Pugwash

There was a speed camera installed at the top end of Barry Road near the bus stop going towards Peckham. This was several years ago but was removed for some unknown reason. I have lived in Barry Road since 1975 and there have been various campaigns by local residents to reduce speeds. Corners such as at Goodrich, Upland and Underhill were supposed to decrease speed but in effect have increased accidents as drivers coming from the side roads have to pull out so far to see on coming traffic. Have also taken part in 2 road watches with police re speeding and I know other residents near the Upland Road end have done this frequently. Humps were installed many years ago but bus drivers refused to use Barry Road as damaging vehicles and also complaints by passengers of uncomfortable journeys. Barry Road like most other roads has a 20 mph speed limit, I have frequently been overtaken by impatient drivers not willing to stick to this. Traffic and noise has increased since closure of roads re LTN, also the frequent closures of many roads due to burst pipes have seen additional traffic on Barry Road as bus routes such as 63/363 have been redirected. Council did draw up plans some time ago and displayed then in the community centre, and St Clements Hall for local consultation, but many of the proposals were rejected or found to be impractical. There was a proposal a few years ago to put a zebra crossing at the 'top end' of Barry to give a safe crossing for St Anthony's pupils but residents realised that drivers coming down from lights towards Peckham would have insufficient time to brake (even at 20mph) as crossing was just beyond the bend.

I like many others, use a walking stick has I have impaired mobility with balance problems. I have to be very careful when walking on uneven surfaces. Barry Road is very narrow in some places as tree roots cut off part of the pavement which does not leave spaces for prams and wheelchairs. Some mobility scooters can only be used on pavements. If parked properly - there is very little concerns about the bikes and scooters but as everyone has stated it is the poorly parked ones that cause the problems. I have a partially sighted friend and she dreads going out on her own because of this.

Yet another shout out for Niko who came round Saturday afternoon to clear badly blocked loo. Checked our high level cistern and put in new valve in ballcock, increased water volume in cistern to prevent future blockages. Working well Great guy - reasonable price, easy to get on with. Need to get him out again as we have discovered a problem with another toilet in the house,

Is there a tenants and resident's association in your street/area? Volunteering - St. Christopher's shop in LL, other charity shops. Fair Trade Centre in Barry Road. Link Age need volunteers. The East Dulwich Community Centre have loads of groups meeting there also run some social events.

Having been a hearing aid user for the majority of my life can give you some advice. GP can refer you to an audiologist- the referral can be either via NHS Audiology which for this area is managed by In Health who have clinics all over London. The nearest is Streatham. I have a behind the ear NHS aid for which has a loop setting, however if my aid breaks down I have to contact In Health to get an appointment for a repair. This is where it gets complicated -without a working aid I cannot use a telephone so have to rely on hearing friends/relatives to phone up to book appointments. Secondly, an appointment at Streatham may take 2- 3 weeks and I cannot be without an aid for more than 24 hours. I had to get to Kentish Town by 8 am to the only clinic with an appointment available within 48 hours. As a result of the above, I decided to purchase an aid privately to have as a 'spare/backup'. I booked an appointment at Spec Savers in Rye Lane - audiologist was there on a Sunday. I explained the reason for seeking an aid and discovered that if I had a letter from my GP they would see me as an NHS patient and issue aid accordingly. I decided to pay as my NHS aid is very good and I prefer it to a private one. The fitting of the aid was done by the audiologist at Spec Savers in Walworth Road. I decided against having a 'loop' installed in the aid as I have never found them useful. The RNID is a very useful resource - so contact them

From what I gather from the Dulwich Hill team is that Mark Rowley is trying to regain confidence in the Met and this is one of the suggestions that is being tried out. At the first 'cuppa' held at Christ Church Barry Road we had about 8 people- some of us knew the team already but others were 'newbies'.

SNT also hold evening meetings - they usually email me the dates and venues when these are being held so that I can put them on EDF

Cuppa with a Copper The Dulwich Hill Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be at the Herne Tavern, 2 Forest Hill Rd, between 1pm-2.30pm on Tuesday 4 April for anyone who wishes to drop in for a chat or to meet your local coppers,

St Christopher's take rags - just tell them in the shop and they will put with their rag section which is then sold to a dealer.

Bread of Life Cafe in Christ Church Barry Road. Easily accessible for wheelchairs and large mobility scooters. Open weekdays only. Fair Trade Centre in same building - wheelchair accessible.

I too wandered into Poundland earlier this week out of curiosity. Spent £5.25p. and paid cash. Bit of a mix up as due to long queues I was directed to the 2 male cashiers, and presented my £10 note- horror from staff member - I can only take card payment, Another staff member was called over why did I go to cashier when should have gone to self serve? Explained that she herself had directed me to the available assistant, Manager called - whilst waiting for him/her suggested that they should have a big notice above till saying 'card only'. Manager arrives - could not see the problem- tells assistant that he had cash in the till to give me change. Manager apologies to me. Purchased zinc batteries which had been looking for in other local shops, some cat food, also 24 jaffa cakes (£1). Will still use Farmers for household items but nice to have an alternative.

East Dulwich Community Centre

Hubby went to get fish and chips from Joseph's last Friday. Long queues outside - was told by someone in queue , that orders were taking an hour to process. Hubby went across road to Chinese instead. Will try again earlier in the week. We usually drive down to Emily's in North Cross Road. Ahmed is very popular and has reasonable prices- good to chat and catch up with his family news whilst waiting for our order to cook.

We have used Gary several times - today he fitted a light sensor over our front door. A couple of weeks ago he installed a new set of ceiling lights and renewed a light switch. Very helpful, clean and tidy and reasonable price.

Christ Church has a cafe (Bread of Life) which is opened each weekday - times are on the door. Much cheaper than Harry's. New fish and chip shop is reportedly expensive £14 50 for cod and chips. Not sure what else is on the menu. People this end of LL and Barry have frequently moaned about the lack of chippies - Nearest is opposite Grove Tavern.

Dulwich Hill SNT are now fully staffed and will be having a 'drop in' session at Christ Church Barry Road on Monday 6th March 10 am - 12 midday. Come along for a friendly chat, raise concerns, etc.

We tried to do this some time ago but the pharmacy were very reluctant to do so. Had prescription from Kings following an operation and had to inject myself for a couple of weeks. Took unused needles back to Kings Pharmacy who refused to take them , local pharmacy would not take as issued by Kings. In the end hubby had an OP appointment at Kings so just handed then over to nursing staff at the clinic.

When I past the shop yesterday - the doors were open and could see the workmen/women installing shelves etc. Still very much a shell.

I find it very difficult when replying to private messages - not clear which box you have to complete can you simplify this.

If so, come along to meet your Safer Neighbourhood Police Team. Meeting at Christ Church Barry Road (opposite Plough PH) Weds, 22nd Feb. at 6.30pm. Please see message below from Simon who is one of the officers on the team. Good Evening Below is a link to the Dulwich Hill ward survey, I would be very grateful if you could pass this link on to your contacts you may have who live or work on the ward. This will give us a better picture of what residents ect concerns are and what priorities to set for the next quarter. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/IBTGN8/ Thank you for your help in this matter Kind regards PCSO Simon Johnson (7125AS)

I suspect that when scheme starts - Southwark will ask that 'traffic attendants/control' be in attendance to write a few parking notices and possibly police presence. I know in the past - police officers have been around at opening/closing times to talk with parents - works well for a couple of days then goes pack to normal.

I thought HSBC in Peckham closed late last year. Why not try local shop keepers - they may wish to change up their own change for some notes.

I will continue to use Farmers as the prices are reasonable, but will amble in to Poundland when it opens to see what it can offer. Generally speaking Poundland and its ilk,do not sell everything for £1 but you still get bargains there- children's party bags, toothpaste, party hats and serviettes. Sachets of cat/dog food. etc East Dulwich had pockets of poor housing/poverty/ malnutrition etc long before the current cost of living crisis. I grew up in ED and in the 60s and 70s lived in Spurling Road, with no bathroom and an outside loo which was shared with another family. Privately rented accommodation which was twice designated for slum clearance along with other houses in the street (due to dampness /mould/ poor sanitation). Yet the same houses are still standing - obviously refurbished and updated. Back to the subject - if a Poundland does well in terms of revenue- great. It will also offer employment to local people.