claresy

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!

I don't think you need to join. You need to book via the website for a 50 minute slot. They release the dates a week in advance.

I'm inclined to agree - or the 'love is a prison without bars' one on Pellatt Road.

I know! I watched him do it. You'd think people would choose something ugly and/or boring to deface!

I live right near this and can clarify that it was painted over by the resident, as someone had put a great ugly tag on top of it. As soon as my neighbour had painted over this, kindly leaving the untouched royal head, more graffiti was put on top. It seems really mindless to cover street art with uncreative graffiti. The stick body made me laugh but there are more ugly initials there now.

I'm absolutely horrified that this proposal is being recommended. Green space available to everyone is rare in London and this tranquil place has been vital to my wellbeing during the past few months -and I"m sure the same to many other adults, children and dogs!It feels like little pocket of countryside. I've seen fox cubs there and all sorts of wild flowers. It feels like an absolute crime that they're considering developing this for the benefit of a minority and for profit - particularly at a time like this. I'd be heartbroken.

I will work on getting my postie?s sympathy! 😀

I'll mention to mine next time I see them! Thanks.

Thanks! Great tip.

Thanks. They close at 3 however!! I?ll aim for a bit earlier. I?m hoping there?s somewhere to park. Silvester road was so much easier!

Hello does anyone know the best time to go? I normally get a redelivery but need the parcel tomorrow and they can't redeliver until Saturday. Why do they never leave with a neighbour anymore? Really frustrating! Thanks!

I have ordered a small brown bin twice and not received so forced to put food waste in the green bin, which makes me uncomfortable. They're making it very hard for people to be environmentally friendly just when it feels particularly important to do so.

After contacting various people, I found Hamish from A Cut Above and was extremely happy with his work. Unlike the others, he came round to see the tree and discuss the options with me. He then did an excellent job with his small team, including cutting and stacking logs for me to use and clearing everything up. Quick, efficient, friendly and good value. His number is 07971055438

I'm not surprised shopless Sally's makes money with no shop overheads - I was astonished to see they were charging 20p for a slice of dried orange at Christmas and sell flowers by the stem at inflated prices. I shall really miss Bonnies - her bargain bucket ensured I've always had flowers, no matter how short of money I've been.

Lamp post banners seem absolutely pointless. I can't think why anyone thinks they'll add anything other than a nasty corporate feel to the road. Also rather distasteful to spend money on empty PR when people are sleeping on the streets and relying on foodbanks (regardless of separate budgets etc). They're not even creative. I'd rather have some more street art. Reminds me of how schools like my children's spend money on supposedly 'motivational' messages around the school etc when the toilets are broken (but not visible to visitors).

I haven't seen any improvements. I only use the pool but until very recently at least one or two of the showers weren't working or were cold. One doesn't lock. I found used nappies in two of the showers plus big clots of hair. And have also noticed the door issue.

Co-op was Somerfield and before that Gateway. Fabric was a dry cleaner and I think before that a TV shop. There was a fancy Thai restaurant on Melbourne Grove called Thai Pavilion - and the clothes and toy shop mentioned above where Property In is was Hey Diddle Diddle that later turned into Soup Dragon and moved over the road, with yoga classes etc above it.

I've been a patient there for years and agree Dr Stephens is lovely, as are all the GPs and nurses. I remember a very difficult receptionist in the past, but she's long gone (mainly I think to the complaints they received). Now I find they're generally fine and there's one long-term lady in particular on reception who is really friendly and helpful and knows who I am. I think it's one of the best surgeries and don't like that the new triage system means I'm sometimes sent to Lister in Peckham instead. But that's not the fault of the surgery, it's Cameron's '24 hour care'. Personally I'd rather lose a few of those hours if it meant that I can go to my local surgery where I know the doctors and they know me and my history. And for older patients, mothers and people who can't drive it must be even more difficult as some patients live at a considerable distance from Peckham. No wonder they end up with too many people at A&E.