B&G

I grew up in Brighton and have lived in ED for seven years. I also did a stint in Hove, which as the others say is perhaps better for family life (or rather, if you'd have a car which is practically impossible in Brighton!). I wouldn't go back, though I had a great time growing up there. I wouldn't be worried about raising kids there though, it's very family friendly and whilst you might find it small, it's a comforting size as a teenager. Feels like there's plenty to do/see (though perhaps not if you've been raised in London?). Schools are an issue unless you're going private due to the allocation system and lack of them. Good state secondaries aren't as easy to come by as they are here. There are really only three decent ones (one Catholic if that affects your decision), though there are many strong primary schools. As the previous poster says, it's a lottery system now to avoid children being priced out of the good schools. I moved to London before I found a job up here, so I was working full time in Brighton and commuting down there each day. It was a bit like a salmon swimming up stream - there were always plenty of seats going the "wrong" way out of town each morning!

Thanks Alice, that's really helpful and good to know.

yeknom - I had an email from them on the 8th Feb: "The store is having a mini refit on the 12/03/2017 and will be closed for 14 days and will reopen on 27/03/2017. The store is due for a full refit including the installation of a warehouse at the rear of the store." There was no time frame for the full refit (though I'm not sure it'll be anytime soon else they wouldn't have bothered with a mini). They were restocking this morning so I guess it'll be open asap.

Any idea what the newly refurbed shop next to Potager is going to be?

We've had quotes from both of these firms. Has anyone had a loft extension done recently by either that you would be happy to show us? It'd be really useful to pop over and take a look at the quality of the builds. Many thanks

I don't think so Nigello. Do you mean outside the hairdressers? I see people there from time to time but assumed it was staff. A Mr Bao would be fab..!

Estate agent it is then. Also, the Co-op is due for a mini upgrade (and will be closed for 2 weeks in March), followed by a proper refurb this year. It'll include storage to the rear so those damn crates won't be cluttering the place up... Also, hopefully it'll be wheelchair / pram friendly.

I'm looking for a window cleaner who will clean internal windows that have secondary glazing. The secondary glazing can be lifted out, but I'm not strong enough to do this. Area between glass needs to be dusted, cleaned and glass polished and put back. Recommendations gratefully received! Thanks

Renata, can anything be done about the co-op? I am delighted to see they've treated themselves to a new set of fridges (after a visit from the food safety team), but the front is a disgrace? They use blue tarpaulins as some sort of recycling disguise, but I don't think I'm alone in spotting the junk underneath. Thanks

We've used Lordship Flooring on LL. Found them very helpful and they kept things in storage for us when builders didn't finish on time. Can't tell you what their prices are like comparatively, but I was happy with the quality and service.

I keep em for tags on next year's presents...

Watson's General usually has live music on a Thursday. Maybe check 'em out?

My thoughts exactly *Bob*! No such luck, though - ?12.50 for the set.

I've been in for a coffee a couple of times, and a juice once. Both were fine though the juices aren't cheap. Agree about the vibe - sort of feels like you've stumbled into someone's living room accidentally. Haven't bought fruit or veg in there but that's really just because I forget they do it. I'm not sure how much one should expect to pay for a doughnut these days, but I saw this in there the other day and had to laugh.

?11 an hour for 3 hours a week.

Our local fox delivered this in the night. Anyone missing a gardening glove?

Ah, an old thread!

Kiera - Page one, a little way down: "If I were a Lib Dem at the moment I wouldn?t bang too much on about broken promises prior to elections. . . I too am going to keep an open mind. This is clearly a finely balanced issue and I?d like to listen to as wide a cross section of views as possible before making a decision. People are very welcome to attend Community Council but getting in touch in advance of that will allow us more time to raise queries with officers. Gavin Edwards Tel: 07956624529 e-mail: [email protected] www.peckhamryelabour.blogspot.com Peckham Rye News Facebook Group"

I would be delighted if the crossings went back in - the road has become a race track for some drivers and buses heading towards Peckham aren't much better. Gavin Edwards - I'm pleased, though surprised, to see you commenting on this and asking for feedback, since I emailed all our cllrs on this issue a few weeks ago and you were the only one not to respond at all.... If the crossings don't get reinstated, it'd be interesting to hear what other traffic calming measures will be used instead, given I understand that humps are not possible on roads that see lories and buses. It is a matter of time before someone is hurt, so I hope this is taken seriously by all our cllrs and MPs.

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,1694676 Perhaps this might be useful.

It ought to be removed. It doesn't matter if it's not causing harm - it requires permission and they didn't get it. Planners seem all for it so it's unlikely they'll be refused. Rules is rules, and all that...

Could you please post the link to the crowdfunding site, early_doors?

I've just ordered one online and they emailed back to ask which size I was after. The email came from [email protected] - maybe give that a go?

Because there's no legislative requirement. Hence why 4 and 5 stars businesses will display and others tend not to. You can search for them online if you want to know more about each rating, though the majority are 3 star and up. Worth bearing in mind, too, that somewhere with a 2 star rating may decide to up their game and improve, but may not get revisited for another year or more. For example, the Co-op got checked recently and demoted from a 5 star to a 2 star following complaints about mice. They're planning a refurb in the next 12 months to address the issues but will likely have to live with a crappy rating until their next inspection, even if the standards improve.

Possibly not the right section of the forum, so please forgive if not. Does anyone locally keep chickens? We're looking at getting a couple and it'd be a huge help to pop round and have a brief chat with someone who already does and look at your set up. I've no groundbreaking questions - just interested in how it works for you and how you cope with foxes?! Thanks very much B