Minutes:
Sydenham Arts
Rachel D’Cruze reported on plans for 2019. The group has £16,000 project funding. It’s audiences have been asking for more year-round programming, so this is what has been planned. A series of events have been programmed targeted to older people, including outreach to care homes. Sydenham Arts are providing a platform for women performers, LGBT and BAME performers and events in partnerships with schools. The cut to their core grant has come as a huge challenge to the arts in Sydenham, but they are determined to carry on.
Chair, Cllr Tom Copley urged people to support Sydenham Arts in their next move.
Montage Arts
Emma Hobday introduced Montage, who are new residents at the Sydenham Centre. Established in 1998 they are a registered charity, providing performing arts for the community. They offer concessions and bursary places to young people, and their programmes instil confidence and transferable life skills. They also have an adults programme working with sheltered housing, and an adults choir. They are looking for council endorsement. Councillors agreed they will want to do all they can to support the arts in Sydenham.
Bell Green Masterplan
Annabel McClaren introduced the Bell Green Masterplan which is being developed in response to the planned demolition of the Gas Holders. This is community-led and Sydenham Society want to involve as many people as possible. There is an open meeting on Weds 6 March. The aim is to influence housing provision at the site to be appropriate and to scale.
Love the Beat Radio
Edmund said that Love the Beat Radio have taken over running Sydenham Radio. They invite everyone interested to come along and do a show on the
radio.
High Street
Cllr Best gave an update.
The former Budgens is expected to have a national discounting store take over the lease which is close to legal agreement.
KFH Estate Agents have finished fitting out but are at present unable to commit to an opening date.
In response to a question it was stated that the 24/7 lighting of the former Budgens is for security to prevent burglaries, squatting or vandalism.
Cllr Best referred people to the written update for other issues which are fully covered.
OLSPN
Julia Webb requested assurances with regard to the council’s approach to OLSPN school development and whether the authority would effectively enforce the planning process. How can this situation be prevented from arising in future?
Cllr Copley responded that the Diocese are now engageing fully with the council and the planning process. He agreed with the need for Planning to learn lessons from this experience.
It was mentioned that OLSPN were expected to have done significant work in Home Park as part of the development. This will be followed up with them.
Knife Crime
A question was raised on Knife Crime and what data exists within the council. Councillors responded that some excellent work is being done in the community locally and the council is working with these groups to support them.
The council is adopting a Public Health approach to knife crime. Community conversations planned with Young People. Cllr Joani Reid will be leading on this initiative which will be launched shortly and involves Youth First. A further update will be provided at the next Assembly.
Transport issues
Barry Milton expressed concern that 2/3 of rail station ticket offices are due to be shut down in south London. Sydenham Society are looking at improving Sydenham Station together with Arriva. Local people were invited to come forward with ideas and volunteering offers to help this move forward.