KateFord

Absolutely agree. The lights are super 'LL Cool J', I love coming home and seeing them. Thanks for sorting them out, as let's not forget - they weren't even working before! :)

I can't wait for The Vale to change over. Like many others on this thread I had a run in with the miserable old git of a manager that used to sulkily glare at customers behind the pumps. The food was so inconsistent - some months they'd have a good chef and you'd have freshly baked pies and homemade food, and then the next month it would be back to the frozen cheap stuff - but at the same prices! As it was my local I used to go quite a lot and was a regular, until five years ago I bought a pint there, popped outside for a fag and chat and then popped back in to use the loo and got a stream of abuse from the owner. He launched into one about 'only customers using the loos'. I said I'd just bought a pint (it was from his son I think) and was a regular customer. He told me to f*** off and that he didn't 'want my type in there', not sure if he was referring to the fact I'm female or my ethnicity tbh. Even when I proceeded to show him all my Vale receipts he pushed my hand back and said he didn't care. I couldn't believe it. Stupid man lost a few grand that day - from not only my family's custom but all my mates and colleagues who have also boycotted it for years. Love the crushed and devalued thread btw. It's comedy gold.

I know this has been brought up on countless occasions, but the issue about the rubbish coming from the flats on Melbourne Grove really has to be tackled. This morning the spread of refuse is worse then ever - and I have attached a picture to illustrate my point. Melbourne Grove is consistently littered with rubbish from the flats as they have to put their litter out in sacks. But due to the high frequency of vermin (foxes, pigeons etc) these bags regularly get torn apart. This is having a knock-on effect on the street as a whole with the old Thai Restaurant being used as a dumping ground for unwanted furniture and this problem will only escalate further. I do try and do my bit when I can and tidy the litter as I know it isn't hygienic for it to be blown around everywhere, but I can't do much about people fly-tipping huge pieces of furniture. I have called the council about this and they say the flats aren't allowed bins and can't use the industrial ones used for commercial purposes on the road either! however I disagree and have attached a picture of a 'mini' bin that I think would be an ideal solution, as putting rubbish out in sacks in an area highly populated by foxes is NOT a viable option. I disagree with the council as they say properties can't have bins protruding onto the street, but I think this is better than having broken glass, nappies and sharp tins strewn everywhere - in an area with a lot of toddlers and traffic, plus it's unfair on the roadsweepers having to spend so much time on this street. I am not blaming the flats in any way, as I know that they are only doing what they have been told to do. I have attached a past thread too as a lot of people really want a solution for this and that seems to be - just give the flats some mini bins! Please help with this matter, as it is pressing. Everyone who visits the street always comments on it. Thanks. messageRe: Rubbish in Melbourne Grove Posted by windy.g 18 October, 2011 16:41 Could not agree more with katefords post! As a resident of that end of m. Grove I am disgusted most mornings on my walk to the station. Several flat tenants have approached the council on numerous occasions re getting bins of some sort and have had no help, on my last call we were told the only option would be to collectively organise collections (as the shops do) but it would be at our expense. They have refused outright a large bin as they state there is nowhere suitable to put it even though a. The pizza place has one outside (albeit business) and b. We have suggested appropriate places (I.e by the old hospital entrance). The response we consistently get is to continue putting bags in the street and also keep reminding us it's against the law to use other people's bins or place on top of litter bins. So really we have no alternative and most do put their bins out first thing so rubbish is not strewn about but we would really like a solution to this also. Hello, I posted the original message and I believe the issue has worsened and with the refuse collections being cut this is even more of a problem. Every week poor Melbourne Grove and the area near the station is littered with rubbish and I know it is flats No5-No7 and I also know that this has been reported many times to Southwark Council, but it's still happening as unfortunately the council are toothless. I know that as No5-No7 are flats they are not allowed wheelie bins and as James Barber told me they cannot leave wheelie bins out as they have no driveway. However I disagree strongly with this, as surely unsanitary mess caused by rubbish strewn across the street only to be picked at by vermin such as rats, pigeons and foxes is far worse than some bins taking some of the real estate off the pavement? With the new flats that are being built in place of the old Post Office and Thai restaurant this issue is only going to get worse. I do feel very strongly about it as it reflects badly on the whole of East Dulwich as Melbourne Grove is an area that sees a huge amount of traffic, as is the Train Station which also feels the affects of this littering. Also the bin outside Mark & Son is often on fire - the newsagent owner told me that lit cigarettes are often thrown in the bin and the workers have to get about 10 buckets of water to put it out each time. This has got worse since there are less collections and one day something terrible will happen if there's a fire and they aren't around. Now really the solutions are simple: 1. Get a bin which has a cigarette disposal unit built on top 2. Give the flats wheelie bins OR a specially designated area for industrial bins that they have access to nearby 3. More litter collections 4. Here's a thought - let's stop wasting money on putting down speed humps that will only be removed when the buses are diverted down Melbourne Grove again (in case TFL sue them for ruining their vehicles), only for the humps to be put back a week later... and so the cycle of madness goes on. messageRe: Rubbish in Melbourne Grove Posted by MazzyStar 14 October, 2011 21:42 Bravo Kate Ford! Couldn't agree more - I'd rather have wheelie bins taking up a bit of space than continually wade through old tins and nappies. I called Southwark Council as well and a nice lady said she was aware of this problem as it has been reported many, many times. And it's still happening. Sort it out please Mr Barber!!!

Hi James - can you help with the issue detailed below. I know it is something that you are well aware of and is a burning issue for the local residents. If you see the below response about the rubbish issue in Melbourne Grove and the surrounding station area it seems that the solution is quite simple and that asking flat residents to put their rubbish out in bags IS NOT A SOLUTION because of the foxes etc. The issue has also been reported on countless occasions to the council by so many people now. Please just get these people a large bin - surely the cost of this would save in the long run!!!! This problem will not just go away. messageRe: Rubbish in Melbourne Grove Posted by: windy.g October 18, 04:41PM Could not agree more with katefords post! As a resident of that end of m. Grove I am disgusted most mornings on my walk to the station. Several flat tenants have approached the council on numerous occasions re getting bins of some sort and have had no help, on my last call we were told the only option would be to collectively organise collections (as the shops do) but it would be at our expense. They have refused outright a large bin as they state there is nowhere suitable to put it even though a. The pizza place has one outside (albeit business) and b. We have suggested appropriate places (I.e by the old hospital entrance). The response we consistently get is to continue putting bags in the street and also keep reminding us it's against the law to use other people's bins or place on top of litter bins. So really we have no alternative and most do put their bins out first thing so rubbish is not strewn about but we would really like a solution to this also.

Hello, I posted the original message and I believe the issue has worsened and with the refuse collections being cut this is even more of a problem. Every week poor Melbourne Grove and the area near the station is littered with rubbish and I know it is flats No5-No7 and I also know that this has been reported many times to Southwark Council, but it's still happening as unfortunately the council are toothless. I know that as No5-No7 are flats they are not allowed wheelie bins and as James Barber told me they cannot leave wheelie bins out as they have no driveway. However I disagree strongly with this, as surely unsanitary mess caused by rubbish strewn across the street only to be picked at by vermin such as rats, pigeons and foxes is far worse than some bins taking some of the real estate off the pavement? With the new flats that are being built in place of the old Post Office and Thai restaurant this issue is only going to get worse. I do feel very strongly about it as it reflects badly on the whole of East Dulwich as Melbourne Grove is an area that sees a huge amount of traffic, as is the Train Station which also feels the affects of this littering. Also the bin outside Mark & Son is often on fire - the newsagent owner told me that lit cigarettes are often thrown in the bin and the workers have to get about 10 buckets of water to put it out each time. This has got worse since there are less collections and one day something terrible will happen if there's a fire and they aren't around. Now really the solutions are simple: 1. Get a bin which has a cigarette disposal unit built on top 2. Give the flats wheelie bins OR a specially designated area for industrial bins that they have access to nearby 3. More litter collections 4. Here's a thought - let's stop wasting money on putting down speed humps that will only be removed when the buses are diverted down Melbourne Grove again (in case TFL sue them for ruining their vehicles), only for the humps to be put back a week later... and so the cycle of madness goes on.

Yup, called this number: 020 7525 5000 at Southwark Council and reported it. Ta.

Luana - I completely agree with you! I have my suspicions about who it is but can't see why they leave it in thin bags on the street KNOWING that the contents get thrown all across the street - it's disgusting and selfish. I have posted a thread on this and posted on the East Dulwich Councillor thread (this was before I saw your piece). Could you also post to the councillor too so we can get something moving on this? P.s - Minder I don't think she was blaming the foxes and cats, merely the selfish idiots who do this on a weekly basis. It's bloody horrible treading in bits of leftover food, broken glass, nappies and even a used sanitary towel (yes, I know it sounds funny but it's true). It's also really unfair on the poor litter collector and council workers too. If it was right on your doorstep you wouldn't like it all Post: Hello there, I wonder if you can help. We have someone on Melbourne Grove that continually leaves their rubbish on top of, or around the public street bin near the old Post Office opposite No.5. This rubbish is left out exposed on the street EVERY single week (usually on a Sunday/Monday) and because there are a lot of foxes in the area, without fail the bin's contents will be scattered across the whole area when it gets dark. Obviously this is extremely unhygienic as well as dangerous because often there are food products, sharp tins, sanitary refuse as well as broken glass strewn across the whole street attracting vermin such as rats, as well as foxes and pigeons (as seen in the picture). Plenty of times I myself have put the bins in my own wheelie and tried to help, but sometimes I get to it too late and a hungry fox has already ripped the bags open and spilled the contents everywhere. I think that whoever is doing this is creating a lot of work for the poor litter-collector that regularly cleans the street (and does a fine job) as well as spoiling the area and making it generally unhygienic and dangerous as mentioned - basically I worry that one day a small child may be injured on this broken glass. I would like some help with a solution - maybe a sign could go up about fly-tipping on the lamppost beside the bin, and if the residents who are doing it don't have a wheelie bin (maybe they are in a flat with no front entrance) perhaps they could be supplied with an industrial wheelie bin with a lock or be allocated with one nearby. Please help!

Hello there, I wonder if you can help. We have someone on Melbourne Grove that continually leaves their rubbish on top of, or around the public street bin near the old Post Office opposite No.5. This rubbish is left out exposed on the street EVERY single week (usually on a Sunday/Monday) and because there are a lot of foxes in the area, without fail the bin's contents will be scattered across the whole area when it gets dark. Obviously this is extremely unhygienic as well as dangerous because often there are food products, sharp tins, sanitary refuse as well as broken glass strewn across the whole street attracting vermin such as rats, as well as foxes and pigeons (as seen in the picture). Plenty of times I myself have put the bins in my own wheelie and tried to help, but sometimes I get to it too late and a hungry fox has already ripped the bags open and spilled the contents everywhere. I think that whoever is doing this is creating a lot of work for the poor litter-collector that regularly cleans the street (and does a fine job) as well as spoiling the area and making it generally unhygienic and dangerous as mentioned - basically I worry that one day a small child may be injured on this broken glass. I would like some help with a solution - maybe a sign could go up about fly-tipping on the lamppost beside the bin, and if the residents who are doing it don't have a wheelie bin (maybe they are in a flat with no front entrance) perhaps they could be supplied with an industrial wheelie bin with a lock or be allocated with one nearby. Please help!

Hey PK, now because she said 'up the road at No. 75' I assumed it was Melbourne Grove. So I have knocked at that address (mainly due to a mixture of guilt and curiousity). Obviously she didn't live there (nice pained column number though!) but there was a lovely woman who answered, and we had a nice chat about it and I said I was sorry to have bothered her. She was really nice about it all though. (Hi there if you visit the forum, thanks for not thinking I'm mad!). BUT to be honest, as she said 'up the road' maybe she didn't mean Melbourne Grove. Anyway, I'd like to get to the bottom of it and just wondered if anyone else had received a visit on Saturday night and what street she'd told anyone else if it is a strange scam. Cheers.

I live on Melbourne Grove and had a woman come to my house on Saturday night asking me to sponsor her business. To be honest I'm quite cynical about these door calls and already have my fair share of weekly 'towel sellers' who are quite aggressive and manipulative with their 'starving kids' spiel. Anyway, I would say this particular visitor was a young black woman, small frame, approx 25-30 years old. She had a few plastic folders with some very amateurish scribbles on the front in marker pen, and her opening gambit was that she lived a few doors down at No.75 and would I be interested in helping her new business which seemed to be based around printing T-Shirts(?), although it seemed really vague. Obviously not wanting to appear rude if she was a neighbour, I said did she have any designs as I didn't really understand what she wanted. She started getting flustered and saying that a lot of retailers in the area had contributed and that she was starting a new business blah blah. I was getting increasing frustrated and said it all seemed a bit abstract and she still hadn't told me exactly what the business was but only mentioned something on printing T-Shirts and that she was just starting up. And that if she had something to sell then she should have brochures, website, pictures, or anything really, and to come back and I'll take a look. She kept saying I didn't understand and began waving the sheet with some illegible words scribbled in marker pen and I was getting extremely agitated. She explained that's why she needed the funding and I didn't understand. She kept trying to speak and by this time I was getting really anxious as I thought I'd made my point - that she is welcome to come back once she had more solid info, products, prices, print-outs etc, as it all seemed vague to say the least. She kept blathering 'You don't understand, this is an opportunity...let me finish etc' and so I kept cutting her off (after I have to repeat myself more than three times my patience goes), so I kept saying, 'No, that's it' enough. She started again, then again I butted in more forcibly 'No, that's it'. Then it all turned pretty emotional and I obviously upset her and she started to get tears in her eyes. My partner (who was in the garden) heard the raised voices and told me to go in the living room while he dealt with it. I said to her she should leave and I was getting upset and then she actually broke down in tears and this really upset me. My partner asked if she was alright and between tears she said there had been a 'mis-communication' and started backing away. I went to the door apologetically and said I was sorry I'd upset her and my partner told her she'd better leave. Wiping her face she said she was really sorry and left. The whole experience left me really shaken and I felt terrible that I'd made someone cry. God knows if this was a bona fide scam or just someone who was a bit crap with no business sense or printer, but it's still a bit weird to knock on people's doors at nine o'clock at night to invest! Maybe I'll see her on Dragon's Den and she'll be vindicated...