Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed all those present.  Apologies from Cllr Sophie Davis due to illness were noted.

Hear about projects recommended for funding from the NCIL fund, and give us your input.

Laura Luckhurst, Community Development Officer gave a presentation outlining the process for allocating NCIL (Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy) funding, and the projects that were being recommended for full or part funding.  The funds available for Forest Hill ward were £52,874.29.  The council was seeking views of local residents on the recommended funding, which would then go before Mayor and Cabinet on 12 March for final approval.  The funds were massively oversubscribed, meaning that a number of worthwhile projects had not been able to be recommended.  Projects not receiving NCIL funding would be supported to identify and access alternative funds wherever possible, including other pots of council funding when available.

The projects recommended for funding were:

Christmas Trees for Forest Hill               £5,175

Christmas Trees for Kirkdale                  £5,175

Horniman Triangle Play Equipment         £28,192

(Project will receive S106 funding

to bring total to £30,000 as requested)

Street Trees in Forest Hill             £1,200

Sydenham Community Project /

Lighting up Kirkdale                      £6,250

Horniman Museum and Gardens /

Outdoor Learning Classroom

Seating Area                                £6,878.90

Q&A

Question There were questions from participants around the library not receiving funding.  Cllrs explained that the funding amount requested would have taken up the entire funding pot for Forest Hill ward and it was felt more appropriate to share the resources more widely.  The Library has received funding on a number of occasions in the past from Forest Hill Assembly.

Question There were question from participants around the cost of the Christmas trees, placing (was Kirkdale within the ward) and provision of a permanent tree.

Officers and cllrs clarified that the costs of the trees include preparing the site, decorating with lights and switching on, and aftercare (if sustainable tree) or dismantling (if one year only tree) – in addition to the cost of the trees themselves.  It was clarified that the site of the “Kirkdale” Christmas tree is within the ward.

Comment There were various suggestions for community fundraising for projects from the participants.  Officers stated that they would be happy to set up a workshop on community fundraising including use of sites such as GoFundMe.  It was also noted that Lewisham Local operates a community lottery which enables people to nominate their favourite local charity and channel regular funds towards them.

Comment Participants welcomed the funding for Horniman Triangle Playground.  It was well recognised that the play equipment was in need of replacement. The café at Horniman Triangle was also looking dilapidated and closed.  Participants asked whether the community could take over running this?

Officers responded that Lewisham Local were able to support groups that want to run a community project of this sort.

Unfortunately the police were detained by a series of emergencies on the evening of the meeting and sent apologies later.  A report from the police was read out to the meeting. 

Residents asked a number of questions which were passed on to the police for a response which is reproduced below (answers provided by PC Jordan Nye):

•         Residents attempting to contact local police and getting no response

For emergencies contact 999 (Reporting immediate crime, high risk crime or dangerous incidents).

For non-emergencies contact 101 (Reporting crime, suspicious incidents or arranging property collection).

To contact Forest Hill SNT ForestHill.SNT@MET.Police.uk (To report suspicious incidents, any questions or requests).

•         High levels of concern about crime in Tewkesbury Lodge Estate area

Whilst there is crime that happens within the Tewkesbury Lodge Estate area I would not consider this high levels. Patrols are completed frequently, the main issue with the area I would say is Motor vehicle crime which we are currently tackling via proactive targeted patrols and stops. Cameras are still very much a topic we have not let go regarding the area and will continue to work to get them there.

•         Concern at proximity of hostel, perception that numbers of people with addictions frequent the area

Miriam Lodge is often temporary housing for people that are in the process of being rehomed unfortunately a lot of these people are drug users / ex drug users. This is something we are well aware of and are currently in the process of speaking with the manager regarding something planned regarding the Miriam lodge which i cannot go into at this point in time but will hopefully be able to speak about at the next meeting.

•         An incident took place where masked robbers drove on to estate to steal van contents (details not given)

This I imagine would be the tool thieves incident. This is something taking place throughout London mostly BROMLEY, LEWISHAM, CROYDON at the moment. Recently one of the main missions vehicles (The vehicle they use to commit crime) has been recovered by police and the suspects unfortunately narrowly avoided being caught. This is something that the MET is working on and I believe that a unit within the MET based in Bromley are taking ownership in order to deal with these organised tool thieves. Multiple meetings have taken place regarding organised vehicle crime primarily about these type of incidents which are unfortunately taking place at the moment.

There was a comment from a resident expressing dissatisfaction with the new carers support provision. 

Cllrs responded that there is a new Carers Advisor on the Cabinet and this comment would be taken back to them for a response.

Comments about the implementation of the School street on Thorpewood Avenue and requests for similar measures in other streets. 

Cllrs responded that there are separate funding sources for School Streets to other types of traffic measure.

Question: When is the next phase of Sustainable Streets taking place?

Answer: Engagement due to start in March, formal consultation later this year.

Residents wished to know what support was available for small business start-ups?

Answer: Our Busines Enterprise Team can support . We also support Hatcham House Facework project which officer small spaces – contact the team directly for details. Laura.luckhurst@lewisham.gov.uk

It was noted that some areas of pavement in Dartmouth Road are collapsing.

Question about Lime Bike parking at FH Station. 

Cllrs stated that we have agreed with Lime on designated Lime Parking.  Juliet Owens (Constituency Manager to Ellie Reeves MP) was present at the meeting and invited residents to let her know of any problems with Lime bike parking.

Q: Can the council take any action on improving the pedestrian crossing on the south circular by Horniman Triangle Playground?

Answer: the South Circular is the responsibility of Transport for London.  If the council were to receive a high number of requests for this they could ask TfL to look into it.

Q: Residents expressed disappointment at the end of the Assembly Programme.  They suggested assemblies could be run by the community without funding.

A: Officers clarified that the main cost of delivering assemblies was staffing, other costs included venues and promotion.  The assembly programme was being cut as a part of wider, significant cuts the council was having to make to balance its budget.  The council would be reviewing engagement over the summer and coming forward with proposals to engage in a different format.