Leaves on East Dulwich streets

[CPR Dave]

It's not entitlement FFS. We're paying the council more than £2k a year in tax. It's not too much to expect them to clean the streets and drains of leaves and dog shit for all that money, as well empty one bin once a fortnight. 

The streets round here are a disgrace. The council are paid to make them not so. If they can't do it they should say so and stop charging money for the non-service.

Edited January 30 by CPR Dave

[Sue Klein]

If you aree bothered by this , scoop up some to spead on your lawn or flower beds. Natuarl fertiliser and FREE

[Sue]

On 30/01/2026 at 17:31, CPR Dave said:

It's not entitlement FFS. We're paying the council more than £2k a year in tax. It's not too much to expect them to clean the streets and drains of leaves and dog shit for all that money, as well empty one bin once a fortnight. 

The streets round here are a disgrace. The council are paid to make them not so. If they can't do it they should say so and stop charging money for the non-service.

Which streets are you talking about, exactly?

All the streets near me seem quite clear of leaves.

And why should council workers have to pick up other people's dog shit? 

People who don't pick up after their dogs should not be allowed to have them.

[Angelina]

2 hours ago, Sue said:

Which streets are you talking about, exactly?

Go back to the original post to see this information

[Sue]

15 hours ago, Angelina said:

Go back to the original post to see this information

The original post was made by someone else, not the person whose post I was replying to!

And the original post only mentioned Whateley Road (which has been clear of leaves whenever I have walked down it) and another unspecified road.

My question was directed at CPR Dave, who (as was clear in the post I quoted)  said "The streets round here are a disgrace".

Edited Sunday at 12:09 by Sue
Clarification

[Katherty]

Thanks CPR Dave for the link to Southwark's leaf cleaning schedule. Good to see that.   I think that what may have happened was the leaves weren't cleared during the scheduled week for Whateley Road, which was w/c 17 November.  Then they were cleared a couple of weeks ago instead.

We have been here through all of autumn,  and there has been a steady build-up of leaves on this stretch since October.  At one point there was a deep layer to wade through. The photos I posted were from 17 December, and as you can see,  the leaves had been trampled and compressed into the ground. It looked a lot worse at times.   Lots of school kids from the primary school walk up and down this pavement.  

In case this happens next year,  I have found a contact page about streets https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/contact-us-about-transport-and-roads - so I could ask them what their plans are.  

[civilservant]

agree with Sue and Sue

given that trees can be relied upon to lose their leaves once a year at the same time, the council is going to have its work cut out cleaning everyone's streets simultaneously - in addition to all the stuff that needs doing in later autumn.  The leaves form an excellent garden mulch and a bit of citizen action to complement the council is probably all that's needed.

Or maybe the council could just get rid of the trees?  then we'll free up so much time to go to war on the dogs instead! 

[Sue]

29 minutes ago, civilservant said:

agree with Sue and Sue

given that trees can be relied upon to lose their leaves once a year at the same time, the council is going to have its work cut out cleaning everyone's streets simultaneously - in addition to all the stuff that needs doing in later autumn.  The leaves form an excellent garden mulch and a bit of citizen action to complement the council is probably all that's needed.

Or maybe the council could just get rid of the trees?  then we'll free up so much time to go to war on the dogs instead! 

Please don't encourage people who want the trees removed!

I love seeing all the trees round here!

My war is against Photinias. I bloody hate them. They are everywhere. And they are just getting their horrible red leaves at the top.

My partner points them out to me from the tops of buses. My  daughter sends me videos of them to taunt me 🤣

Edited 5 hours ago by Sue

[Jenijenjen]

Also known as Red Robin. I've got a lovely one in my garden. Last year the flowering wasn't too great but the previous two years it had been spectacular.

Why do you hate them? They don't strike me as that offensive.

[Sue]

1 hour ago, Jenijenjen said:

Also known as Red Robin. I've got a lovely one in my garden. Last year the flowering wasn't too great but the previous two years it had been spectacular.

Why do you hate them? They don't strike me as that offensive.

I know it's irrational, but they are everywhere.

No offence, but in many cases it seems a lazy (OK, sensible!)  choice because they are evergreen, change with the seasons and are relatively low maintenance.

However it's become a running joke with my partner and daughter.

At least Photinias don't drop their leaves, though!

[Jenijenjen]

24 minutes ago, Sue said:

I know it's irrational, but they are everywhere.

No offence, but in many cases it seems a lazy (OK, sensible!)  choice because they are evergreen, change with the seasons and are relatively low maintenance.

Must be a lot of lazy gardeners in East Dulwich then!

[Ryeland]

1 hour ago, Jenijenjen said:

Also known as Red Robin. I've got a lovely one in my garden. Last year the flowering wasn't too great but the previous two years it had been spectacular.

 

Nothing wrong with a bit of springtime colour after a dull grey winter, I like a Red Robin too! 

[Sue]

8 minutes ago, Jenijenjen said:

Must be a lot of lazy gardeners in East Dulwich then!

Yes. Hundreds of them, judging by the Photinias I see everywhere I go 🤮

I don't notice them until the horrid (imo) red leaves start appearing!

Irrational, as I said. I can't bear privet either. I hate the smell of its flowers 🤮

Anyway, please go back to discussing fallen leaves. Sorry, admin.

9 minutes ago, Ryeland said:

Nothing wrong with a bit of springtime colour after a dull grey winter, I like a Red Robin too! 

Other things have colour! Camellias have lovely flowers in the gloomy season!