claresy

We'd best avoid any flippant comments on a local London forum, as sure it will make a big difference to people in the Ukraine, not to mention making some people on the forum extremely ANGRY and prone to using UPPER CASE.

They were not making a comparison with Ukraine. That was you!

Whether I think it's funny or not isn't the point. It just seemed obvious that a photo of a tiny fire with a post heading about Dulwich being 'war torn' wasn't meant seriously!

OF COURSE they were joking! I'm amazed anyone could read it otherwise.

It IS cheaper for my friend to commute on a Lime. She looked into it and wouldn't be doing it otherwise. And you still get exercise on a Lime, just a bit of help going up hills etc! I don't see why Lime bikes are considered more of an eyesore than cars and wheelie bins. You get the odd one left obstructively, but it doesn't seem like a big issue to me. Cars are increasingly being discouraged with an increase in parking and driving restrictions so perhaps long term there will be fewer and hire bikes (which take up far less space) will not be perceived as such an issue. While Limes aren't cheap, I'm sure they're more economical than buying, maintaining, insuring and parking a car. I do have my own bike, but sometimes I don't want to risk locking and leaving it somewhere, or I'm not feeling very energetic, or I just want to get back home quickly from a local station, in which case Limes are great. There are also many places buses don't serve - my daughter uses one all the time to visit friends - or where parking is impossible. I feel they're a great innovation and will be sad if this killjoy attitude affects them.

Also - alien concept I know - they're FUN! And great for young people who can't/don't want to drive.

I don't use them regularly but I know someone who commutes daily on one because it's cheaper than a train. When I do use one I don't find it heavy at all - it's electric so no effort required! It's progressive in terms of being non-polluting, better for the environment and accessible for people who may not want or be able to afford a car - or prefer not to be stuck in a motionless bus indefinitely. Since they closed many roads locally public transport and driving take far longer. On one occasion it took me half an hour to get to Camberwell!

I love the Lime bikes and think it's a really positive thing - good for the environment, good for health and really convenient. I'm pleased there are more as it can still be difficult to find one, so I'm clearly not alone in finding them useful. I'm a resident and see no problem with them at all. I know lots of people who find them a godsend and haven't heard anyone complain except for on here. Part of the joy is that they can be picked and dropped off anywhere. I find it surprising that people find fault with something so inoffensive and progressive.

Chris Essex-Hill 07956 288958

Local tree surgeons A Cut Above Tree Management just did a great job cutting back my cherry tree. They were polite, efficient, tidied up after themselves, left me some firewood at my request and even managed to not damage the fairy lights around the tree. The tree still looks good but I have much more light and sun in the garden. My neighbours are pleased too. Having got a number of quotes, I know the price is competitive too.

It does take the impulsiveness out of it, I agree, but I do find I go more when I've committed to it in advance.

I go several times a week at lunchtime and book on the app - you have to do it about a week in advance but once you've got the hang of it it's not a problem. If you can't make it, you cancel and the slot frees up for someone else so there are often spaces on the day. People do cancel, rather than not showing up as you get told off otherwise!

Why could Royal Mail not inform people of what is happening and when we can expect post at the very least? I had no post at all for 3 weeks and am still getting barely anything. 3 Christmas presents for people have still not arrived; only 3 Christmas cards got here by post; I'm awaiting packaging to return equipment which I will be charged for if it's not received - and numerous other things that are needed and should have arrived long ago. Surely they could predict Christmas and the implications of Covid? My postman has said his manager had to fight to not have vans taken away at this time!

I'd like to recommend Roger of Critter Solutions who got rid of my mice. For a flat fee he continued to come until there were no signs of the pesky critters. He also blocked up holes and even adjusted my kitchen counter to get rid of a gap. There's an 18 month guarantee too, which is reassuring.

I got a PCN for driving through Dulwich Village at a prohibited time (the signs were not clear to me or I wouldn't have done it, and doubt others would either as who wants a fine?). I appealed it successfully as it was a first offence but told I would be fined if it reoccured.

I'm very confused now! I thought the idea was to make the streets safe to play and assumed that meant you couldn't drive a car or motorbike through them - hence the traffic jams and the chalk provided for children. If they're not safe for children to play and they're clogging up other roads and causing problems for local businesses and emergency vehicles, what is meant to be the point of them?! Have I misunderstood something? I do know the estate on Melbourne Grove used to have a little playground for the children living there, although that may have gone now.

I haven't seen a single child playing on closed off Melbourne Grove despite the tasteful bits of bunting and tubs of chalk. They're probably inside on their Play Stations! What I have seen is it's now impossible to get a bus from East Dulwich to Denmark Hill station in under half an hour, so was obliged to drive to work the other day! How is that good for the environment? I won't even mention the impact on local shops and emergency vehicles.

Just to clarify to everyone you CAN'T currently go on a waiting list for swimming. I double-checked with the centre today. Also, there's no problem booking a swim at Peckham or Camberwell although not nearly as convenient for me.

I've only managed to book sessions a week ahead - whenever I try to book I look on all the subsequent days but they're invariably full so not sure how previous poster is managing to get them nearer the time. I just looked and the ONLY slot is next Monday for family swimming. I'm a lane swimmer but have had to book a family swim for this week as that was all I could get. Not sure what to expect! I don't think you can put yourself on a waiting list for the pool, just the gym sessions. I appreciate that it's very tricky for them in the circumstances and sure they're doing their best, but it's still frustrating.

You leave your stuff by the pool so there's not really a risk of it being stolen. It's incredibly hard to book a slot though. If you pay for membership and only swim it's very challenging to get your money's worth!