Nigello

I saw a yellow butterfly just around midday.

Whereabouts was the hawk?

It’s like steam punk meets ‘70s NYC - so unpleasant and unwelcoming. I can’t imagine how it would be for someone with a mobility or vision problem or a parent with buggy/young kids.

I just can’t visualise “east” and “west” as easily as others (such as those much closer to this plan and/or who deal with plans much more often). Is there a decent map?

Where did you see the hawk? I have had two visits (same bird)? near Dunstan’s x Goodrich. Robin, sparrows, magpie, wood pigeon, blue tits, great tits, crow, rare goldfinch/blackbird/black capped ?

Whether a pool is overcrowded or not, the absence of the lifeguard is the critical factor here. To use this tragic anecdote as a reason to disregard valid points about accessibility is a reach too far and designed to emotionally blackmail anyone who disagrees with the status quo. At least some - not all - of the hours of operation ought to be for drop-ins as has been standard for decades. (Overcrowding is easily prevented with the use of wristbands and/or headcount at ticket desk, etc. - as was the case before Covid.)

Exactly this - and at least 10% of those don’t turn up and don’t get fined? Only those obsessed with the idea of efficiency (at the expense of humanity) can applaud a 100% bookable system. It stinks of top-down bureaucracy and goes against how most people want to live their lives. (Specific needs (preferences, really) can still be accommodated with a booking/set aside system but a totalitarian approach just isn’t realistic or human).

Efficiency? It’s LEISURE TIME! Fine if you want to lanyard up and go full spreadsheet when you fancy a bit of a paddle, but that’s not really the best MO when speaking of a council-funded recreation centre.

Or have both special sessions and turn-up-and-swim sessions (with the emphasis on the latter, because that’s the most accessible and historically and socially acceptable way of doing things, which was only jettisoned because of the effects of a pandemic.

I said that only some of the time should be set aside for general swimming by removing some of the ring-fencing - see above for proof. Nobody was clamouring for such timed access before Covid; now, lots of people book (often at night when slots open) then sometimes don’t turn up in that hour. It’s hardly the epitome of accessibility (which is one of this council’s pet phrases), and therefore doesn’t encourage would-be swimmers to dip their toes into the water.

It is a bit (and unnecessarily maddeningly) complicated because you have to choose a type of swim (lane/over 60/men only etc. and even which speed you’d like to swim at), so I sympathise. I have no idea why Southwark won’t repeal these rather daft restrictions or at least some of them and just have most of the day as open swimming (with one lane always roped off for those who want to do lengths).

I used to hear at least one of those owls but haven’t for at least two years. 😕

I’m going to ask my MP! I received no reply to my question about whether Southwark could add a note about school holidays, as other councils have done.

I wrote to the department to ask why Southwark doesn’t say fines won’t be levied during school holidays and received this back: A School Street operates during school term time only and only during the signed drop-off and pick-up times, typically Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, including during school holidays, the restrictions do not apply. The on-street signs currently in place are the prescribed signs permitted under traffic regulations and set out the days and times of operation in line with the Traffic Management Order. These are the signs the Council is legally able to install on the public highway. i replied to ask if any council putting a notice about school holidays on the signs was therefore breaking the law and, if not, whether Southwark would consider amending signs as a courtesy to drivers. I am yet to receive a reply. Also, does anyone know whether the “legal” bit is correct? Perhaps there is an exemption for friendly, helpful amendments?!

Why not be judgemental on this or any topic? Having your dog on a lead is the least hazardous option whatever the conditions. It’s a sad loss, of course, but this is a public forum and therefore a place for diverse opinions.

How curious! Two of mine are flowering. Both are usually kept outside. The smaller one is budding all over. The larger one (with lighter green leaves) has a single, open flower. Both are now inside due to the freezing temperatures.

Most folk are leaving them to block pavements, with no thought for pedestrians, especially those who may find it more difficult and dangerous to use the footpaths. Shameful

If it’s not their responsibility then it’s not their responsibility. If it’s that of one of the properties on that parade, that property own must take action.

It’s mean spirited. Also, if no buses on Xmas Day, why not allow other vehicles to use the bus lanes then? It would prevent unnecessary idling and jams, which is a laudable aim and one which the authorities spend a lot of time and effort pursuing.

Is it not a legal requirement to issue a receipt? If you don’t get one, ask. If that doesn’t work, report. 🎄 💴

Staff get taxis in and out and get paid extra (which I think is x2). Some people like to work on Bank Holidays and others don’t. Some people actively avoid Christmas for personal reasons. Long live freedom of choice!

What can be done? How about reporting it to the police?

I was told that there was a problem with the wall that needed fixing. There were a few cracks cemented over which did spoil the mural a fair bit once the repair work had been done so maybe the owner decided to not leave it looking spoilt or perhaps the repair work necessitated a special paint job? Mad C was the artist. Feel free to look her up and let her know (though she may have been made aware of the plans anyway).

Rob M responded quickly and helpfully to a text sent on Thursday afternoon 11/12/25 and was most understanding and accommodating when I let him know a short time before our appointment the following day that I’d managed to fix the problem. 👍

Each bike ought to have a large QR code on the side. If it is parked badly you can take a picture and it will send you to an email address so you can report it. Loads are left slap bang in the centre of footpaths or blocking open gates to parks, etc. which is bad if you are of limited mobility or have sight problems (or have toddlers/pram/dogs with you).