Renata Hamvas

There is another thread on this too! I have posted details on there. It is looking due to track layouts far more likely that the Wimbledon Loop service will be affected rather than the Sevenoaks Line. Renata

I contacted the relevant local press (Southwark News and a publication group that publishes several local papers including Newshopper for the Catford to Sevenoaks part of the route) last week, but they didn't An article did however come out in the Southwark News about the Wimbledon Loop line, and I was perplexed to see that the threat to the Sevenoaks service wasn't mentioned at all. I have made some further enquiries about this issue, and have been told that the Thameslink project is a major strategic undertaking which should ultimately improve rail services across the whole of London. However, some service patterns will need to change and some trains which currently enjoy a through service will be terminated at Blackfriars, in order, Network Rail say, to ensure maximum capacity for other through services. The trains from Herne Hill approach Blackfriars from a direction which would need to cross other train paths in order to reach the 'through' tracks. Network Rail say that they need to avoid crossing train paths as this would affect reliability on the rest of the Thameslink network. I have discovered that Network Rail Route Utilisation Strategies over the past few years have assumed that the services to be terminated at Blackfriars would be those trains approaching from the Wimbledon loop/Herne Hill. In terms of the Sevenoaks to Bedford/St Albans services which currently run via Nunhead and Peckham Rye, these trains run on a different set of tracks to the Herne Hill trains, and do not have the same issues on the approach to Blackfriars. As a result, for technical reasons, it is highly unlikely that these trains will be selected to terminate at Blackfriars. However, we can't necessarily predict the outcome of the consultation and everyone who is concerned about the train service should email the Department for Transport, as they will be making the final decisions about services on the new Thameslink franchise - [email protected] The deadline is 5pm today- so time is of the essence! The Southwark Council consultation response makes clear that the Council vehemently opposes any truncating to the Sevenoaks line. Renata

The One O Clock Club is not closing down! It will be rebuilt, but this isn't likely to happen until next year I believe. There are still discussions going on whether the old one will be knocked down and a new one built on the same site, or whether the new one will be built close to the old one. There are issues such as the outdoor play area, trees and also if built on the same footprint, there will be no club for a while. What was probably going on yesterday for the party funded by the Peckham and Nunhead community Council funds for summer events. My most recent meeting with council officers/cabinet over the future of the club was only a couple of weeks ago. Renata

If you live near Peckham Rye, then the no 78.

Hi First Mate, there is no "Early Decision" being made, in fact, probably due to the amount of interest in this application, the process appears to have been taking longer than usual. Planning meetings are open to anyone, so anyone who is interested can come along. Councillors who sit on this committee will see correspondence from local residents with their personal details blocked out. There is chance for someone representing local residents and supporting the application to speak and also someone representing local residents who are objecting to it to speak. A local ward Councillor can also speak (in this case a East Dulwich one as it falls into ED ward). Local residents who have an opinion on this application should therefore be sorting out who shall speak and what they should be saying and also lobbying your ED ward Councillor (James Barber, Rosie Shimell, Jonathan Mitchell) with your opinions (I'm a Peckham Rye Ward Councillor). The problem with delaying this application further is that the applicants could then lodge an appeal for non-determination which means it goes to an planning inspector ie outside Southwark and local residents control. Renata

Hi Fromtheteys, do you mean the meadow area that is behind Ryedale? I have assumed you do (please correct me if I'm wrong!) I have just contacted the person in charge of the cemeteries and asked for it to be cut, Renata

To confirm it would be 2 tph/Victoria but only until early evening, not on Sunday and not early morning either from December. The possible truncating of the Bedford service from Sevenoaks would be in addition to this. The latter cut would also have a great impact on residents from other boroughs living along this route. The ELL will not be the sam as the current rail services as it's radial, a bit like a south circular train service, rather than going directly into central London. Renata

To confirm, the consultation is on the through service from Sevenoaks to Bedford. Intially it was due to be the Wimbledon line that was to be cut past Blackfriars. Now, the Sevenoaks service is under threat as an alternative to cutting the Wimbledon loop through service. This is in addition to the loss of the Victoria to London Bridge service (South London Line) from December. So far no replacement service has been offered. The current alternative Victoria service from Dartford, does not run past about 7pm nor on Sundays. I therefore urge all readers who use this service to partake in the consultation. Renata

For those of you who use Peckham Rye or Nunhead Stations, you should be aware of this: A new franchise will bring together services currently operated by: First Capital Connect (FCC), including Wimbledon Loop services; Southern, including metro services, and some Southeastern services, including routes serving stations in Southwark. The franchise will be operational from 2013 (FCC services) and be expanded to include all Southern services in 2015 (to coincide with the start of major works at London Bridge). Some Southeastern services will transfer in 2014 and others yet to be specified on completion of the Thameslink programme in 2018. The current consultation seeks views on how the new franchise should be specified i.e. what services and train frequencies should be delivered on which routes within the franchise area. The resulting specification will be used as part of the DfT?s procurement process to appoint a new operator, based on their ability to deliver the required services in an effective and efficient manner. Responses to the consultation must be returned to the DfT by the 23rd of August 2012. The consultation document is available on the DfT's website at the link below: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-23/ I am very concerned as it appears that the line via Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye and Nunnhead is in direct competition with the Wimbledon Loop. One of the these services is likely to get cut and no longer run past Blackfriars northbound. Please fill out the consultation documents. Renata

Thanks Monika! I haven't posted back on here as I wanted to discuss the issue further with council officers. This is what I have been told: An environmental impact assessment was carried out. The reuse of other areas of the cemeteries will be of a similar genre of that being carried out on Wood Vale, ie tree surveys, good specimens kept, particular emphasis on native trees. Where it is found to be necessary to remove trees down, this will be ofset by new planting. Each stage will go via planning too, so there will be the oppertunity for residents to make their opinions known at each stage. Yes there will be an impact on each area as they are redeveloped for burial, but the nature of the type of vegetation in the cemeteries will mean that this will be short term. At the forefront of everyones thoughts, that yes the Cemeteries are a great place to walk your dog, or pick blackberries, but they are there as the deceased relatives of Southwark's residents are buried there and a proportion of Southwark's residents for personal or religious reasons are still opting for burial over cremation and I think this wish should be respected by posters on this thread, whatever their personal opinions on this matter. Renata Renata

emc Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Hello > > Primary school proms are apparently the new > 'thing' in town and, to celebrate the end of > summer term, I am looking to film with some > children who will be attending one of these > proms...if anyone's child/children is attending > and fancy taking part in a bit filming of > preparations/the prom pls PM me for more info... From what I know of the primaries in this area, I think you will need to go to the States for your story and PICs. The end of year event here may be a disco, where most of the year 6 children will come in their favourite jeans! Renata > > thanks so much

Hi Strawbs, I would suggest if you don't have one, you have an alarm system put in (Martin at Security Masters is good). As well as peace of mind it acts as a deterent. It may be also worth talking to your neighbours about the break-in. Do you want me to raise it with the safer neighbourhoods team, as this burglar may have broken into other properties in the area. I was truly sorry to read about your horrible experience. Renata

What an audacious thief and horrible experience for you strawbs. I will PM Renata

Ok, apologies, what I said is correct in most instances, exceptions are streets where the majority of vehicles go slowly anyway (due to the nature of the road). Last year also the legistlation was loosened a bit eg LAs can use flashing signs and also repeat signs on the road rather than on posts. Renata

yes they do! Renata

Hello DJ and E_dealer. Within a 20mph zone no point in the road can be more than 50m from a traffic calming feature (Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002), except on a cul?de?sac less than 80 metres in length (I don't know Strakers Rd's length but it would be > 80m). I don't know of anything specific to roads with a speed limit lower than 20mph as in this case! Humps are certainly not a good solution everywhere, however, I do welcome them in this location as it really important to keep speeds very low on this road. Renata

Hi Northlondoner, the reason why speed calming measures are required here and also in 20mph zones are that all roads with a limit less than 30mph have to be self enforcing, ie it needs to be made difficult for vehicles to go at speed (so as well as the practicality of wanting to keep vehicles at a low speed, there is also a statutory requirement too for traffic calming measures). I don't know the details of the exact requirements, however, this issue came up when speed humps were removed along a stretch of Ivydale Rd as larger vehicles were causing too much vibration. The pinch points and a speed table had to remain in order to have sufficient measures in order to enable the road ro remain within the 20mph zone. Renata

To confirm again all the plans are for the Cemeteries and not outside the Cemetery boundaries. There was a consultation that ran last year. Residents were asked if they want to stop all burials in Southwark or still have the option of a burial. They were asked if Southwark should purchase land elsewhere. Also whether existing grave space should be used. There was also whether Honor Oak Rec should be used as the land was originally purchased for burial. What is being planned is based on the outcome of the consultation. There were and still are very different views on what should be done. There is no outcome which would please everyone eg there were/are residents who want Honor Oak Rec used, but this was a minority opinion. The same is true of buying land outside London. I suppose in this case, there would be the issue of Southwark residents having access to their loved one's graves. I know of elderly residents who visit their relative's/spouses grave on a daily basis.This was not a favoured option either. The general consensus was, don't use Honor Oak Rec, do give the option for burial in Southwark and reuse burial space. Those of you who are aware of what is going on at the Wood Vale side of Honor Oak Old Cemetery will know that trees were surveyed, the majority of healthy specimens will remain and many new trees are to be planted. A similar strategy is being used elsewhere. The burial strategy is just that a strategy, so it can be altered, in fact there will be some further discussions in 2years time. If anyone has a solution to the burial issue that wasn't in the consultation please let me know. There probably isn't a perfect solution, but given all the different options and views of Southwark residents, what is being done, is probably the best option at the moment. Renata

It sounds like Bessemer Grange is very far from where you live! You probably got a place there due to the bulge. Did you apply to Langbourne? Langbourne is close to Sydenham Hill station and has been rated good by Ofsted. Renata

Brilliant! Well done to you all. Renata

Hi Puzzled, there is consultation on this: Persons wishing to object to the proposal, or make any other representations in respect of it, should send a statement in writing to that effect, and in the case of an objection, stating the grounds thereof to, either: the Traffic orders officer, Southwark council, Environment and leisure, Public realm, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX, or via e-mail to [email protected] quoting reference PR/PD/TMO1213- 012 by 19 July 2012. The plan is for 5 full-width sinusoidal road humps along Straker's Rd. Renata

I have reported both the area in the One O clock club playground, and the external playground with the water stream. Both areas will be cleaned. Renata

Hi Henryb, all the planned areas for doing burials are all within the cemeteries. There are no plans to use parks! There is a parks/open spaces analysis due to start soon (I currently don't know the exact date) but I do know that Honor Oak Rec will be included in this. I don't know when the old Nursery site was cleared, but I do know that there had been waste dumped there, and the area has had to be decontaminated (now completed). This area will now be used for burials. Around 30% of Southwark's deceased residents are buried and 70% cremated. This has been stable for several years. This strategy document is that, a strategy document. The strategy is to reuse burial sites within the cemeteries. What has happened with the site proximate to Wood Vale is that a tree survey was done and many of the trees are remaining. Some are being removed, but this is due to the heath (eg diseased or weak root structure) or type of tree (eg fast growing self seeding variety such as sycamore). There will be more trees in this area in the end than at present. It is hard, pretty much impossible for me to know exactly what the council will be doing in 20 years time, however I hope a similar conservative attitude will prevail with regard to trees etc. Everything assumes a similar rate of burial. It is possible that burials become less popular. A couple of points that that are important for this, is that other nearby boroughs need to address their burial space shortfalls and also people need to be discouraged from using American- style caskets that do not fit into standard burial plots. It is very hard to find a good solution to this! Renata Renata

Sorry Tarafitness, organisations applying for funding need to apply by tomorrow, so organisations will found out in a a couple of weeks whether they have the Southwark funding. I know it's a frustrating time, as only year 11s are on holiday at the moment, there will be a lot more on in a month's time! Your local scout group may do with some help, also I know previous primary pupils sometimes help setting up for sports days etc, so it may be worth him contacting his old primary school. Renata

There is an excellent youth club just over the other side of the Rye, it's called Westminster House Youth Club and it's on Nunhead Grove, SE15. If he likes football, I believe that both Athenlay and Carrib FCs will be running football activities over the summer. The closing date for application for Southwark funding for summer activities for 11-18 year olds closes tomorrow. This is for activities mainly for 13-18 year olds throughout Southwark during the school summer holidays (so therefore there will be things going on, but not yet!). I would suggest keeping an eye on the Southwark website to see what will be running that interests your son. I would suggest posting this in the Family Room, you may get more responses there. Renata