Agenda and minutes

Cllr Julia Fletcher welcomed everyone to the meeting, and outlined the agenda.

Minutes were accepted, and apologies were taken from Cllr Clutten who is on maternity leave

Cllr Fletcher gave an overview of what has happened in relation to identifying issues and potential projects.

She highlighted that Downham Celebrates would be part funded from the Councillors Discretionary funding and therefore wasn’t included as a possible project.

She then outlined the prioritisation process and that everyone had the opportunity to rank their top 5 projects, and that Matt would collate these results over the break.

Paddy and Kate from Lewisham Council provided an overview on recycling within the Borough and also the service standards that they adhere to. Additional information can be found here - http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/wasterecycle/Pages/default.aspx

Penny from VAL gave a presentation about the Better start bid. Presentation attached

Anthony from Antic, the new leaseholders of the Baring Hall Hotel, came to present the development plans and hopes for the pub moving forwards. Talking specifically around the crime issues of times gone by, the hope to develop the rear of the site to include some new housing, as well as keep a space for functions and farmers markets.

The top 5 projects to be commissioned are as follows;

1. Investments in Local Youth Clubs
2. Investment in Sports Activities by Local providers
3. Basic Cookery Courses to help people ‘Eat Well for Less’
4. Railings around Shroffold Road Play Park

4. Life Skills Training

Trevor Pybus invited members to the upcoming Remembrance Service, and also asked people to input ideas for development at Beckenham Place Park.

Selvin Reid highlighted the recent drop in levels of anti-social behaviour within the ward, but asked people to contact him if any issues Selvin.Reid@lewisham.gov.uk . He also updated people that the Safer Neighbourhood Team was now the Local Policing Team, with a smaller amount of dedicated police officer time. He also asked that all Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators make themselves known.

Cllr Fletcher mentioned that there had been a recent spate of burglaries and asked people to be aware, and that trimming back hedges would also make it harder the burglars to hide from view. She also reminded the assembly that the Downham Winter Festival would be taking place on the 14^th December, and that the committee were also looking for new members, and that anyone interested should contact her.

It was highlighted to the Assembly that Lewisham Council charge £15 for 3 items of Bulky Waste to be disposed of, and that people could not afford this fee and as such it was having a detrimental impact on the local environment as fly tipping continues to rise.