This is an opportunity for public questions to be addressed to the chair.
Residents or persons working in the borough may ask questions on any matter in relation to which the council has powers or duties. Responses may be supplied in writing following the meeting.
Minutes:
The following public questions were raised at the meeting:
Q1 Several residents commented that the behaviour of some bus drivers, e.g. parking in the wrong place or closing the doors too soon, resulted in elderly people slipping and falling, and being anxious about using buses. The point was made that passengers should be able to use public transport safely. The chair said this was something that would be taken up with the GLA (Greater London Assembly) member and Transport for London (TfL) at the next community council meeting.
Jess Leach, resident participation coordinator, added that the concerns about buses had been a strong theme in many of the age friendly discussions and it would be taken up as part of the action plan. Consequently, the council would be working with TfL to look at competing pressures on bus drivers meeting timetables and providing the service that people needed to receive.
Q2 In response to concerns about a few people who are regularly seen just laid out on the street in Camberwell while people just walk around them, Inspector Flanders, said that officers were aware of the problem and it was being tackled. It involved various issues and it was not just happening in Camberwell. Residents were welcome to call 999 or the local police number if they saw this happening and the police or ambulance services would deal with it. Inspector Flanders added that some who do it are involved in criminal activity.
Q3 In response to a question about the health risks of people spitting in the streets and an enquiry as to what was being done to tackle the issue, the chair said that an answer from the public health team would come to the next meeting.
Q4. In response to a question about dog mess in Camberwell, the chair explained that fixed penalty notices could be issued to owners not taking responsibility for their dog’s mess. Offenders did need to be caught in the act and residents could help tackle the issue by letting officers know and raising the awareness of locations particularly affected.
Q5 In response to a question about the removal of eurobins from Camberwell, the chair said an update would be sought from the cabinet member for environment and public realm, in light of the pilot taking place of removing that type of bin from the Walworth Road.
Q6 In response to concerns raised about the plans for road improvements in the Camberwell area, the chair explained that the comments from residents would be fed back into the process. Currently there were outline plans. Transport engineers would be more involved in the detailed design stage and remedies to issues would sought. Updated plans would be published prior to a decision being taken by the cabinet member for public realm and environment.