Agenda item

A public question form is included on page 43.

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.

Q1

A local resident from Asprey Road residents association asked about some of the shops that had closed down around Queens’ Road train station and Pomeroy Street. This included the recent closure of a dry cleaners shop which seemed profitable and busy; she wondered whether that was due to the proposed regeneration in Queens Road.  She said local residents had been concerned about the closure of shops and wondered why this was happening?

A1

Councillor Colley responded by saying she could not comment as to why some  shops closed.  It might be that the shops were not making money which was usually the reason for shops closing. Councillor Colley reported there had been some improvements to shop fronts in the area but would find out about the timelines for the proposed programme of works from officers and understood further investment needed to be made in the area.

Councillor Mills added that through the community restoration fund around £440,000 would be used towards improvements to the five town centres in the borough. The council also brought a “town centre growth initiative” which had been a pot of money (£600k) that would be open in the new year. Business led organisations could come forward with proposals to help their local town centre or high street to thrive and be more successful.  Councillor Mills said as Queens’ Road missed out in the last round, there would be an opportunity for local residents and businesses to put in a bid for the next round.

Q2

A market trader from Rye Lane said why had there been only three Christmas lights up on Rye Lane.

A2

Councillor Hargrove said he was surprised by this, because that had not happened like that in previous years.  He agreed to look into the matter and report back to the meeting.

Q3

A resident from Rye Lane said Pocket Places Peckham had been an interesting concept throughout the year.  It involved developing ideas and engaging with the community.  He said he hoped some of the projects would be successful and valuable to the community especially as there was funding available for this year and the next.  What would the council do to ensure these projects remained sustainable in the long term and not go into disrepair?

A3

Councillor Hargrove responded by saying that Pocket Places was a joint funded project between the council and Sustrans.  He felt that it was important for the community to show support because there might not be another opportunity to make a change to the area of Peckham so he urged people to have confidence to ensure its success.

Q4

Local resident asked about the Peckham area action plan?

A4

Councillor Colley explained that the Peckham area action plan was produced in 2005 and was now in it’s the final stages.  The planning inspector had held an examination of the council’s proposals and people were given an opportunity to express their views in its final stages.  The planning inspector had indicated to the council that the findings were sound but suggested a few changes.  This would mean another “light” consultation for those who had expressed a view previously.  She said information and further details could be found on the council’s website.