Congestion and the CPZ

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

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

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



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

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

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