Nigello

Blind campaigner asks people to remove overhanging trees https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-53142780

I cleared up about 50 bits of litter (empty cans and bottles, sweet and crisp packets) before 8 this morning. A couple in their sixties were there. I asked whether they came often in the morning, but he said no. I said it was frustrating to see the litter, and he blamed the weather, saying when it?s wet there?s no litter. I corrected him, explaining that it?s people who litter, not the sunshine or the wind. He them said ?I?m from X ? you should see what it?s like there,? to which I commented ?it?s not a race to the bottom?. They strolled off. If that?s the attitude of genteel south east Londoners, we?re in for filthy times. PS I did not pick up any of the 25+ helium canisters. I did email Cllr. Maggie Browning.

I think that people are reluctant to sign because they just have a bad taste in the mouth when anything with the word ?statue? is involved. It just puts people off, even if they are generally OK people. How about a fund for a scholarship in his name, or a grant for teachers of biology and other sciences, or a room in the hospital that can be used by visiting relatives of patients and with a plaque/permanent exhibition?

Re ultra-regional variants - I had jays visit when I put out nuts and bacon rind, steak fat, etc. Other food does not attract them. I have never had a finch visit for more than a few seconds but get loads of blue and great tits, both types of pigeons and both kinds of sparrows. Long tailed tits came for a while in groups. I have seen a dunnock, or maybe it was a wren, and have robins and crows as frequent visitors. Never had a frog but had a toad once. Lots of bumblebees and honeybees, wasps, various butterflies (blue, white, Vanessa, peacock) and small red damselflies out front and lots of types of wasps/hover flies. (Goodrich near school)

Buying local is great, but not for everyone. LL prices are sometimes higher than average, for whatever reason. Disposable income for many people (maybe most) will be down for some time to come (though not going on holiday, not having to travel into work - if you actually have a job, not paying for cinema, football, theatre, drinks and meals, etc. will mean money will have been saved) so could savvy businesses offer incentives, such as lower prices, loyalty cards, discount days/times? Nobody needs to buy ?2.50 coffees and teas and ?4 cakes but they do when they feel they can without breaking the bank. I think the makeup of LL will change - fewer eateries, etc. - unless said businesses manage to get the crowds in (safely). I think it will be hard and I wish them luck. I will buy what I can but only what I need, to be truthful. I won?t be eating out, even socially distanced - I just don?t think it?s worth my while. Others?

The crap-filled nappy that is dumped from a car onto the pavement I have witnessed - and successfully challenged on one occasion. It?s horrible but a reality, albeit a rare one.

We need to all pay a penny more in the pound to fund a National Care Service, and for bigger firms to be taxed heavily as a one off. I doubt, though, we would see people taking it the streets to demand to be taxed more.

Social distancing has all but gone out the window post-Cummings. Maybe it has, but individuals are not being forced by Cummings or any other power to break social distancing. There is no gun at their head. They have simply made a decision - themselves with no compulsion from anyone else. It is only the individual who is doing the deciding, nobody else. I will be keeping as far away as possible from crowds and won?t be going to any eatery, pub, etc. even if it is outside only. I don?t NEED to go to those places, though it could well be I would LIKE or WANT to. I don?t want to get ill so I do my utmost to stay well. It?s really up to you, even though you are getting conflicting and even hypocritical examples from others. So what if X has done Y?

The road is no longer used in the same way as it was twenty-odd years ago when the mini roundabouts at Dunstan?s and Upland (always ignored, poor things) and the narrowing of the road/extending of pavement near Dunstan?s were put in. They used to have yellow zigzags on the school side but they were taken away when, I think, the council extended them on the Dunstan?s and/or Upland sides. Since then, double yellows have extended at the four corners so less overall parking is available. I am pleased the road is being looked at because I have witnessed arguments and road rage and also felt the shaking of the house when heavy vehicles - the kind you see on motorways with eight wheels - go past at speed (because the bumps are worn out from heavy and frequent traffic) and then brake when the driver sees the road has been narrowed (as a safety feature, remember?)! For a few years I have asked about the possibility of a one way system or a temporary barrier. This goes further and I am on the whole please with it. Others may disagree and it is their right to do so and to get their point across to those who have the power here. I am displeased that the council sent an officer, published a report with a map saying it would be cut off at both ends with ugly concrete bollards, without having consulted at least the householders on that stretch. At least Southwark has responded quickly and in good faith, so I am glad about that. I did, though, spell out my and others? dissatisfaction at the lack of taking ideas of residents into consideration.

The proposal we are now looking it is to install a permanent closure (with NAL blocks) at one end, and a retractable gate to be used at the other at drop off and pick up times. This gate would be operated by the school, and through local agreements would be moved for residents of this section of Goodrich Road if access or egress is required. NAL blocks are only being used as a temporary measure for the duration of the experimental order, but we are looking at getting some sleeves produced for the blocks. We believe this proposal will help solve the issue of this narrow section of road being used as ?cut-through?, whilst also providing additional space for safe social distancing and as a result encouraging active travel. We are currently in conversations with the school and trying to finalise the details with the school. At this point we will be able to amend the design drawings before the ETMO is advertised in the local press. I hope this information helps. Kind Regards

See below.

This from a neighbour Thank you for your letter. Our highways officers have been in discussion with Goodrich School on how best to operate the road closure, which is proposed to improve safety for their children and make them more confident to walk and cycle to school. Through those discussions, we have agreed that the closure would be through having removable barriers at one end which would be managed by the school and only put in place at school dropping off and picking up times. This would ensure that the homes within the closed off area would have access to vehicles outside of those times (usually about 30 minutes in both the morning and afternoon). In addition, at other schools where we have already put similar arrangements in place, the school has been amenable to any requests by residents living in roads within a closed off area to open the barrier if access is needed during the closed period. I will ask our officers to make the school aware of your specific requirements to ensure that you are not locked in through these changes and that emergency vehicle access to your home won?t be prevented through this scheme. I hope this provides reassurance. If you wish to follow up further on this, I have copied George Mellish (the officer overseeing the borough?s school streets programme) into this email and I am sure he will be happy to provide further answers. Best wishes Councillor Richard Livingstone

Yes, have a review but make sure new ones reflect all opinion, or maybe just put up abstract ones that everyone can decide in their own way. Or put the money into moving monuments, like trains and trams and buses.

It?s odd. I?ve written to Helen Hayes, Cllr Browning and the head of highways explaining it?s better to have a cul-de-sac. The addresses are further up this chain. The officer came to assess on 13 May and as far as I know S/he didn?t consult anyone. Measures are needed but not this. Put up a barrier but give all householders a key.

Why not print out that NZ sign, without the top bit, and stick them on bins with sellotape (not glue)? If the council isn?t placing signs then DIY. (I have no printer so can?t DIM, before anyone asks.)

I think comments from councillors, etc. are welcomed but the decision is taken by council officials under special powers. This plan says an official visited on 13/05 and decided there was a need for action. The link in the second posting allows you to see this and other plans and there?s an email address for the person in charge.

Yes, NAL either end, so I questioned this. Dale F said my comments would be passed on to the correct people. It says this section will be for cyclists and pedestrians which seems to exclude and vehicular presence. I think a cul-de-sac would be fairer but the council has the power to do as it likes. NAL blocks look ugly; I?d prefer a planter or barrier with key access for those parking.

Why go when you know it?s not enforcing regulations? I?d vote with my feet and walk out. Don?t underestimate the virus, please.

It?s at Upland and Dunstan?s. It?s narrowed to about 2m just before the Dunstan?s junction. Huge lorries try to squeeze through, having been sent there by GPS, no doubt. The ?school run? accounts for lots of traffic (and choice language). I think being shut at one end is better. Otherwise, how to let residents park? I?ve written to say as such.

I agree that the sometimes arcane language and references can cloud the issue. It becomes another layer of division or is used as a sword and shield. It?s almost like an industry and as such is self referential and solipsistic. Talk open and freely and listen but don?t use terms that until twitter came along were usually found in specialist texts. Everyone?s entitled to a POV. The more clearly it is expressed, and the more intently it is listened to the better.

If you see her workload and compare it to that of Sky, ITN, etc, it does not even compare. Currently she will have to file TV and radio bulletin pieces, but there are also the long radio interviews, having to be available for all TV, Online and radio shows like PM for lives, Today etc. And also file on Twitter and other social media. Other stations like those mentioned have much fewer outlets on only one or two platform, ie. TV and radio or TV and Online. Good on her. I am glad she is not jokey and joshy on air - she can get across humour etc. in her choice of words, not necessarily her demeanour. Who wants a zany political correspondent? Not I

Could you provide a link, please? I find the Southwark site not very user-friendly. Thanks

The council replied to my emailed in reports of litter and full bins and tagging and said the lockdown had prevented certain aspects of their work. It said it is on the case.

The other thing is for you to pick it up and take it away and dispose of it correctly. Yes, it?s not your job, but writing on here will make only very little difference at most. And yes, I pick up others? litter and have done for years. I just did so on Dawson?s Hill and Donkey Alley. Have a go - you may like it!

More rubbish on Dawson?s Hill I?ve reported it online to the council. I also suggested they move one of the empty bins at the bsck of the grass area to the place that?s attracting extra rubbish because the bin there gets fill and the selfish and probably young people (ab)using the space CBA to take their pizza boxes/empty bottles and cans with them.