.uk or Tel. 020 7525 4928.

Charter School

Liz Brown, chair of the Charter School Trust and Alex Grossman, head teacher of Charter School gave an update on the school’s latest developments in relation finding a suitable site for the school.

The council were able to provide a temporary site in Southampton Way and eventually move to a permanent location at the Dulwich Hospital site.  The temporary site would accommodate 120 students. Transport would be arranged between the two sites during the transition period. The head teacher mentioned that no students would be dropped off on Melbourne Grove which he understood was a concern for residents.  The other concern was the school buses given the congestion and traffic that already exists in the area.

Councillors asked the representatives if they could give an undertaking that any school mini buses and coaches could avoid driving through Calton Avenue and possibly stick to the main roads. They agreed to provide further updates at a future community council meeting.

Police updates

Inspector Duncan Jackson (Camberwell and Dulwich) presented an update on policing issues in the area. 

It was reported that there was a slight rise in burglaries and assaults but was still relatively low in comparison to other parts of the borough. Inspector Jackson took questions from those present at the meeting.  Residents expressed concerns about the rise in burglaries which had been a topic of discussion at local resident meetings.  People also referred to slow response when burglaries were reported.

Simon Taylor addressed the same concerns about the high number of burglaries in Village ward.

Robin Crookshank Hilton mentioned the same issue had been discussed at the East Dulwich (police) ward panel and the neighbourhood watch scheme. 

A resident spoke about the increased number of burglaries on the Kingswood Estate, Sydenham Hill and Seeley Drive. 

Inspector Jackson explained that all reported burglaries were taken seriously and explained that it might help if the police were able to attend TRA meetings to alleviate these concerns.