march46

The planting areas are due to be properly planted this month, although in the meantime I’m enjoying the sunflowers that have sprung up in the one at the end of Melbourne Grove! Have you raised your concerns about the flooding you mention to the council? I find Highways act quickly when these things are raised - they recently sorted the Grove Vale puddle spot outside Goose Green School I notice.

Crash not accident - why language matters I think this is linked to what Malumbu is referring to. When a driver is in charge of a heavy vehicle that could kill or seriously injure someone, using the word accident to describe them not seeing an important road sign can minimise how serious this is. What else could they not be seeing?

The pavement widening along Grove Vale has made a huge improvement to an area with heavy footfall. It seems to be well received by the traders I’ve spoken with, especially the new zebra crossing.

The experience as a pedestrian would significantly improve if the pavement was widened. I don’t understand why some here are against suggestions to improve things for pedestrians.

Have you seen the plans for the Belham Primary School Street? They cover a section of Bellenden Rd closest to the school, not the whole road. Highshore Rd would still be accessible to vehicles at all times. The title of this thread should probably be updated to ‘Belham Primary School Street proposal’ to avoid confusion. It covers a few roads surrounding the school, not just Bellenden.

There is no bus stop on the side where the pavement was temporarily widened during COVID.

Parking restrictions within the bus lane apply between 7-10am Monday to Friday - so the bus lane should be free flowing then, but sadly they are often ignored by drivers. A parking ticket gives no comfort to the many people delayed on buses everyday, trying to get to work / school on time. At the weekend the bus lane isn't available for buses at all, as the parking restrictions don't apply. It makes no sense and needs reviewing.

On Lordship Lane there is both - 30 mins restricted bays for shoppers, and slightly further south there is unrestricted parking where the vehicles don’t move for days, if not weeks. It’s very easy to argue that those parking spaces are doing nothing to benefit the businesses, it is simply storage for private vehicles. The space was extended pavement during COVID, and it’s a real shame it wasn’t retained.

Is there actually any solid evidence that removing parking has a detrimental impact on local businesses - or is this more a case of unfounded fear? I suspect many people overestimate how many shoppers and visitors arrive on Lordship Lane by car, compared to those who come on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If we want our high street to thrive and feel welcoming, it makes sense to rethink how we use public space - and to prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport over car storage.

I recommend signing to their new platform ‘Met Engage’ - you can contact local officers through it (but it’s not for reporting crime via the usual 999 or 101). Met Engage

I agree the pavements could really do with widening - in some spots they’re particularly narrow for the amount of footfall, eg. around the bus stop outside FitFor gym. It can make something as simple as walking with young children feel more stressful than it needs to be. The pavements generally need work, they’re very uneven in places and there are plenty of puddles on the eastern section. It would also help if the bus lane was properly red-routed, so people travelling by bus aren’t held up by the few drivers who park there. A bit more space and care for people on foot would make the high street a much nicer place.

Well said Dulville, I agree. Earl goes above and beyond to ensure the misinformation doesn’t go unchallenged. There are many who appreciate and recognise this takes a lot of time, thank you!

Interesting first post.

A positive update from Southwark Council - “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution.“

It suggests driving standards need to improve. Inconsiderate parking can increase the danger to pedestrians and cyclists. Bus journey times are also impacted - see Lordship Lane and I noticed another TfL notice recently blaming poorly parked vehicles for a bus route needing to be diverted.

If only there was some way to avoid being fined…

Thanks for the reminder of those similarly serious collisions @DulvilleRes. It’s time for road safety to become a real priority for local police. There’s plenty of discussion about “community safety”, but reckless and dangerous driving seems to go largely unchecked. Where are the traffic officers stopping speeding, impaired, or drug-affected drivers? Why isn’t there consistent enforcement against obscured or fake number plates, or drivers using mobile phones? It’s also concerning that at least one recent crash reportedly involved a police pursuit and drug search. It’s not hard to see the link between high-risk driving and wider criminal behaviour. Strong, visible traffic enforcement isn’t just about road safety - it’s about community safety in the broadest sense.

A deeply worrying sight. I really hope no one was hurt.

Indeed, and Southwark is accelerating the delivery of those that don’t. This link is a useful read which explains more. Interesting to see a quote from a headteacher which has a School Street - “As a headteacher, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that School Streets has had on our community. The reduction in traffic at the school gates has made the area calmer, safer and more welcoming for our children and their families. Children are able to come to school with greater confidence and parents often tell me how much more reassured they feel at drop-off and pick-up times. This initiative is helping us to build not just a safer school environment, but a stronger sense of community too.” https://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2025/council-rolls-out-school-streets-across-borough

Emergency services have closed the road at both ends due to significant flooding . People on bike / foot still able to access the tennis club.

Agree! I feel very lucky to live in a borough that has such great libraries.

If you check the TfL Go app it provides information re bus disruption. It says the P13 is currently on diversion due to emergency Thames Water works. Buses aren’t serving certain stops on Crystal Palace Rd and Whateley Road.

Did you notice if it was also Thames Water Sue?

Glad to hear no one was injured. I noticed a pavement bollard outside Kwik Fit was damaged this morning was that also you?

Final weekend to donate and help SDCAS secure its future. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-sdcas?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink#