The shops in Nunhead are going to the wall

[lozzyloz]

On the other hand I can't say I'm passionate about Nunhead either. Nothing against the place but apart from the fact that I don't like anywhere to be deprived or fall into ruin I don't have a particular vested interest since I don't live there. Same for Peckham, Camberwell, Forest Hill and Sydenham though I do frequent all of these places and would be over the moon if they all become better places for people to live in.

I hope that apart from opinions voiced on here (mainly because you've wound a few people up) you're getting real local support for the changes you feel so strongly about. That's why I made the "give a toss" comment because it seems a lot of useful energy is perhaps being focussed in the wrong place. Maybe I'm wrong and you should start a "Let's support Nunhead" thread to gauge how many people do care and perhaps set up an off forum meeting to get the ball rolling and send something tangible to the council. You're the man.

[Maurice]

AllForNun you've answered your own question. The Bellendon team hasn't moved because it can't. It failed in it's delivery promising such interventions don't work - or don't quite work and certainly don't work on schedule. As a taxpayer, I'm disgusted by the money spent on Bellendon and one thing surely we've learned is not to replicate it.

[mockney piers]

The Nunhead Paradox

Starring: Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes, Osborne Stewart, Meryl Streep and Minnie Driver. And, er, Ernest Borgnine.

[AllforNun]

Not interested in winding anyone up at all, there are far more important issues at stake. And maurice i hear what you are saying but Bellendon is Bellendon, it's not the same although lessons can be learnt, like lamposts that look like something from war of worlds are a step to far !

[Maurice]

Indeed. And also imposing a middle class design in the midst of a predominately working class area won't instantly change it to Lordship Lane.

[Brendan]

What would middle class design be then? Is there such a thing a working class design or upper class design? What about lower class or does such a thing exist? (Perhaps it just refers to people who make less than 50k a year)

Does this all have something to do with the accent of the architect? Where would surveyors and engineers fit in? Not with the plumbers surely.

Is there perhaps something in the way middle class people walk around an area that requires it to be designed in a certain way to stop them from accidentally walking into betting shops?

[Maurice]

'Tis not my view that assumes class differences, but yours. I say neighbourhoods generally reflect the demand of consumers and the habits of local residents. Live and let live.

Those who want to radically impose a 'regeneration' because they don't like the way the majority bahave (shopping habits, preferences, etc.) are raising the class divide.

There is a reason those betting shops and cheap off licence shops are booming and tend to survive when our efforts at a gastro organic deli fail. There is a reason pavements are littered with rubbish, gum and dog poo despite cleaning schedules the same as anywhere else. If people choose to live in filth and patron our idea of 'rubbish shops', then who is the one playing the class card? Me saying respect their lifestyle or you suggesting they 'deserve' the same type streets we prefer?

[Keef]

Be fair, whilst I hate the whole class thing, you know what Maurice is getting at.

[Brendan]

Yeah I agree with you Maurice. I was just being facetious. You see it all over the place. Someone decides to build a brand spanking new shopping area in a town and in 6 months time it?s a dump again. You can?t regenerate an area just by building new shops (unless there really aren?t any and there is demand for them) you need a population who are going to fill them.

Pump the money into education and you will see the regeneration in 20 years time.

[lozzyloz]

You regenerate an area by creating opportunities. Opportunities for:

Harmonious living

Business growth

Better education

[Maurice]

On that we agree. Education, education, education. Equal and affordable for all.

See? I do have a softer side.

[*Bob*]

Yeah. And bring back Grammar Schools.

[Brendan]

Yeah my grammar is terrible and I blame it on that fact that it was just kinda appended to my language syllabi. If I had had the privilege of a whole school dedicated to it I reckon that job as the London Paper gossip columnist would be mine now.

[AllforNun]

fantastic idea - I can see it now Nunhead Grammar, steam trains and harry potter !