Agenda and minutes

Councillor Amrani welcomed the attendees and thanked them for re electing himself and Cllrs Smith and Stamirowski. The Councillors will work even harder for the ward especially in light of difficult times and decisions ahead around £95 million in cuts to Lewisham Council.

Darren Green from the Lewisham Council Regeneration Team gave a presentation and update on the recent and upcoming changes to the Catford Town Centre. Further discussion was had around the following:
The ‘Pedestrianisation’ of the Broadway,
2 way traffic still cutting down, how this can be enforced to be truly pedestrian. Intention to increase presence and potential for fixed notice CCTV cameras
Improvements to the shopping hub, Successful French Market. Questions around WH Smith moving out, scope for less specialised markets and more markets that support the basic needs of most residents such as general vegetable stalls and children’s clothes and toys
South Circular, TFL road study last chance to look at moving the road before the redevelopment, hence slowing of Catford Redevelopment and plan while this consultation is carried out
Street drinkers on new Broadway seating. Discussion around antisocial behaviour and licensing laws around this issue, clarification on the street drinking zone rules
Catford Society update from Barbara Grey about the things they are working on and trying to bring to Catford Such as an outdoor film event. If you are interested in getting involved in the Catford Society you are welcome – details on agenda doc

It was noted that no one from Lewisham Clean Streets (Enforcement) Team or Environmental Development were able to attend due to prior commitments. However they did send a briefing that was given to all attendees in the agenda pack.
Chair explained that due to recent decisions around cuts to services teams have been dramatically reduced and this is unlikely to change for the better.
General discussion from the room about the issues in the area. In particular commercial waste, utilising cameras at hot spot areas for fly tipping, green waste dumping – loss of service to collect it. Concern that rotting food in streets and bins becoming a public health issue. The apps and other ways to let the council know about issues, are they actually effective. Will these issues need to be addressed by community taking a lead and working in partnership with the council in the current climate.  

Presentation from Anne Marie Parker from Lewisham Gardens, a local volunteer gardening and conservation group committed to improving our local environment.

Update on how the project worked last year and how successful it was but placing bulbs in over 30 community public spaces. Plans for this year and how to get in touch with Anne Marie to sign up to be a volunteer to help get the project off the ground and to request bulbs to plant in your public facing outside spaces.
Special thanks to Pam Ardey who was instrumental in helping to deliver the Catford bulb boxes to community groups and residents.

Community Safety team updated that there had been a few changes to local policing teams and that they had carried out a new ward profile and take a more global view in order to ensure that specific local communities are all involved. Working to increase contact with younger people and working with secondary schools to involve young people in the debate.
Crime stats were updated. Catford South one of the best wards in the borough overall for crime statistics. There is anti social behaviour but on the whole, comparatively there is  not much crime in the area which is good news.

Chair explained how the assembly fund will be managed this year and that the applications will be assessed by the coordinating group and then bought forward to the assembly for a ratification vote only. Anyone from the assembly is welcome to attend the special funding meetings to be involved in the decision making process. Contact LF for details of attending the meetings. Full information on how the fund will work this year are available and will be advertised widely when live.

Attendees were asked to come up with project ideas to help steer the funding brief this year. These ideas were around the priorities as stated.

Update from Community Teachsport about the new Abbotshall Road Healthy living centre and the regeneration of the playing fields. The centre will be used for community use and have a café and community garden. Community Teachsport is a not for profit company. The centre should be ready for use  in October and the pitches next year. The community have worked together to make this a possibility. There are training and employment opportunities for young people including apprenticeships. There will be further updates at future assembly meetings.

Attended to remind assembly members that they are entitled to a free health check if aged between 40-74 and a wellbeing check if over that age threshold. Representative of the community health improvement team here to sign people up today or to give further advice