Agenda and minutes

Cllr Fletcher welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave an overview of the meeting ahead.

Gavin Plaskitt and Molly Gavriel gave an overview of the consultation that has taken place with regards to the Beckenham Place Park Heritage Lottery Fund Bid, and the possible options for regenerating the park, Mansion and Homestead. Attendees were given the opportunity to find out more and add to the consultation during the break.

Cllr Fletcher informed the assembly of the projects that had been commissioned, and gave the opportunity for each one of those to outline what they would be doing and how people could get involved.

Projects commissioned were;

1. Investment in Local Youth Clubs

    Good Shepherd Youth Club - Get TOFF - Fully Funded £1120

    DHLC Roller Skating - Fully Funded £1100

2. Investment in sports Activities via local providers

    HAKA Badminton - Fully Funded £1894

    LWFCI Sports Club - Part Funded £825 (requested £1791)

3. Basic Cookery courses to help people 'eat for less'

    Delicious most Nutritious – Fully Funded £2498

4. Life Skills Training

    REAP - Fully Funded £1675

    Maximising Potentials - CC Harding Institute - Part Funded £888 (requested £2500)

5. Shroffold Road Play Park Fencing –

    Phoenix Community Housing – Fully funded £2500

Steve Langley from Glendale Services (himself a Downham resident) gave an overview of the Parks and Open spaces in the Ward that Glendale had responsibility for, and how they operated. He then answered questions from the floor;

Who can sort out the removal of fallen trees in Beckenham Place Park?

These can be reported to Glendale

Who has responsibility for cutting the grass on Downham Playing fields?

            Downham Health and Leisure Centre

Who has responsibility for the green verges and corners?

            Phoenix Community Housing

When dog waste bins aren’t available, can dog waste be disposed of elsewhere?

            Yes, waste can be put into normal bins

Why do Glendale use seasonal staff?

            Due to need for grass cutting in the spring/summer months.

Are there any rules on people allowing their hedges to grow too much, and if so who is responsible to police these?

            Need to ask Phoenix Community Housing

Steve suggested that people contact Eddie Worrall at Phoenix Community Housing to discuss individual issues.

Selvin Reid, the Neighbourhood Community Safety Officer, provided Burglary Advice, and an overview of what he and his team do, as well as information regarding Neighbourhood Watch. If anyone has any questions they can contact Selvin Selvin.Reid@lewisham.gov.uk 0208 314 6480

Healthwatch

Gary Davis from Healthwatch outlined what this is, and that they were looking for both positive and negative reviews, with the aim to help improve local social care and health services. More information can be found on their website – www.healthwatchlewisham.co.uk

Grove Park Community Group

Are preparing a neighbourhood development plan, info is available from the Ringway Centre

Downham Community Engagement Group

Looking for new members and ideas. More information is available from Joe Cobham downhamceg@gmail.com

The following issues were voiced, to which people were given the subsequent direction.

1. Roads/Potholes etc – how can these be sorted? Cllr Fletcher was to talk to Council Officers in transport.
2. Dog Fouling issues – residents to request additional signage from Phoenix Community Housing
3. Fly tipping everywhere as a result of the Councils charging system – Cllr Fletcher to take on board – reference was made to a petition, as well as additional information being made available to residents.