Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. Attendance was 39 people. A variation to published agenda was noted, to accommodate Police Safer Neighbourhood Team who were called away on urgent police duties.

A presentation was given by Rhona Brown Head of Private Sector Housing and Home Improvement. Presentation available by emailing laura.luckhurst@lewisham.gov.uk
Q: What is the rationale for introducing licensing affecting large numbers or properties across the borough? There is concern that this could reduce the stock of housing available for rent and increase the workload to the extent that the real offenders will not be able to be dealt with.
A: These are valid concerns, and we take them on board. We are required to fund most of our work via licensing, however prior to introducing this we consulted widely and have kept licensing costs as low as possible. There is no evidence that licensing reduces the stock of housing for rent, or that it increases rents across the board.
Q: I think there is an HMO in my street, what should I do?
A: If you contact the team, we will take the appropriate action.
Q: Do you work with Justice for Tenants and the Renters Union?
A: We do work with these groups, and would like to do more partnership working

Rosamund Kissi-Debra, Founder, Ella Roberta Foundation, Cllr Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action

Presentations followed by Q&A with panel

1. The speakers were Cllr Louise Krupski, Cabinet member for Environment and Climate Action; Rosamund Kissi-Debra, Ella Roberta Foundation; Robert McIntosh, Forest Hill Society.
   
   Cllr Krupski spoke about the Sustainable Streets proposals on which Lewisham is consulting on a phased basis, and the level of interest in this by residents. The council has a firm commitment to improve Air quality and increase the opportunities for active travel. We want to make streets beautiful for our residents and allow them to park near their own homes.  The challenges we face include that Southwark are introducing Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) on all their streets, we have many drivers commuting through the borough to reach tube stations nearer to Central London, and we lack sufficient funds to introduce all the improvements needed to make active travel safer, easier and more pleasant e.g. pedestrian crossings, bike hangars, trees, electric vehicle charging stations.
   
   The average cost of a resident parking space is equivalent to the cost of one bus journey a week.  Charging for a parking space will help the borough fund mandatory bus passes.  Less than half of residents own a car.  Pavement parking is a significant deterrent to walking around residential streets. We have recognised the challenges for some residents who need to use their cars to travel around the borough, for example all disabled badge holders will have FREE residential parking.
   
   Following feedback and experience from Phase 1 of the consultation, which affected Catford, Crofton Park and parts of Perry Vale, we expect to carry out consultation covering Forest Hill ward in June or July 2024.  This will begin on the online platform “Commonplace,” with a further phase of community consultation.
   
   Issues specific to Forest Hill
   We are working on a “Safe Street” for Fairlawn School.
   We are in the process of delivering improvements around Bampton Road, Kingsdale Road, Taymount Rise and Valentine Court.
   Our Air Quality Action Plan is due to be considered at Sustainable Development Committee on 19^th September.
   
   Rosamund Kissi-Debra:
   Rosamund introduced herself as founder of Ella Roberta Foundation, a qualified teacher and WHO (World Health Organization) Breathe-Life Ambassador.  Rosamnd campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness of the effects of air pollution on lung health and for the authorities to take action to reduce air pollution.  Lewisham has one of the highest rates of asthma in London, with the main concern being pollution on the South Circular. Going forward, Rosamund also aims to focus on indoor pollution as the air quality inside buildings is also very poor.  There will be a statue of Ella raised in Mountsfield Park as a memorial.
   
   
   Robert McIntosh – Forest Hill Society
   Robert introduced the Society which aims to represent all residents in the Forest Hill area and improve the experience of living in Forest Hill.  The group had been keen to respond to the Sustainable Streets consultation covering Crofton Park, as it appeared to them that there were omissions.  There is concern that the transport effects of intervention in one area, can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Sergeant Nathan Munday

Sgt Nathan Munday sent apologies. The report was given by members of the team.
Activity: 65 stolen cars had been recovered across London – none were reported stolen in Forest Hill.  An event is planned where free etching kits will be provided.  Stop and Searches are being increased.  A meeting has been held with local small businesses and residents regarding protests.
Q: How are the decisions made to implement Stop and Search?
A: This must be based on police having “genuine reasons for suspicion”
Q: Have any speed gun exercises been carried out in this area recently and is the noise level recorded as well?
A: Yes, this has taken place, however noise level is not included as it is not an offence per se
Q: Can bike marking (etching) be offered as well as car?
A: This will be passed on as a request
Q: What is your response to a resident’s experience that drug dealing is taking place on a regular basis in the ward?
A: Police advised that if any resident witnesses a crime taking place, they should report it to the police.  If possible, include a registration number of any vehicle involved.  We can be contacted by Twitter, phone, or email.
Police contact details: Call 999 if it is an emergency, or complete an online report here: https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

To include update on motion to Mayor and Cabinet on GP provision in the ward

Please advise the Chair in advance if possible of any community updates you would like to give at the meeting by emailing laura.luckhurst@lewisham.gov.uk .  Alternatively you may notify the Chair at the start of the meeting.

This item was unable to be taken due to overrunning of the Clean Air discussion.  Time for community updates will be given in the next Assembly.

No other business raised.

Attendees were thanked for attending and asked to complete their feedback on paper forms before leaving or using the QR code printed on the agenda.