DiD

I've had mixed service -- generally quite good, and good quality meat. I went in there before Christmas and asked for venison loin -- they didn't have any, so I also asked if I could order it, and they said, no, their fridge was full. it was the end of the day, and I could see they were annoyed and started to say something like "you can't just swan in here and demand service" but stopped after the "you can't just sw..." And I said, well, what about if I pick it up the day it arrives? And they grudgingly said OK to that, but said, "its very expensive you know" as if I hadn't realised. I ended up getting some at Borough Market. So I do think that in spite of their busy-ness, they need to learn a bit of politeness. I understand if they don't have the capacity -- but a simple really sorry, we just can't accommodate, perhaps something else, would do wonders.... I also bought a free range chicken there recently, and it was certainly more expensive than William Rose (where I have ALWAYS had cheery service), and I didn't like it as much. So I won't be buying chicken there. But their bacon is good; beef excellent, and I had the most amazing and affordable, "lamb cushion" and it is rather convenient as we live quite near. So mixed reviews, room for improvement.

Yes, misleading is an issue -- but I agree with some other posters that James Barber is probably more accessible than other councillors, and puts himself open for discussion (and it seems abuse). Re: the process, thanks for the clarification. So the real debate that we should be having is: - do we want retail space there or office space? Correct? In that regard, I would agree with james that we have quite a bit of retail space already, most of which needs supporting. So on this basis, it should be kept as office. And to put my cards on the table -- I don't vote libdem.

I think we should be pleased with a politician who is prepared to take a stance on something -- remember the days when politicians weren't just mediators, but had views? That's the only way we CAN hold them to account. The libdems, of course, are now getting a knocking because they went against their manifesto in the coalition gov't and they will pay a hefty price in the next election because of it. Regarding the application process, if they haven't stated what its going to be, don't the planning officers have to return the application unapproved unless it has sufficient information on which to base a decision for the local community? And if not, WHY not? If a neighbour is applying to extend their property, they have to let me know exactly what they're going to do and how the space will be used. Surely commercial space should be the same?

James Barber - Beyond joining HACAN, can't the council take this up? Or London Assembly? I too am completely disturbed by the flight noise at 4:30 EVERY MORNING. My health hasn't been well, and I'm sure broken sleep has contributed to this. It seems very extreme to have to consider moving away, as it would uproot a whole family. And while its not new, I'm quite certain its gotten worse in the last couple of years.

Hi James, Any way Southwark council can put leaflets in people's houses asking them to clear the pavement in front of their own houses? they do that in Canada. In fact, its law. I wouldn't expect the council to do it given how stretched they are, especially on side streets(though reduced price snow shovels would be rather good). The problem is that if people even leave a thin layer, and then it melts a bit, it turns to ice. Not safe for pedestrians, especially old people and kids. But if its cleared fairly promptly, all is fine. How can Southwark help to encourage this community spirit? (sorry, don't mean to sound all big society....).

Hi - we want to organise a birthday party for my soon-to-be 8 year old son. Thought of bowling -- there is Surrey Keys, but I found it quite horrible with all the noise and disco lights. Has anyone tried Megabowl in Streatham? Anywhere else? Needs to be accessible by public transport. Any other suggestions for birthday party welcome....

Scouts Hall on Bellenden Road -- I think there's another posting on the site somewhere. Only a tenner an hour, I believe. When he's a bit older, you can go for the Adventure Playground on Dog Kennel Hill.

Looking for a 20-30 mile basic training route from East Dulwich. I work at Oval, and want to be able to go before and/or after work. Any advice?

I love the fact that when you walk down the street, you know the shopkeepers and can stop and have a chat. Does that happen in LL?

For those interested, we're organising a Bellenden Road Big Lunch -- pre-meet next Tuesday evening, 7:30pm. PM me if interested.

The commercials on telly have started, sponsored by Mastercard. I hope the "commercialisation" doesn't mean people aren't still up for it!

Hi - -I'm trying to organise the one on Bellenden Road, but haven't been very successful in getting things off the ground. Have spoken to a couple of shopkeepers and neighbours who are keen, though. As the road is quite long, I feel like all I can take on is my own end of it -- anyone want to pitch in and help? Happy to host a meeting to discuss. PM me if interested, and/or join the facebook site (search Bellenden Big Luncb) -- the Big Lunch site was, sadly, quite rubbish for functionality.

facebook site is now open to all. Sign up on: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=69733899042&ref=ts

On Sunday July 19th, the Eden Project is trying to get the whole of the country to sit down and have lunch together. We're hoping to get Bellenden Road (or part of it) closed off for the day, but need the whole street/community to join in. Sign up if you're interested -- on www.theBigLunch.com (just type in your post code and it will direct you) or http://www.thebiglunch.com/big-lunch/bellenden-rd and add your name to the facebook site, too (link from the Big Lunch) to keep in touch about details.

I can't get a handle on this conversation. Am looking for somewhere new for a Sunday lunch with friends and 1 kid -- like the Rye but want a change; hate the Herne. Is the Duke a viable option? Roaring fires in this dastardly cold weather sound lovely.

I'm really sorry to hear about the experience, and I ride there a few days a week. The concerns should be raised with the london Cycling Campaign, the Mayor's office and again, as a group, with the police. The solution isn't for us to cower and join the horrificness of cycling in between buses and speeding motorbikes on the Old Kent Road, where personally, I feel particularly unsafe, but to ensure that the quiet cycle routes are made safer. That being said, you're pretty much vulnerable everywhere. I know of someone who was mugged on Portland street on his bike; and someone else who was pushed over and mugged in broad daylight on the Wandsworth road roundabout. I usually lock my panier to my rack, so that it can't be removed at a traffic light. Anyone fancy putting a letter together that we can all send off to the various sources?

Some friends took it for 3 weeks this Summer to France via Ferry -- and because once they were there, they stayed more or less locally, the mileage didn't add up to very much. Apparently it was fine. We use it occasionally, and do find that for weekends, you need to book in advance. If you are running late, and its not booked up after you, you can always ring them from the car (there's a direct link) and extend by a half hour.

Try the Coppleston centre. They have things like a drop in centre for refugees and other services for the local community, and I'm sure they take volunteers.

You should write your MP and the Mayor directly -- more lobbying from the grassroots is needed to turn this decision around.

Definitely a north African/Moroccan and/or Turkish. Puhlease....

I just want to say thank you for the councillors for keeping us posted -- is there anything we can do (having not been able to attend the hearing) to let our opinions be known at this stage, or is it too late? (apologies, have been too busy with me own work life to bother holding these multinationals to account as well...) I, for one, would hope the planning authorities hold to the letter of the law. They certainly do that to us when we put in a building application. And for those who don't like the law (James, it appears) then I suggest you volunteer yourself for local council so that you can change them. Now...how do we boot out Foxtons?

If you take the main roads (Evelina, then the one way system around New Cross, and turn at Deptford, it only takes about 15 minutes. You can also go via Telegraph Hill, but that's, well...a hill. Route on the cycle map.

Is anyone going to this? http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/00,news,8529,5632,00.htm

I cycle to Clapham Junction to get on a train to deepest darkest Godalming (or Godawfulming as we like to call it). Also preferable to taking the train the whole way, as the connections from Peckham Rye/ED are horrible. When can we get a cycle shop in East Dulwich???? Would be good to have somewhere to go for supplies, tune-ups, etc...

Similar experience as others -- wanted to check the weight of some drawing paper and he told me not to. He actually said that he wasn't here to offer customer service -- if that's what I wanted then I should go to WHSmith! Can't we get a useful stationer/art supply locally? Any entrepreneurs out there? Bellenden Road seems to have a few empty shop fronts and the rents may be cheaper than Lordship lane....