Nigello

The two large and deep puddles at the junction of CP and ED Roads and Adys and ED roads are caused by blocked drains, it appears. I have asked Cllr Barber to look into it. (Insert groan here.)

It is not necessary at all. The rules are in place, the authority exists - all it takes is the continued and steady application of the current powers. It's this kind of committeeisation that makes my heart sink and puts me off any kind of organised "community" involvement. It oozes treacle-speed progress and a love of process over action. Just ask yourself, "what would your mother have done?" - where "mother" represents any common sensical person who doesn't suffer from any form of cultural/social cringe - and you may well find that she would have either had a word herself and/or contacted the council over transgressors.

Maybe she doesn't like Americanisms! (take vs have). She sounds a right charmer, so good on your for challenging her. Take a pic, threaten to send it to the local purveyor of the best in "know it alls" - EDF! Sometimes you just have to do your best and accept that it's not always good enough and don't let it stop you from doing your best again.

I don't think anyone denies that a cleaner, greener Peckham is a good idea but I do think that most right-minded people are sceptical of "community committees" rather than the use of already established laws, social norms and council wherewithal to get the job done. My Pooterish litter-picking won't solve the problem but it does demonstrate that immediate action can have an immediate effect, even if it is limited in scope and scale. If only one in ten of us reported grot spots, asked shop owners to dispose of rubbish along established guidelines and keep our own immediate environments clean - imagine the effect. This does not negate the need for, nor detract from the good work of, the authorities, which should be contacted when there is a problem with litter, fly tipping or the local environment.

Eileen, I really don't think it needs a committee! Just fine folk who drop litter and tell the owners/workers of shops that litter and fly tip to stop and fine them if they don't. Tell them about the facilities that exist already and then do it a few times again so that the penny drops. Leave literature for the owner and make sure that s/he understands why it's important and what penalties there are for non-compliance. Get the local newspapers to report on it and make a point of thanking those that play by the rules. If you want to get to work immediately, get down to Choumert Road and hang around for about fifteen minutes and you'll see up-close SE15 littering/tipping at its most blatant. (I did my little bit a couple of hours ago by collecting a few cans and putting them in one of the all-too-lacking litter bins nearby.) It really is not difficult and should not require yet another layer of bureaucracy, let alone another post - paid or otherwise.

I agree. The pavement that ought to have been done first (apart from the ponding valleys outside my house and those of my neighbours) is that opposite the Picturehouse, where puddles inches deep form when we have moderate-to-heavy rain.

Don't pay for bags and use newspaper or a clapped out tea-towel or kitchen roll etc. instead. It's not hard and you'll be doing the environment a (very small) favour.

Just make the prices a little bit dearer, so little that none will notice, and then pay a decent wage and offer bonuses. Seems fair and simple and, who knows, people may feel so relieved that there is no service charge that they may, er, leave a tip - a gratuity that is really is freely given!

James, Why should council or charity funding be used to "help" Network Rail/TOC to clear up what it should be doing itself? If the sidings are the responsibility of either (or both), then it should be up to that body to keep them litter free. How about a small grant to help the elderly/disabled etc who cannot keep their garden trees/bushes tidy to do so? It may then spur on others who are able but slack.

Or don't tip and ask the owner to add a few pence to each item on the menu and then remove the 10 or 12.5 or 15% "discretionary" charge which s/he knows most people won't ask to be removed. Tipping is backward, patronising and tawdry. Socially enforced (on pain of embarrassment) is even worse.

Ed_pete - great idea, though I really think Network Rail or the associated rail firm should be doing that. Ring up either/both to get action!

I agree, Sue. As for kids (small, able to sit on laps of parents/older kids) - please don't let them take away a seat from a fare-paying adult. I've asked parents to please put toddler on their lap so I can have a seat and don't feel unchivalrous for asking.

How about a twice-yearly attack at weeds and overgrowing trees/bushes. Perhaps this is meant to happen already, but, in my experience, it does not happen as much as it should. Don't like the lights idea, but a few extra around Christmas and New Year would be good. Like the idea of fenching off the back of Londis.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02gfs7y

Petitou had a basket outside yesterday in which there were lots of apples and a sign asking people to help themselves. Not sure what variety they were but they looked perfect for stewing and cake-making, so I took some.

Glacial - Iceland - the irony!

The report in the Telegraph, I think, said Lidl was looking at "upmarket" areas and included Dulwich in that list. Whether it was speculation on the reporter's part I have no idea.

Blue Brick Cafe is good. It has chairs outside as well, but I'd say it is not the place to linger for hours with just a couple of coffees to keep you going: it's a small venture with limited space.

Classic Lofts

Perhaps they could move further into the centre of the Rye or practise way over the back part of it, near to the girls' school. That way, the sound would have further to travel.

a)

What he meant was that not every door can accommodate every kind of bar but it got mangled in my memory. Two dead locks - both at the appropriate part of the door - are also a good idea.

I think clockworkorange has my vote.

Someone tole me there was an article in The Times (which I do not subscribe to) that all the Boris buses in service will have no conductors. Would love to know what Heatherwick, the man behind the design, things of that. http://www.valshawcross.com may be able to help anyone who wants to complain about the buses or offer suggestions.

Zedd, It looks roomy outside at the back but quite compact inside, but the space out front is fenced off and a good spot to leave buggies/dogs on leads etc.