Huguenot

That's because they plonk them in my front garden - incidentally does anyone remember the english girl jailed for life (and later released) in the US for 'popping' the child on the bed? Perhaps we could create s simlar euphemsim for poleaxeing the displays in EDD? ;-)

I think it's fair to say that CPZs don't work if the number of cars owned by the local residents exceeds the number of spaces available. The problem can't be solved by a CPZ. This may have been th impact in Camden. CPZs are specifically to discourage people using your residential street (your home) as a commuter car park, a supermarket car park or vehicle storage (all of these are industrial not residential uses). More committed visitors will either use public transport or carparks at places like sainsbury. This isn't bad for local business as committed visitors spend more time & cash than lazy newspaper trippers. As for the 'no right to park outside your own home', well yes you're right in principle. However, if the new occupier is the irresponsible commuter who drives 800 yards to the station rather than walk or catch the bus, and I'm forced to park outside his house as a result (and catch the bus home) then that's just offensive. I'd perfer to resolve it with legislation rather than a brawl in the street! Please don't give us any 'dog eat dog' rubbish. Meanwhile as an armchair 'citizen concerned for the future' I admit I have no sympathy for 2 car families in a city like London. That's about vanity and self indulgence, not necessity.

No, just can't see it.. 'luscious' and 'dog'.

Mockers, do you know a simple site where you can set up a petition? Not the PMs please... ;-)

Tescos !!? Where? :-S *looks furtively over shoulder*

There'd be an awful lot of people short of breath on the way to the station by the sound of it!

I heartily welcome the police station idea! We should contact NCP and advise: a couple of levels underground, 2 or 3 levels above and a roof bar and terrace for the rest of us would do the job nicely! Plenty of return for the prospective developer...

*strolls into room and smiles at the swelling group of newcomers* *scratches nose, somewhat aghast at Crystal's sudden show of gallantry when pet iguanadon looses its leash* *scans for batdog, observing little fellow might get himself into trouble...* *hmmm, must turn the heating down for summer*

Indeed you're right Fido, if I recall correctly the opposition was led by local traders (who felt it would impact local trade), as the residents hadn't organised themselves into a sufficiently sensible group to communicate their own needs and benefits. Since local traders also opposed the bus lane from a trade perspective, and there is no evidence that the bus lane has been anything but beneficial, I hope that they will now be more amenable to a CPZ as it will lead to more committed customer visits to LL, longer dwell times on LL, with more shops visited and more dosh spent. It has had a massive benefit to the lanes in Brighton. There are many myths about CPZs, particularly the tragic but plausible one that they are money spinning exercises for local councils. Most CPZs lose money, an ED one would probably also lose money. however I have no doubt the council would share their cost projections. Parking could be provided at Sainsbury's and the pedestrian route down to LL widened and simplified. I'd recommend banning parking on LL and widening pavements all the way down.

D'you know, like a reet sad b@$st@rd, I make it a personal mission to pick up empty drinks containers, take away boxes and general litter on the road. It takes a second, it's not really dirty, and yes, it shouldn't be there in the first place, but wow does it make a difference! I hope people will try it (it kinda makes you feel a warm glow of social contribution afterwards, reward in itself!). (BTW it's not because I'm geriatric with little better to do...)

I'm with you mixulee!

Karter ol' thing - are you failing to declare an interest here?? ;-) It seems almost 20% of your 100+ posts recommend MPT! Hmmm... landlord, trader and resident on LL?? :)) I'm looking forward to tasting the evening chef. I regularly eat during the day as it has a good value/quality balance (and the sarnies are varied and reasonable quality bread) - but I never found it exceptional, just good straightforward cooking!

Got caught listening to this on Tulse Hill station the other day. It messes with you rmind.

Well I guess all that zest for life, optimisim, energy, mutual adoration, always seeing the good in people can be a real pain in the bum! ;-)

Great idea, I'd definitely be up for the Globe as I've not been there before!

It appears from this link that the Charter School don't so much restrict parents to a catchement area, as instead prioritise those who alrady have kids at the school, and then create a pecking order for those kids that live closest. Hence it's not so much whether you're in the catchment area that will influence the outcome of an application, but how many kids who live closer to the school than you do want to take up places. As a result you can't gauge your options by whether current pupils live near you...

I'm still absoultely clueless... ;)

There's a fabulous monkey puzzle there that must date back to the Victorian era.

This one's quite light hearted so far, but I'm about a third of the way in and things are starting to get a bit wierd... I'm hoping it doesn't go all 'Complicity' on me ;-)

Are you sure the journo's not your au pair DM? B)

Just reading the latest Iain Banks - A Steep Approach to Garbadale. Vintage stuf, we're back in the 'Crow Road' territory.

Captain! I too am a deep blue square. We are the deep blue squares. I don't know whether you'd be disappinted or elated?

Tragically my real name means 'deck swabber' in a rather dated french. But the family has been traced back to a footpad who strolled over after the original Catholic inspired holocaust of the 16th century. He came over at managed to get a local Kent barmaid up the duff before getting hung. A footpad BTW is a highwayman without the nous to steal a horse. Some heritage eh? Fecund failed thieves.

No spittle bawdy-nan, just having fun. How do you know I have Trendy Specs, having you been stalking me? :)) I must have misinterpreted the enquiry for school catchment areas followed by "Just need to get in with Fr O'Connor and you're set!" It seemed to imply that it was a good thing and worth some house planning & subterfuge to get in with religious group (no particular concern about Catholics). Sorry for any misunderstanding! I don't believe that any indoctrination of vulnerable children in any religion (no matter whether its vigorous on not) is something to aspire to. I find the casual social acceptance of the concept to be a little disturbing. The Gary Glitter was someone else's idea - I was merely musing as to the possible connection. ;-) Hence the choice of street to be in the catchment of a religious school seemed a worrying motivation, and if newcomers shared similar concerns they may get the wrong idea about ED!

Im going to dress up as Huguenot... Doh!