d walker

What I have suspected all along with the chains, but sad to read nevertheless. And I feel sorry for the poor vets, I'm sure this wasn't how they envisaged it would be when they started to train as a vet. The corporates should bow their heads in shame.

Other vets charge less, Robson £10, pets at home £13. Even the reduction from £40 ( if that was the price? shocking) to £29.50 seems a lot

I recommend Peckham Vets on Bellendon Rd. Newly opened independent vets

I'm in the park daily and walk past the American garden. To me it looks like all gardens do coming out of winter, the perennial plants have all died back and hopefully will bloom again come spring/summer. The evergreen rhododendrons are all there, waiting to bloom in May. So I'm not sure what Southwark News is on about, perhaps they needed to fill space with a non story?! Or they were in a completely different park!

So emergency consultation price is after 3pm on a Saturday!? As I was charged that at 1pm on a Saturday. These are the reasons I no longer attend this vets. I think they make up charges as they go along! And although the various vets seem OK, I never saw same one twice

The interesting (and worrying) thing they mentioned on the radio 4 phone in, was that these big chains have protocols, so when an animal comes in with a problem, treatment A is applied, regardless of the individual pet. And treatment A is always the most expensive course of treatment. Whereas an independent vet would give options and prices and owner and vet would decide together. These chains have shareholders to keep happy. And profits are king. The speakers on the programme strongly advised to support independent vets to give them support to keep them in business.

Although putting barbed wire in her garden is not illegal per se, should your cat be injured by it then she could fall foul of the animal welfare act ( causing unnecessary suffering to an animal). If she is "lovely " ( not a term I'd give her!), then I'd speak to her and advise her against this. I'm amazed at your tolerance towards her, I certainly wouldn't be if she was my neighbour doing this! Good luck

And there in lies the problem! These vet practices are being run for the fat cats to cream off vast salaries at the expense of us pet owners. Apart from Ms Robson in Highshore Rd, does anyone know if there's any independent vets left in the area?

£30!!!??? Crazy price. Vets 4 pets at Sydenham ( in Pets at Home), charging £13, Ms Robson £10, so how can Neighbourhood Vets justify their prices.

I'm looking to convert my front garden into a driveway, I'm wanting something that is eco friendly, that's not just concreted over. If you've had yours done recently I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks

I now use Foster & sons in Forest Hill Rd, opposite Peckham Rye Park, always friendly and helpful, unlike some other pharmacies in the area.

Froglander: I now go to Paxton Vets in Gipsy Hill. I've been very impressed by two different vets I've seen there. One suggested cleaning my cats wound with salt water rather than sell me an expensive cleaner. Jules&Boo: Glad you're happy with NV, wish I could say the same but sadly the practice is now managed by finance people who are only interested in making maximum income, I feel sorry for the poor vets who have to work under that regime . But agree Herne Hill practice leaves a lot to be desired as in past used them but left due poor practice. That's why I was thrilled with Amber and Suzanne when they opened their NV practice on Barry Parade, but sadly that's no more

I was with Neighbourhood Vets but have now changed vets as I felt getting as much money out of me was their number one priority. Sad that this has happened to what use to be a good vets. I think the only way to convey disgust is to vote with your feet and go elsewhere! I now go to a lovely practice that are upfront with their prices and are cheaper than this vets.

Thanks for this. That's so sad. Ellie used to have people travel miles to see her as it was an excellent practice under her. Which vets do people recommend? It seems most have been swallowed up by big companies which put profits as a priority

Hi. Would appreciate any reviews on the Norwood Rd veterinary practice since Ellie's departure. Looking at their website there doesn't seem to be any of the old staff working there anymore. I have been going to Ellie for years and trusted her and her team completely, so it would be helpful to know if new team are as good?

Friern Rd have some fabulous advent windows....

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, unbelievable, whatever was Dulwich College thinking!? So pleased this stall has withdrawn, it was not appropriate and not fair on the other traders at the event.