MarianaTrench

I also was in touch with Southwark council. I got back something similar: By way of background, the problem with the bridge is that the brick jack arches under the bridge, that span between the steel support beams and transfer the loading, have been recently assessed as inadequate to carry the required loading for even the lowest national vehicular standard loading, which is for 3.0 tonne vehicles. Consequently, we had no option but to close the bridge to all motorised vehicular traffic. By way of remedial strengthening works, steel tie bars require to be installed under the bridge which will ?tie? the steel beams together. The design for the ties is complex and will require technical approval from Network Rail. The costs for the recent load assessment, and design of the strengthening works, are being funded directly by TfL as part of the capital allocation for structures work. Once we have an estimate for the construction works, we will submit a bid to TfL for the required funding from the 2017-18 allocation for all London Boroughs. With respect to timescales for the strengthening works and re-opening to vehicular traffic, this is currently difficult to predict with any degree of confidence or accuracy. This is because we have to complete the design, obtain Network Rail approval for the design, secure the funding for the works, and then arrange the required rail closure with Network Rail to carry out the works. I can confirm that the Council is doing everything possible to expedite the necessary design and I can also confirm that we have already held preliminary discussions with Network Rail. However, the earliest I would estimate the works being undertaken is around May/June next year, providing of course that we obtain the required TfL funding. I am aware that traffic volumes, levels and speeds are to be closely monitored during the road closure for the purposes of evaluating the effects and for any possible improvements. The bridge will be designed to sustain motorised traffic but the actual configuration and traffic permitted on the bridge will be the subject of public consultation well before the required works are undertaken. At this stage, it too early to advise as to the potential timescales for the consultation.

It does take quite a bit of time to drive via Lyndhurst Grove, particularly the bend between the VIlla nursery and the closed down Irish pub doesn't allow two way traffic. Regularly there are motorists stuck there, plus shouting, beeping etc.

Yes it is. The books that used to be in the Cafe on the Rye have gone, and no pastries anymore! Such a shame. Surely an almond croissant or a pain au chocolat should be standard fare in every coffee shop?

Brighter Beginnings in Lewisham and Salvation Army in Lomond Grove in Camberwell.

As a slight side note - I have started cycling to work again after a year off maternity leave. I did cycle for a bit in between child 1 and 2 but not too much, so my last full on proper cycling commute experience dates back from 2013. And I must say (you're not going to like/believe this) but I was surprised that actually MORE cyclists (compared to me cycling in 2013) now STOP for red lights, very civilised! I am impressed. I am Dutch so used to 'normal' non-lycra cycling but here I of course don my lycra, hey, any excuse. When I commuted in 2013 there were a lot more 'aggressive' cyclists, that thought it necessary to get in to scraps with cars or motorcycles that were in the cycle box at the front of the junction, that made a point of cycling as fast as their skinny legs could. Most cyclists (not just the aggressive ones) would jump red lights if they considered it safe. Now however most cyclists (there are always exceptions of course) stop for red lights and, wait for it, sometimes even let a car go if it's stuck in the middle of the road, trying to cross. I sense that cyclists understand (now) that in order for motorists to be more understanding towards cyclists the cyclists have to show they play by the same rules. It could be that I just cycle on a route that is only followed by extremely civilised and polite people :-).

The introduction of restricted parking on Lyndhurst/Shenley etc will not really help. All the residents living 'below' the road closure have to do a massive tour to get to Sainsbury's or Herne Hill. I have a feeling this 'temporary' closure of the bridge will turn in to a permanent one just like the one at DKH station, there just doesn't seem to be the will nor money to actually maintain/repair these bridges.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a solicitor for IHT planning?

We've used sitters loads. We live in SE15 too and if you can see if you can get Libby (Elizabeth M.), we really love her.

I went with vagina which my daughter. The other day she asked to see my 'giant', it took me a while to figure out what she meant, but yes it seems we have a new nickname for the good old vagina.

We are looking to go away just after Christmas for some winter sun ... I am thinking the Canaries are still quite chilly around that time of year so I am thinking Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Has anyone happen to have any recommendations?! We need/want a separate bedroom for the kids, so we can put them to bed and still be up and read a book. Ideally an apartment rather than a hotel, so we can do our own cooking.

Actually - It does depend on the child, some children would do well in a private environment but I think for some children the pressure could be too much.

I would. The sports facilities are just amazing compared to state schools and the opportunities offered (so many different clubs) are just so much greater.

Just what Peckham needs ... another pizza restaurant ... we didn't have any of those yet after all (STILL gutted about Trio closing - sorry!)

Ah! That's what I used to do when not cycling! Take the train to London Bridge, leg it to the platform where the Charing X train stops and jump on, but with the London Bridge refurb that option got axed. If that platform opens up again end August I may be alright!

I used to take the bus and it's fine if you take it at 7.30 or so, any time after and you're stuck in a slow moving procession of buses all trundling towards the bottle neck that is Elephant and Castle. Occasionally I have gotten off and walked faster than the bus I was on. The other thing that really gets my goat is the new Routemaster ... It gets so [insert expletive] HOT on those buses, it can be pleasant outside and absolutely roasting inside, that aircon is a [insert another expletive] joke. Finally, getting on at Waterloo from 4.30 onwards it just hits full rush hour and again you're stuck in a slow procession of buses (roasting), smelling of chicken. I am really fed up with the buses (I take the 12 from Peckham Road). My old cycle route is not too bad, although it does mix with HGVs there are a lot of other cyclists (safety in numbers) and I go down Kennington Lane which is nice and wide. When I was based at London Bridge I used to go via Burgess Park and Bricklayers Arms, it sounds like a bit of a roundabout way of getting there tbh. (Incidentally I got attacked in Burgess Park cycling back in the evening (winter, so dark) one time, ever since I try and give that park a wide birth, especially in dark) I used to run in to work as well, it's not that far and I quite enjoy it, I will definitely do that again, but I can't commute like that every day unfortunately!

Hmm. Food for thought. I actually work at Waterloo, not Blackfriars, but I was thinking of perhaps buying a scooter and scoot from Blackfriars to waterloo (and look like a right tool, I know ...). I used to cycle to work but after becoming a responsible parent I have become quite anxious about cycling in London. And an anxious cyclist is one that shouldn't be on the road. There are just too many people on their mobile phones, not looking, and it just takes one ... The train from Peckham Rye ending at Blackfriars sounds like a good bet ... thanks all.

I am going back to work in September and I was thinking of alternatives to the dismal bus journey commute! Would I stand a chance of getting on to a train to Blackfriars in the morning, around 8 ish? I took that train last year when I was pregnant and I gave up, no way I was going to be able to squeeze in to that person's armpit. Is it still this busy or are there now more trains (this is wishful thinking..)

Yes I am a member of this FB group too. The website of Lyndhurst school also has a good list of links to the relevant rules and regs for Southwark.

Well Jules-and-Boo this really all depends per child but in our case, yes, I think there is something wrong with being the youngest in class if you were born 11 weeks premature. Ech- If you read the documentation on the Southwark website you'll see that you can ask to start in reception rather than year 1. They don't need to miss out on reception if you don't want them to. If the deferral is accepted then they will just go with their class they are in, so they won't get kicked out of school in year 5! Mellors - I did ask about flexible schooling but the school I spoke to wasn't really up for that and I am personally also not sure that that is what I want.

I am thinking of delaying my daughter's start at reception for a year. She is a July baby, born 11 weeks premature, so actual DD was mid October. I want her to go to school with her peers, following her due date, rather than her actual birthday. There is a lot of information available on the Southwark website, the Bliss website and various FB groups but was just wondering whether any of you have deferred your child, what your experiences were both from the child's perspective as well as dealing with the local authorities. Another question I had - if I defer her, will this then mean she will have to start in year 8 in stead of 7 when she goes to secondary school? Anyone any experiences with that in particular?

Would anyone have a recommendation for a tattoo artist? Preferably local but am willing to travel.

Dulwich Therapy Rooms on Lordship Lane would have all that stuff. Let me see if I can find the Hypnobirthing aroma therapy sheet.

Hi, We used a sleepyhead from newborn and had him (and the sleepyhead) in a Bednest which seems to be quite similar to the Snuzpod. We used only a Bednest for my daughter. My daughter went through a little phase of only wanting to sleep on mummy, despite the co-sleeper crib and my son had a brief spell too, albeit a lot less. He seems very cosy and settled in the sleepyhead and he is now in the larger version. With the Snuzpod they are still 'away' from you a bit but with the sleepyhead they feel a bit more 'surrounded' if you know what I mean. To be perfectly honest ? I don't think either is going to be a magic solution ? sorry!

It's definitely true! The manager told me this morning and the owner confirmed.

I can't believe it! I feel slightly panicked ? WHERE WILL I GO?! This place has been an absolute life saver and I am GUTTED that it will close down. I don't know why it is closing down but assume rising rent prices have got something to do with it. I have emailed the owner to ask whether there is anything we can do to save it. I will happily pay more for my coffee and cake to cover the rent, or even better, shame the landlord in to charging a reasonable rent.