I was angry to hear that 10% of all Southwark Council Tax Payers do not actually pay their Council Tax! So 1 in 10 people are not paying their Council Tax. That means that the majority of us are paying more than we need to, to make up the shortfall. Southwark Council has been judged the worst performing Council in London at collecting Council Tax & the 3rd worst nationally. I would respectfully suggest that our local Councillors put their energy into sorting out this shambles. The Council which is run by the Liberal Democrats & ironically the budget has been looked after by 1 of their Conservative Councillor Partners (Toby Eckerley).
So there is little point putting forward suggested improvements when the Council cannot collect its Council Tax!

If there is anything that we can do to make drivers actually stop at a pedestrian crossing in and around ED that would be fantastic, especially the one at the EDT.. Im not sure what type of enforcement would do the trick(and whether it is more an issue for the police) but I thought I would put my two cents in..

I have to say I am getting fairly sick and tired of dicing with death every time I have to cross at a crossing..

Strawbs, this is not a local council issue, but a Highway Codes (Nat Gov) one. You need to approach your MP.

fyi:

Highway Code No 195
Zebra crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing
look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing
A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rule 20).

So though a driver should stop, he is not legally required to do so until you have put a foot on the crossing!

Please comment on the primary school places issue:

[www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk]

I'm afraid that my experience of our local councillors (in the context of the primary school places issue) was extremely disappointing. My email to them asking for help was forwarded to someone else on the council but the councillors themselves did nothing else to help and showed no interest really. I know that others had similar experiences.

hoipolloi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm afraid that my experience of our local
> councillors (in the context of the primary school
> places issue) was extremely disappointing. My
> email to them asking for help was forwarded to
> someone else on the council but the councillors
> themselves did nothing else to help and showed no
> interest really. I know that others had similar
> experiences.

I presume they have realised this will win them no favours/votes!

I've been a councillor since 2006. I've loved nearly every minute of it and feel honoured to have been elected.

Hi Jeremy,

-Can we have displays in the bus stops telling us when the next bus is coming?
I've asked Transport for London myself several time, via council officers once and via GLA Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon as well. TfL are always about to impliment a fabulously more accurate new system. One day I'll be shocked and they will. It is scandalous that for South East London where we rely upon buses so much that Countdown isn't universal.

-When is the lowest block of the DKH estate going to get renovated (corner of Grove Vale and Quorn Rd)?
I'll find out a report later.

-What's the current status of the Concrete House mandatory purchase and subsequent repairs?
I know this but can;t recall. I'll check my notes and again come back to you.

-Why won't the planning dept allow full width dormers on flats, even though lots of houses have them?
loft extensions below a certain size don't need planning permission and that conform to certain stylistic rules so that they appear ancillary. most loft conversion companies discourage residents from making planning application as it delays then cycling onto the next project. Anyone can make a full planning application looking for a full width loft conversion.

-Can we have some local recycling facilities for energy-saving bulbs?
Good point. For those that don't travel regualrly along the Walwroth Road popping into Manor Place recycling would be a pain. I'll ask whether these could be collected or similar ot battery recycling something that could be left at libraries. This is especially important considering 100W incandescent light bulbs are no longer for sale.
I'll find out what can be done.

-What's planned for the house in Dulwich Park (currently boarded up, signs indicating a change of use)
Two houses. One by College Road entrance and other facing the South Circular. From memort the College Road entrance one is proposed to be a hub for volunteers working in the park. I'll double check this memory.

--------------------
Regards james.barber@southwark.gov.uk
07903 964130
Liberal Democrat Councillor for East Dulwich Ward
Chairperson of Dulwich Community Council, Lib Dem Environment & Transport spoksperson
[www.jamesbarber.org.uk]
[twitter.com]

Hi Computed Shorty,

All the Alleyways we have gated or plan to gate already have anti social problems - including rubbish dumping, urination, intimidation, defecation.
Why should local residents, employees and businesses suffer this?

So far the gates we're arranging are designed after consultation by local artist Heather Burrell and her team. The two most recent are those on Northcross Road behind Lord Palmerston and on south side of Ashbourne Grove close to Lordship Lane.

They look great and I doubt they suffer the problems you've described. Take a look and let me know what you think.

--------------------
Regards james.barber@southwark.gov.uk
07903 964130
Liberal Democrat Councillor for East Dulwich Ward
Chairperson of Dulwich Community Council, Lib Dem Environment & Transport spoksperson
[www.jamesbarber.org.uk]
[twitter.com]

Hi Pablogrande,
Which one way East Dulwich street do you live on that vehicles enter at very high street?
Things that can be done range from narrowing the entrance to, humps across the road. Really depends upon the dynamics of the street. Feel free to email me direct to talk about your street.

I'm sorry you find it so hard to get info on keyworker housing near East Dulwich (other than Peckham). The biggest key worker accomodation is at 72 Grove Vale. 110 rooms varying from studio rooms upwards. I'm sure if you popped along to the office during normal hours or tried calling them they'd explain how to apply.

in the current climate good to hear you have vacancies available which would ideally suit school leavers or someone who needs a career change. I believe the government has a modern apprenticeship scheme that can help fund apprenticeships - Modern Apprenticeshipssee

Can we please have a city farm on Peckham Rye?
Southwark has two city farms - nearest one in Walworth and one in Rotherhither/Surrey Docks.
Crystal Palace Park also has one and another is located in Vauxhall. All these city farms need more support and are located within 3 miles of East Dulwich.

When is Waitrose opening?
I'm not aware of Waitrose coming to the area. However, the application by Somerfield for an alcohol licence near to Dulwich Library even though successful has seen the shop building work stop.....
Other than that I don't know where a Waitrose could be located.

Hi Tobester999,
Hmmm. Those posts etc are intended to demarcate the properties border.
This shop owner used to illegally try selling cars outside this shop.
council officers have formally stopped this and allegedly this was perilous.

What I find truly amazing is that someone is so rich that they don't need such a prime shop site to be a successful shop, or rent it out, etc.
Bizarre.

Hi Nero,
Cycling on pavements is legal for children and adults on bicycles with wheels under 14" diameter.
Frankly it will be a while before I feel comfortable as a parent for my young kids to cycle on the roads. They're just a bit to random about directions. Saying that I don't take them on any pavements with people about.

I suspect you really mean perfectly fit adults cycling in aggressive ways.

In Southwark we provide free cycle training to help boost confidence about cycling safely on Southwark's roads.
We've made lots of part of Southwark 20mph zones to make it safer for all road users - more on the way for East Dulwich.
We have the largest Community Warden scheme and we're working on our wardens being allowed to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to aggressive cyclists.

One good thing. I suspect aggressive cyclists if they weren't cycling would be driving a vehicles aggressively.

If you know any East Dulwich streets that have a problem let me know.

--------------------
Regards james.barber@southwark.gov.uk
07903 964130
Liberal Democrat Councillor for East Dulwich Ward
Chairperson of Dulwich Community Council, Lib Dem Environment & Transport spoksperson
[www.jamesbarber.org.uk]
[twitter.com]

Hi SMBJones,
Would love to meet up at East dulwich station.
Please email me....james.barber@southwark.gov.uk

Hi Gerritsmith,

The only palm tree planted in East dulwich is in the middle of Goose Green roundabout. In Southwark the Lib Dems have introduced a capital fund every year for every ward - roughly £120,000 every year for every ward. Anyone can apply and local councillors decide which applications are funded.

A local resident close to Goose Green asked for a tree to be planted in the middle. They wanted a plam tree. Council officers consulted a wide area around about a plam tree, london plane tree, heritage light, direction fingers posts. I perosnally voted for the plane tree so it felt like an extension of Goose Green. The Palm tree won. I asked whether our planting contract could augment it and it looks fab.

As for other trees. Every year the East Dulwich Lib Dem cuncillors fund lots more trees for East Dulwich. Typically around £10,000->£15,000 every year. If you have ideas where you'd liek a tree in East Dulwich let me know - james.barber@southwark.gov.uk

Hi GerritSmith and Peckwich,

Why id Peckham Library being noisy?
Its an award winning design and has been so very popular that it is noisier than expected. Its an environment that attracts users who in other places would'nt be in libraries. Truly inspiring.

don't forget we have great local libraries - Dulwich Library which I helped push to be open 7 days a week, Grove Vale library a friendly pocket library. Not sure why you'd want to traipse over to Peckham Library espeicaly if noisier libraries bother you.

Hi Judy2 and reggie,
The choices for all parents in Southwark at the secondary school stage are increasing. The new local Harris Boys school/Academy on a temporary site opened this week. It moves to its permanent site next summer.
Southwark mixed schools have a ratio of around 3 boys for every girl. Creating a boys school starts to address this imbalance making mixed schools more attractive to parents of girls.
If you look at Southwark state school results over the last 5 years they are the most improved in the UK. We still have some way to go before we can relax. By the time your 6 and 4 year olds reach the secondary stage they should be even more improved.

Hi Gimme,
I'm sorry you feel I've let you down.
Obviously from your login I can't tell who you are and check my records.
I'm not perfect and deal with many cases. At this moment in time I have 43 active cases.

If you have another problem please try me again and hopefully I wont disappoint you.

Hi TJ,
I believe extending the no.63 bus route to Honor Oak rail station is a great idea assuming no practical difficulties turning buses around, bus driver toilets etc. Both being quite easy to resolve. This route would then serve Peckham Rye ward even better. It doesn't currently get very close to East Dulwich ward.

After receiving your email I joined the Facebook group to support this idea and have forwarded your email to GLA assembly member Caroline Pidgeon.

If you'd like to contact other Southwark councillors you can find their details at:

Southwark Councillors

Hi cokeycat,
I and all my lib Dem collegues are concerned at the Council Tax rate collection. When the Lib Dems took over from Labour we inherited a number of pickles ranging from privatised services including education, coucnil tax collection; recycling at 3.5% and falling, 7 grass cutting contracts, over 100 different council office vending contracts. It was truly a shambles
At that time Liberate the council tax collection was mediocre but not terrible. So the administration concentrated on getting education fixed, getting recycling up, havings streets cleaned.
However, liberata performance at council tax collection has slipped rather than improving as others have. So the in year collection rate is about 90% with further collection as people pay after the year. The Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Mcnally in charge of resource last year and this year has and is working hard to transform this. Watch this space as this service is transformed. I know he'd be happy to give more detals tim.mcnally@southwark.gov.uk



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit was 2009:12:20:21:50:32 by JBARBER.

Hi Strawbs,
I'm baffled. I've never had problems crossing at either of the zebra crossings outside EDT.
Are you being assertive enough?
You might have noticed that the Goose Green roundabout is being reworked at present. The two existing zebra crossing will be brought up to scratch and a new one constructed on the Grove Vale arm.
Hope this helps.

Hi Fuschia and hoipoloi,
This year everyone has been taken by surprise by the sudden unexpected problems with Primary school admissions.
The GLA have the London statistics unit that informs local authorities about demographics and informs school plans - when we need more school places, less, etc. Until 14 weeks ago the stats were telling us we'd need a new primary school in about 7 years time. The stats now tell us we have a problems now. So bulge classes have been agreed and all children were found suitable places.
Also the process was not as helpful as it needs to be. The process will be markedly improved.

Why the sudden problem this year? Is it people not leaving the area? if not why?

For East Dulwich I had two families contact me and only at the point where they were deeply unhappy but already in the appeals process. This was the first time I've had primary school casework and was advised to let the appeals run their course and then step in if still a problem. I wont be so naive with any future similar casework.

How to avoid this happening again. In the short term bulge classes. Medium to long term is being discussed

JBARBER Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not sure why you'd want to traipse over
> to Peckham Library espeicaly if noisier libraries
> bother you.

I don't think either of us said the noise bothered us. I have only been to Peckham Library a handful of times and it was an observation I made on the first occasion which I recalled due to GSmith's post. It is a very striking building and the noise doesn't deter me from using it. If I were to use a library Peckham would not be inconvenient to me as it is a place I pass by more often than the ones in Dulwich. Besides, on the few times I have been to Dulwich library, it wasn't one of the quietest in Southwark either (apart from the reference library, obviously). Probably also due to the size and acoustics of the place.

On another note, when I was in my teens, being a bit of a bookworm, I loved traipsing around Southwark to visit it's libraries.

> They wanted a plam tree. Council officers consulted a wide area around about a plam tree, london plane tree, heritage light, direction fingers posts

I still have the consultation leaflet. Palm tree?

JBARBER Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi Strawbs,
> I'm baffled. I've never had problems crossing at
> either of the zebra crossings outside EDT.
> Are you being assertive enough?
> You might have noticed that the Goose Green
> roundabout is being reworked at present. The two
> existing zebra crossing will be brought up to
> scratch and a new one constructed on the Grove
> Vale arm.
> Hope this helps.

Trust me I am being assertive enough! So assertive that Ive even given someone a mouthful when they have almost run me over!

thanks for getting back to me..

Thanks for the comprehensive response. Look forward to hearing about the renovations on the DKH estate and the concrete house.

Regarding loft conversions... I think you are slightly mistaken. You don't need planning permission for a loft extension in a *house*, but you do need to apply for full planning permission if it's a flat. And the planning department only allow dormers of a certain size. The result is that if you have a house, you can build a dormer across the whole width of the property, but if you have a flat then you are more restricted.

Hi Jeremy,
Loft conversions. I've just had my loft converted. We didn't need planning permission because we were within our allowable 'permitted development'.

Take a look at permitted development summary for more details. It does'nt exclude houses from ever needing planning permission to convert a loft.

Check out this thread: [www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk]

Glen Camenzuli (Team Leader Planning Enforcement for Southwark) states that "If your house has been converted into flats, you do not have ANY Permitted Development rights and therefore you will need to apply for Planning Permission if you want to build a loft conversion/extension or any other extension."

This certainly corresponds with my own experience. I don't have a problem with this in itself, but when applying for planning permission, why will they only allow small dormers? It's just daft!

I must say that I've not had any good experiences with Lib/Dem councillors. I contacted Mr Barber and Mr Thomas over two issues on the past, neither replied nor even bothered to acknowledge my emails (could even set an autoreply wouldn't hurt!). I'm bit loathe to say this as both me and my family have been staunch labour supporters, but Kim Humphreys (Tory Councillor) has been more helpful than any of them certainly in the Dulwich area.

Hi Jeremy,
developing a subdivided house I guess would probably exteniguish any permitted development.
I don't see why any planning application in such circumstances would be limited to small dormer windows.
If you have a scheme I'm happy to look at it and ensure it absolutely gets a fair hearing before councillors.

Regards james.

Hi wonderwoman,
I'm amazed that you contacted cllr Richard Thomas and myself on two seperate occassions and failed to get a single reply.
I'm sorry sorry.
Obvisouly I wont have logged any casework under the pseudonym of wonderwoman. Could you please contact me direct on james.barber@southwark.gov.uk so I can see what went wrong.
Funily enough I regularly receive casework from residents in Village, College, Peckham Rye and Nunhead wards with residents suggesting they've been unhappy with their local councillors.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit was 2009:10:05:16:48:37 by JBARBER.