*Bob*

There are a few undertakers on Lordship Lane - something we will all need. Some sooner than others. :));-)B)(!)

I wouldn't worry about it. Every time I see Louisa's name on a posting I can't help thinking of 'The Childcatcher' from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. More irritating/laughable is her continual usage of 'emoticons' after every posting, like a three year old let loose packet of wax crayons.

My position: build the school, keep the pupil numbers the same if necessary, but make a small allowance for the impact on the immediate residents. Everyone else's position: Build the school any which way and sod 'em. Hey ho! Anyway.. Glastonbury calls - must dash!

Funny thing about NIMBYism is it works on two levels. There are the NIMBYs who care because it's in their back yard. But there are also the NIMBYs who don't care because it isn't in their back yard. We are talking about 4 storeys, literally (and I do mean literally) metres from the end of someone's back garden, presented as a 'here's how it's gonna be' a week before the plans were submitted. How d'ya like that for a consultation process, people?! Why not 6 storeys* on two thirds of the plot, with a two storey annexe on the residents side - for 1400 pupils? Or one for 750 pupils on three levels? Or any number of other fairer options? *maybe not 6.. I might be able to see it from my house if it were that high, and I'm always looking after Number One.

Wait, everyone.. I have a great idea! Let's make it 8 storeys high, not 4. That way we can cram in 2500 kids, which means more cash for Harris! How about 12 storeys high with a cherry on top?! Why should I care, it's NIMBY. Won't affect me. My kids probably won't even go there. Let's base all future schoolbuilding on the marketing principals of 'Richer Sounds': "Pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap". Incidentally, I'm not against the Harris Academy. I'd rather it was something else, but it isn't so we'll take what we can. But I do feel for the (immediate) residents now being tarred with the NIMBY brush for having the sheer audacity to suggest that 4 storeys butting-up to the bottom of their gardens (without consultation) isn't exactly fair.

Oh God, don't get the dog owners going again. Then there will be trouble.

Usual Glastonbury conditions then..

Hooray! A flicker of interest / passion / debate. My work here is done.

I think I was attempting to appeal to the selfish interests of forum users there (it usually works) As I said, everyone wants a new school, Ted. But (regardless of the traffic issues) the government's own guidelines deem that this school is twice the recommended size for the amount of land it is to be built on. Does this not ring any warning bells?

Piermont green may not become a car park, but it will a choice drop-off and collection point. Not to mention a fantastic spot for 1000 boys (with no 'bikesheds' at the school, so to speak) to utilize. And for those of you thinking you're a few streets away so you'll be ok: When the traffic calming measures at the bottom of Upland Road are removed and North Cross Road and its offshoots also become prime pickings on the school run, you may think differently.

You won't need them It's going to be sunny... It's going to be sunny... It's going to be sunny...

Rain or shine.. it'll be great. have a good 'un.

Interesting to note: Whilst the potential opening of a duplicate greetings card shop or where to get a decent cup of coffee has forum users locked in hot debate, plans for a controversial new school in SE22 seem to be generating less than a murmer. Apart from the fact that the old victorian building seems destined for the chop, the new school is hopelessly oversized, has virtually no outside space and only one non-residential road running past it which (as anyone will note who's walked or driven down it) isn't capable of serving a school of this size. Everybody knows we need a new boys school in the area, but this is not the answer.

Louisa, how could you be so foolish.. It's not Peckham these days, it's 'East Dulwich Borders'. Or is it Peckham Village? It will be when Foxtons get here anyway.

GASP! Certainly not! I find you to be - lestforthly and herewith therein - a hoot.

Anyone who honestly thinks being a successful estate agent involves anything more taxing than: a. Use of the correct key to get the door open b. Ability to say things like: "Nice big lounge" or "Great outside Space" or "Period Features" is either a) Mad as a hatter b) An estate agent c) The spouse of an estate agent

Just write something that doesn't make me fall into a coma. That's all I ask.

Alan, Would it be possible for you to edit your posts so as not to sound like a rejected script from 'Judge John Deed'? They would forthwith be henceforth all the betterer for it.

I know. Aren't they fantastic? The way they, you know, get the keys and open the door up. Then they show you the rooms. And then, if you're interested, you put an offer in. They really do deserve every penny for a difficult job well done!

I don't think that's the point anyone is trying to make at all, James. I too am filled with shock and horror at parents these days. They regularly exceed the speed limit with a child in the back. They don't have smoke alarms fitted, or haven't checked them for years. They let their kids play in the sun without sun cream on. They smoke around them. They drink too much. Occasionally they'll have a few drinks on a family day out and then drive them home. They feed them crap food. They let them cycle in London. They keep dogs at home. They don't service their boilers and the electrics in their houses are 30 years old. They let them watch adult TV all day and play violent computer games. They make them go to church, let them play physical sports and leave matches in accessible drawers (contrary to the advice of 'Welephant') But it seems that the REAL threat comes from leaving them unattended in the back of a car for a few moments. Which is odd, as I'm struggling to recall a single incident in the UK of a baby being abducted from the back of a car.

Nice bit of finger-pointy scaremongering. Shame on those parents! Were they asking for it or what?! etc

I have a nice space lined-up the the shed, all ready for this visitor. And I recently saw 'Wolf Creek', so...

I would have thought so. But keep a look-out for our tent flag. After much discussion, we decided on one that simply says: 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' perfic'

Had a pre-Glastonbury preparation meet. Met-up. Got prepared, good and proper.

It's just a spot of 'liquid sunshine'.. nothing to worry about.