Ladywell Village Improvement Group

Council turns up the heat on empty flats

2012-01-31T17:32:00.001Z

Lewisham Council has made an application to the Residential Property Tribunal in respect of the flats above Corals at 228-230 Algernon Road (and a couple of other properties also owned by Coomes) and expect a hearing date in late February or early March. The Council will be seeking an interim Empty Dwelling Management Order on the flats. If granted, Coomes will have to repair and let the property and if they fail to do so the Council can invoke a final EDMO and take control of the property, repair and let it.

The hearing will be in public so people are welcome to attend. Though Coombes have not responded to date they are, of course, likely to fight the Council all the way on this. Success at the hearing will depend to some extent on the quality of the 'bundle of evidence' the Council will have to submit - so letters from local traders and local people in support of the application, and postings to this blogspot will be helpful.

A new chapter begins for the Ladywell 'Playtower'

2012-01-19T12:24:00.000Z

The Ladywell Baths (aka 'The Playtower'), then and now

Council and English Heritage monies have now been earmarked to weatherproof the building and start to bring it back into use. The work is scheduled to start in March and will include refurbishment of the 'superintendant’s flat' to allow it to be occupied, thus improving the overall security of the site.

A Charitable Trust has been established which will oversee the refurbishment of the building and long-term use as a community hub comprising voluntary sector offices, space for community activities and a café. The Trust is currently applying for funding to take the project forward and this will include full consultation with local people on the type of community activities that could take place in the hall (formerly the main pool).

If you have ideas or might be interested in getting involved, please email ladywell.info@gmail.com with an explanation of your ideas and/or interest.

Tony Rich

Traveller Site decision deferred to 15 February

2012-01-17T19:03:00.001Z

Council officers have confirmed that the decision on whether or not the Council's new Traveller Site is to be located at Church Grove, Ladywell (pictured) will be taken by Mayor Sir Steve Bullock on Weds 15 February. The public report on which the decision will be based should be available for public inspection on Tues 7 February.

A flicker of hope for Mason's

2012-01-12T16:05:00.002Z

Hopes that Masons is about to get a new owner have been raised by the sight of decorating equipment piled up in the bar, but we hear these relate to ongoing redecoration of one of the flats above. However, local shopkeepers have been told that one restaurant operator with outlets in Crystal Palace and Brixton is in in discussion with the freeholder about taking-on the lease. A sticking point may be the kitchens, which I'm told are in need of some investment. Watch this space . . .

Boris gives green light to Ladywell Streetscape Scheme

2011-12-23T12:02:00.000Z

On 15 December, the Mayor of London announced over £5.4m for transport improvements in Lewisham, including £450,000 to improve the Ladywell Village streescape.

In anticipation of this, Council officers have already been developing a Scheme based on the work commissioned a year ago by LVIG. The Council plans to hold a public consultation on this early in 2012.

Construction will commence in early 2013 and is expected to be finished by late Summer. The Scheme will include widened footways, conversion of the existing pelican crossing to a toucan crossing (pedestrians and cyclists), short-stay free parking on Ladywell Road and a new zebra crossing by Slagrove Place. Street lighting adjacent to the shops will be renewed and there will be new street furniture and tree planting. The Scheme will include repaving the areas adjacent to the shops in Ladywell Road and Algernon Road, and the design will seek to minimise the need for pedestrian guardrail in the village area.

Robert Sheppard

Planters now restocked and tidied-up

2011-12-12T13:33:00.002Z

(The planter outside Doorstep Bakery - before and after)

Thanks to all who showed-up on Sunday morning to refill, restock and tidy the planters for winter. Thanks especially to Sue Luxton for initiating this and bringing the plants and compost. Please help by litter-picking when you go past - it really makes things a lot easier if everyone shares responsibility!

Robert Sheppard

Pressure mounts on empty flats

2011-12-09T15:34:00.004Z

Lewisham Council is to serve an Empty Dwelling Management Order notice on E Coomes, the bookmakers that owns the empty flat above the Coral betting shop on Algernon Rd. Nick Long, the council empty homes officer, said he had been “inspired” to take action now by the recent Channel Four programme (Phil Spencer’s Empy Homes Giveaway) which featured the Ladywell Village Improvement Group’s campaign to bring the flats back into use. The large double fronted flat, with its broken windows, peeling paint, and deteriorating roof, has long been seen as a sad waste of a potential family home at a time of acute housing shortage. It has also been an eyesore on the local High Street for more than 10 years. Coomes has been given until the New Year to respond to the notice. If it doesn’t the council can then apply for the EDMO which, if granted, would allow it the right of possession without affecting E Coomes’ ownership of the flats. The council could then enter the property and manage it back into use. Tony Major

Ladywell Walking Tour leaflet now available!

2011-12-06T11:38:00.001Z

The Ladywell Fields User Group, the Ladywell Society and the Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries have, with financial help from Lewisham Council, produced a leaflet which details two short walks around Ladywell. Copies will be available at the Ladywell Assembly meeting this evening and, from later this week, in some local shops. If you cannot get hold of a copy email your name and address to ladywell.info@gmail.com and we'll try to drop a copy in to you before Christmas.

Robert Sheppard

Phil Spencer highlights the scandal of empty homes in Ladywell

2011-12-02T15:37:00.000Z

Phil Spencer (of 'Location, Location, Location' fame) was filming outside Coral Bookmakers this week for a Channel 4 programme to be broadcast at 9.00pm on Wednesday 7 December. The Ladywell filming focused on the living space typically available to a family in temporary accommodation and the scandal of empty properties above shops - such as the empty and neglected flats above Coral.

(Above) Phil chats to locals

(Above) Tony Major, LVIG Chair, galvanises the crowd!

(Above and below) Phil chats with Tony Major and Lara Thornton (LVIG Comms Officer)

Council must think again on Traveller Site

2011-11-23T21:55:00.005Z

The Ladywell Village Improvement Group is opposed to the Council's plans for a traveller site at the end of Church Grove. It believes this constrained site with inadequate access arrangements is unsuitable for the proposed development and urges the Council to look again at alternatives in the Borough that will better enable it to deliver its statutory obligations.

LVIG is appalled at the way Church Grove residents have been treated, having been told in the last year first that they could set up a community garden on the site, then that the site would instead be put to educational use. News that the site had once again been identified for a Traveller Site came as a complete shock.

Whilst there were seven sites on the shortlist put to Mayor and Cabinet, the somewhat arbitrary selection criteria were skewed to favour a Council-owned site with existing planning permission even though recent history suggests there is little or no urgency. Furthermore the Council has conveniently ignored the access shortcomings and other suitability issues in national guidance and the fact that 5 units will go no significant way to meet the Council’s own assessed demand for a minimum of 17 units by 2012. Inexplicably consultation is only taking place in relation to one site, the smallest of the seven: if in reality this has already been chosen why insult residents with this charade of consultation?

LVIG, which campaigns for improvements to the neighbourhood and strives to encourage more investment in a poorly-managed conservation area, believes the proposals for the site will not boost the area’s regeneration or promote the profile of a neglected part of the borough. The fact that this will be a Council-managed site gives no reassurance that it will be well-run and any sort of asset to the area.

The Council has behaved in a high-handed manner and all recent evidence suggests it is set on ignoring local concerns. The Council's apparent determination to push through this proposal highlights a lack of a strategic vision for the neighbourhood and LVIG invites the Council to embark on a broad, more meaningful consultation with residents about the future of the Ladywell area.

The LVIG Committee

Minicabs return to Ladywell

2011-11-20T14:09:00.001Z

Minicabs are coming back to Ladywell. The once famous blue and yellow Fenerbahce launderette, which graced Ladywell Road for several years until recent owners painted it black, is about to be turned into a minicab office. The last minicab business in the village, on Algernon Rd, shut up shop years ago. Anyone know how long ago? Meanwhile, work is progressing on the fried chicken takeaway in the old off-licence. It can't be long now!

Ladywell Christmas Market called off this year

2011-11-15T17:20:00.000Z

LVIG has reluctantly taken the decision not to hold its Christmas Market this year. It was due to take place Saturday 10 December and would have been the fourth Ladywell Christmas Market.

Due to the continued works at our current venue, the forecourt of Ladywell Station, and the most recent advice from Southeastern Rail that they cannot guarantee the works will be finished in time, the decision has been made to cancel the event. Until very recently both we and Southeastern Rail remained hopeful that the works would be finished in time.

The decision to call off the Market was a tough one and was made in the interest of the Market. At this late stage we could have soldiered on and put on a market somewhere - but to do so would run the risk of it being a sorry one in an unsuitable venue and we don't want that! Ladywell is 'on the up' and as such deserves the best market we can give it!

Next year the Market will be back bigger and better than before!

Traveller Site Consultation Launched - Have your say!

2011-11-08T14:59:00.007Z

Photo - the previous LB Lewisham Traveller Site on Thurston Road

The Council has announced details of the consultation on the proposed Travellers' Site in Church Grove - see https://lewisham-consult.limehouse.co.uk/public/regeneration/pl/travellersiteconsultation See also http://www.savechurchgrove.com/ for a different perspective. There will be four drop-in sessions and a public meeting; you can also submit comments on line or by post. The deadline for all contributions is 18 December.

Drop-in sessions - all at St Mary's Centre on Ladywell Road.Saturday 12 November, 10.00am - 12.00noon
Friday 18 November, 7.00-9.00pm
Thursday 24 November, 3.00-5.00pm; and
Wednesday 30 November, 3.00-5.00pm

Public meeting - Tuesday 6 December, 7.30-9.00pm, also at St Mary's Centre.

On-line via the link above

By post to Freepost RSGJ-CYZS-JUYA, Travellers site consultation, Communications, London Borough of Lewisham, Town Hall, Catford SE6 4RU

Following the consultation period a report will be presented to the Mayor and Cabinet in January 2012.

Ladywell Traveller Site proposal revived

2011-10-06T12:58:00.000+01:00

It seems that this proposal is very much alive and kicking - see http://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=5881. More to follow later today when I've clarified the position. In the meantime see lively debate on this at http://brockleycentral.blogspot.com/2011/10/consultation-announced-for-ladywell.html

Robert Sheppard

Where do you people think you live? Time to get real?

2011-10-04T20:14:00.000+01:00

Back in September 'Anonymous' commented as follows on this Blogspot - "bar/dining experience . . . art and antiques . . . Where do you people think you live . . . This is Lewisham . . . RIOTS, MUGGING . . . wake up . . . there is no Ladywell Village".

Interesting this, I think, and worth discussing. Is LVIG a bunch of self-delusionists? Are we wasting our time dedicating time and effort to caring for and improving our area? Maybe, maybe . . . or maybe not. I for one won't be deterred by one naysayer.

Robert Sheppard

Ladywell Streetscape improvements - fingers crossed until December!

2011-09-29T18:40:00.004+01:00

We’ve just heard that at the 14 September meeting of LB Lewisham's Mayor and Cabinet, the 'Local Implementation Plan' (the annual highways spending submission to Transport for London) for 2012/13 was agreed.

Within this, Council officers proposed that £450k be set aside for the Ladywell Streetscape Scheme in 2012/13 (with a further £300k to complete the project the following year). The overall LIP programme will be submitted to TfL on 7 October, and TfL will probably confirm by Christmas whether they are content with the programme.

In the meantime the design principles put forward by LVIG's design consultants are being developed into detailed proposals by Council transport officers with a view to public consultation in late 2011 or early 2012.

Robert Sheppard
(LVIG Deputy Secretary)

AGM tomorrow to be held in St.Mary's Church Crypt

2011-09-27T17:22:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow's LVIG Annual General Meeting will take place at 7.30pm tomorrow evening in the Crypt at St.Mary's Church, Ladywell (opposite the Ravensbourne Arms on Lewisham High Street). The Crypt can be accessed to the right of the main entrance.

We've a lot of interesting things to get through, including a session on neighbourhood planning (part of the Government's emerging 'localism' agenda) where we've got a knowledgable external speaker; we need to assemble a team to organise the Christmas Market; and we need also to elect a committee for the coming year.

Please do come!

Robert Sheppard

Planter bid loses out to youth projects

2011-09-23T12:07:00.002+01:00

At a well-attended meeting yesterday evening, the Ladywell Assembly chose the projects for funding from the 'Mayor's Fund' in 2011/12. The successful organisations, following a ballot of all present, were:

1st Montage Theatre Arts
2nd Youth Village
3rd= Lewisham Youth Theatre and Brockley Design Winter Festival
5th Lewisham Community Sports
6th Brockley Football Club

This was a worthy experiment in participatory budgeting but, regrettably, LVIG's bid (£6k to buy new planters) always looked likely to lose out, especially given the age profile of those present and voting.

Well done to the successful bidders!

Two key diary dates this month

2011-09-09T13:33:00.001+01:00

At 7.00pm on Thursday 22 September the Ladywell Assembly will meet at St.Andrew's Church on Brockley Road. This is the meeting at which bids to the Mayor's Fund will be presented and voted upon so WE NEED MAXIMUM TURNOUT TO SUPPORT OUR LVIG BID for £6,000 to provide 8 attractive and robust planters to replace the current ones which are now tatty and falling apart. These new planters have been chosen to compliment the streetscape improvements we're expecting the Council to start next Spring.
At 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 September, the following week, LVIG will hold its Annual General Meeting at which all seven Committee posts will be up for grabs. Please email ladywell.info@gmail.com for a nomination form. In addition we'll have a presentation on neighbourhood plans (part of the Government's 'localism' agenda) from a resident who was involved in one of the 'pilots' in Bermondsey, plus a discussion on the 2011 Ladywell Christmas Market and the need for 'new blood' to deliver this over the next few months.
Robert Sheppard

El's Kitchen is runner-up in Deli of the Year 2011 awards

2011-09-08T17:25:00.000+01:00

El's Kitchen in Ladywell was runner-up in these awards, the results of which were announced on 5 September. 400 delis were nominated nationally and 10,000 consumer votes cast, so to make it to the last three is an incredible feat, especially so soon after opening. Well done to Eleanor and the whole team - you're an asset to the area. For more see www.delioftheyear.co.uk/.

Ladywell Station ticket office longlisted for closure

2011-09-08T12:17:00.002+01:00

Ladywell ticket office may be closed if recommendations made to the Government get the go-ahead. 'The Telegraph' reports that "Sir Roy McNulty, who was called in to advise the Government how the rail industry could be more efficient, has recommended removing staff from 675 stations" and Ladywell, Crofton Park and St.Johns are all on the list. "The 'hit list' of stations was buried in the small print of the McNulty report, which was presented to Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, in May." See www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/8741943/One-in-four-railway-ticket-offices-faces-the-axe.html for more information. Closing ticket offices at less-used stations could help cut £1 billion a year from the industry's running costs.
Robert Sheppard

Mason's closes but no.46 to open soon

2011-08-23T12:19:00.000+01:00

I return from holiday to hear that Mason's Bar & Restaurant has closed. It seems that in difficult economic times the proprietor simply had to 'bite the bullet'. This is sad news for him and his family, and for Ladywell too, of course. Hopefully, in due course, some other operator will take on the lease and provide the sort of bar/dining experience much in demand in the Ladywell area.

It seems that the shop at 46 Ladywell Road will open shortly, though the new leaseholder is cagey about what the premises will offer. On 15 August he wrote on the Brockley Central blogspot "we took on the lease of no.46 at the start of the month and are currently working to get it ready. As you appreciate, it's been empty for several years and although the landlord has replastered, put new stairs to the basement, loo in the basement, etc., there is still lots to do. The interiors walls have been painted this weekend but there's still the woodwork to do, floor needs to be laid (purchased and being collected this Thursday), basement needs fitting out for storage, shop needs fitting out, front needs painting, shutters need to be installed . . . There's lots to do and we want to get it just right rather than get standard shopfitters in - so please be patient! I won't say yet what we will be selling but we think that it will fit in well in the area and although we'll be called Slater & King, we're not an estate agents or solicitors."

Robert Sheppard

A step forward for streetscape?

2011-07-21T13:12:00.000+01:00

A local resident who visited a council tent at Lewisham People’s Day has heard that work is progressing on proposed improvements in Ladywell. An engineer from the Wearside Rd depot explained that his colleagues, currently busy making improvements in Sydenham, are starting to model proposed changes to the Ladywell streetscape. Good news. Perhaps local councillors can confirm that the preparatory work is indeed progressing! Anybody else heard anything? TonyM

Planned July AGM postponed to Weds 28 September

2011-07-13T18:48:00.001+01:00

Please note that the Annual General Meeting planned for 20 July will now take place on Wednesday 28 September. We plan to have a full and interesting agenda with at least one external speaker!
Robert Sheppard, LVIG Deputy Secretary

New Day Nursery for Ladywell Village

2011-07-01T16:39:00.001+01:00

The Council's sale of 1 Slagrove Place (just behind the Ladywell Tavern) was reported on this Blogspot on 17 February. We now learn that it will reopen shortly as Cherubins Day Nursery and that there will be an Open Day on 10 July. You'll find more details at http://www.cherubinsdaynursery.co.uk/lewisham/.

Ladywell streetscape - let's keep up the pressure!

2011-06-27T13:22:00.000+01:00

Last Summer LVIG worked with landscape architects Shape and Council officers to develop proposals to make Ladywell Village a better place for local people by improving the roads and pavements - the ‘streetscape’.

LVIG is keen that the current layout, which prioritises the needs of traffic over those of people, changes and that Ladywell centre becomes an attractive place that works well for local people using the shops, catching a bus, going to the park or the station, sitting out to have a coffee or pint, or simply reaching their homes. LVIG wants to transform Ladywell Village using a range of measures tried successfully elsewhere, such as increasing pavement widths and narrowing carriageways; introducing raised pedestrian crossings at side road intersections; incorporating loading/short stay parking bays; planting new street trees in suitable locations; seating and cycle parking; and a safer cycle connection to Ladywell Fields. A scheme has been developed to bring this into effect. But making this happen is entirely dependent on funding from Transport for London (TfL). Each Autumn LB Lewisham, like all London boroughs, bids for TfL money for schemes like this. In 2010 Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock decided not to include the Ladywell scheme in the Lewisham bid for 2011/12 but made it very clear it would be the priority scheme for the 2012/13 bid.

LVIG will be reminding Mayor Bullock of this commitment come the Autumn and will be looking to Ward Councillors to redouble their efforts to make this scheme happen!

In the meantime . . . . LVIG has managed to get two new trees planted in Gillian Street (opp. the Ladywell Tavern) - and is now trying to get tree guards fitted! We will also be pressing the Council or Network Rail to replace the tree that has come down immediately infront of the Station. Furthermore we'll be bidding to the Ladywell Assembly for new, more robust planters to replace the wooden ones which are now starting to fall apart.

LVIG always knew the transformation of Ladywell wasn't going to happen overnight - but things are moving in the right direction with Oscar's, El's Kitchen, Masons and the Ladywell Tavern all positive examples of the area's revival. Now we've just got to keep the ball rolling!

1-5 Mercy Terrace, Ladywell - planning application

2011-06-15T13:57:00.002+01:00

A planning application has been submitted for this vacant site, r/o Rumbles sandwich bar. The application is described as "construction of a part two/part three storey building on the site of 1-5 Mercy Terrace SE13 comprising a ground floor commercial area (multi purpose hall for hire), 2 one bedroom and 1 two bedroom, self-contained flats, together with the provision of refuse and bicycle stores". The plans can be inspected at http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/LEWIS-XSLPagesDC/acolnetcgi.exe?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeDocs&TheSystemkey=63144

Your views are welcomed, here on this blog, to help LVIG determine whether this is something it would want to support or oppose. On the face of it a modest development on a vacant plot which has recently been a flytip sounds very positive, provided the design standards are high and the proposed use/mix of the development are appropriate.

The site in question is to the right of the photo below (which shows the rear of the Mercy Terrace properties as seen from the Ladywell bridge). The development site is behind the tumbledown brown fence infront of the silver van.

Parking zone extension proposed

2011-05-31T11:26:00.000+01:00

After lobbying by local residents, Lewisham council is to review the operation of the Ladywell controlled parking zone. At the recent Ladywell Assembly council officers said they would consult residents in October this year on extending the zone to include Embleton and Ermine roads and parts of Chudleigh and Ladywell roads (see map). The proposed extensions are shown in green. The existing Ladywell CPZ is in pink.
Parking permits for residents now cost £120 a year or £35 for three months. Some have argued that the zone, which operates throughout each working day, should be more limited in scope. Others want the zone to be extended quickly because it is already causing increased congestion in neighbouring streets such as Embleton Rd.

What's your view?

Mayor 'opens' Ladywell Fields

2011-05-28T15:55:00.000+01:00

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, today cut the tape and formally opened the 'Parklands' improvements in Ladywell Fields.

Will the DLR come to Ladywell?

2011-05-10T12:59:00.001+01:00

The Mayor of London and Transport for London are drawing up plans for the development of London’s transport network, including further extensions of the Docklands Light Railway system to the east and south east. A map of the possible extensions on the TfL website shows the line from Lewisham being extended south to Ladywell. Catford and Forest Hill. Clearly it is just an idea at the moment – there’s no detailed planning and no funding set aside. But it might just suggest that London’s planners are waking up to the potential of one of south east London’s hidden gems. Good news? What do you think?

Chicken tonight?

2011-05-04T18:17:00.001+01:00

A planning application has been submitted for a new shopfront and canopy for 222 Algernon Rd – the old off licence. The drawings, by Project Design Consultants, suggest the shop unit will indeed be turned into a cut-price fried chicken takeaway outlet named – wait for it – Chicken Delight! Does Ladywell really need this? Isn’t it time for Lewisham council to take a tougher approach to the proliferation of takeaway outlets on our high local streets?

Community efforts get Planters ready for Spring!

2011-03-28T19:02:00.000+01:00

Volunteers came out on Sunday to get the Ladywell Village planters ready for Spring. Many seem to think these are a Council responsibility, but they're not - these eight planters are stocked and maintained by you and I, the local community. Yesterday the planter outside the tattoo shop - which was vandalised in February - was repaired, refilled and restocked. The other planters were tidied up and a few other plants added. Over the next few months the plants should thicken up and more will bloom. Looking after the planters takes ongoing effort, however, and the lack of any easily accessible water supply is a problem, so our Ward Councillors have been enlisted to see if the Council might help find a solution. In the meantime please do feel free to wander along with a watering can!
Robert Sheppard

Sign LVIG's empty property petition

2011-03-14T13:10:00.000Z

Please click on http://lewisham-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/petitions/ladywell_village_improvement_group to sign our petition which reads: " We, the undersigned, petition the Council to take urgent, concerted and robust action (i) to compel and encourage the owners of vacant/unoccupied retail and residential premises in Ladywell Village to bring these back into use; and (ii) where a letting isn't possible for any reason, to keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair, especially where visible from the public highway (e.g. the especially prominent and poorly maintained empty flats above Coral bookmakers). We seek this in order conclusively to reverse the decline of Ladywell Village as a local retail centre and to foster a greater sense of local pride in the area, which the Council only last year designated as a Conservation Area."

'The Ravensbourne Arms' to open this Summer

2011-03-12T11:33:00.000Z

We hear that the Former 'Coach and Horses' at 323 Lewisham High Street (opposite St.Mary's Church) is to open this Summer as 'The Ravensbourne Arms'. It seems it has been acquired and is being refurbished by the Antic Group (http://www.antic-ltd.com/) who run Jam Circus on Brockley Road.

Fi Collett, Antic's Events Manager, tells me "we are more than proud of the 6 Cask Marques that we currently hold and we hope to increase that to every pub in the group - but as I’m sure you are aware, they are not handed out lightly! We stock 3-4 regular and guest ales and will soon be starting our own brewery so that we can also add our own stock to that list. Children are more than welcome in our pubs until 8pm (although exact times vary - it is down to the manager) and we encourage young mums in the early afternoon with great coffee and light lunches. I am afraid I don’t know yet if that will apply to the Ravensbourne Arms as we haven’t yet worked out the need for lunchtime opening in Lewisham!"

Sounds like good news all round. Watch this space for info on opening date.

Empty Property and Playtower update for our 16 March meeting

2011-03-08T22:26:00.001Z

There's still a nip in the air but the bulbs are coming out, so LVIG reckons Spring is here. The last few months have been busy ones in Ladywell so we've arranged for some exciting events and talks for March. We very much hope you can join us at one (or both!) of the following:

A public meeting on Wednesday 16 March at the tank gallery - http://tankgallery.weebly.com/ - at the rear of the Ladywell Tavern from 7.30pm. There's level/wheelchair access via Slagrove Place, to the side of the Tavern. We'll be joined at the meeting by Lewisham Council's Empty Property Officer, Nick Long. Empty properties are one of LVIG's key areas of interest and we are very much looking forward to hearing from Nick. We have also arranged for potential trustees of the Playtower to come and tell us the latest about their work - so all in, the meeting should be a really interesting one.

Our second event for March is one which has proved very popular and great fun in the past - we'll be donning our gardening gloves for a Community Planting Day to spruce up the planters. We are still in the midst of organising it but it will be held on Sunday 27 March and we'll have more details soon, but save the date in your diary.

Residents want CPZ extended

2011-03-03T18:05:00.000Z

Local residents have urged the council to extend the Ladywell controlled parking zone to cover Embleton Road which they say is now suffering increased congestion. A petition calling on the council to reconsider the road’s exclusion from the local CPZ implemented last year was presented to this week’s full council meeting. Residents who helped organise the petition said the road had been left “to bear the brunt of commuter parking” and was now heavily congested during weekdays. When the consultation on the CPZ was first undertaken residents voted not to be included. But some now say they did not realise the implications of being excluded from the parking zone and want the council to look at it again.

Ladywell Fields progress

2011-03-02T14:39:00.000Z

Many of you are, doubtless, users of Ladywell Fields and will have been following with interest progress on the 'Parklands' improvements to Ladywell Fields, now scheduled for completion this April. For recent photos (some of variable quality - apologies!), or to become a friend of Ladywell Fields on Facebook, see www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48838&id=100001380559134&l=7979cffe22. A lot has been achieved in a short time and there's a lot of bare soil at present, but this should green-up naturally from now through to the Summer.
Robert Sheppard

Mmm . . . Morley's is coming

2011-02-18T16:49:00.000Z

LVIG understands Morley's is about to take over the old off licence (drinks store) on Algernon Rd. Famous for its cut-price takeaway fried chicken, Morley’s will definitely be a big hit with school kids in the area. But does Ladywell need it? Fried chicken is the fastest growing of all fast foods, with outlets springing up all over the place. It’s cheap and cheerful but hazardously rich in fats and salts – not great for a healthy diet. Ladywell also has at least four takeaway outlets already in addition to a few other eateries. Some councils are imposing penalties on new takeaways in a bid to stop them taking over local high streets. So far Lewisham has let the market decide. But should it take a tougher approach to planning applications for takeaways so it can do more to protect the character of an area? What do you think?

Rising from the ruins

2011-02-18T11:59:00.000Z

It's taking shape. No.46 Ladywell Road, long an eyesore on the high street, is beginning to look like a decent shop unit again.
After a prolonged campaign by LVIG and sustained pressure from Lewisham council the old Nightwatch was sold to new owners who are turning it into two small flats and a shop unit. Work should be completed some time in the spring.
All we need now is a sustainable business to take over the premises! What kind of shop would you like to see in the high street?

Going, going, gone - 1 Slagrove Place is sold!

2011-02-17T14:34:00.000Z

1 Slagrove Place, the former lodge and stables of St. Olave's Workhouse - located just behind the Ladywell Tavern facing the open space and playground - was sold today at auction for £730,000. The guide price was only £450,000 but two bidders were clearly keen to get their hands on the buildings. The buildings were most recently a Council training centre. For more on the Workhouse's history see www.ideal-homes.org.uk/lewisham/assets/galleries/ladywell/bermondsey-union-workhouse

Campaign on eyesore buildings hots up

2011-02-11T12:43:00.000Z

Ladywell Village has plenty of interesting architecture, which has recently earned it Conservation Area status, but many of the once proud buildings are now left empty, are poorly maintained or spoilt by unsympathetic shopfronts and awnings, illuminated box signs etc. There are few examples worse than the flats above Coral bookmakers which are highly visible, unoccupied and in a poor state of repair. The Council's Empty Property Officer is on the case, but so far he's been unable to make much progress. However, neither he nor LVIG are prepared to give up this battle. Watch this space for more on this in the coming months.

Next LVIG Public Meeting and Planting Day

2011-02-10T21:31:00.003Z

The next LVIG public meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Weds 16 March, probably at the St.Mary's Centre as usual. We'll have two interesting speakers - one, James Jennings, a trustee of the newly constituted Playtower Building Preservation Trust, and the other Nick Long, the Council's Empty Homes Officer. Full details and meeting agenda will be published on this blogspot shortly.

A volunteer planting day will take place on Sunday 27 March (again details to follow) so get the date in your diary if you're able to help replace the soil/compost in the Ladywell planters and plant-up. Horticultural advice welcomed in advance of this! Last year the planters really suffered during the hot summer despite quite regular watering in most cases. We hope to do better this year by finding easier access to a water source.

Assembly time! Big decisions to be made on Mayor’s fund

2011-01-27T13:19:00.000Z

The next Ladywell Assembly is coming up on Wednesday February 9 – don’t miss it! Publicity will be circulated by the council very soon. Top of the agenda will be a discussion on the Mayor’s fund, which is allocated to the ward each year and used to promote local priorities. There is £25,000 available for 2010-11, and a further £18,750 for 2011-12. Local groups can bid for the funds which can be used for one-off projects or schemes that can show they will be self financing. So what should it be used for? Any ideas? Trees, a Ladywell sculpture, a community shop, a summer event . . . The decision is down to Ladywell residents. So make sure you are there!
There are also likely to be assembly discussions on empty shops in the area and Ladywell’s controlled parking zone. Tony Major

Ward priorities (agreed at the last assembly in November):
Environment and landscape
Anti-social behaviour and crime
Local shops
Lack of youth and community facilities
Traffic

Council pulls the plug on community garden

2011-01-27T07:54:00.001Z

Community garden hopes dashed

Lewisham council has, in a complete reversal of its position last Autumn, withdrawn its support for a community garden on the former Watergate School site at the end of Church Grove, Ladywell.

Having encouraged locals to make use of the site on a short lease, the council has now backed out. It seems that whilst officers in one part of the Council were supportive of the garden idea, others had earmarked the site to build a school annexe in 2012 and were concerned that it might be difficult to take back the land at the end of 2011 once it had become a thriving and popular community garden.

Whilst residents cautiously welcome a return to education use, they do feel they've rather been led down the garden path and wonder whether some more joined-up thinking is needed at Lewisham council?

Christmas in Ladywell

2010-12-16T15:42:00.000Z

The pictures!!! . . . .
Christmas Market December 11 2010

And a Merry Christmas from LVIG

Councillor says streetscape funds are secure

2010-11-24T21:33:00.000Z

UPDATE: Cllr Vincent Davis has told LVIG that he believes funding for the streetscape improvements along Ladywell Road “remains in tact”. He told a LVIG meeting on Tuesday (November 23) that the funding Lewisham council receives from Transport for London for such schemes would undoubtedly be cut over the next three years. But he insisted funds allocated for the Ladywell improvements in 2012-13 (£500k) and 2013-14 (£260k) were safe. LVIG certainly hopes so and will be working to ensure the full implementation of the scheme. LVIG plans to hold a further public meeting to explain the benefits of the streetscape action plan early next year. TonyM

Conservation plan for the Play Tower

2010-11-24T21:27:00.000Z

What next for the tower?

The Council has let a contract to consultants for a Conservation Management Plan to be carried out on the Play Tower in Ladywell Road. This will provide up to date information on the state of the building and set out options for its reuse. The Council is also in the process of letting contracts for some structural work to the building. The start of both of these has been delayed due to the need to clear all bio-hazards and all other waste materials and collapsed tower sections from the site to enable full access to the building. The Council has said the works will start in January and last three months.

In the meantime, a charitable trust is being formed by four organisations interested in taking over the building and securing funding for its refurbishment. They are three voluntary sector umbrella organisations active in the borough and a local church that would use the building to deliver community projects. Currently legal documents are being drawn up for approval prior to submission to the Charities Commission. Once the trust has been set up the intention is to promote it among the wider community as part of a consultation on the future use of the building. TonyR

Assembly says environment is top priority

2010-11-19T13:42:00.000Z

The Ladywell Local Assembly, set up to give local people a say in shaping the future of their neighbourhood, has decided the top priority for the ward should be improving the local environment and landscape. At a meeting on November 16, local people also agreed that anti-social behaviour and crime; local shops; lack of youth and community facilities; and traffic were top concerns in the area.

The meeting voted to use £12,000 of Localities Fund cash to support five projects. These were: Lewisham Youth Theatre workshops with young people (£2,965); Brockley Max 2011 art in the park (£3,000); Lewisham Community Sports training plans (£2,000); Foxborough Gardens TRA plans for a dog walking area (£3,000); and Teachsport UK’s obesity prevention programme (£2,000 approx).

What do you think the assembly should be focusing on? Do you know of local projects that will benefit the community and are in need of funding?
The next assembly will be February 11 2011. TonyM

LVIG meeting - don't miss it!

2010-11-17T23:33:00.000Z

The Ladywell Village Improvement Group is holding a meeting at the St Mary's Centre, Ladywell Road, on Tuesday November 23 at 7.30pm. Come along and hear more about this year's Ladywell Christmas Market, get an update on the streetscape plans, help organise a tree sponsorship campaign in the high street, meet our local councillors and find out the latest on the Playtower. Everybody is welcome. Don't miss it.

Congestion and the CPZ

2010-10-26T14:54:00.000+01:00

No parking!

Embleton Road residents are up in arms over the congestion now being caused by the Ladywell Controlled Parking Zone. In last year's consultation by the council, Embleton residents voted No to the CPZ while several neighbouring streets voted Yes. Now the CPZ is being implemented the result is clear - Embleton is bearing the brunt of commuter parking in the area. Residents have been resorting to wheelie bins in a futile attempt to keep the commuters at bay. But now a group of residents have decided to launch a petition urging the council to implement the CPZ in Embleton Rd as soon as possible. I'm told the council can review the working of the CPZ within six months to a year. But after last year's No vote residents will have to show a clear majority now in favour. TonyM

Peacock plans expansion

2010-10-15T13:15:00.002+01:00

The owners of Peacock Food & Wine are seeking planning permission to combine No 101 Ladywell Rd, the former Rosa Parks hairdressers, and their existing shop at No 103 into one unit. The owners want to increase floorspace to make the business more viable. Their plans include breaking through the dividing wall, adding an extension and changing the shop fronts. The plans can be found on Lewisham’s planning portal (Ref no: DC/10/75446 - Sorry! the link seems very slow). Peacocks’ decision to expand their business looks like a vote of confidence in Ladywell. With El’s Kitchen opening in November and a refurbished shop unit at No 46 due to be completed in the New Year, Ladywell’s revival might be about to get another nudge forward. Tony Major

Countdown to Christmas market

2010-10-14T13:05:00.000+01:00

After the tremendous success of previous years, Ladywell Village Improvement Group (LVIG) will stage its third Christmas Market on Saturday 11th December 2010 at Railway Terrace, Ladywell. As well as offering the best in seasonal produce, unique gifts, arts and crafts and home made tasty treats, we will be keeping the crowds entertained with carols sung by local choirs and a special guest to switch on the Christmas tree lights.
If you are interested in taking in taking a stall at this years market please get in touch soon as they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. The cost of a pitch at the market is £50 for a covered stall. Stalls measure 7ft x 3ft table with 7ft x 7ft canopy. For traders who have their own public liability insurance we can offer a discounted rate of £40 per stall. Stall fees are payable on booking. If you would like to get involved with the event in other ways we will be looking for volunteers to deliver leaflets in the local area or to be a marshall on the day. Any help you can offer this community event will be much appreciated.
For more information about any aspect of the Christmas Market please email us at ladywell.info@googlemail.com or call Alex on 07748090107

Finally! No 46 gets a facelift

2010-10-08T09:06:00.002+01:00

It can only get better

UPDATE - After a long running campaign by LVIG, No 46 Ladywell Rd - better known as Nightwatch - is finally being refurbished. The shop unit and flat, long an eyesore on the high street after it was abandoned to foxes and pigeons by its previous owners for more than 15 years, is being converted into a shop unit and two small flats. The work, which started this week, is expected to be completed by the New Year. TonyM

Streetscape improvements face uncertain future

2010-10-07T13:25:00.005+01:00

Mayor Sir Steve Bullock and his cabinet decided on Tuesday that funding would not be made available next year for the Ladywell Streetscape project but it would be Lewisham council’s “next major scheme”.
In the discussions on transport strategy in the borough (the LIP - Local Implementation Plan) and use of available Transport for London Funding, the Mayor and his cabinet decided Lewisham had little room for manoeuvre.
Deputy Mayor Cllr. Alan Smith argued Lewisham’s two largest transport schemes - Surrey Canal Road underpasses (£500k) and Sydenham High Street (£600k) - were already in train and that the council was already to some extent committed to them. Ladywell would therefore have to wait its turn.
But as Cllr. Smith emphasised at the meeting, beyond next year, the three-year LIP submission is "aspirational", reflecting the uncertainties in public sector funding because of central government spending cuts.
So where does that leave Ladywell?
Under the proposals, Ladywell’s project is set to be covered by £500k in 2012-13 and £260k in 2013-14. But we now know that none of this funding can be guaranteed given the 20-25% budget cuts most public bodies will face.
It is therefore vital that LVIG and the local community keep up pressure on the council to implement the streetscape action plan and revive our neighbourhood. Feasibility work on the plan will take place next year as scheduled.
LVIG collected 407 signatures in support of its streetscape plans. Along with some intensive lobbying, we made sure the case for the scheme was acknowledged and understood by councillors.
As a result the mayor welcomed the constructive approach taken by LVIG and secured cabinet consensus on the Ladywell project being the council’s “next major scheme.”
We will now have to keep up the campaigning to ensure that the Mayor and his cabinet stick to their commitments.

Village Christmas market

2010-10-06T12:28:00.000+01:00

Ladywell Village Improvement Group (LVIG) is organising a Christmas market in Ladywell Village again this year on Saturday December 11 (10.00am-4.00pm). The market aims to promote the benefits of shopping locally in Ladywell Village, supporting local businesses and the activities of LVIG. Come and join in the festive fun. You will find more than the usual Christmas cheer at your market, with the sights and sounds of a traditional Christmas fair offering the best in seasonal produce, presents and treats for everyone.
Need presents for friends or family? Or perhaps a treat for yourself? Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find great gifts, arts and crafts, home-made tasty puddings, finest cheeses and charcuterie, seasonal fruit and vegetables, mulled wine and mince pies to warm you up. And it will be more than a market. We'll keep everyone entertained. Carols will be sung by local choirs and we will be joined by a local celebrity at 2.00pm to switch on the Christmas tree lights
Cynthia Lamptey – Secretary (LVIG), Events team co-ordinator - 07977997332

Be streetwise - back the plan!

2010-09-21T14:15:00.005+01:00

The Ladywell Streetscape Action Plan aims to revive the High Street and act as a catalyst for further improvements to the neighbourhood. It aims to promote the interests of pedestrians and cyclists as well as drivers, create a commercial area that caters for the needs of business owners, shoppers, children and those with disabilities, and improve the environmental quality and economic viability of the area. The plan, which has the overwhelming backing of local residents, councillors and shop owners, is now under discussion by the council for inclusion in its transport plans for next year. Your support can help make it happen. See a copy of the Ladywell Report. Click here Be patient the link is a bit slow!

Sign the petition online at http://lewisham-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/petitions/mr_r_p_sheppard_1 or in one of your local shops!!

It's important. The council will take its final decision at the end of September.

Here are 10 reasons why you should support LVIG’s streetscape action plan:

It aims to make the street an attractive and safe place for people of all ages and abilities.
It will help improve the quality of the street, boosting trade and encouraging investment in local businesses
It caters for the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers and users of public transport
It will create wider pavements and parking/loading bays for shop deliveries and shoppers
Wider pavements will offer more seating for local people
It will reduce traffic speeds by narrowing the road and creating a raised “table” at the main junction
Reduced traffic speeds will cut noise and improve safety and air quality
It will introduce more trees and better street signage and furniture
It will improve the strategic Waterlink Way cycle route by providing a proper connection
across Ladywell Rd
Above all it will encourage local residents to walk to the shops and local schools rather than drive, generating health and environmental benefits for the whole community. TonyM

Our say! Is it?

2010-09-07T13:27:00.000+01:00

Ladywell had its say – but in a rather unsatisfactory way!
The Ladywell Assembly spent over an hour discussing council spending and the services that might have to be cut. As we know Lewisham believes it will have to reduce its spending by around £60m over three years. The cuts will have to be made across a range of services – sport and leisure services, libraries, social care, highways, parks . . . you name it. But in the absence of clear guidance by councillors and officers it was difficult for residents to assess the potential impact of the cuts they might consider. The assembly was given the task of looking at three areas – town centres and businesses (budget £15m); activities for young people (budget £6m); and sport and leisure (budget £6m). We were asked to think about whether people should pay more for sports and leisure centres; whether the number of youth clubs available in the borough should be cut; and whether private business could be asked to sponsor facilities or services. Where do you begin? Do we suggest getting rid of the Business Advisory Service and Town Centre Managers because Lewisham can no longer afford them even though they might arguably contribute to reviving the local economy? Do we shut down youth centres and let the kids roam the streets potentially causing even more costly social problems? Do we close swimming pools because frankly they are expensive to run or do we suggest charging a market price that is likely to deter most users? Some or all of these things might happen. It will be difficult for Lewisham to cut £60m without losing services that lots of people depend on. But without more information on the potential savings and consequences of any proposals I for one thought it a big ask of residents. I’m all for consultation but its incumbent on council officers to make clear what the options are (with details of potential savings) and what the fallout will be. It is difficult to make an informed decision without these. If you were at the assembly let me know what you thought? Tony Major

School plans approved

2010-09-03T15:09:00.004+01:00

Lewisham’s planning committee has given the go-ahead for the rebuilding of Gordonbrock School and the redevelopment of Prendergast School’s Adelaide Ave site. Work on rebuilding the 109-year-old Gordonbrock primary will now start early next year with the school decanting to another site, Greenvale, in January.
The Gordonbrock application had been hotly contested by the Brockley Society which argued the old buildings should be refurbished as they add character to the area. But the society,which successfully delayed building work earlier this year after being granted a court injunction, has now made clear it will not make a further attempt to derail the plans.
Two of Gordonbrock’s four Edwardian buildings will now be demolished and replaced with something a little more modern. The new buildings should have bigger classrooms, better facilities and indoor toilets. But after representations by BrocSoc, efforts will be made to preserve “interesting parts” of the old buildings.
The Prendergast plans will include redevelopment of the Adelaide Ave site, refurbishment work at the Hilly Fields site and a two-storey temporary building for classrooms while the work goes on.
Worth a look: http://www.appliedworks.co.uk/blog/rebuilding-gordonbrock-school/
http://www.savegordonbrock.com/
Tony Major

Is it a Tesco, a Co-op - or just rumour?

2010-09-02T14:29:00.002+01:00

Rumours are rife that a supermarket chain is looking to set up shop in Ladywell’s high street. It seems the renewed bout of speculation has been triggered by the application for an extension of planning permission on the site at the corner of Malyons Rd-Ladywell Rd. People have “been told” or “have heard” that a franchised Costcutter or Tesco Express . . . perhaps a Co-op outlet is planned. At the moment LVIG has no idea what is going on although we are seeking clarification from people in the corridors of power. What we do know is that the owners of the site are seeking a renewal of planning permission for the construction of a four storey block plus basement that would include nine flats plus a maisonette and a ground floor retail unit (see illustration).
But the owner of the site may have problems. The Ladywell Society tells me that under new London planning laws any new residential block of 10 or more units must include affordable housing. It is not clear that the proposed development does. The society also points out that the proposed building is higher than any other in Ladywell Rd and is to be built up to the pavement rather than in line with adjacent buildings – the cottages and the Tavern. It has objected to the application. No date has yet been set for a committee hearing on the planning application.
But what if a supermarket chain did move into the high street? Would you be opposed to it because it could threaten independent retailers and may lead to more empty shops? Or would you welcome it as a sign of Ladywell’s revival? Tell LVIG what you think. Add a comment Tony Major

Progress in the park

2010-09-01T08:22:00.002+01:00

Work on the Parklands project which will bring about major improvements to the middle and southern parts of Ladywell Fields (from the end of Malyons Rd right down to Catford), has started. The £1.2m project, funded by LDA/Thames Gateway, will involve river renaturalisation, landscaping works and extensive tree planting and will provide new riverside features, play facilities, an event space, some new pathways and bridges, refurbished tennis courts and better signage. See the up to date master plan on the council's website and pictures of the work so far at the Ladywell Fields User Group Facebook page

Construction of the new adventure playground is also progressing. This should be fully up and running by the autumn. Robert Sheppard

They're back!

2010-08-27T12:43:00.003+01:00

UPDATE - Thanks to a bit of community lobbying and the help of local councillors the lights at the crossing are finally back on.

Hopefully the next time the lights have to be switched off for roadworks TfL will alert people, provide an explanation and make sure residents are not without a safe crossing for two weeks.

Sign of the times

2010-08-27T08:29:00.000+01:00

The government is urging councils to get rid of unnecessary signs, railings and advertising hoardings in an effort to make our streets tidier and safer. LVIG will raise a glass to that. It lobbied strongly to get rid of sections of guardrailings along the high street and, as part of its proposed streetscape action plan, wants to see signage rationalised and street clutter removed. But the action plan is about more than just reducing street clutter. The plan will make the high street a more attractive place and a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. It is no longer enough for our streets to be focused on the needs of car drivers!

Pedestrians be damned

2010-08-26T11:23:00.000+01:00

UPDATE - I am told the Ladywell traffic lights were indeed switched off to reduce traffic queues in Ladywell Rd while work was carried out at the end of Chudleigh Rd, with the help of a temporary set of lights. Traffic flows matter of course! But after almost two weeks out of action there is, to say the least, concern in Lewisham's corridors of power that matters may be getting out of hand. It seems that attention has now been drawn to the fact that residents' safety is being put at risk each day the lights are switched off - and that this might not be a good thing. I'm told hurried calls are now being made to TfL to see if the lights can be switched back on - ASAP. TonyM

Who's chicken?

2010-08-23T22:37:00.002+01:00

So for how much longer are the residents of Ladywell expected to play a risky game of chicken each time they want to cross

Ladywell Rd.

The traffic lights at the crossing have now been out of action for a week and there seems little sign of them being switched back on any time soon. I was crossing on Saturday and a driver slowed down and then inexplicably stepped on the accelerator as I reached the middle of the road. Thanks. So what’s going on? I can’t help feeling someone in Transport for London has decided that because of the temporary lights at the end of

Chudleigh Rd

, where road works are taking place, the Ladywell crossing lights should be disabled in order not to slow down traffic during the day. I mean, it just wouldn’t do to make drivers stop twice in a 200 metre stretch of road would it?. Imagine the chaos. But what about residents dashing to catch the morning trains? TonyM

Cuts, cuts and more cuts

2010-08-21T16:39:00.011+01:00

Big reductions in government funding will mean Lewisham council has to cut spending by £60m over the next three years. That's a huge chunk of funding. The council has stressed that this level of saving cannot be achieved by simply cutting out waste and becoming more efficient. It will involve big changes to the more than 700 services the council provides - everything from schools to pest control. It will mean raising charges for many and abandoning others altogether. Councils across the country are already reducing jobs, and cutting spending on school meals, meals on wheels services, the arts and leisure centres.

What should Lewisham do? For example, the council spends £113m a year on providing social care for adults because of age, ill-health or disability. It's likely that budget will have to be cut. Should the council simply reduce the number of people receiving these services?

Lewisham is running a consultation programme - Our Lewisham, Our Say - from July to October, seeking the views of residents on how the council might meet the challenges it faces.

On September 6 the Ladywell Assembly will be holding a special session on the spending cuts. Cuts on the scale envisaged could dramatically affect our neighbourhood, especially if they lead to higher unemployment and stop all funding for the sorts of improvements Ladywell needs. Make your voice heard TonyM

Ladywell Assembly.
Monday 6 September 7-9pm
St Andrews Church Hall
Brockley Rd SE4 2SA
What do you think the council should do to reduce its spending?

What railings?

2010-08-21T15:34:00.000+01:00

You may not have noticed but sections of the guardrailings along Ladywell Road have been removed - courtesy of Lewisham council. Below the first guarded responses from a random survey of customers at Oscars cafe.

John: "I hadn't noticed."

Paul: "I use the high street all the time, usually accompanied by my three young children. Initially I thought removing the railings would make it more dangerous. But that's not the case. The street seems safe and it looks a lot better."

Simon: "I didn't think it would make much diffference - but its great! It opens the place up."

Shirley: "I'm not sure. I think the road is a bit dangerous."

Hal: "I'm agnostic. Let's see."

What do you think? Let's hear your views.

So farewell . . .

2010-08-21T15:21:00.001+01:00

A great Ladywell landmark is no more! The Adhesives Specialities building has finally bitten the dust. The demolition squad move in - and completed its work in double quick time. One can't help feeling the developer was in a bit hurry because community efforts to save the building were gathering pace. Its disappearance is a great pity! It may have been pastiche Art Deco from the 1980s (hence no listing) but it added a bit of colour - even flamboyance - to the neighbourhood. What will we get in its place? More boxy, characterless flats? TonyM

Join us for our AGM - 21 July, 7.30pm, St Mary's Centre

2010-07-13T10:28:00.002+01:00

It's that time of year again - LVIG would like to welcome everyone to our Annual General Meeting where, in addition to an update on our recent work, we'll be voting in officers for the coming year.

It's on Wednesday 21 July at 7.30pm in the St.Mary's Centre, Ladywell Road, London SE13.

LVIG welcomes new blood to the Committee! If you are interested in standing for election to one of the officer posts (we currently have seven Committee members and try to spread the work between us), please e-mail ladywell.info@gmail.com for a nomination form. We know there are a huge number of people with the right skills and experience in Ladywell - from creatives to accountants, perhaps you'd like to be on the press and communications side, or maybe as Treasurer, or you'd like to offer your informal help with events?

Completed nomination forms must be received at 120 Algernon Road, London SE13 7AW or

emailed to ladywell.info@gmail.com by no later than midday on Monday 19 July 2010.

An agenda for the meeting will be posted here shortly....and soon you'll see our latest newsletter drop through your door.

And finally, a plea from us all to help water the planters in the village. While some are thriving thanks to frequent watering from residents and businesses, others are not looking so good. We invite you to be as green as possible - why not bring your bathwater down in a watering can?! One LVIG committee member did!

Your Assembly: what's important to you for 2010/2011?

2010-06-04T21:10:00.002+01:00

We've been contacted by Lewisham Council, seeking views on the local area assembly priorities for Ladywell. It's an important time of year as local residents put forward ideas for spending, plus topics and areas which need addressing.

Ladywell's current agreed priorities are:

Local shops
Playtower
Streetscape and environment
Lack of youth and community facilities
Anti social behaviour and crime

The Council has produced a survey to find out how these may still fit with local feeling, and you can find it here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ladywellpriorities

For the full story and details of how to contact the Council, click on 'comments' below

Want to see improvements to the streetscape in Ladywell? Come and give your views...

2010-05-15T10:11:00.005+01:00

LVIG has commissioned designers to look at possible improvements that could be made to the streetscape in Ladywell Village. After a first consultation with the local community at Ladywell train station earlier this month, the designers have produced an initial set of proposals. We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions for how the streetscape in Ladywell can be improved, as well as your thoughts on these initial ideas.

Ladywell Village existing roads and pavement layout:

LVIG is holding a further consultation in Ladywell Fields on Sunday 16 May from 10am-1.30pm, outside the café in the northern field. We'd welcome your feedback at this event and the designers will be on hand to discuss your ideas and thoughts on the initial proposals.

Ladywell Village possible new road and crossing layout A:

Ladywell Village possible new road and crossing layout B:

LVIG will be holding further public consultations over next couple of months as the project develops. We'll keep you informed of the dates and locations of these, though if you are unable to attend and wish to have your say, please leave your comments and suggestions on this blog or email ladywell.info@googlemail.com

And the winner is....

2010-04-23T17:04:00.000+01:00

Question Time came to Ladywell on Wednesday 21 April, courtesy of LVIG.

The five parties contesting the ward - Labour, LibDems, Greens, Conservatives and People Before Profit - put up candidates and representatives to be quizzed by members of the local community in St Mary's Centre on Ladywell Road.

With LVIG chair Tony Major offering a passable - though slimmer - imitation of David Dimbleby, the evening provided the parties and people of Ladywell a chance to discuss the issues that matter to them.

Questions covered housing, schools, derelict properties, support for local businesses, planning, the conservation area, local assemblies, the role of Lewisham's elected Mayor and, yes, even your bin collection.

The party reps - Michael Rutheford (Conservatives), Max Calo (LibDems), Vincent Davis (Labour), Helen Mercer (People Before Profit) and Sue Luxton (Green) - battled over policy differences and sought to promote their priorities for Ladywell.

For Sue there was a clear democratic deficit in the borough because of the power of the Mayor, while for Helen it was big business and Portakabins in our schools that should be the focus of our anger. Michael insisted we should have the right to elect a police chief, while Max supported community ownership of the PlayTower. Vincent defended Labour’s record in the borough and the role of local assemblies.

Points were scored and lines were muffed, but all the candidates favoured the modernisation of Gordonbrock school, now delayed by an injunction from Brockley Society, and backed a brown bin “kitchen waste” service in the borough. These were rare moments of agreement.

The winner.....was LVIG, for arranging the hustings and for putting itself at the centre of the debate on the issue that matter to the people and businesses in the neighbourhood.

Ladywell's very own Question Time - come and meet your council candidates

2010-04-19T12:43:00.002+01:00

Do you want to know what each political party has in store for Ladywell ward?

LVIG has arranged for candidates from the Conservative, 'Community Need before Private Greed', Green, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties to come and be quizzed by Ladywell's residents.

The event is open to all and will begin at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 April at

the St.Mary's Centre on Ladywell Road, SE13.

Please note - if you are attending and have a question you'd like to ask, please register it by midday on Tuesday 20 April, along with your full name and address, by e-mailing ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk. Priority will be given, on the night, to questions submitted in advance and we will try to fit as many questions in as time allows.

Think you know everything there is to know about Ladywell?

2010-03-19T11:09:00.000Z

Come and prove it at the Ladywell Quiz!

8pm Tuesday 30th March @ The Ladywell Tavern

Help raise funds for LVIG

Round up your neighbours, tell all your friends...

Ladywell businesses among finest in Borough

2010-03-03T14:27:00.000Z

We are delighted that three Ladywell businesses have been shortlisted for the borough's business awards. Congratulations go to Geddes (best new company), Masons Catering (growth business of the year) and the Ladywell Tavern (best pub) for making it so far through the process and we will all be rooting for you at the awards ceremony on 11 March. Whatever the result, each has made a huge contribution to our local area and deserve our long term support!

Full details and listing of all shortlisted businesses can be found here: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/Business/BusinessAwards

What a wonderful Christmas market!

2010-02-15T18:21:00.001Z

World Championship silver medal-winning athlete, Conrad Williams, with LVIG members, officially open the 2nd Ladywell Christmas market

Conrad Williams visits the LVIG fundraising stall

Stallholder Darrell Morris hides behind his photographic prints

LVIG member gets a free bike health check from Dr Bike

Conrad Williams signs autographs for fans

El's Kitchen delicatessen stall

Whitegates Farm do a roaring trade in locally-grown fruit and veg

Generous contributions from local businesses and LVIG members helped raise funds to improve the environment in Ladywell Village

Christmas tree clogging up your hallway?

2010-01-04T12:51:00.000Z

Now that we're in January 2010, you may be wondering what to do with all your Christmas and New Year 'extras'. Well, Lewisham Council has the answer. Click on comments for a full run down of where to recycle everything from your tree to paper chains...

What do you think? Conservation area consultation launched

2009-12-18T09:41:00.001Z

Lewisham Council has this week launched a consultation into creating a new Ladywell Conservation Area. In essence, it includes the Station and most of the Victorian housing streets, as well as seeking comment on inclusion of Ladywell Road and the shops. As you may know, much of our surrounding area, including Brockley and the north side of Hilly Fields, already lies within its own conservation area, brought in after a similar consultation in order to preserve the historic fabric and character of the neighbourhood.

LVIG will be preparing a response as a group but we do urge everyone to read the consultation leaflet you should have had through your door, as well as the surveys published here: www.lewisham.gov.uk/ladywellconservationarea .

The survey document and historical details are fascinating and worth a read on their own!

The Council are holding a special workshop and exhibition which will be well worth a visit, on Saturday 9 January 2010, 12noon-3pm, at Lewisham Library. The consultation itself closes later in January, so you have time to read all the documents and give them your considered view. Full details of how to respond are on the leaflet and website.

Ladywell Walking Tour leaflet needs your vote now!

2009-11-19T06:39:00.000Z

Please support the joint LVIG/Ladywell Society bid for Localities Funding to produce a leaflet illustrating a history/built environment walk through Ladywell.
There is an online poll available at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=501RcwjpvXGoYpkhR6eIBQ_3d_3d where you can vote on the proposals competing for a share of the £10k available.
Our proposal is entitled: Ladywell Walking Tour leaflet and every vote counts!

Ladywell Christmas Market - Saturday 12th December

2009-11-17T23:04:00.002Z

Hope to see you there!

There are still a few stalls available for budding crafters, cakebakers, chocolatiers, dressmakers, caterers etc. Email ladywell.info@gmail.com to get more information and booking form.

Minutes of Ordinary Committee Meeting - September 2009

2009-11-17T22:48:00.000Z

Please click on the "comments" below to read the minutes from the meeting.

Local residents come together to support LVIG events

2009-10-13T23:01:00.002+01:00

A big thank you to all who turned out in force this weekend to support LVIG's Christmas Market benefit gig and Big Bulb Plant events.

The Ladywell Tavern was packed with people who came out to boogie along to the Grey Cats and help raise funds for the Ladywell Christmas Market. It was a fun evening and those that missed it will get another chance to experience the talents of these local musicians, as the band will be rocking the Village again on the night of this year’s Christmas market.

On Sunday afternoon local residents braved the autumnal drizzle to help get new plants and bulbs into the planters and baskets on Ladywell and Algernon Roads. The group planted sixty tulip bulbs, twenty daffodils and a host of new plants to give the planters and baskets colour and vigour over the winter and through to next spring. A tremendous effort was made to keep the locality looking vibrant through the months to come.

Please help us to keep the planters and baskets looking good by removing litter and encouraging local shops and businesses to keep them watered during dry periods.

Join us for the Christmas Market benefit gig

2009-09-29T09:21:00.006+01:00

LVIG will be holding a benefit gig at the Ladywell Tavern on Saturday 10th October to raise funds towards the costs of the Ladywell Christmas Market.

For your entertainment and enjoyment, live music is provided courtesy of local band The Grey Cats (including an LVIG committee member playing saxophone!).

Come and join us from 8pm for great music and dancing and help make this a Christmas Market to remember!

Ladywell's Big Bulb Plant - Sunday 11th October

2009-09-29T09:13:00.002+01:00

LVIG has signed up to the Big Bulb Plant, a nationwide campaign launched by The Eden Project and The Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Centre, which aims to brighten up communities through the planting of spring bulbs. As we were one of the first 100 community groups to apply, we’ve been given a donation of 250 tulip bulbs!

We now need to get these bulbs, along with new plants and flowers, into our planters to continue the displays throughout autumn, winter and into next spring. To keep Ladywell flourishing, join us for the next community planting day on Sunday 11th October to help refresh the planters and baskets with winter-flowering plants and spring bulbs.

Meet at 2pm outside Coral on Ladywell Road/Algernon Road and please bring any small gardening tools you have with you.

Agenda for Meeting 16th September 2009

2009-09-16T14:13:00.001+01:00

7.30pm Wednesday 16 September 2009
The Tank Art Gallery, Ladywell Road, SE13 7HS

This meeting is open to the public - we'd be delighted to see you there!

1. Update on Committee members
2. Autumn/ Winter planting
Finalise date
Sponsor a Tree! proposal
3. Ladywell Walking trail
4. Streetscape update – stocktake of outstanding Council actions
5. Dates for the Diary . . .
Christmas Market
LVIG Benefit Night 10th October
6. Publicity round up/ LVIG newsletter (Lara/ Eleanor)
7. Any Other Business

Minutes of Annual General Meeting - July 2009

2009-09-02T16:44:00.003+01:00

Please click on the "comments" below to read the minutes from the AGM, including an overview from our guest speaker, Emily Miller, from the Meanwhile Space Project.

Fly-tipping in Lewisham - can you help with research?

2009-08-26T14:15:00.002+01:00

Tom Ashworth, a student at the London College of Communication, is working with Lewisham Council to tackle the borough’s high level of fly-tipping incidents. As part of his MA in Design, Tom is trying to gain an understanding of how local residents feel about this problem.
If you have views on the fly-tipping problem in Ladywell/Lewisham, please get in touch with Tom at rudiger100@hotmail.co.uk and he will send you a questionnaire to fill out and return.
Your views are much appreciated by Tom, and will not only help him with his project, but help clear up this annoying and ugly blot on our landscape.

Ladywell controlled parking zone

2009-07-27T16:24:00.002+01:00

As everyone in Ladywell should now know the council is considering introducing a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Ladywell. The CPZ would appear to have some people strongly in favour and others strongly opposed.

The council have promised that they will listen to the views of the people expressed in the consultation period so it is essential that whatever your view you return the consultation form to ensure your voice is heard.

LVIG believes that if the CPZ is introduced then it would make sense to introduce at least four free short stay parking spaces near to the shops at the southern end of Algernon road so as to allow people to park and use the shops in Ladywell. LVIG sees this as essential to support local shop keepers.

For more information on the CPZ and the consultation please visit this link where you can download the consultation document.

At the most basic level the important details are:

The CPZ is slated to operate from 9am-7pm on weekdays.
Residents who wish to park their car in the area must purchase a permit; these are slated to cost £60 per year.
Visitor permits will be available at a cost of £1.70 per half day, £2.80 per full day and £8 per week.
Pay and display parking will be priced at £1 per hour.
There will be disabled bays which anyone with a blue badge can use for free.
The council is considering having some bays for cars from the street car car club in the CPZ.

Minutes from meeting 20th May 2009

2009-07-12T18:51:00.003+01:00

Please click on 'comments' below to read about May's meeting.

Happy Birthday LVIG!

2009-06-27T19:24:00.005+01:00

AGM and election of committee - Wednesday 15th July

We can’t believe it’s been a whole year since LVIG was born! Come and celebrate LVIG’s first birthday with us at the AGM on Wednesday 15th July. The AGM and election of officers to the committee will open at 7.30pm at St. Mary’s Centre, Ladywell Road, SE13 7UW.

We’ll be reviewing the achievements of the past year and discussing and agreeing on priorities for the coming year. Your ideas about what LVIG should be doing are vital to helping improve Ladywell and LVIG welcomes all comments and suggestions.

The Group also needs to elect a committee to bring those ideas to fruition. LVIG welcomes members who wish to stand for election for any of the committee positions. Sitting on the LVIG committee is great fun and gives you the satisfaction of helping bring real change to Ladywell. As well as attending committee meetings and helping organise events, officers get to shape the direction of the group and collaborate to make decisions about what it campaigns on. Why not join the committee and be part of the solution?

For more information about the committee positions, the constitution and how to stand for election, click on "comments" below.

Pictures from the Community Planting Day

2009-05-19T12:44:00.005+01:00

The Ladywell Village Improvement Group team was joined by dozens of local residents on saturday morning to revamp the planters on Ladywell Road, following a successful Localities Fund application earlier in the year. The event had been several months in planning and LVIG worked with both Lewisham Council and Envirowork to bring the green fingered idea together.

Lavender plants were joined by cherry and fig trees as three generations of one family came out to help. The existing two planters were tidied up and new flowering shrubs added outside the post office and bakery, with four entirely new planters added to the collection along Ladywell Road. Each planter received a good dose of topsoil and compost to keep the new greenery happy.

LVIG's green fingered chair, Tony Major, said "the level of support has been fantastic. From the Council to Envirowork, who supplied the soil, planters, plants and a four-strong team, to the locals who turned out to help, we are hugely grateful and would encourage everyone to do their bit and keep them watered through the summer!"

He went on to say "in a recession it's all the more important for us to encourage local shops and businesses, and making Ladywell a cleaner, greener place to live and work. We hope that the Council's promised "deep clean" of the pavement will also happen soon".

Meeting 20th May 2009

2009-05-19T11:37:00.003+01:00

LVIG's next Ordinary meeting is tomorrow on the 20th May at 7:30pm in the St Mary's Centre on Ladywell Road.

The agenda for the meeting is below:

Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Minutes of the Ordinary Committee Meeting held on 18 March 2009
First Community Planting Day – 16 May 2009 – feedback
Community Planting Day no.2 - 7 June
Lewisham in Bloom competition - entry deadline - 17 June
Bids for Mayor’s Funds –LVIG plans for putting forward
AGM date - July 15 Advise on process
Financial Report (Tony Rich)
Publicity round up/ LVIG newsletter (Lara/ Cynthia)
Any Other Business

Of course this is a public meeting and we would be delighted to see as many people there as possible!

Benefit gig at the Ladywell Tavern to raise funds for community planting

2009-05-15T21:16:00.000+01:00

LVIG has organised a benefit gig to raise funds for more community planting in Ladywell. Come and join us for great music and dancing at the Ladywell Tavern on Saturday 30th May from 8pm, and help sow the seeds of recovery in the neighbourhood!

For your entertainment and enjoyment, live music is provided courtesy of local band (including an LVIG member!) The Grey Cats with Jason James in support. So, get up and put on your dancing shoes!

All monies raised will be used to fund plants and materials, bringing much needed colour to Ladywell Village and improve the environment in which we live and work.

Hope to see you there!

Ladywell Community Planting Day - Saturday 16th May

2009-05-14T17:42:00.004+01:00

LVIG has organised the first of several Community Planting Days to launch Ladywell’s bid for the ‘Lewisham in Bloom’ competition.

Come along on Saturday 16th May to help raise the profile of Ladywell and improve your local environment. Plants, tools and paint will be provided, but we need your energy and enthusiasm! To take part, meet at 11am outside the Post Office on Algernon Road, Ladywell.

The planting days will help to bring a dash of much needed greenery and colour to the village and draw attention to LVIG’s campaign to improve the local area.

Hope to see you there!

Ladywell Village Voice - a newsletter for Ladywell

2009-05-02T10:12:00.002+01:00

LVIG has responded to Ladywell resident's calls to find out more about the progress of its campaigns and projects by launching a newsletter. The newsletter will be emailed to LVIG members and will also be printed for distribution in local shops and businesses.

Ladywell Village Voice aims to keep you up to date with LVIG's activities, as well as inform you about news and events in Ladywell that are relevant to LVIG's objectives.

If you haven't already seen a copy of the first issue, dated May 2009, please email LVIG at ladywell.info@googlemail.com

As LVIG is keen to improve on this newsletter, we would really appreciate your feedback. Have your say on the LVIG blog by clicking on the 'comments' below.

Please support LVIG's objectives at the Ladywell Assembly, Monday 20 April

2009-04-16T07:29:00.005+01:00

The Ladywell Assembly will next meet on Monday 20 April (7.00-9.00pm at Prendergast School lower site) to develop an action plan for its priorities. It will also look at ideas for ways to spend the £50K Mayor's Fund for Ladywell and the £10K Localities Fund for 2009/10.

Please join us at the Assembly and join the debate and decision making! Click on "comments" for further information about the Assembly meeting and LVIG's ideas for funding community projects.

Minutes from our February meeting

2009-03-15T20:31:00.001Z

Click on 'comments' to read about February's meeting, which included a discussion on the action plan - ideas we're taking forwards this Spring.

Next meeting, Wednesday, 18th March, 7:30pm, St Mary's centre, Ladywell

2009-03-12T22:17:00.001Z

Agenda to follow.

LVIG benefit gig at the Ladywell Tavern

2009-03-12T21:58:00.003Z

The Grey Cats are playing a benefit gig for LVIG at the Ladywell Tavern on Saturday 21st March.

Music starts at 8:30pm and the Grey Cats are on stage from 10:00pm.

See you all there!

Who do you love?

2009-02-16T16:09:00.006Z

In line with the fact that we've just had Valentine's day Lewisham Council is holding a competition to find the best independent business in the borough.

Ladywell has some great independent businesses deserving of the support of local residents so whichever of our fine local businesses you love please vote for them! The vote closes on the 28th February with results announed on the 6th of March, you can also enter a draw to win a gift to the value of £25 from the winning business.

Action Plan - your thoughts please!

2009-02-15T14:08:00.003Z

A key idea from the January meeting was to draw up an 'action plan' to focus LVIG's activities in the next few months.

Click on 'comments' here to see more detail on our ideas, which include short stay parking, a Town Centre Manager, and funding streams. We welcome comments and will seek to sign off this overview document at our meeting on 18 February.