This is an opportunity for 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 “What is the time-frame and actions currently [being] taken by Southwark Council and Transport for London to reopen Camberwell, Walworth and Borough Road stations and is this part of a wider regeneration strategy?”
Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, responded that the council had lobbied Transport for London (TfL) to reopen Camberwell Station. Good progress had been made and recently Mike Brown (TfL commissioner) visited the site to see the potential. Southwark and Lambeth councils were working on a business case jointly with TfL to reopen the station and ensure the Thameslink and other rail services stop there. Walworth Station was unlikely to be reopened due to its close proximity to residential properties. Reopening of Camberwell Station was key to wider regeneration plans including redevelopment of the bus station site and the opening up of walking and cycling routes.
Q2 The following written question had been submitted and was read out by the chair: “Since HSBC closed in Denmark Hill, there’s a permanent collection of old mattresses, blankets, garments all along the front of the former bank. What steps are being taken to ensure that the local authority and HSBC take some responsibility for providing accommodation for the homeless people who are sleeping here and for clearing up the eyesore?”
The chair asked for an officer response to the public question and for that to be forwarded to the author of the question.