Minutes:
3. Community Updates and Open Questions
3.1 Joyce alerting the Assembly that a Healthy Streets Strategy has been developed and Deptford will be one of two pilot areas, along with Catford. The consultation will start in early 2023.
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3.2 There was a discussion regarding several issues that impact on the availability of parking for residents. These include
~ Edward Street where wardens are not always ticketing cars, trucks and traders’ vehicles
~ Warwickshire Path where there is speeding with motor bikes and scooters mounting pavements and driving across the grass.
3.3 Cllr Parry advised residents to e-mail incidents to their Cllrs with details of time and place that the incident occurs and number plates if possible as this can be used as evidence. It also helps to create a picture of impact the behaviours.
3.4 Natasha also alerted residents to the spate of mobile phones thefts by people using e-scooters to grab them on Douglas Way.
3.5 Cllr Hayes announced that Lewisham Homes will be transferring back to the Council in 2023.
3.6 Ben raised that Fiveways have had a lot of problems with Lewisham Homes; there are slippery steps which have been surveyed by Mulalley but Lewisham Homes is now undertaking its own survey which is a waste of money.
3.7 Residents asked if the transition is likely to be successful; will staff TUPE across as changes often lead to loss of staff and therefore loss of local knowledge.
3.8 Cllrs Hayes said that Haringey Council have already successfully complete the process for their housing services and they are sharing their learning with other councils who want to undertake this process.
3.9 The recent cases of problems with damp were raised and the effect this has on both physical and mental health.
3.10Can the Council cope with the amount and costs of what needs to be done?
3.11Cllr Dacres assured residents that the focus for housing will be on repairs and maintenance.
3.12It was raised that up to 90 minutes away has adverse effects on the mental health of residents and puts undue pressure on families, both financially and emotionally.
3.13Andrea raised that many of these issues require better strategic responses from the Council for instance the proposal in the Deptford Neighbourhood Plan which had identified an opportunity for empty flats on Reginald Road to be done up to provide temporary housing.
3.14Andrea also raised that the Bear Church had been knocked down without telling local residents.
3.15Sarah explained that there had been information about the proposal for development of the site at a previous Assembly meeting.
3.16The build will provide much needed homes at affordable rents for single people, a new archive space and better community facilities such as a multi-purpose cinema/music venue and a community café.
3.17Here is the link to website The Ragged Project — The Bear outlining the project which is being undertaken by the Shaftesbury Society who are the Trust have purchased the land and ran the church that was on the site.
3.18 Brenda explained that housing has a split portfolio; as Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning her portfolio includes
· Social housing building programme
· Planning
· Regeneration
· Bakerloo Line Extension
3.19 MeanwhileCllr Sophie Davis who is Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Homelessness and Community Safety thus has responsibility for
· Housing need, including lettings and allocations policy
· Repairs
· Future management of Lewisham Homes
· Homelessness and temporary accommodation
· Landlord licensing
· Private rented sector regulation
· Relationship with housing providers including housing associations
· Gypsies and Travellers
· Partnership with police
· Anti-social behaviour
· CCTV
3.20Andrea praised the for their response to the needs of Ukrainian Refugees; she has become a sponsor and her guest has received excellent support, developed resilience and now has a job, but is worried that they scheme is for a year.
3.21Cllr Parry asked residents to invite them along to meeting and events as they want to be a route to the Council for residents.
3.22There was a discussion of several new build schemes such as the details of how many social home and shared ownership will be at Creekside. Detail of this can be found here Lewisham Council - Creekside
3.23DNA had developed the Neighbourhood Plan for Deptford but their proposal was not recommended for a vote from local residents and Andrea ask that it be submitted.
3.24Cllrs explained that the plan had been considered but that there was not a strong local consensus between residents, so the plan could not be recommended for a referendum.
3.25Andrea said that one local organisation that was opposed to the plan had been referred to the Mayor of London’s team for investigation.
3.26Cllr Dacres pointed out that this was not relevant to the decision not to refer the plan for referendum and that there had not been feedback that any wrong doing had been uncovered by the investigation.
3.27Cllr Dacres added that there may need to be adjustments made to boundaries of the plan in light of the ward changes.
3.28Andrea made people award that there is shop in Lewisham Centre that is looking at training for jobs green energy and alternative technologies.
3.29 Brenda added that this in the shop that has Bank of Things which is opposite H&M in Lewisham Lewisham Council - Baseline drop-in service .
3.30They offer the following information, advice and support
~ Baseline
~ Upskilling
~ Apprenticeship for green and digital jobs
3.31This space has been given free of charge by Landsec who own the Shopping Centre.
3.32Joyce told the Assembly about the changes to services at the Waldron and that there is now a community space which can be used by groups who are delivering health and well-being activities to the community.
3.33The room is bookable through Joyce and at no charge.
3.34There is a quarterly Community Forum which residents can attend to influence local services. Please give your e-mail to Joyce if you wish to join the mailing list.
3.35Andrea said that she hoped that the Deptford Assembly will grow in warmth and working together.
3.36Cllr Parry explained that the next Assembly would be on-line via Teams and that Assemblies will be a mix of online and in person going forward.
3.37Cllr Hayes alerted residents to the leaflet that has contacts details of the Cllrs and encouraged residents to take one before leaving.
3.38 Cllrs asked for topics for future meetings. Suggestions we
~ Parking ~ Housing
~ Safer Neighbourhoods Team ~ Meet the Mayor
3.39There was a discussion about the anti-social behaviour on Douglas Way including street drinking, loud music and threatening behaviour.
3.40Cllr Parry has raised this and the SNT are taking step to get a Public Space Projection Order which will afford them extra powers. This will also cover the drinking in Fordham Park.
3.41 Cathy lives on Douglas Way and has seen the increase. She has previously worked closely with the SNT and encouraged people to report incidents.
3.42 The SNT are also looking at increased use of CCTV in the area as this can helps to secure legal action.
Feedback sheets and close
4.1 Cllr Dacres thanked everyone for attending and reminded them complete the feedback forms.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 4.30pm with no declarations of interest.
Note: These are not verbatim minutes therefore questions and answers have been summarised.