Agenda item

The chair invited questions from the floor, or for questions to be submitted in writing.

In answer to a question from the floor, the chair said that the post offices in Peckham and Blackfriars Road were also being franchised (or had already been franchised) by the Post Office. Walworth Road and Blackfriars Road were lossmaking. Councillors had cited the example of the Kennington post office which had remained a crown office after modernisation. 

In response to a question from the floor, councillors explained that there was currently an adventure playground in Mint Square and that the building that came with it, was dilapidated and needed refurbishment. The new design would be accessible, but residents were invited to put forward their ideas.

In response to a question about blue badge letters which had not arrived, the chair asked the resident to speak to their ward councillors.

The meeting heard that there were halls for groups to meet available at Michael Faraday School and St Peter’s Church, as well as the tenants halls on the Elizabeth and Nelson estates and in the refurbished Aylesbury hall which would open as part of the redevelopment.

Further public questions were submitted in writing:

1.  How can the council reduce “rat running” on Manor Place, Braganza Street and Penton Place (since the revisions of the Elephant and Castle southern roundabout)?

2.  The London Mayor is proposing a North Circular – South Circular congestion charge, or pollution charge from vehicles. Will this help traders in East Street Market? What will be the level required?

3.  St George’s Square conservation area. The row of terraces on London Road, protected by English Heritage and developed by South Bank University, make one of the most pleasant shopping rows in Southwark. The coffee shop has put one, two and now three advertising boards in the middle of the public footpath. Having had half a dozen conversations, nobody on the site wants to take responsibility for them. So I am now referring the matter to the enforcement section of the community council. 

4.  Why have the railings next to the zebra crossing outside Friars Primary foundation school been taken away and we have been left with a long muddy ditch that is now overgrown with long tall weeds, that people are using as a rubbish ground, and  [that is] attracting mice? The cars don’t see when children run out of school as the weeds block their view. A health and safety concern for school and local residents. Also the bin has been taken away, as well, so people are using the ditch with weeds as a dumping ground. Please can we have the railings and the bin back?

5.  Why do they not paint the cyclists’ part of the road which covers Blackfriars Road (beginning of St George’s circus) and Webber Street, so cars can see clearly where they can drive down, as very confusing for drivers and pedestrians? 

6.  Why is there no crossing for pedestrians on the first bus stop (Bus 100, 63, 45) on Blackfriars Road (St George’s Circus end) as when you get off the bus, you have to walk all the way down to the traffic lights in order to cross?

7.  Parking permit zone M1 – Wansey Street

The restrictions are 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday. When the new development becomes inhabited, and once the shops and cafes open, local residents will find themselves crowded out and unable to park on returning home in the evenings and weekends. Can you please give consideration to extending restrictions to:

1. 10.00pm or 12.00am

2. 24 hours

Seven days a week including weekends?

8.  Can the community council provide a list of local workspaces available to rent for artists?