tortor

Hello- I?m helping organise a street party in September. We really need some trestle tables. Does anyone know where we might borrow some from? Happy to pay a contribution but don?t have a massive budget. Thanks so much!

What do people think of this plan? Strikes me as a bit of a cop out. And the worst news for people living in southern Melbourne Grove, Ashbourne and Chesterfield Grove, who will now bear (even more) of the brunt of cars "displaced" from northern Melbourne Grove. If the argument for restrictions is that it's to stop commuters parking (which seems to be the case) then they need to cover all the roads where it's feasible for commuters to park and still reasonably walk to the station. It really seems the worst of both worlds to me, but maybe I'm just being pessimistic!

Of course the other way of looking at it is that Southwark are trying to hard to raise revenue to reinvest in parks, despite massive budget cuts from central government. If an area of park isn't being used for bowling, why not use it for something else that is likely to be popular, and help them restock the coffers. If there is genuine demand for bowling, fair enough... but that seems not to be the case. I think we are extremely lucky in Southwark, with some of the best (and well maintained) parks in London.

Hello I'm looking for a gymnastics class for my 5 year old. Does anyone have any recommendations? I looked at one in Camberwell but on its website it says it has closed its waiting list as demand is so great. Ideally I'd like her to go to one in East Dulwich/ Peckham. Any suggestions gratefully received! Thanks

This has become an issue again because things have got worse. The lorry deliveries seem to be far more regular, and are starting earlier in the day. The problem is that Chesterfield Grove is a perfect storm, so to speak... A popular shop, next to a popular car wash in a street that is used as a cut through and is already full of cars, many of which are not owned by residents. So if cars are parked badly at the Lordship Lane end of Chesterfield Grove, delivery trucks can't get into M&S, cars back up and can't get past each other, and everyone gets very grumpy. I realise I have conflated two slightly different issues here, but the frequence of the M&S vehicles, and their timing, does seem to be more of a problem now than it has been for a while. And writing as someone who well remembers the Iceland days, whilst the trucks were big, they were far less frequent and disruptive.

Sue- thanks so so much for your very kind and helpful response! I really appreciate you taking the time. We have agreement from the council so it's the more practical aspects that I'm now focussed on. Ultimately if all we do is have a space to get us all out meeting each other and the kids have an open space for once, I guess we will have achieved something! Thanks again and all the very best.

Hello We are holding a street party in early September, and somehow I appear to be organising much of it. So please can you offer me some advice? What works? What to avoid? How best to communicate with residents who may not be tech savvy? Also specifically bouncy castles.... do we need special insurance? And how did you go about funding it (ie collecting cash for extra costs)? And music-- did a house speaker work or do I need to hire/ borrow something bigger? We're not going all-singing all-dancing, but obviously want people to have a lovely time! Thanks so much- any advice greatly appreciated!

Hi klh I found King's and associated midwives to be extremely helpful when I was trying to decide whether to try for a VBAC after EMCS. They basically said any decision was up to me. The only thing they were less positive about was the idea of a water birth. Basically said I shouldn't do it (because of monitoring concerns). However a good friend of mine was adamant that was what she wanted (at home) and was well supported once the decision was made. I also didn't have continuous monitoring until I had my epidural. I ended up having another EMCS, but felt good that I had tried a VBAC, and was far less traumatised by the idea I had "failed" (daft I know) the second time round! Sorry for long post... main point is ask for what you want- I think you will be well supported. The Obstetrician I saw was also amazing btw... Good luck!

I understand concerns about the introduction of a CPZ- not least the cost. However there has to be a discussion about what to do about an increasingly difficult situation... It is getting harder and harder to park around East Dulwich- in lots of different areas. I can easily be driving around for 20 minutes looking for somewhere to park... it's not just that there aren't any spaces on my street, but there are no spaces within a 10 minute walk, which with 2 young kids/ shopping etc makes things very difficult. (Let alone the environmental issue of driving round unnecessarily). But it's also difficult for some local businesses. One hairdresser told me long standing clients are just going elsewhere because they can't deal with the parking situation. Things have changed a lot here in recent years with more popular restaurants, shops which attract people from further afield with cars (eg M&S) and more people doing more building work with associated tradespeople. In many ways that's all great, but to simply say "no CPZ" without other suggestions of how to help increased parking congestion, there'll be no improvement. So what might work instead?

We used plusrooms and Alex was our project manager last year and found them to be very professional and courteous. Works were on time and budget and have recommended them to several friends in the local area. Would also agree the workmen were very friendly and our neighbours even noted how considerate they were when she had any queries or concerns.

Hello I was wondering if anyone has put in blinds over bifolds- we would like to but aren't sure if you can fit them when there is a metal frame/ beam? If you have them could you recommend a company to make and fit? Many thanks

I used the team to work out what the problem with some lights was. They arrived within a short time, were punctual and seemed to identify the problem. The electrician also recommended future solutions to a further potential problem. The electrician was friendly and answers my questions. I was pleased.

Hello- we need a small amount taken off 2 doors to get them to fit over a new carpet. Slightly embarassed to ask someone to do this as it's such a small job, but don't want to mess it up! Would help if you could re hang doors too. We have guests coming on Friday so need it done before then. If you can help please give me a call on 07803 924305 Thanks

Thanks everyone!

Hello We have a brick building at the end of our garden- flat roof, windows, floorboards, water and electrical supply. It's been used as a study/ store room. It's quite big: 4m long, 5m wide and 2.5m tall We want to knock it down (doesn't require planning permission) to create a bigger garden. So 2 questions: could we do it ourselves, and if so what equipment should we hire to help? Or- who should I ask for quotes from- just a standard builder?! We'd get a skip but I don't imagine it's more than a couple of days work. Also any idea how much I should expect to pay? Any advice greatly appreciated! Many thanks