We are doing all we can to help residents
It was with great concern that we read in your newspaper last week of the ongoing anti-social behaviour issues at Arch Street ‘Hallway to hell, Southwark News, April 28, 2016.
This is something we, as local councillors, have been concerned about for some time.
Over the last few months, we have been in discussions with some residents and the management at L&Q about these issues, but it is clear to us that actions taken so far have not been urgent or effective enough. We also regularly raise anti-social behaviour issues around the Elephant and Castle with the local police.
As part of our communication with residents in the ward, we and Neil Coyle, MP, hold regular surgeries in the area, details of which can be found on the Southwark Council website. We urge residents to meet with us at these surgeries, and to get in touch whenever issues like this affect them. We also knocked on all residents’ doors a couple of weeks ago as part of our regular walkabouts, and we would encourage people to report issues like this when they see us in the ward.
It is clear that there have been anti-social behaviour issues not only in Arch Street but in this western corner of the ward for the last eighteen months. Councillors have met with venues and residents on the Rockingham Estate, Meadow Row, Smeaton Court and Albert Barnes House in order to develop a co-ordinated response by the police, parking team and night time economy teams but there is still much work to be done to resolve the issues.
We make representations to Cllr Mark Williams and Cllr Michael Situ regularly in order to ask them to ensure that these issues are considered during the ongoing regeneration of Elephant and Castle. It is our hope that this, along with the development of the Low Line along the route of the railway line, will design out these problems so that the area does not attract anti-social behaviour in the future.
We will continue to raise anti-social behaviour issues with the policing teams, whose strength has been cut due to the actions of Mayor Boris Jonson in City Hall.
However, we recognise that this does not solve the problem right now, and so we have written to L&Q following the most recent incidents to express our dissatisfaction with their response so far. We will also arrange to meet with residents to discuss actions we can take in the future so that they can enjoy their homes without fear for their children’s safety.
Cllrs Karl Eastham, Helen Dennis and Vijay Luthra
Thanks for making St George’s Day brillant
On the 23rd April Bonamy and Bramcote put on their 11th St George’s Day event at Ilderton Road Primary School.
The weather was cold but the rain stayed away so the children had their bouncy castle and the Punch and Judy show. I think the adults enjoyed it as well.
The event could not take place if it were not for the funders which were United St Saviours, Southwark Council, Keep Moat, Big Local South Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Consolidated Charities – our thanks to them all.
Our three Livesey councillors Richard, Michael and Evelyn came all day and the Mayor of Southwark Dora pooped in to say hello. We had two Chelsea Pensioners – always a pleasure to see them.
There were so many people who helped on the day. We would like to thank Ann Clayton, Kiri Mary and all our friends from the Ledbury Estate, Caroline Gardens, Copic Astley Cooper and Avondale Estates – well done all.
The children enjoyed the popcorn, candy floss, face painting, tattooist and flower bouquet lessons from Vicky. Millwall came and did the beat the goalie competition. We had twenty raffle prizes and would like to thank Tesco’s for their voucher, Russell our fish man down the Blue for his voucher and Simon in the butchers also gave a voucher, and Mike in the Deli who gave a meal for two – so a big thank you to them.
The reptile man with his snakes, lizards etc. was a big favourite with the children. The children had the chance to dress up as St George, a prince, a princess or a dragon – great fun. Even the adults joined in and the photos taken by Steve Daszko were brilliant and fun.
Part of the entertainment was given by the Big Local South Bermondsey Choir – they are very good. There was stalls with jewellery, books, chutney and craft.
The entry charge was 50p and that included their picnic lunch bag and a free raffle ticket and all money raised, £250, will be given to Bede House for learning disabilities.
Thank you also to Sue Sexton and Gary Maygold for signing everyone in and Bob Roberts for the PA system. Last but not least was all of you who came. Without you we would have looked a bit silly so thank you so much for your support.
Pat Hickson MBE, Chair Bonamy and Bramcote TA