· Police update -Emma Sweetman
· Crystal Palace consultation
Minutes:
Police update – PC Emma Sweetman and PCSO Peter Okonji
Emma said there is good news with regard to crime statistics and crime is down in Sydenham on a month on month basis. Emma explained how they wish to get better at communicating this with the local community. The 3 priorities for Sydenham are currently: burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour.
Local Assembly members asked a series of questions answered by Emma.
Q Any plans to foot patrols or car patrols on the back streets? Drugs are being dealt on our street on the Thorpes estate.
A We can look into this for you…if you can speak to me at the end of this meeting…
Q Is there a surgery in Kente Coffee House?
A Yes…drop-in and chat to us…we need to advertise the surgeries better
Q If suspicious of criminal activity, but no evidence, what should we do?
A Either 101 for non emergency, or give us a call on the Safer Neighbourhood Team number and we’ll aim to get back to you in 24 hours.
Q What happened to the signage / surgery at Sainsbury’s?
A Sainsbury’s didn’t work out as there was no confidential space to use
Some members highlighted the use of the Sydenham Centre for surgeries. Action: Cllr Chris Best offered to have a conversation with Emma, regarding the use of the Sydenham Centre as a base for surgeries.
· Crystal Palace Consultation – Pat Trembath
This is based on a large scale redevelopment of the Crystal Palace Exhibition Centre, in Crystal Palace Park. Shanghai-based ZhongRong group, has currently short listed 6 well known architects. The building is large scale, proposing to be 5 football pitches in length and 6 stories high, including a 6* hotel. Pat highlighted some of the impacts that a development of this scale can produce, and subsequently, urged members of the assembly to attend the forthcoming drop-in sessions in order to be aware of the plans. The intention is to submit a planning application in November 2014.
Follow this link to the video of Jerome Frost giving his presentation of an update on the development since the drop-in on 1st February. http://www.inspiredbythesubway.org.uk/01-03-14.html
Pat has asked for a drop in session to be held at St Bart’s Church - register ontowww.thelondoncrystalpalace.com to be kept up to date with the drop-in sessions.
· Public meeting to discuss the Housing Crisis in London
Diane Abbott MP will be speaking on the Housing Crisis at 8pm in The Sydenham Centre next Tuesday 11 March – open to all and refreshments will be provided.
· Elections on Thursday 22 May 2014
Cllr Chris Best, announced that Cllr Marion Nisbet, is retiring from as a Councillor in Sydenham and this Assembly was her last one. She gave a huge thank you to Marion for all her hard work within the community having represented Sydenham since May 2002. Marion is a member of the SNT Ward Panel and a Board member on Lewisham Homes amongst many other activities. A well deserved round of applause followed.