SE11 Action Team

One way system for Albert Embankment service road

2012-02-05T19:20:00.002Z

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A ONE-WAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES IN ALBERT EMBANKMENT (SERVICE ROAD)

(Note: This notice is about the Council’s proposal to introduce a one-way system for vehicles in the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment. Objections may be made - see paragraph 6)

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth propose to make the Lambeth (Prescribed Route) (No. *) Traffic Order 2012 under section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

2. In brief the general effect of the Order would be to impose a one-way system for vehicles in the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment in a direction from north-east to south-west.

3. This would improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles requiring access to and egress from properties and businesses which lie within the Albert Embankment service road.

4. If you have any enquiries about this matter, please telephone the Council’s transportation Group on 020 7926 0728.

5. Documents giving more detailed particulars of the Order are available for inspection Mondays to Fridays between 9.30am and 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays and public holidays) until the last day of a period of six weeks beginning with the date on which the Order is made, or as the case may be, the Council decides not to make the Order at the offices of Lambeth Borough Council’s Transportation group, 2nd Floor Blue Star House, 234–244 Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9SP. To arrange a viewing please contact 020 7926 900 and select the Transport and Highways option.

6. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Order must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made and should be sent to Barbara Poulter, Transportation, 2nd Floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SP, by 17th February 2012. Any objection may be communicated to, or seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.

Dated 27th January 2012

Abu Barkatoolah

Head of Transportation

£1000 for Broadgates Court after contractor disturbs residents' Sunday

2012-02-05T16:24:00.002Z

Following complaint from residents, Councillor Steve Morgan has secured £1000 from Lambeth Living contractor Mears, for carrying out work to an empty flat on a Sunday.

Faced with legal action and a possible fine Mears decided to donate £1000 to the local residents' association for disturbing so many people.

If you notice anyone carrying out noisy work in the evening or on a Sunday than call the noise team on 020 7926 6111 - you never know what the result might be!

Spring Mews planning application

2012-02-05T16:13:00.001Z

Aplanning application has been submitted by CLS Holdings for their Spring Mews development.

The application is for: Redevelopment of 2-16 (evens) Tinworth Street and 100-110 Vauxhall Walk to provide a mixed use scheme comprising a range of buildings up to 8 storeys in height; providing a 120 bedroom hotel (4,353sqm GIA), student accommodation and associated support facilities including 402 student bedrooms (11,355sqm GIA), a convenience retail store (245sqm GIA), a series of small business units (use class B1 - totalling 469sqm GIA) a replacement community centre (561sqm GIA), associated basement servicing area, new public realm, public realm improvements and disabled parking. Please note that no development works are proposed to 92-98 (evens) Vauxhall Walk, Shaftesbury House, Cromwell House and 112 Vauxhall Walk; which would be retained. These are included within the application site to allow for proposed improvements to the public realm and pavements along Vauxhall Walk to the front of these properties.

This is a particularly important development for the community as it will involve re-providing the Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre.

This is especially important for residents who live within the area created by Black Prince Road/Kennington Road/Kennington Lane/The Railway Line as the Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre was set up for the area's benefit.

If you wish to get some more information on the development you can go to the CLS site at - http://www.springmews.co.uk/

If you would like to comment on the application, whether you wish to support it or not, then you can do so at the Lambeth planning website:
http://planning.lambeth.gov.uk/online-applications/

put the reference number 11/04510/FUL in the search box and you will be able to see details of the application and comment on the scheme.

Coffee morning this Saturday!

2012-01-30T23:00:00.002Z

Our fourth annual Prince's ward community coffee morning takes place this Saturday!

Residents of Prince's ward are invited to a community coffee morning on Saturday 4 February, from 11am to 12:30pm, at St Anselm's Church Hall , Kennington Cross.

It will be a chance for residents to meet their neighbours and local councillors, and to discuss issues affecting the area. Assembly Member Val Shawcross, Kate Hoey MP, and Leader of Lambeth Council Steve Reed will also be attending.

We hope to see many residents there!

Contracts exchanged on the Beaufoy site

2012-01-25T20:40:00.005Z

We can today announce that Lambeth Council has exchanged contracts to sell the Beaufoy Building and surrounding land.

As you may know the council owns the car park which is being sold to Bellway Homes. The Beaufoy Building and space around it is owned by the Beaufoy Trust and that will be sold to the Tibetan Buddhist Charity, Diamond Way Buddhism.

The sale of both sites will generate around £9 million. Around £7.5m will go to the council and will contribute towards the Council's Capital Programme that is used to fund housing, roads, schools, leisure centres etc. About £1.5m will go to the Beaufoy Trust. After years of having all their money tied up in an unused building and, therefore, not actually helping anyone they will finally have the money to fulfill their objectives;

“The object of the [Beaufoy Trust] charity is the promotion of the education for the public benefit of persons under the age of 25 who are in need of financial assistance and resident in the area of benefit, with a preference for the promotion of vocational training.”

On top of this 40% of all the homes that Bellway will build on the site will be affordable.

Finally, a sum of £200,000 has been ring fenced and will be spent in Kennington on local projects. Your three councillors will be making the decision on what to spend the money on and we shall be back in touch with everyone in the near future in order to get ideas of what to spend the money on.

Buddhist Centre Scheme

The Beaufoy is an iconic local building and a lot of residents will want to know what plans there are for its future. The scheme proposes a mixed-use building which has three predominant functions:

1) Community facility
2) Place for meditation and education
3) Residential accommodation

The building would be occupied by Diamond Way Buddhism, a registered charity centred on Buddhist philosophy in the Tibetan tradition. They intend to offer a facility which would primarily be used by the Buddhist community but would also seek to engage with and benefit local communities.

At the heart of the building, largely within the historic Grade II listed section, the facility would offer a large meditation/teaching space within the existing lecture/assembly hall. There would also be a library, exhibition space, seminar room, meeting rooms, offices and a general welcome area. These areas and rooms would all be at ground and first floor levels and would form the primary location for the charity's work in terms of its public activity.

The refurbished buildings and the proposed extensions would also provide various types of residential accommodation at ground, first and second floor levels of the building which would support a community of permanent residents and guests.

Public Meetings

As you may be keen to meet the prospective new owners and find out more about who they are and what there plans are, public meetings are planned with Diamond Way Buddhism and Bellway Homes.

This will be where the planning application will be presented and discussed so that the local community will be able to give their views on what is proposed. Both Bellway and Diamond Way are introducing themselves at tonight’s KOV meeting.

Diamond Way Buddhism is holding a drop-in session 6pm-9pm, next Thursday 2 February at the Tea House Theatre, 139 Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL. This is in advance of their submitting their planning application as they seek your contribution and input to the renovation of the Beaufoy Institute whilst the project is still in its early stages.

The Future

At this stage we have exchanged contracts with the two groups. We will not complete the sale until they have both received planning permission for their schemes.

Everyone will have an opportunity to view the plans and comment on them when they are submitted to the planning department.

If, and when, planning permission is granted, we shall be in touch with all residents and community groups to discuss what projects you would like to spend our £200,000 windfall on.

We hope to see you at the meetings.

Replacement of Old Paradise Street railway bridge

2012-01-18T22:06:00.003Z

Residents might have already noticed that Old Paradise Street and Newport Street are now closed to traffic for the next five months. This is to enable the replacement of part of the railway bridge over Old Paradise Street.

Local councillors have been campaigning for the bridge to be upgraded for many years. The bridge has a terrible problem with pigeons roosting in its rafters, causing an unpleasant and dangerous mess on the pavement below. Network Rail have assured us that the replacement bridge will have nowhere for pigeons to roost and cause a nuisance.

Residents in the area should have received a letter from Network Rail explaining the disruption which will be caused by the work. Unfortunately there will need to be overnight work between 31 March and 16 April, and noise disruption is likely. If there are any problems with the work please contact Network Rail on 08457 114141.

Councillors will be keeping a close eye on the works to ensure they have the maximim benefit for local residents. We're excited that once completed there will be further money available from new developments to improve the area around the bridge. With a new art gallery and housing being constructed the junction of Old Paradise Street and Newport Street is going to be completely transformed for the better.

2012 Labour Calendar and Coffee Morning

2012-01-16T21:31:00.003Z

Over the coming days volunteers will be delivering the 2012 Prince's Labour calendar. It has contact details for all your local Labour representatives.

Alongside you should receive an invitation to our annual coffee morning. This year it's being held on Saturday 4 February, at 11am at the usual venue of St Anselm's Church Hall. All residents are invited to enjoy a tea or coffee and a chat with their Labour representatives.

Councillors will be joined by Kate Hoey MP, London Assembly Member Val Shawcross, and Leader of the Council Steve Reed.

Questionnaire from the Friends of the Durning Library

2012-01-16T21:27:00.003Z

'The Durning Library is an important part of our local community. Lambeth Council is currently considering the future organisation of its library service. We know that there are to be severe budget cuts and if the community does not step in, our library may not survive.

'As the library’s Friends, we need your help to decide how best to plan for its future, and so we need to hear your views, whether or not you use the library. Please complete this short survey – it will not take long and it is important that as many local people as possible have their say. Paper copies are available at the Durning library if needed, or you can download a PDF version from the website. Please complete the survey by 30 January. And please forward it to anyone else you think might be interested.

'We shall be holding a public meeting at the Durning Library on Monday 27 February to enable everyone to give us their views and the results of the survey will contribute to this discussion. So, PLEASE complete this questionnaire, either on paper or on-line, and return it to us by Monday 30 January.

Thank you in advance,
Priscilla Baines
Chairman, Friends of the Durning Library

(Our brand new website www.durninglibraryfriends.org.uk is now live – visit it to complete the questionnaire and to find out what is going on at the Durning library).'

Help Lambeth set its Housing Standard

2012-01-16T21:10:00.003Z

Lambeth Council and its management agent Lambeth Living are working with residents to set a new standard to which all council homes can be developed and maintained.

The Government is providing Lambeth with some money to invest in our homes over the coming years, though it is not nearly enough for all that we would like to do. Because of this, choices need to be made about what work residents want to prioritise.

If you are a Lambeth tenant or leaseholder please fill in the online survey.

You can also attend a meeting this Thursday at 7pm at Pedlars Acre Hall, Opal Street/ Kennington Lane.

Already, Lambeth Housing have received around 5000 responses from residents - some of the bags of mail received are pictured. We want to ensure everybody has their say.

Prince's councillors have already made the case for the following works:

- new windows for the blocks on the Cottington Close Estate which are still outstanding

- new windows for the blocks on the Vauxhall Gardens Estate which are still outstanding (Aveline Street, Brangton Road)

- new windows for Denby Court

- investment in street properties which is required

- security doors for Cottington Close and Broadgates Court

- new intercom and lifts for Cotton Gardens

- new lifts for various blocks on the Vauxhall Gardens Estate

- new kitchens and bathrooms, with those in the worst condition being prioritised

> Please let us know if there are other priorities you would like us to campaign for!

Sweeping schedule for Prince's ward

2011-12-30T18:05:00.002Z

Many residents ask how frequently their street is supposed to be cleaned by the Council. We thought the map above might be of interest.

The street cleaning team say:

All roads are litter-picked on Monday, Wednesday and Friday apart from the ones that are swept every day. None of the roads are swept on weekends. Please note that these schedules do not apply during the leafing season where we attempted to sweep roads more frequently and litter-picked less frequently.

Major crackdown underway to drive out housing cheats

2011-12-19T22:46:00.002Z

Lambeth Council is launching a major crackdown against illegal sub-letting across the borough.

Fraud investigators will knock on the doors of hundreds of properties over the coming months to uncover tenants who illegally sub-let, and will take legal proceedings to boot them out.

The action, in partnership with Lambeth Living, will free up desperately needed homes for people who genuinely need them.

Illegal subletting is where the registered tenant does not live at the property but rents it out for profit on the private market, and deprives people on the council’s housing waiting list, and in genuine need, of a permanent home.

Around 60 properties were recovered last year from illegal sub-letters in Lambeth, but the practice is believed to be more widespread, so the council and Lambeth Living aim to double that amount this year by carrying out more visits and investigations, and better intelligence sharing.
The initiative follows a successful pilot undertaken during September and October on the Springfield and Briant estates, in the north of the borough where around four per cent of the properties were found to be illegally sub-let.

Checks at the two estates have to date uncovered fifteen suspected fraudulent tenancies. In three of these cases the properties have been handed back to the council - voluntarily. Five of the outstanding cases have already been put in the hands of the council’s lawyers to take legal action, and investigations continue on the remaining seven cases.

The penalty for anyone subletting their home is severe and final. Tenants who sublet their property will lose their tenancy and the illegal tenants will be evicted.

Councillor Lib Peck, Lambeth Council cabinet member for housing and member of the Lambeth Living board said: 'This is not a victimless crime - housing tenancy fraud costs Lambeth dearly. It deprives people on the housing waiting list and who are in genuine need of housing, of a permanent and safe roof over their head. It means that people are leap-frogging the waiting list and tying up badly needed homes, and we will put a stop to that'.

Deputy cabinet member for housing, Cllr. Christopher Wellbelove commented: 'I know from my casework on local estates that illegal subletting is a problem that genuine tenants want tackled, as well as families who are weary of being on the waiting list for a permanent home. Council housing is a precious resource – and these homes should be available for people who really need them'.

If anyone knows of a property they suspect is being illegally sub-let, they should call the Fraud Hotline on 0207 926 1111. All calls will be handled in the strictest confidence

Cabinet Gallery planning application for Lord Clyde site

2011-12-19T22:00:00.002Z

The people behind the Cabinet Gallery proposal have just submitted their planning application for the Lord Clyde site on Tyers Street/Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. They plan to create a pavilion-type building housing a modern art gallery, and have gone to great efforts to consult with local groups like the Friends of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Do take a look at their letter and application and comment if you would like to.

Dear Friend,

We would like to take this opportunity to update you on exciting progress with our proposal for a new gallery at Spring Gardens. It is our wish to come home to Lambeth and re-establish the Cabinet Gallery in the borough at Tyers Street, Vauxhall. Over the past 18 months we have undertaken a comprehensive amount of work, aimed at producing a building to accommodate Cabinet’s activities and sit comfortably with the local environment. The building will be located on the northeast corner of Spring Gardens, Tyers Street, opposite Vauxhall City Farm. The gallery will be arranged over the ground and first floors with three private residential apartments above. There will also be accommodation for artists.

Having consulted widely, and secured the support of local representatives and local community members, as well as the Friends of Spring Gardens, we recently submitted our formal planning application to Lambeth Council. For the application to be successful it will require a clear demonstration of support from local people and we would be extremely grateful if you would write a short email about this by clicking - http://planning.lambeth.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LSNETOBO0AY00 For information, the council’s consultation on our application is targeted to end on 26th December.

We are delighted to have the opportunity of establishing our gallery in Vauxhall and want to move ahead as soon as possible. All being well, we hope to have been granted planning permission by early in 2012, commence a ten-month construction next Spring and open the new gallery in Autumn 2013.

We would greatly appreciate you giving your support and would of course be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Yours sincerely,

Charles Asprey

Andrew Wheatley

Martin McGeown

Nominate a road or pavement for renewal

2011-12-01T18:50:00.002Z

It is that time of year when the council is putting together the list of roads and pavements that will be renewed/repaired in the coming financial year. With this in mind local Labour councillors are asking whether you think any road/pavement in the borough should be included.

The Council will then send round an engineer to score the road/pavement and will add it to the list of roads/pavements to be repaired. As with previous years it will only be the roads/pavements that score the worst that will be included in the programme. Whatever the outcome for our area we will send you the full list of roads/pavements that make the shortlist once it is announced next year so you can see what the council will be doing with your money.

Please send Cllr Steve Morgan your suggestions by 8 December and he will ensure that they are looked at.

Transport for London is responsible for the big roads in the area such as Kennington Road, Kennington Lane, Kennington Park Road and Albert Embankment. If you wish to nominate one of these roads then feel free, but it will be up to TfL to repir them and not Lambeth Council.

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Open Days

2011-11-20T14:58:00.002Z

Come and find out more about the largest area of central riverside redevelopment in London:

At Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, SW8 5NQ

On Thursday 24 November 2011, 3pm to 8pm and Friday 25 November 2011, 8am to 6pm

What to expect:

· The latest information about the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) redevelopments.

· An update on the Northern line extension that will link the whole area to the tube network.

· A chance to know more about proposed improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and local public transport users.

· Information about planned improvements to existing streets and a new linear park.

· A 3D model of the whole VNEB area.

· An opportunity to discuss proposals with the VNEB strategy board.

For more information visit: www.lambeth.gov.uk/vneb or www.wandsworth.gov.uk/nineelms

Remembrance Sunday in Kennington

2011-11-13T18:28:00.002Z

Hundreds of people took part in Kennington's annual Remembrance Sunday commemoration today.

After parading down Kennington Park Road, members of the Royal British Legion, servicemen, local councillors and residents took part in a service at Kennington Park War Memorial, where wreaths were laid. Councillor Sally Prentice laid a wreath on behalf of Lambeth Council.

This year the War Memorial has been cleaned by the Friends of Kennington Park, and it looked fantastic in the autumn sunshine.

Ethelred tenants vote yes to Watmos

2011-11-13T17:47:00.002Z

Tenants living on the Ethelred Estate have voted yes to transfer their homes to Watmos, a tenant-owned social landlord.

51% of tenants voted yes to transfer on an impressive 68.5% turnout.

Councillor Mark Harrison lives on the Ethelred Estate and campaigned for a yes vote. He said: 'this is great news for the Estate which secures its future for decades to come'.

'This will unlock millions of pounds of investment into the estate, preserve tenants' rights, keep rents affordable, and enhance tenant management'.

Mark spoke about the stock transfer at Lambeth Council's meeting on Wednesday, where he praised Watmos' 'unique model of housing ownership which fits in neatly with Lambeth's Cooperative Council agenda.'

Library Commission reports - future of the Durning Library

2011-11-12T22:49:00.003Z

Lambeth's Library Commission have now published their report and the good news is that the Durning Library is not going to be closing.

We know that some residents have been worried about the library due to the closures of other libraries up and down the country and so we wanted to reassure you that this is not something that the council is considering.

You can download the report from Lambeth's website.

Lambeth Libraries Commission

The Lambeth Libraries Commission was established in May 2011 to undertake a detailed review of the library services within the borough.

On the Durning, the Commission say they 'strongly urge the community to consider the state of the building and the capital investment needed (£750k - £2m) as to whether the existing building is still fit to offer a modern library service and can keep pace with the demands of an increasingly technology based service.'

The report goes on to say that, 'The Commission recommends that citizens are involved in the co-production of a library service at the earliest opportunity. The local community will ultimately make any decisions regarding the relocation of the service.'

The Council’s Response

On 21 November the Cabinet is expected to make recommendations about the Commission Report. The two most important ones for the Durning are:

· Give greater control to communities around each existing library to co-produce their future library service. This includes decisions on which location is the most appropriate place from which to run an accessible and effective service given the resources available. There is no presumption that any area with a library service will lose it.

· Considers transferring library management and/or buildings to community-led organisations in each locality if consultation with local people shows that is the preferred option and if there is local capacity to take on such a commitment.

The council will start a consultation process in the near future on the new model the commission has recommended and I will certainly let you know when that happens so you can participate.

Your local Councillors’ Response

As your local councillors we have been steadfast in our support for maintaining a library in Kennington. We submitted a response to the Commission, which you can view here, and we have been working with other Labour councillors to ensure that the report reflects the hopes of the Durning Library users.

Moving forward, we shall ensure that you are kept informed about the future consultation process. We shall also be working closely with the Friends of the Durning Library to ensure that we can be one of the first areas to make decisions about the kind of service we want in Kennington.

What Kind of Library Do You Want?

As the Cabinet report makes clear the local community will make decisions about the library service in Kennington.

Would you like the library to remain at the Durning, even with £2m worth of improvements needed? Or is there another location you think would be better for a library?

What services should the library offer? Should it only offer the services it currently does or a wider range? Should we seek to move other services in there? Perhaps a cashiers desk to replace the local parking shop and where you can go to pay rent or council tax?

And finally, who should own the library? Should it remain in council ownership or should we convert it into a trust that is owned and operated by the local community? We have just done something similar with the Black Prince Trust so would this work for the Durning?

The Next Steps

If you are interested in the future of a library service in Kennington then you could take the following steps:

Read the commission report and the cabinet papers

· Have a think about all the issues raised in the report and in this email and start to think about what kind of service you want

· Participate in the council consultation and also the local consultations the Friends of the Durning will be running.

· Join the Friends of the Durning Library. If you care about libraries then you should join this worthwhile group. It is only £3 per year. Just pop into the library and ask to join.

Pictured: local councillors Steve Morgan, Lorna Campbell and Mark Harrison have been standing up for the Durning Libary.

Thames Tunnel construction will avoid Albert Embankment Gardens

2011-11-07T23:23:00.004Z

Thames Water have begun Phase 2 of their consultation on the building of their sewage tunnel under the Thames.

This major project will involve a huge temporary construction site at Albert Embankment, between Vauxhall Bridge and Albert Embankment Gardens.

The most important piece of news for our area is that they have accepted Lambeth's suggestion that works access for the site be alongside Lacks Dock (the slipway used by the Ducktours), rather than across Albert Embankment Gardens. This will protect the Gardens and the historic Embankment wall, and minimise disturbance for residents of Peninsular Heights.

Cllr Mark Harrison said 'I'm really pleased that residents and our green space will be protected from disruption by this decision'.

Follow this link to see all the details of the Albert Embankment consultation, including the construction works and the permanent changes to the Embankment around Vauxhall Bridge.

Pictured: Albert Embankment Gardens will not be disfigured by a road for lorries running across it.

Lambeth transfers ownership of Old Lilian Baylis site to the Black Prince Trust

2011-10-30T16:54:00.003Z

Lambeth Council transferred ownership of 2.4 acres of land to the community on 21October.

Part of the former Lilian Baylis School site in Kennington has been transferred to a new community organisation, the Black Prince Trust (BPT), which will invest over £2 million in improving and extending sports and community facilities on the site. The Trust has received grant and loan funding from the Communitybuilders Fund and will be working in partnership with social enterprise GLL (Greenwich Leisure), the Community Action Zone, and many others to provide a wide range of sports, health and community programmes.

Council Leader Steve Reed explained 'This is the co-operative council in action. The council saves money but more importantly young people gain football and athletics facilities and a wide range of programmes aimed at getting kids active and engaged. The community doesn’t need an underused building costing the council thousands of pounds each year but it does need youth sports and activities to engage local children and give them a place to go.'

Brian Dickens, BPT chairman, said: 'Ownership of the site will allow the Trust to invest in facilities, management, and a long-term sustainable business plan. It will allow us to do what the ‘third sector’ does best: to respond to local needs.'

Kate Hoey MP, BPT trustee and co-chair of the Community Action Zone, said: 'From an abandoned school to the Black Prince Trust has been a remarkable journey. My thanks to all who persevered to make it happen despite huge obstacles. The facilities are not just for young people but for everyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of sport. Now that we control the site we can continue to deliver an even better programme than before.'

Caroline Forster, Communitybuilders Director at the Adventure Capital Fund said:
'We are excited to be able to provide over £2 million from the Communitybuilders Fund to support this significant asset transfer project. We feel the Black Prince Trust will have a real positive impact in their community by providing a range of attractive services and facilities to local people.'

The Black Prince Trust is planning to add
• a new running track
• high jump and long jump facilities
• new 5-a-side football pitches with improved floodlighting
• new changing facilities, a first aid office, and wheelchair accessible toilets
• a new community building incorporating shared workspace for the Trust’s community partners, meeting and training facilities, and a neighbourhood café
• a new gym and wellness facilities.

The site has been used for community programmes since 2005 when Lambeth Council granted the Sport Action Zone (SAZ) a short-term licence while continuing to pay for building maintenance and security. Despite having no security of tenure, SAZ attracted significant funding from companies such as Nike and the Football Foundation. The council continued to work with the Sport Action Zone to find a permanent arrangement that worked for both parties. The offer of intensive support and grant funding from the Communitybuilders Fund has allowed the development of a sustainable business plan and the founding of the Black Prince Trust.

A ‘Community Service Agreement’ tied to the lease requires the Trust to provide a range of programmes that meet local community needs. The Trust will shortly be announcing the first of its ‘open days’ when locals can visit the site, learn about the new and improved facilities, and discuss what programmes they would like in the future.

The Trust has appointed GLL to manage the facilities for an initial 3-year period.

The council has also agreed to sell the other half of the Old Lilian Baylis site (Site B). The Council has exchanged contracts with Henley Homes which intends to refurbish the Listed Buildings and convert them into dwellings and a facility for the local community.

The transaction is subject to planning consent and the Council, at the end of the planning process, expects to obtain a substantial capital receipt that will contribute towards the Council's Capital Programme that is used to fund housing, roads, schools, leisure centres etc.

Furthermore, the Council also expects the scheme to deliver 40% affordable housing for residents of the borough.

Background notes:

1. The 5.7 acre former Lilian Baylis school site is a complex of two and three storey buildings with an open play area. The school is listed grade II as being of architectural or historic interest and is on the Heritage at Risk Register. The school opened in 1964 and ceased to use the site in 2004. The Trust has acquired 2.4 acres of the site including the existing gymnasium building, 2 tennis courts and a football pitch.

2. The North Lambeth and North Southwark Sport Action Zone (SAZ) was one of 12 Sport Action Zones set up in 2000 by Sport England in response to a Government-identified need to engage deprived communities, increase sport participation, address wider social issues through sport, develop partnerships and community capacity, and to act as a test-bed for new initiatives. South Bank Employers’ Group hosted the unincorporated SAZ and provided vital support from 2002 to April 2011.

3. The Black Prince Trust has been founded specifically to run the former Lilian Baylis site as a community facility. It is a registered charity. Under its Articles, at least 50% of trustees must be local residents.

4. The £70m Communitybuilders Fund, previously owned by the Department for Communities and Local Government is now an endowed fund, owned and administered by the Adventure Capital Fund. It supports neighbourhood-based, community-led organisations to become more sustainable through a mixture of loans, grants and business support. The Fund is managed on ACF’s behalf by The Social Investment Business. www.communitybuildersfund.org.uk

5. In June 2010, in response to a SAZ/ South Bank Employers’ Group bid, SIB appointed Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB) to prepare a ‘scoping report’ recommending how best to provide intensive support to develop a community hub on the Lilian Baylis site. Working closely with the council, SBEG and SAZ, CSCB carried out intensive business planning, site feasibility and design work, and organisational development culminating in a bid to the Communitybuilders Fund for a capital investment of £2 million (part loan and part grant) to enable the facilities to be improved and extended and to open up the prospect of further investment. A parallel application was made to the Council to transfer part of the site from Lambeth to the new charitable Trust.

6. Secretary of State consent to transfer at less than best market value was secured in June and, on 10 October 2011, the Black Prince Trust was assigned a 125 year lease aligned with a community service agreement setting out the community benefits to be delivered.

Proposed pavement widening & raised entry treatment on Newport Street

2011-10-30T16:11:00.003Z

As part of an ongoing development of Damien Hirst's new gallery, it is proposed to widen the pavement on the western side of
Newport Street and to introduce a raised entry treatment at the junction with Old Paradise Street to improve “at level” crossing facilities for pedestrians and slow vehicle speeds.

The main change is that the pavement along the front of the art gallery would be widened by approximately 1.6m (it is currently about 1.8m) to allow for some bicycle racks to be installed, allow enough room for queuing visitors and to create a more “impressive” entrance to what the applicant hopes is going to be a high profile and well visited attraction. All works would be entirely at the developer’s expense.

The plans are being sent to homes and businesses in the area, and the plans can be emailed to anybody who is interested. Lambeth Council will be collecting people's views until 18 November.

Local councillors have already asked that work takes place to improve dropped kerbs on Old Paradise Street so that people with wheelchairs and pushchairs can use the pavement more easily, for trees to be planted on Newport Street, for the surface of the raised crossing to be robust enough to stand up to HGVs, and for new street nameplates for all the corners in the area.

Licensing application for 114 Brook Drive

2011-10-30T15:16:00.001Z

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on the 25th October 2011.

Applicants Name:
Mr Sultan Chaudhery
Premises Address:
Brook Mini Mart - Shop 114 Brook Drive London
Activities/times requested:
New grant premises licence
Supply of Alcohol Monday - Sunday 07:00 - 23:00

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:
Preventing crime and disorder;
Public safety;
Preventing public nuisance; and
Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 22nd November 2011. If a valid representation (or more than one) is received and is not withdrawn, this application will be referred to a hearing of the Licensing Sub-Committee for determination. If no representations are received, the application will ordinarily be determined by the relevant Licensing Officer.

Read our guide to licensing here

Planning Committee see Whitgift Estate's concerns for themselves

2011-10-17T12:31:00.004+01:00

On Saturday morning members of Lambeth's Planning Committee made a site visit to the Fire Brigade HQ and associated buildings which are the subject of a major planning application. Dozens of concerned local residents joined the visit to make their objections to the scheme known.

Residents of Whitgift House showed how the proposed new residential slab blocks would overshadow their building, depriving it of almost all daylight during the winter months. The Friends of Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground explained how shadowing from the new buildings would affect plant and tree growth, and make the new play fountain prone to moss growth. And local councillors Steve Morgan and Mark Harrison explained how putting all the social housing for the scheme into a building on the other side of the railway tracks would contribute to social segregation in the area, and not create a mixed and balanced community.

The application is due to go to the Planning Committee tomorrow evening.

Pictured: participants in the site visit look across to the Whitgift Street site from the back of the Fire Brigade HQ.

Val takes police petition to Vauxhall Gardens

2011-10-13T23:20:00.006+01:00

On Saturday Lambeth's London Assembly Member Val Shawcross visited the Vauxhall Gardens Estate to collect signatures for London Labour's petition against Tory police cuts.

Val and her team are campaigning against Tory Mayor Boris Johnson's plan to cut 1800 police officers from London's streets.

The petition got an enthusiastic response from Vauxhall Gardens Estate residents, angry that the Tories are considering cutting the police so soon after this summer's riots

You can sign the petition here.
Pictured: Val with some of her team on Saturday, including Prince's Councillor Steve Morgan

Another Tesco for Kennington

2011-10-13T23:11:00.001+01:00

Many people have been asking what is happening to the old bingo hall/cinema building at 216 Kennington Road. Tesco have now revealed that they are planning to open a new Express Store in the summer of 2012.

Despite much speculation as to who would be taking over the site Tesco has only signed the agreement to use the building in the last few weeks.

The site was granted planning permission for retail use in 2008 and was renewed in 2010. Before they open their store Tesco will have to submit a planning application for the signage they will use outside of the store. They will also have to submit a licensing application if they plan to sell alcohol.

The Tesco press release confirming the opening of the store is below.

TESCO EXPRESS COMING TO KENNINGTON ROAD

Tesco is delighted to confirm its interest to open a Tesco Express convenience food store in Kennington Road. at the former bingo hall.

The former bingo hall which has been empty for some time will be converted into eight apartment and an Express.

Carol Leslie, Tesco spokesperson said: 'We think this is an excellent location for a Tesco Express and we are delighted to have secured a lease on these premises.'

The `Express’ is a small convenience food store that focuses on bringing quality, service, value and fresh produce to peoples’ doorsteps.

Carol continued: 'Our Express stores are extremely popular and can bring lots of benefit to the community it serves. Not only will it keep people shopping in the area but is extremely convenient for residents and workers and those people who have no transport or those preferring to shop on foot. We believe it will benefit the area by encouraging people to shop locally and also cut down on car journeys to other shopping areas.'

She added: 'Our Express stores are all about being local, employing local people, serving local people, working with local traders and actively supporting the local community. It will employ around 20 staff.'

Volunteers deliver leaflet to launch Val's campaign

2011-10-11T22:51:00.004+01:00

Over the next couple of weeks Labour volunteers across Prince's ward will be delivering a leaflet which launches Val Shawcross' campaign to be reelected as London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark.

Val has worked hard for this area ever since being first elected to City Hall in 2000. You can read about what Val has been up to on her website, which includes her annual report.

Val is highlighting Boris Johnson's terrible record as Mayor of London, including his plans to cut 1800 police officers, and his decision to raise bus fares by 56%.

If you could spare some time to deliver a few leaflets to your street or block, please get in touch.

Licensing application for the Rose, 35 Albert Embankment

2011-10-05T20:37:00.005+01:00

A Variation application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 30 September 2011

Premises Address:
The Rose - 35 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TL

Activities/times requested:
Vary Premises

Live Music
Saturday: 16:00 - 23:00

Sunday - Friday: 12:00 - 23:00

New Years Eve until 04:00hrs New Years Day. Easter Bank Holiday weekend to increase the terminal hour until 04:00hrs for Thursday, Friday _ Saturday and 02:00 Sunday
May, August _ Whitsun Bank Holiday to increase the terminal hour until 04:00 for the proceeding Friday _ Saturday and 02:00 Sunday.
Christmas Eve _ Boxing Day to increase the terminal hour until 04:00 The opportunity to apply for 15 additional "special event" days.

Recorded Music
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 - 05:00
Sunday: 07:00 - 02:00

Christmas Eve _ Boxing Day to increase the terminal hour until 04:00 The opportunity to apply for 15 additional "special event" days.

Late Night Refreshment
Monday - Saturday: 23:00 - 05:00
Sunday: 23:00 - 02:00

All bank holiday Sundays 23:00 - 0500 for New Years Eve to the starting times of new years day.

Supply of Alcohol
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 - 05:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 02:00

New Years Eve until 04:00hrs New Years Day. Easter Bank Holiday weekend to increase the terminal hour until 04:00hrs for Thursday, Friday _ Saturday and 02:00 Sunday
May, August _ Whitsun Bank Holiday to increase the terminal hour until 04:00 for the proceeding Friday _ Saturday and 02:00 Sunday.
Christmas Eve _ Boxing Day to increase the terminal hour until 04:00 The opportunity to apply for 15 additional "special event" days.

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;
· Public safety;
· Preventing public nuisance; and
· Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 28 October 2011

If a valid representation (or more than one) is received and is not withdrawn, this application will be referred to a hearing of the Licensing Sub-Committee for determination. If no representations are received, the application will ordinarily be determined by the relevant Licensing Officer.

Applications for new Premises licences, and variations and reviews of existing ones, will be placed on the Councils website for inspection; the address at which these may be accessed is www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/Business/LicencesStreetTrading/AlcoholEntertainmentLateNightRefreshment/CurrentApplications.htm

Your local councillors' guide to licensing is here.

Snow Wardens scheme

2011-10-04T23:16:00.002+01:00

When the winter months arrive Lambeth's gritters work hard to keep our borough's main transport routes and pedestrian areas free from ice and snow.

With our focus on keeping public services and main transport routes running, many quieter residential roads don't get gritted. Because of this, we are offering all our residents and communities the equipment and grit they would need to make a difference in their local area by clearing snow and ice from residential streets.

If you are an individual or part of a community group who is keen to assist others on your road and in your local area and would like to be a part of our Snow Wardens Scheme, please contact us by email SnowWardens@lambeth.gov.uk or telephone 020 7926 0524.

What does the scheme involve?
If you, or a group of you, would like to be able to clear snow from your pavements, we will give you some basic training to keep you safe and supply you with:
-a grit bin and supply of salt (delivered to you)
-shovels
-hi-visibility vests
-gloves.

If you are part of a community group, we will supply you with a number of shovels and equipment which can be shared by your members. Training sessions will be held during the weeks beginning 10 October and 24 October 2011, with some sessions during the early evening and some during the day. The sessions will be a good opportunity to meet and mix with other snow wardens in your area.

How do I sign up?
To sign up as a volunteer or to simply find out more about the scheme please email SnowWardens@lambeth.gov.uk or telephone 020 7926 0524.

Linear park for Tyers Street

2011-10-04T21:53:00.002+01:00

A steering group has formed to make plans for a community-led linear park to be created in Tyers Street, through the Vauxhall Gardens Estate.

The street is currently long and empty, with little traffic, parking, or people.

Councillor Mark Harrison believes it could be transformed into an extension of Vauxhall Spring Gardens.

He's teamed up with other local residents, including the Secretary of VGERTA, who have set up a website calling for initial ideas about the park. Please get in touch!

New playground and ballcourt for Cotton Gardens?

2011-10-04T21:10:00.006+01:00

Lambeth Living have submitted their planning application for a new playground and refurbished ballcourt at Hurley House behind the Cotton Gardens Estate. (Located on the corner of Wincott Street & Kempsford Road)

The planning application is for, "Improvement works of existing ball games by installation of new rigid weldmesh ballcourt fencing, new surfacing and goals. Installation of a small play area on existing open space with timber/net/play equipment landscaping, to include timber fence, low vertical bar fence, seating and grassmatt safety surface."

To view the plans and to comment on them you will need to go to the Council's planning database. The reference is 11/02866/RG3.

The project has been driven forward thanks to the hard work of the Cotton Gardens Residents' Association.

Green Flag hoisted at Kennington Park

2011-10-03T23:24:00.002+01:00

On Saturday Kate Hoey MP had the honour of hoisting the Green Flag awarded to Kennington Park this year.

The Green Flag is a prestigious award, recognising parks with excellent standards. The award is a tribute to the hard work of the Friends of Kennington Park and the park maintenance staff.

Local councillors from all the surrounding wards were out in force to celebrate in the unseasonable hot sunshine.

Submission to the Libraries Commission by Prince’s ward councillors

2011-10-03T13:35:00.006+01:00

We want to make the case for the Durning Library to continue providing a library service in its present building.

Well-used

The Durning has a higher footfall than any of the ‘non-town-centre’ libraries. It is significantly better-used than Carnegie, Minet, Waterloo and South Lambeth libraries. Its footfall (94938) is not far off the footfalls of Clapham (110640) and West Norwood (133440). This is remarkable as the ‘catchment area’ in which most Durning visitors live is pretty tightly drawn around the library, in the immediate Kennington area. This demonstrates that the local Kennington community uses its library to a greater extent than in other areas. It is also a reflection of the high density of this part of central London, with a high population within walking distance, large numbers of crowded flats, and a high level of deprivation.

Well-located

The Durning is located at Kennington Cross, in the heart of Kennington. It is very prominent and a focal point for the community. It is especially-well served by buses running north-south along Kennington Road.

Unlike the rest of Lambeth, ‘North Lambeth’ does not have a single town centre – it is a collection of centres – Waterloo, Lambeth, Kennington, Vauxhall and South Lambeth. There is no obvious central point which is easily accessible to everybody in the area. The history and high population density of the area explains why there are more libraries, and it would be very difficult to consolidate them into single location. Kennington Cross is the logical focal point for services in our area to be provided at.

Much-loved building

The Durning is an impressive and attractive building, opened in 1889, and providing library services to Kennington ever since. Local people want the library service to continue to be provided in the building. All too frequently councils make the mistake of abandoning historic buildings because they are ‘expensive’ or ‘difficult’ to maintain – underestimating the value which people place on the heritage of their area. The attachment Kennington residents have for their library was demonstrated in 1999 when they launched a vocal and successful campaign to save the library from closure. No doubt residents would be willing to campaign once again, if the library was under threat. To cease providing a library service in the building Jemima Durning gifted to Lambeth 122 years ago would be very sad. Moving library services elsewhere would also leave the Council with a highly-visible listed building empty – the Council would have to find a use for it, and would still face the issue of finding the capital investment it needs.

Willingness and capacity of the community to find a solution

The Durning is extremely fortunate to possess a large, capable, articulate and constructive Friends group, who are ready and willing to work with the Council to find solutions to the issues the library faces. They would be receptive to calls for volunteering, fundraising and Cooperative Council solutions. Local businesses are even seriously working up plans to offer to buy the building from the Council as a community hub. All these options should be seriously considered.

Solutions to the need for capital spending

The biggest issue the Durning faces is its need for significant capital investment, to deal with the backlog of maintenance issues and make the building completely fit for purpose for the 21st century. We believe the Council needs to acknowledge Durning’s needs and find creative solutions to attract investment. The following should be fully explored:

-The Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea development affects parts of Prince’s ward within Durning’s catchment area. The significant developments within the VNEB area should be contributing to the cost of sustaining and improving Lambeth’s local library services, at South Lambeth and Durning. We strongly suggest that South Lambeth and Durning are prioritised as recipients for VNEB investment in community infrastructure.
-As stated above, local businesses have expressed a willingness to explore buying the building as a community asset. This option should be seriously explored, as it could allow external sources of funding to be accessed.
-The issue of the Lambeth Living flat above the library is a challenging one. If a solution could be found, then the option of selling the building to a developer should be explored. The developer could then be responsible for maintaining the fabric of the building, could develop attractive flats upstairs, and be compelled to let the Council continue to provide a library service on the ground floor.
-Prince’s ward and North Lambeth are experiencing more than our fair share of asset sales, which bring the Council significant capital receipts. At the moment, the Beaufoy Institute and the Old Lilian Baylis building are in the process of being sold for significant sums. We fully support this, but believe there is a moral case that our much-valued library building should receive a portion of these large capital receipts. Our residents are having to lose potential community assets, and we think it is right that one of the most valued assets in our community gets the investment it needs in return. As local councillors, we are happy to work closely with officers to identify further unused assets and sites in our area which could be developed and bring in capital receipts to invest in our library.

This submission by Prince's ward councillors is kindly supported by the Friends of the Durning Library.

Councillors object to Fire HQ redevelopment

2011-09-23T17:56:00.002+01:00

Prince’s ward councillors’ objection to 10/04473/FUL – Fire Brigade HQ redevelopment

We wish to object to this development on the following grounds:

-Proportion of affordable housing. 7% is completely insufficient and far short of Lambeth’s 40% target. We are suspicious of the developer’s claim that any more would make the scheme unaffordable – they have radically revised their scheme on several occasions, having previously said this would be impossible.

-Level of parking spaces. The site has a PTAL level of 6 with excellent access to public transport. There are excellent bus, tube and bike hire services within walking distance and most of central London is walkable from the location. Therefore it should be a car free development. Only parking for the fire brigade, disabled drivers and car club spaces should be provided. The unnecessary 69 parking spaces will significantly increase traffic in the area. Residents of the new buildings should not be entitled to on-street parking permits.

-Location of affordable housing. Building G is entirely affordable housing. This accentuates the division the railway viaduct makes between a wealthy riverside strip of land and the deprived estates to the east of the viaduct. Affordable housing should be located to the west of the viaduct and Building G should contain private housing to create a better mix of housing tenures in both locations. Currently the proposal contravenes the London Plan policy to create mixed and balanced communities.

-Loss of commercial space in Building G. Building G is opposite the shops and pubs of Black Prince Road, and is an obvious place for a ground floor retail/ restaurant unit to contribute to the successful local cluster of businesses operating there. Lambeth’s planning policies do not allow bedrooms on the ground floor in this area because of the risk of flooding.

-We believe the design of Building G is a missed opportunity to create a well-designed and well-proportioned building which will complement the similar-sized heritage buildings around it (the Ragged School, the Queen’s Head, and the Jolly Gardeners).

-We also have serious concerns about the effect on light to Whitgift House. Analysis by GL Hearn commissioned by Lambeth Council clearly states that all but one of the windows tested will transgress the BRE Report guideline values for VSC. All rooms will transgress the BRE report guideline on the first floor, and 10 rooms will transgress the BRE guidelines on the second floor. There are further transgressions on the higher floors. It further states that 28 of 63 windows would not meet the BRE guidelines on Sunlight amenity. These reductions to the daylight and sunlight amenity are considerable and will have a serious impact on the amenity of the residents of Whitgift House.

Whitgift House residents have launched a petition against the scheme - you can sign it here

Youth Mayor's crime summit

2011-09-21T21:50:00.001+01:00

Are you aged 11-19?

Are you concerned about youth crime across the borough?

Well come along to the Lambeth Youth Council Meeting and Youth Crime Summit
Tuesday 11 October, 4.30 – 7.30pm
Assembly Rooms, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton

THIS IS A FREE, TICKET ONLY EVENT

David Oyedele, Lambeth Youth Mayor says: "The vast majority of young people know that talking and not violence is the best way to influence change, don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your views heard”

• Find out more about the Youth Council and how to get involved
• Meet Lambeth’s Youth Mayor
• Put your questions on youth crime to the council
• Meet Youth Service Providers

To get involved:
Complete our Youth Crime Survey for a chance to win a £25 shopping voucher
www.surveymonkey.com/s/KMNPZT6
Get your ticket at www.yccs.eventbrite.com or via the Lambeth Youth Mayor on Facebook

Refreshments will be available

Labour launches manifesto for VNEB project

2011-09-20T23:29:00.002+01:00

New community funds, better public services, parks and transport schemes are planned.

Lambeth’s Labour Councillors have unveiled our plans to transform the Vauxhall-Nine Elms-Battersea area to ensure local residents get the maximum benefit from the regeneration proposals.

In a draft manifesto, Labour has pledged that we 'will ensure that the necessary infrastructure and public services will be provided for local residents affected by the developments.'

One of the highlights is the plan to develop a new ‘Community Endowment Fund’ of at least £1million which will provide an annual pot of money for local groups to ensure that the benefits of the regeneration continue after the building has finished. In addition, funding that comes from new developments for improving the community will be ring fenced so it can’t be used to subsidise any overspend on the planned Northern Line Extension.

Labour’s Leader in Lambeth, and Co-chair of the VNEB Strategy Board, Cllr Steve Reed said:'We are getting ahead of the curve in announcing these pledges for local people – the first political party to set out a manifesto for Vauxhall Nine Elms. With 16,000 new homes coming to the area we need to be sure that our public services meet the demands of our existing and new residents. We will be engaging with our communities, so they can tell us what they want.'

The draft manifesto will go out for consultation over the next two months. Labour Councillors will be discussing the plans with local people, community groups, residents’ associations, and other key stakeholders.

To improve transport, Labour pledges to support:
· An extended Northern line to run from Kennington to Nine Elms and Battersea· New bus services along Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms Lane.
· A cycle bridge at Pimlico, new boat services, walkways and improved access to the river.
· The extension of the TFL bike hire scheme further South
· Traffic calming measures and improvements to prevent ‘rat runs’ through residential areas.

To improve our open spaces, Labour pledges to:
· Preserve and improve Vauxhall Park, Spring Gardens and Larkhall Park.
· Lobby TfL to remove the Vauxhall gyratory to improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists.
· Ensure that any new tall buildings do not significantly overshadow parks and homes.

In public services and culture, Labour pledges to:
· Create extra school places, doctors, and ensure hospital services are not adversely affected. · Ensure police are not diverted by protecting the new US Embassy.
· Develop new cultural provision in the area, provide extra sports pitches and leisure centres

To support local businesses and jobs, Labour pledges to:
· Ensure developers offer apprenticeships for young residents and the unemployed.
· Work to provide new spaces for retail outlets and street markets.

The consultation on the draft manifesto will run until 15 November.

To download the manifesto, click here.

To comment on the plans, you can email vnebmanifesto@gmail.com

Shelley site retained for Archbishop Sumner 'bulge class'

2011-09-16T14:48:00.003+01:00

The council has recently been consulting on the future of the old Shelley School site in Oakden Street.

At the Children and Young People's Service Scrutiny Sub-Committee last Tuesday the council announced their plans for the site. They have decided to 'use the site in the short term to provide a bulge class (or classes) through Archbishop Sumner, to help address the projected serious shortage of places across the borough in 2012. This will allow further analysis and a further year’s trends to assess the optimum solution and not preclude any of the other options.'

Cllr Pete Robbins said: 'This year Lambeth has received a record number of applications for places at our primary schools, including a huge number of late applications which make expansion planning very difficult.

The huge government cuts to school capital funding mean Lambeth is increasingly reliant on temporary 'bulge' classes. While the rise in demand is again concentrated in the south of the borough, there are an increasingly limited number of schools in Norwood and Streatham with sites that are suitable for bulge classes. Therefore, given Archbishop Sumner's ambition to expand, and the strong local desire to see the Shelley site retained for educational use, it was decided that it would be appropriate to make the site available to Archbishop Sumner to provide a bulge class in 2012.

Our first priority continues to be securing the £50m we need to provide a permanent place for every child in Lambeth, and we will continue to make our case to education secretary Michael Gove to provide the investment local children deserve.'

You can view the minutes from the committee meeting here.

If you have any questions about this decision or would like more information the council officer responsible can be contacted at:

Chris Sipidias, Regeneration Manager Children and Young People’s Service, 020 7926 5570.

Success dealing with intimidating street drinkers at Vauxhall Street shops

2011-09-02T15:15:00.005+01:00

Local residents around Vauxhall Street have confirmed that anti-social behaviour outside the shops has massively reduced after police intervention this summer.

Some street drinkers outside the shop were regularly causing a nuisance - intimidating passers-by and urinating outside people's homes.

After residents complained, Councillor Mark Harrison asked the police and the Council's anti-social behaviour team to investigate what could be done to solve the problem. They have spoken to off licences in the area to make some simple changes to the way they sell alcohol, and engaged regularly with the street drinkers to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Thanks to this work, street drinking outside the shops on Vauxhall Street has virtually disappeared in the past week. The police will continue to keep a close eye on the area to ensure the problems don't start up again.

Steve & Mark call at the Water Tower development

2011-08-27T14:18:00.005+01:00

This lunchtime councillors Mark Harrison and Steve Morgan called on residents in Goddard, Wilmot & Limelight Houses; at the new development at George Mathers Road on the edge of Kennington.

We discussed residents' experiences setting up residents' associations for the blocks, and some of the teething problems people have experienced with the management agents, housing association, and Council rubbish collection.

Councillors have supported Limelight House residents in getting their residents' association set up; and are looking forward to helping Wilmot and Goddard House with their group which is in the process of being set up.

Licensing application for 351 Kennington Lane

2011-08-26T13:59:00.003+01:00

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 23rd August 2011

Applicants Name: Alentajano Bar & Grill Ltd.

Premises Address: Alentajano Bar & Grill - 351 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5QY (next door to the Eagle)

Activities/times requested:

Supply of Alcohol
Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 23:30

Recorded Music
Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 23:30

Late Night Refreshment
Monday - Sunday 23:00 - 23:30

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;
· Public safety;
· Preventing public nuisance; and
· Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 20 September 2011.

You can view the full application here.

Details of the licensing process and how to make a representation are here.

Swimming pool and student housing for South Lambeth Road

2011-08-23T20:52:00.002+01:00

Our colleagues in Oval have already drawn attention to this exhibition, which will be of interest to many Prince's ward residents:

Plans are being brought forward for a mixed-use development to transform 30-60 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, currently waste ground adjacent to the railway lines. Property developer Downing is holding a Public Exhibition on the proposals at the Vauxhall Christian Centre, 105 Tyers Street, Vauxhall, SE11 5HS on:

Thursday 8 September, 4pm – 8pm
Saturday 10 September, 11am – 4pm

This is an important opportunity for you to give your views on our plans before a planning application is submitted to Lambeth Council this autumn, so please come along if you can.

Downing’s proposed Student Housing and Leisure Centre is being designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and seeks to maximise the potential of this under-used site. Included in the proposals are a swimming pool and leisure centre, which local residents will be able to use. The swimming pool will be at lower ground-level and will be visible from South Lambeth Road, creating an animated street-scene. The student housing on the upper floors includes internal and external amenity space for the students and a TfL “Boris bike” stand will be provided.

For more information in the meantime, you can visit the scheme blog - http://www.downingvauxhall.blogspot.com/, email vauxhall@downing.com, call 0207 323 3544 or write to Downing, c/o 7 Bayley Street, London WC1B 3HB

Temporary road closures- Jonathan Street

2011-08-21T18:39:00.001+01:00

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
JONATHAN STREET, TINWORTH STREET AND WORGAN STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out Victorian Mains replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of:-
(a) Jonathan Street which lies between Vauxhall Walk and Tyers Street (alternative routes would be available for vehicles via (i) Vauxhall Walk, Glasshouse Walk and Tyers Street; and (ii) Tyers Street, Black Prince Road and Vauxhall Walk);
(b) Tinworth Street which lies between Vauxhall Walk and a point 22 metres north-west of Vauxhall Walk (alternative routes would be available for vehicles (i) Vauxhall Walk, Glasshouse Walk, Tyers Street, Black Prince Road and Albert Embankment; and (ii) Albert Embankment, Black Prince Road and Vauxhall Walk);
(c) Worgan Street which lies between Jonathan Street and a point 25 metres south-west of Jonathan Street.

2. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

3. The Order would come into force on 29th August 2011 and will continue for a maximum duration of 5 months or until the said works have been completed, whichever is the sooner.

Dated 12th August 2011
Abu Barkatoolah
Head of Transportation

Olympic traffic lanes consultation

2011-08-21T16:41:00.003+01:00

Transport for London (TfL) is planning to make temporary changes– on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) - to roads in the London Borough of Lambeth as part of the London 2012 Games.

As part of London’s successful 2012 bid, a fast-track route, called the Olympic and Paralympic Route Network (ORN/PRN), will be created so that athletes, officials, the media and others working at the Games can get to events on time. Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for ensuring this Network operates effectively during the Games period with the minimum of disruption for those who live and work in the capital.

You can view all of the proposed routes at TfL's website: www.tfl.gov.uk/ORN. The public engagement period for this phase of engagement will close on Wednesday 14 September 2011.

Routes directly affecting our area include one over Vauxhall Bridge and one along Lambeth Palace Road.

Information drop in sessions will take place at:
Waterloo Suite, Novotel Waterloo, 113 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LS
Tuesday 23 August, 16:30-19:30

City Management Suite at City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP
Monday 5 September, 16:30–19:30

The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street Westminster London SW1P 3BU
Wednesday 7 September, 08:30-12:30

Overnight work to Lambeth Bridge - including changes to cycle lanes

2011-08-21T14:28:00.002+01:00

Transport for London (TfL is planning essential night-time maintenance works on Lambeth Bridge from Tuesday 30 August to Wednesday 7 September 2011, subject to weather conditions.

TfL is firmly committed to minimising disruption to traffic, therefore the works will take place overnight, between 21:00 and 05:30hrs, when traffic levels are around 20 per cent lower. These essential works will not only give road users a smoother journey but they will also help reduce carriageway noise and the need for future maintenance closures, benefiting local residents, businesses and the travelling public.

As part of the maintenance works, TfL has taken the opportunity to review and improve conditions for cyclists on the bridge. In addition to resurfacing, the westbound cycle lane will be widened to 1.5m to provide a safer facility for cyclists. The eastbound cycle lane will be incorporated into a bus and cycle lane to allow for this change.

The works programme is the following:

30 August to 2 September 2011, Lambeth Bridge resurfacing
3 to 7 September 2011, Lambeth Bridge expansion joints replacement

Lambeth Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on the above dates between 21:00 and 05:30hrs.

Clearly signed diversion routes will be put in place whilst the bridge is closed. Buses which use Lambeth Bridge will be placed on diversion during the overnight closures, and diversion routes will be clearly signed at local bus stops.

Should you require further information or an update during the delivery of these works please contact TfL's Streets Customer Services department on 0845 305 1234 or via their website at www.tfl.gov.uk/contact.

Police call for review of licence for Area and Fire

2011-08-21T14:10:00.002+01:00

The Police have called for a review of the licences for two of Vauxhall's biggest and most popular LGBT clubs.

In the case of Area (67-68 Albert Embankment) the 'Police have expressed concerns for the safety of persons attending this venue, following a number of covert operations during which officers observed the supply and usage of illegal drugs, and incidents of drink spiking within the venue. Police have stated that they believe the premises’ management to be 'either unwilling or unable to tackle the drugs problems which are endemic to this venue''.

In the case of Fire (39-44 Parry Street) the 'Police have expressed serious concerns for the safety of persons attending this venue, following a number of covert operations during which officers observed the supply and usage of illegal drugs, and test purchasing officers were supplied with illegal substances themselves. Police have stated that they believe the premises’ management to be 'either unwilling or unable to tackle the drugs problems which are endemic to this venue''.

The deadline for representations is 15 September. There are details of how to make representations here .

Now is the time to support our police service

2011-08-13T17:09:00.004+01:00

Your local Labour councillors want to pay tribute to the bravery and hard work of our police officers this week, who have faced unprecendented disorder and violence in our city. Thankfully, our immediate area escaped the worst of the trouble, but the scarred shopfronts of Walworth Road, Brixton, Clapham Junction and Lower Marsh are grim reminders of the damage the disorder has done to our city.

We were opposed to Boris Johnson's cuts to the police before this week, but after the events of Sunday and Monday nights we think the situation has changed completely. There can't be any justification for cutting back on the police officers who we relied upon on this week.

Currently the Metropolitan Police Authority plans the following cuts to police staff:
Labour has launched a petition against these cuts, calling on the Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson to:

-Abandon his plans to force 600 London police sergeants to reapply for their own jobs. They should be focusing on making the streets safe for Londoners, not worrying about their own jobs.

-Drop his plan to cut 300 sergeants from London's 630 safer neighbourhood teams. In February 2011, Boris Johnson's Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse pushed through plans to cut 300 sergeants from local beat teams.

-Reverse his decision to cut 1800 police officers in London over the next three years. Metropolitan Police Authority figures revealed that the number of police officers in London is being cut by 1,800 between 2011 to 2013/14.

You can sign the petition here

Inspired by the clean up to help out in your community?

2011-08-13T17:00:00.004+01:00

Volunteering speed dating in Lambeth

Following the recent public disorder, many residents called the Council to ask how they can help out. We have been amazed by the response and so Lambeth council is co-ordinating a Volunteering Speed Dating event next Wednesday to capture to obvious willingness to get involved in the community.

If you have been inspired by the recent community response to the Lambeth 'community clean up' or you have always just wanted to volunteer then come talk to like minded people.

Who is invited?
Anyone who wants to volunteer in the borough - no matter what level of commitment they want to give.

What will happen there?

You can have as much of a role as you want on the day. Come along to:

meet people like you from across the borough

talk to community organisations and groups needing further support

get advice on how your skills can be used in Lambeth

commit to volunteer or just talk to experts about the sort of thing you want to do

get involved or be a wallflower, you can just listen to what's being discussed

celebrate what we have here in Lambeth.

Local community groups, charities and organisations such as St John Ambulance and the police will all have stalls for you to visit.

The council will also have volunteering and community experts on hand for you to get advice and talk to.

To get involved contact cooperativecouncil@lambeth.gov.uk or @lambeth_council on Twitter.

Venue: Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall, Town Hall, London SW2 1RW
Time: 6-8pm
Date: Wednesday 17 August 2011

Find out more by following @lambeth_council on Twitter and on the Lambeth Council Facebook page

(Picture: residents cleaning up Brixton after the riots, from the Brixton Blog )

Letter to residents from Prince's ward local police Sergeant

2011-08-13T16:36:00.004+01:00

Dear resident,

I write you to as the Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant on the Prince's Ward, which is the local Policing team dedicated solely to policing your area.

As you will no doubt be aware London has suffered unprecedented occurrences of spontaneous crime and disorder over the past few days, which has unfortunately been caused by some people who live within the borough of Lambeth and may be residents of our ward.

You will be pleased to know that there have not been any such incidents within our community, but I am appealing for your help to bring the perpetrators to justice and to inform us of any criminal activity or disorder you feel may occur within the near future.

The people responsible have caused much pain and suffering to many people, businesses and business owners across London, and any assistance you can give in identifying anyone that you believe was involved will be greatly appreciated.

In particular if you saw or see any members of your community carrying or offering for sale any electrical or clothing items or any goods that did not look like they were procured in the usual manner, please let us know.

I encourage you to contact us directly or via Crimestoppers, which you can do so anonymously.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously either online via http://www.crimestoppers.co.uk/ or by telephone on 0800 555 111.

As a reminder all emergencies or incidents of crime which are happening ‘now’ should be called through to Police on 999.

All other non-emergency incidents can be brought to the attention of us on the dedicated Prince's Safer Neighbourhood Team mobile on 07920 233835 or landline 020 8721 2627.

You can also call the dedicated Metropolitan Police non-emergency number on 101.

Please report anything suspicious to us and help look after your community.

Yours sincerely,

Sergeant Bob Lockyer 59LX

LX - Lambeth Borough
Prince's Safer Neighbourhood Team

Kennington Police Station,
49-51 Kennington Road,
London
SE1 7QA

Telephone: 020 8721 2627 or 07920 233835 or 101
Princes.snt@met.police.uk
www.met.police.uk

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons: Anthony Newman from Leiden, Netherlands)

Your local play and youth services – come and have your say!

2011-08-06T19:58:00.001+01:00

Over the last year Lambeth Council has been reviewing the way we do things. The Co-operative Council means that we want to work with the community to develop new ways to run our Adventure Playgrounds, Youth Centres and Stay and Play One O’clock Clubs.

To find out what is in it for you, get involved and learn more please drop in to our open session

at: Lollard Adventure Playground, Lollard Street, SE11

on: 18 August 2011, between 6.45 – 8.00 pm (drop in anytime)

If you can’t get there but want to be involved please:

Email: cooperativecouncil@lambeth.gov.uk

or Write to:

Co-operative council
Freepost RLSK-SSJL-KXKK
Room 113A
Lambeth Town Hall
London
SW2 1RW

Vauxhall residents highlight Pleasure Gardens nightclub problems

2011-08-06T19:15:00.006+01:00

Local residents from the Prince's Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens are pushing for action to deal with problems associated with some of the nightclubs in the arches at Goding Street/ Albert Embankment.

There is confusion about who owns the land at Albert Embankment. The confusion has allowed businesses to erect structures on the pavement and grass which aren't licensed. Councillors have asked that the land ownership issue is sorted out so proper licensing of the outdoor activity can take place, to prevent problems like these screen blocking the pavement.

At the rear of the arches Goding Street is a real mess, no matter how many times the Council seems to clean the street.

On a Monday morning litter is strewn across Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

Some clubbers sit out in the park at all hours of the weekend - many of them leave considerable amounts of litter.

Now council officers and the police are getting involved to put pressure on the clubs whose patrons are causing the problems.

Councillor Mark Harrison said 'Vauxhall's nighttime economy is a fantastic benefit for the area, and we want to support it wherever we can. However, club owners have a responsibility to ensure they and their patrons aren't causing problems like littering in our area.'

Photos courtesy of Eamonn McMahon, Chair of the Prince's SNT.

Licensing application for Kennington Road Petrol Station

2011-08-06T18:55:00.002+01:00

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 1st August 2011

Applicants Name: Hornstar Limited

Premises Address: Kennington Service Station - Petrol Station 212 Kennington Road London

Activities/times requested:

New Grant Application

Late Night Refreshment
Monday - Sunday 23:00 - 05:00

Supply of Alcohol
Monday - Sunday 06:00 - 02:00

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;
· Public safety;
· Preventing public nuisance; and
· Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than 29 August 2011

If a valid representation (or more than one) is received and is not withdrawn, this application will be referred to a hearing of the Licensing Sub-Committee for determination. If no representations are received, the application will ordinarily be determined by the relevant Licensing Officer.

Applications for new Premises licences, and variations and reviews of existing ones, will be placed on the Councils website for inspection; the address at which these may be accessed is www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/Business/LicencesStreetTrading/AlcoholEntertainmentLateNightRefreshment/CurrentApplications.htm

To make a representation email licensing@lambeth.gov.uk or write to 'Licensing, 5th floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9SP

Consultation on 77 and 87 bus routes

2011-08-06T17:55:00.002+01:00

Transport for London are consulting with stakeholders about the future of the 77 and 87 bus routes.

The 77 runs from Waterloo, along the Albert Embankment, through Vauxhall, and then along the Wandsworth Road towards Tooting.

The 87 runs from Aldwych, through Westminster, over Vauxhall Bridge, and then along the Wandsworth Road towards Wandsworth.

If you have any views about these bus routes and how they might be improved please let us know and we'll pass them on to TfL.

Planning applications for Courtenay Street and Lambeth Walk

2011-08-06T16:08:00.003+01:00

There are a couple of planning applications which may be of interest to some residents.

There is a new application to convert the former Sea Cadet hall in Courtenay Street into residential accommodation, with three new houses built in the land at the rear. The houses in the new application have been reduced in height from the previous application, which was turned down. The application is here, and the deadline for comments is 9 August.

There are also applications to replace the windows at several homes at the pedestrianised part of Lambeth Walk. This is excellent news for Ethelred TMO tenants living here who will be able to look forward to warmer homes which are cheaper to heat.

Summer activites for young people

2011-08-06T15:54:00.002+01:00

A quick reminder that Lambeth's programme of activities for young people is continuing throughout August.

The Young Lambeth Website is the place to visit for comprehensive information about what's on offer for children and young people during the summer holidays.

There are even still some places left on Summer University courses - visit the website and book as soon as possible so as not to miss out.

Green Flag for Kennington Park!

2011-07-26T14:13:00.003+01:00

The Friends of Kennington Park have revealed the exciting news that the park has won the coveted Green Flag award!

Only a handful of Lambeth’s 60 parks have achieved Green Flag status it to date. It recognises a park that is welcoming, safe and well-maintained.

This achievement is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Friends and the staff who mantain the park. You can join the Friends on their website: www.kenningtonpark.org.

Pictured: Friends Chair Gordon Johnson with Kate Hoey MP at the opening of the park's new playground in 2009.

Val and councillors push TfL to sort out flooding by Kennington tube

2011-07-19T22:49:00.003+01:00

The recent frequent rain will have drawn many residents' attention to the flooding problem on Kennington Park Road, close to Kennington underground station.

Local councillors and Lambeth's London Assembly Member Val Shawcross have highlighted the problem to TfL and urged something to be done about it.

TfL believe there are serious underlying problems with the drainage in the area and are working with their contractors to identify a solution.

We'll be keeping up the pressure on TfL to find a long-term solution to this problem.

Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting

2011-07-16T16:52:00.003+01:00

Thursday saw the quarterly meeting of the Prince's ward Safer Neighbourhood Team Panel, at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel (pictured).

The meeting came only two days after this week's shooting on Black Prince Road, and Sergeant Bob Lockyear began by giving the Panel an update. Thankfully the victim is expected to recover, and several arrests have been made.

The majority of the meeting focused on serious problems with street drinkers around Glyn Street and Auckland Street, next to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The police made a commitment to focus their resources on this area , whilst councillors and council officers will work to try to tackle the problem of alcohol being sold to street drinkers by the off licenses in the area.

The next SNT Panel meeting is on 27 October at 6:30pm. All are welcome, and all residents' associations should consider sending somebody along.

The local police do regular surgeries and street briefings around the area:

What: Street briefing, When: 25/07/2011 - 15:00 - 16:00, Where: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

What: Street briefing, When: 04/08/2011 - 19:00 - 20:00, Where: Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground - Lambeth High Street

What: Street briefing, When: 21/08/2011 - 15:00 - 17:00, Where: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

What: Street briefing, When: 06/09/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Durning Libary - Kennington Lane SE11

What: Crime Prevention Stall, When: 19/09/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground - Lambeth High Street

What: Street briefing, When: 30/09/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground - Lambeth High Street

What: Street briefing, When: 07/10/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

What: Drop-in surgery, When: 15/10/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Durning Libary - Kennington Lane SE11

What: Street briefing, When: 04/11/2011 - 10:00 - 11:00, Where: Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground - Lambeth High Street

What: Street briefing, When: 18/11/2011 - 15:00 - 16:00, Where: Tyers Street juntion with Kennington Lane SE11

What: Crime Prevention Stall, When: 02/12/2011 - 15:00 - 16:00, Where: Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground - Lambeth High Street

Information about your local police is here

You can contact them directly on: Princes.snt@met.police.uk /07920 233835, though they don't work all of the time.

At other times call the police non-emergency number: 101.

In an emergency call 999.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens entrance completed!

2011-07-14T18:19:00.002+01:00

This week the new entrance to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens opened.

The striking new columns and clean open entrance to the park are the latest phase of the masterplan for the park to be completed.

An official opening ceremony for the entrance, held when the columns can be properly lit up, will be held later in the year.

Kennington fete

2011-07-11T21:45:00.002+01:00

Sunday saw another highly successful Kennington fete, organised by the Kennington Association and opened by Kate Hoey MP.

Prince's councillor Stephen Morgan went along and spoke to residents about issues of concern, including the Northern line extension, St Anselm's Church's planning application, the Council's plans to sell the Shelley site, and 'free school' proposals for the area.

St Anselm's Church planning application submitted

2011-07-11T20:21:00.002+01:00

St Anselm's Church have submitted their planning application to transform the existing church into a thriving centre for community and youth projects.

The details of the application are:

Change of use of part of the ground floor of St Anselm's Church to a restaurant/cafe/delicatessen (Use Class A3), relocation of the church use to a new second floor, demolition of vestry and part of transepts, together with other minor external alterations within the site. Demolition of Havilland House and garages and redevelopment of the site to provide a new community hall (Use Class D1), educational facilities (Use Class D1), two work units (Use Class B1), and 17 residential units (Town Planning and Conservation Area Consent Applications received).

You can view the plans by visiting the following page and then clicking on the associated documents link: http://planning.lambeth.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LM2CI9BO0AY00

Once you have looked at the plans you can support or object to them by clicking on the submit comments button.

You can find out more about the project at http://www.pathwaysse11.com/

Local councillors will be supporting the application, which gained the support of 98% of 600 residents who attended a consultation event held at the church.

Spruced up garages at Arden House

2011-07-07T20:06:00.004+01:00

Residents of Arden House have worked alongside Lambeth Living's garages team to transform their garages by installing green roofs and new doors. The plants have only just started growing, but when complete, the roof will be carpeted with wild flowers and greenery. The roof has also saved Lambeth Living £6000! The garages team will be interested to hear from other TRAs who might be interested in this idea.

Lambeth Living have also replaced the deteriorating metal doors with smart new painted wooden doors (above).

Since the Central Garage Team was set up four years ago they have also reduced voids from around 60% to 5%, increasing the income from the garages from around £250,000 per year to well over a million. As the repairs are almost all done in-house they have been able to have extremely quick turn around times and saved money on day to day repairs and planned maintenance. Rent arrears have also been reduced from over £130,000 to £30,000.

Whilst the general picture for Lambeth Living's garages is looking really positive, local councillors have pointed out that serious problems remain at the garages underneath the Ethelred Towers. Cllr Mark Harrison has asked the team to give its full focus to getting the issues there resolved as soon as possible, and offered any assistance that councillors can provide.

Glasshouse Walk play area consultation event

2011-07-06T21:35:00.003+01:00

VGERTA would like to invite you to the Glasshouse Walk Playground Consultation Event, where we will showcase the three options for the playground regeneration.

These plans were produced after the two community consultation campaigns organised by VGERTA.

We would like to hear your views before we proceed to the funding stage to make this dream come true for our area.

The event is on 30 July, and starts at 12pm and ends at 2pm. There will be music, cakes and refreshments.

Last but not least we would like to thank Lambeth Living and Groundwork for assisting VGERTA to make this consultation event possible through their services including the production of the three options that we will present on the day.

We hope to see you all on the 30th.

Watch VGERTA's case for refurbishing the playground here.

Conversion of John Bull pub into new flat- planning application

2011-07-06T21:20:00.003+01:00

A planning application has been made to convert most of the shop/ community unit in the old John Bull pub at 64 Tyers Street into a new flat.

You can view the plans and design statement, and leave your views using the link above.

Spring Mews public exhibition

2011-07-05T23:17:00.002+01:00

Spring Mews is a proposed new mixed-use scheme including student accommodation with retail, hotel, and a new community centre and cafe. The proposed new development is sited on land bounded by Tinworth Street to the North, Vauxhall Walk to the east, Glasshouse Walk to the south and the railway line to the west.

The proposals have been developed in discussions with Lambeth Council and in liaison with the Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre.

Public exhibition:

Thursday 14 July 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Saturday 16 July 11am to 2pm

Exhibition venue Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, SE1 7SL

About the existing site and proposals

The site is underutilised at present and has been identified for redevelopment in Lambeth Council’s Local Plan for some considerable period of time. The community centre is tired and the overall run-down site only provides around 20 jobs with most of the site used for coach parking.

CLS's proposals provide for a modern community centre to be built in the same location and the provision of over 80 jobs on the site with new commercial uses. In addition, by providing student accommodation CLS is supporting the delivery of the Council’s affordable housing provision by reducing the demand on the private rented sector that would otherwise be available for family housing. New retail and a public mews will also add to the local amenity and setting with better pedestrian links through to local green spaces and architecture sensitive to the area’s heritage.

CLS Holdings plc (CLS) is both the largest property company in Lambeth and is based in Vauxhall.

Riverwalk House public exhibition

2011-07-05T23:11:00.002+01:00

Developers will be holding a public exhibition next week to consult on plans to redevelop Riverwalk House on Millbank into 121 residential apartments on 17 floors, with a restaurant and art gallery at street level.

The exhibition will be on site on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 July, from 4pm to 8pm.

Sale of the Beaufoy Institute

2011-06-24T14:25:00.004+01:00

The bidding process for the sale of the Beaufoy Institute and surrounding land has now closed.

Cllr Paul McGlone said:

“Lambeth Council has marketed the Beaufoy site which has generated considerable interest and 10 formal bids. The marketing process has now closed, and the council is carrying out due diligence on the highest bid.

The outcome should be good news for everyone – local residents should see the Beaufoy building brought back into community use, while the sale of the whole site will raise funds for the Beaufoy Trust to help disadvantaged young people in Lambeth, and also vital funds for the council to invest in local schools, roads and housing at a time of such major cuts in Lambeth’s government funding.”

· The receipts raised from the buildings sale would be spilt between the council, to invest in services for local residents, and the Beaufoy Trust, a charity which seeks to support disadvantaged young people through education and training.

· The building is listed so could not be torn down. Instead it will be redeveloped, bringing back into use a building that is a local landmark and of historical significance.

· The building has been empty for around a decade.

· The decision to dispose of the building was made by cabinet in February 2011. The council’s disposal programme aims to raise £100 million over four years to invest in vital services, such as schools, roads and housing, at a time when the council’s budget has been slashed by cuts in capital grants from central government of 60%.

· There is no covenant in place that says the building must be used for educational use, but the building’s sale will raise vital funds that will help the Beaufoy Trust continue its work of helping young, disadvantaged residents.

Lambeth Library Commission visit the Durning

2011-06-22T22:20:00.003+01:00

This afternoon the Lambeth Library Commissioners visited the Durning Library in Kennington, as part of their minibus factfinding tour of the borough.

The Libraries Commission has been set up to find a way forward for Lambeth's library service. Low usage of Lambeth Libraries has resulted in the highest cost per visit, combined with the lowest levels of user satisfaction, of any London borough. Because of reductions in Government grant, savings of £750,000 in our library service need to be made by 2014.

The Commission includes library experts, two Friends of Lambeth Libraries, and three councillors.

The commissioners seemed impressed by Durning Library's attractive building, busyness, and friendly atmosphere. They noted some of the problems with leaks and other maintenance issues. Durning Library was opened in the 1880s, and is a much loved Kennington landmark.

You can find out more about the Libraries Commission here. Its interim report will be published in July.

You can become a Friend of the Durning Library by signing up at the Library.

Pictured: local councillor Mark Harrison shows commissioners Pete Robbins and Jackie Meldrum around the Durning.

Emergency Thames Water Works – Kennington Lane

2011-06-20T21:50:00.001+01:00

Transport for London has made us aware of emergency works by Thames Water taking place on Kennington Lane at the junction of South Lambeth Road to investigate and repair a major leak. To accommodate these works the following traffic management has been put in place:

· Southbound lane one closure at Albert Embankment at the junction of Vauxhall Cross
· Eastbound lane three closure on Kennington Lane between the junctions of South Lambeth Road and Albert Embankment
· Northbound lanes two and three closed on Harleyford Road between the junctions of Vauxhall Grove and South Lambeth Road

Works commenced yesterday, Sunday 19 June 2011 and Thames Water have committed resources to 24/7 working until the leak is repaired.

Once Thames Water have repaired their main there are also additional TfL, BT and UKPN cable damage which will be repaired within the existing traffic management.

TfL anticipate significant disruption to vehicular traffic and to mitigate this, TfL will have electronic Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) strategically placed in the area to pre-warn drivers of these works. TfL has worked closely with the London Borough of Lambeth in order to reduce the impact of these works on road users, local people and businesses as far as possible.

TfL apologises in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused because of these essential works. Should you require further information or an update during the delivery of these works please contact our Streets Customer Services department on 0845 305 1234 or via our website at www.tfl.gov.uk/contact

Vauxhall Walk waiting restrictions

2011-06-20T21:48:00.001+01:00

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

VARIATION OF THE WAITING RESTRICTIONS VAUXHALL WALK

(Note: This notice is about the variation of the waiting restrictions in Vauxhall Walk.)

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lambeth Borough Council, on 15th June 2011 made the Lambeth (Waiting and Loading Restriction) (Amendment No. 199) Order 2011 under sections 6 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Order will come into force on 27th June 2011.

2. The general effect of the Order will be to ban waiting at any time in that length of Vauxhall Walk which lies on the south-east side, between a point 2.9 metres north-east of the party wall of Nos. 1 and 3 Vauxhall Walk and a point 2.5 metres south-west of the party wall of Nos. 7 and 9 Vauxhall Walk.

3. If you have any enquiries, please telephone the Council's Transportation Group on 020 7926 0324.

4. The restrictions are part of a larger scheme which included the installation of road humps in Vauxhall Walk and is intended to reduce traffic speeds, prevent obstructive parking and thereby improve road safety for all road users.

5. Documents giving more detailed particulars of the Order are available for inspection between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm (excluding bank holidays) on Mondays to Fridays until the last day of a period of six weeks beginning with the date on which the Order is made at the offices of Lambeth Borough Council's Transportation Group, 3rd Floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SP.

6. If any person wishes to question the validity of the Order or any of its provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, or that any requirement of that Act or of any instrument made under that Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Order is made, apply for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated 17th June 2011
Abu Barkatoolah
Head of Transportation

Future of Lollard Street Adventure Playground

2011-06-17T13:02:00.003+01:00

Yesterday Cllr Pete Robbins, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, attended a meeting at Lollard Street Adventure Playground where he heard from children and parents who rely on the service it provides.

Pete was there to explain the Council's plans for the adventure playground service. Lambeth has more adventure playgrounds than any other borough. Currently seven are run directly by the Council, and eight are run by the voluntary sector. Voluntary sector-run adventure playgrounds are much cheaper to run. The Council is proposing to transfer the management of Council-run adventure playgrounds like Lollard Street to the voluntary sector.

This means the next few months will be challenging, as the adventure playground will have to adjust to new management and reduced funding. (Current opening hours and funding are guaranteed till the end of the summer.) However, Pete is confident that a good service can be preserved after September.

It was clear from the meeting that parents and children most value the after school provision which the adventure playground provides, as it helps parents who work and aren't available to look after their children after school. The challenge is to make the new management model work and ensure we preserve the current opening hours as much as we can.

New course: Revaluing Food for the Future

2011-06-13T18:22:00.000+01:00

Do you want to learn what a sustainable diet is and how you can inspire others in your community to embrace it?

This free course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about our complex food system.
Over eight hands-on workshops, you will gain a deeper understanding of the issues, including:

 Health, wellbeing and food access
 The environmental impact of food production
 Equality: what is fair food?
 Waste: domestic and international
 Food celebration and culture

When?
6.30pm – 8.30pm
Every other Wednesday from 6 July 2011

Where?
Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, London, SE11 5HS

Book your place now!
Email stephanie.ward@wastewatch.org.uk or call 0207 549 0305

Lambeth councillors run for charity

2011-06-11T15:13:00.003+01:00

A team of Lambeth councillors donned their trainers on Wednesday to take part in the '5K Your Way' run. The event is an opportunity for thousands of London local authority staff and councillors to get involved in fun physical activity.

Lambeth councillors chose to raise money for a local charity, Disability Advice Service Lambeth. Over £500 has been raised so far and there is still time to sponsor us!

Lambeth was the third most active borough overall, and had the most councillors running. Prince's ward councillor Mark Harrison was pleased to finish first out of the Lambeth councillors!

Pictured: Lib Peck (Thornton), Matthew Bennett (Gipsy Hill), Florence Nosegbe (Brixton Hill), Mark Bennett (Streatham South), Ameeta Rowland (Labour Group Office), Alex Bigham (Stockwell), Mark Harrison (Prince's), Pete Robbins (Larkhall), and Dave Malley (Streatham South).

Vauxhall Five windows - project about to start!

2011-06-07T14:17:00.003+01:00

After many years of pressure from residents, Kate Hoey MP, and councillors; work to replace the Vauxhall Five's windows is due to start at the end of this month.

Windows in Braham, Darley, Grover, Leary, and Simpson Houses are 1930s crittal windows which are in an appalling state, leaving residents with sky-high fuel bills in the winter. In addition, concrete from the balconies is failing, causing a serious safety hazard.

A 52 week major refurbishment programme will begin on 27 June. Roofs, windows, balconies, brickwork and concrete will all be brought up to a decent standard. Each individual block will take around five months to complete, depending on what concrete repairs are required.

Whilst major work like this will inevitably be disruptive, there will be Resident Liaison Officers from the contractor and Lambeth Council available for residents to speak to throughout the process. Work in flats will be done by appointment.

Many leaseholders will be concerned at the large bill they will have to pay. Lambeth Living should provide advice, support, and payment options to help leaseholders who will struggle with the bills.

Local councillors will be monitoring the project closely, and on hand to help if problems can't be resolved with Lambeth Living or the contractors.

Councillor Mark Harrison said: 'after more than a decade of pressure residents are finally close to seeing the work started which is so badly needed. We won't be celebrating until the windows are replaced and the contractors are offsite, but this month's news is really encouraging.'

Pictured: Mark Harrison with a petition for new windows he organised back in January 2009.

Council Leader walkabout in Vauxhall and Albert Embankment

2011-06-06T12:40:00.002+01:00

On Friday afternoon, in glorious sunny weather, Leader of Lambeth Council Steve Reed was shown round the areas of Prince's ward which will be affected by the Vauxhall- Nine Elms- Battersea redevelopment project.

Steve is now chairing the Strategy Board which will guide the redevelopment of the area, so local councillors Mark Harrison and Lorna Campbell wanted to show Steve how the changes will affect things on the ground.

Important issues discussed included ensuring local parks are improved - particularly Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens which has a redevelopment masterplan which needs funding fully. Supporting cultural activities and businesses will be important, as will improving Albert Embankment for pedestrians. Links and connections need to be improved through the railway viaduct, and across the gyratory system to Vauxhall station.

Most importantly the existing residents of estates bordering the area - Vauxhall Gardens, Whitgift, and Ethelred - need to see real benefits to their environment from the huge changes to the area.

Consultation on future of Oakden/ Wincott Street school site

2011-05-25T17:30:00.004+01:00

From Councillor Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People:

Dear Resident,

We would like to hear your views on the future of the site in Wincott Street SE11, which used to house the Shelley School, but has now been out of use for about a year.

One of the biggest priorities in Lambeth is to ensure we are able to meet the growing demand for school places in the borough.

In the north of the borough, where this site is, there is sufficient capacity in the schools and overall demand for places is lower than the number of places available. This has been the situation for several years. All children in Kennington can be offered a place in a good local school within walking distance of their home.

By contrast, there is currently a critical demand to provide additional primary school places in Norwood and Streatham. To meet this demand Lambeth is building a new school, expanding existing schools, and providing temporary ‘bulge’ classes where necessary – adding an extra eight forms of entry (240 places) this September. However much more is necessary.

The Shelley site is not big enough to accommodate a stand-alone primary school but we have been made aware by the governors at the Archbishop Sumner CE Primary School that they are minded to pursue the expansion of their school, and wish to do this on the former Shelley site, subject to certain criteria being met. A brief statement from the governors of the school is attached to this letter, together with some comments from the local authority.

The council cannot expect government funding for such a scheme when there are sufficient school places locally and cannot justify diverting its own very limited resources on creating new primary places in an area where there are already enough places.

We have to prioritise scarce resources to ensure that every child in Lambeth is offered a place at
primary school. In order to fund the expansion of schools in the areas of high demand we have to sell assets which are surplus to our immediate requirements. As there is no projected demand for an educational use for the Shelley site we propose to sell the site to raise funds to help every child in Lambeth have a primary school place in the future. The future use of the site would be dependent on the wishes of any purchaser and subject to planning consent.

We would be interested in receiving your comments on this proposal. All written comments should be received by 15 July 2011. If you would like to comment please contact:

Chris Sipidias
Regeneration Manager
6th floor, International House
6 Canterbury Crescent
Brixton
SW9 7QE
Tel. 020 7926 5570
Email

You can find out more about the need for primary school places in Lambeth at
www.lambeth.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces

Yours sincerely,
Councillor Pete Robbins
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Views of the Governors of Archbishop Sumner CE Primary School (ABS)

As you may be aware the governing body of ABS has recently been considering the potential for
becoming a two-form entry school. This assessment is something that has been undertaken in the light of the strong view held by some members of the local community that ABS should expand.

In this regard, the governing body consulted with councillors earlier this year and formally requested that Lambeth Council delay any decision on the disposal of the Shelley site for a year, to allow for governors to more fully assess the opportunity for expansion onto the site. The governing body is aware that Lambeth Council has since agreed to dispose of the site pending consent to do so from the Secretary of State for Education.

Governors have been very carefully considering (and continue to consider) the possible effects that expansion (or remaining one-form entry) could have on our school and our local community.
The governing body resolved on 4 May 2011 that it is minded to pursue expansion to two-form
entry onto the Shelley site provided that the satisfaction of specific criteria can be achieved.
I include these below to avoid any potential for misinterpretation of ABS' recently agreed position on school expansion.

The governing body has resolved that it is minded to pursue expansion to two-form entry provided that the following conditions can be satisfied:
• the governing body is satisfied throughout any process towards expansion that expansion
continues to present ABS with the best opportunity to continue to raise standards and is fully
consistent with our ethos, mission and values
• that expansion is onto the Shelley site and
• that the Shelley site is established as suitable for a full extra form of entry
• that sufficient funding is available for expansion and that sourcing funding for expansion does not require ABS to reconsider its previous decision to not pursue academy status
• that the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education is supportive of the pursuit of expansion under these conditions throughout the process

The governing body has not voted in favour of expansion in general but rather that it is minded to expand only under the conditions outlined above. If during any process towards expansion it is established that any of these conditions cannot be satisfied then the governing body reserves the right to not pursue expansion to two-form entry any further.

Comments from the local authority

Archbishop Sumner CE school (ABS) is a well regarded and popular school, rated outstanding by
Ofsted, and as such would be a prime candidate for expansion were there a shortage of spaces in
the area. Projections of demand indicate there will be sufficient places in this part of Lambeth for at least the next five years. It is possible that there will be a significant increase in demand in the
Vauxhall and Nine Elms area after this time, with the proposed developments in the area, but initial investigation has shown that the potential new housing created as part of this development is further away than Lambeth’s target maximum travel distance. In addition, there is a new two form of entry primary school proposed for Lambeth and a new four form of entry primary school proposed for Wandsworth as part of this development.

Lambeth officers are involved in ongoing research and planning to ensure that the pupil places that will be required as part of this, and other local developments will be met, either as part of developer contributions toward education or via lobbying government for additional funding for the expansion of schools, in areas where additional places are needed.

The buildings on the Shelley site are in poor condition and unsuitable in their current form for use as a primary school, which is the reason why the site is no longer used as a school. It is very unlikely that government funding criteria would be met for such new buildings in the foreseeable future. In addition, a short review of a feasibility study commissioned in 2007 has shown that although the school has recently built an extension onto its playground, if there were a need to expand the school to provide additional pupil places in the medium term future, this could be accommodated on the existing site, with some reconfiguration. This may affect the current buildings on the site, though some of them could be retained.

Since the potential for funding to be released via government sources is severely restricted, the
Council has to look for ways to raise additional funding to invest in its ongoing, borough wide
expansion programme. Release of assets which are not currently used, and which cost the Council money to maintain, is one way of doing this. The Council is of the view that disposal of the currently unused Shelley site is the most appropriate way of raising additional capital to support the provision of additional pupil places, in parts of the borough where this is urgently needed.

Lambeth Living walkabout schedule

2011-05-22T18:04:00.004+01:00

Lambeth Living hold walkabouts around all their estates to identify problems which need resolving. Residents are welcome to join officers and councillors on these walkabouts. The schedule for this year is as follows:

Kennings Estate
Outside Fowey House
Wednesday 22 June 09.30
Wednesday 2 November 09.30
Bunmi Idollor

Penwith Manor
Tavy Close, White Hart Street
Wednesday 22 June 14.00
Wednesday 2 November 14.00
Bunmi Idollor

Cotton Gardens Estate
Outside Fairford House
Wednesday 29 June 09.30
Wednesday 9 November 09.30
Derrick Brown

Coverley Point & Haymans Point
Outside Coverley Point entrance
Wednesday 29 June 14.00
Wednesday 9 November 14.00
Raphael Abakani

Black Prince Road Estate
Black Prince Road entrance to Sullivan House
Wednesday 6 July 09.30
Wednesday 16 November 09.30
Bunmi Idollor

Vauxhall Five
Outside Tenants Hall
Wednesday 6 July 14.30
Wednesday 16 November 14.30
Bunmi Idollor

Vauxhall Gardens Estate
Aveline Street
Wednesday 13 July 09.30 (All day)
Wednesday 23 November 09.30 (All day)
Raphael Abakani

Vauxhall Gardens Estate
Waylett & Duffel Houses
O/s Waylett House Entrance
Wednesday 20 July 09.30
Wednesday 30 November 09.30
Bunmi Idollor

Ethelred Towers
Entrance to Ward Point
Wednesday 10 August 14.00
Wednesday 10 January 14.00
Derrick Brown

Death of Mick Saunders, long-serving head of Alford House Youth Club

2011-05-22T17:05:00.002+01:00

Family and the Club are sad to announce the passing of Philip ‘Mick’ Saunders on 17 May 2011. Mick ran the Club from 1958 to his retirement in 1995. His dedication was enormous and was of benefit to many young people. A service will take place on Friday 27 May 2011 at 12.15pm at Camberwell New Cemetery, Honor Oak Crematorium, Cemetery Lodge, Brenchley Gardens, London, SE23 3RD. Refreshments will follow at Alford House, Aveline Street, London. SE11 5DQ. No flowers please - Donations to Alford House.

Lambeth together for the NHS event - 7 June

2011-05-22T15:25:00.001+01:00

Public consultation event on Spring Gardens Art Gallery

2011-05-21T18:31:00.004+01:00

3pm to 7.30pm Wednesday 25th May 2011
Vauxhall City Farm

Dear Resident,

You are invited to view the plans for a new art gallery in Spring Gardens. The public consultation will take place at City Farm from 3pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday 25 May.

The small building development is the initiative of Charles Asprey, philanthropist and arts patron, and the Cabinet Gallery. Having founded the Gallery in Brixton during the early nineties and spending the last decade in Clerkenwell, the proprietors Martin McGeown and Andrew Wheatley will be returning to Lambeth and the historic site of Vauxhall’s Pleasure Gardens.

The plot for the building is on Tyers Street, where the Lord Clyde pub once stood. Landscaping and planting around the proposed building will enhance the northwest corner of the park providing a notable landmark for years to come.

A close working relationship with the Friends of Spring Gardens has ensured that the building forms part of the on-going improvements to the park and has been designed aesthetically and sensitively, taking in the concerns of other neighbourhood organisations, especially the City Farm.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 25 May.

Yours faithfully,
Charles Asprey
Andrew Wheatley
Martin McGeown

VNEB Community Forum

2011-05-17T22:51:00.005+01:00

Yesterday evening saw a second well-attended Lambeth Community Forum for the Vauxhall-Nine Elms- Battersea project.

Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council, introduced the event. He is now representing Lambeth on the Strategy Board, ensuring the Lambeth point of view is represented as strongly as possible.

There was a presentation on the proposed extension to the Northern Line. A consultation is underway - events will be held for residents at the following times:

- Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May from 10am to 6pm at The Long Room, The
Oval, SE11 5SS
- Thursday 26 and Friday 27 May from 10am to 6pm at Sainsbury’s Nine Elms,
62 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LF
The discussion about the Northern Line Extension was lively. The biggest concern is that money from new Lambeth developments will be siphoned off into the NLE, instead of paying for vital infrastructure needed at Vauxhall Cross. Councillors present confirmed they were well aware of this issue and were continuing to press Lambeth's case in negotiations.

Updates at the Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens AGM

2011-05-16T21:34:00.003+01:00

This evening saw a well attended AGM of the Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens.

News included:

The people behind the 'Cabinet Gallery' proposal announced they will be holding a consultation event ahead of applying for planning permission. It will be held next Wednesday, 25 May, from 3pm to 7:30pm, at Vauxhall City Farm. They hope to build a prestigious gallery in a new pavilion building on the olf 'Lord Clyde' site in the north eastern corner of the park. Associated environmental work will include greening over the hammerhead road off Tyers Street, thereby increasing the amount of green space in the park.

The work to the Kennington Lane entrance is progressing, and a completion date of 10 June has been set. Six new elm trees and two new mulberry trees have been planted and the columns are up. The granite paving will be installed from next week, and the entrance walls should be ready shortly after that. The final thing to complete will be the lighting behind the walls and up the columns.

Once the entrance is complete a grand opening ceremony will be arranged, when the park will be formally renamed 'Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens', the name used in its eighteenth century heyday.

Finally there was news about the proposed statue of Basaveshwara, the inspiration for Indian democracy and equality. A site in Albert Embankment Gardens has been identified and designs for the statue and associated environmental works are at an early stage.

The Friends normally meet every first Monday of the month, at 6pm, at Vauxhall City Farm.

Roots & Shoots Open Day

2011-05-15T14:41:00.000+01:00

Future of the adventure playground service

2011-05-15T14:19:00.001+01:00

Dear young people, parents and carers,

Lambeth is proud of our strong commitment to children’s play. The council provides funding to fifteen adventure playgrounds (APGs), more than any other borough in London, because we know that they are a much-loved and important resource.

Seven of the APGs in Lambeth are run directly by the council – these are Tulse Hill, Lollard Street, Loughborough, Willington, Kennington, Max Roach & Streatham Vale. These APGs are excellent facilities, but they are quite expensive to run. Because the Government is cutting Lambeth’s funding by a third, we are being forced to reduce their budgets, which means that they will not be as open as much as they are now.

We know that the summer holidays are the busiest time for our adventure playgrounds, so we are not going to make any changes until September 2011 - the adventure playground service will continue to be open as usual until the end of the holidays. But from September we will need to reduce the opening hours, but will also work with local people to identify different ways of running these APGs.

We think that there are better ways of running APGs. For instance, Lambeth provides the funding for eight adventure playgrounds that are run independently by community groups or local charities – they offer very good value, so we don’t need to reduce their funding at all.

We think that by involving local communities, parents, and users in making decisions, and working more closely with the independent APGs, we can design a modern and sustainable play service that is protected from government cuts. I’m very pleased to say that we are working together with the independent Lambeth Play Association, who have been championing play in Lambeth for many years.

As users of adventure playgrounds we want to work with you as we shape the future of the service, which will be in keeping with the vision for the Cooperative Council programme. We are beginning the consultation programme in June and will confirm a date for the first meeting in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, my deputy, Cllr Adedamola Aminu and myself are more than happy to come and meet parents and children to talk about the future of their adventure playground. We want to hear from you so please just contact me using the details below if you would like one of us to come and visit and explain how we can work together to protect play in Lambeth.

Kind regards,

Cllr Pete Robbins
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
probbins@lambeth.gov.uk

Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens AGM - come along!

2011-05-15T13:53:00.003+01:00

Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens
(Registered Charity No. 1089008)

Annual General Meeting
To be held at:
Vauxhall City Farm, Education Room, SE11 5JE
16 May 2011
6.30pm for 7pm

Agenda

1) Cabinet Gallery presentation

2) Election of new Committee

Proposal for the election of a new committee as follows -

Chair: Eamonn McMahon
Vice Chair: Paola Piglia
Treasurer: Kate Pode
Secretary: Steve Warren
Membership Secretary: Anne Whitaker

Extended committee - David Wheeler; Diane Sullock; Paul Oxley; Mark Harrison; Diane Lawley.

Co-opted members - Faith Boardman (for Vauxhall City Farm); Frances Robinson; Carroll Falconer.

3) Minutes of last AGM meeting April 26th, 2010

4) Chair's report

5) Treasurer's report

6) Deborah Saunt (DSDHA) Basaveshwara statue update

7) Callum Brown update on Park building progress

8) Any other business

9) Next meeting

Labour organise housing policy meeting for tenants

2011-05-07T14:49:00.002+01:00

Housing Policy Q & A Session - Wednesday 18 May between 7 – 9pm

Lambeth Labour would like to invite you to a Q&A session about the changes to housing policy and what the disastrous consequences will be for us and our tenants.

Hear from three keynote speakers on what the implications are at a national level, for Lambeth and what the future holds for social housing.

Alison Seabeck MP is the Shadow Housing Minister
Cllr Lib Peck is the Lambeth Cabinet Member for Housing
Roger Harding is the Head of Policy and Campaigns at the housing organisation Shelter

They will be discussing changes to Housing Benefit, the move from social to ‘affordable’ rents and the gentrification of inner London which boroughs like Wandsworth, Westminster and Hammersmith & Fulham have pushed for over the past two decades.

The panel will take questions from a local perspective and also advise on how we can best campaign to protect social housing in our Borough and for our tenants. Lambeth council tenants are particularly encouraged to attend.

This event is scheduled for Wednesday 18 May between 7 – 9pm at the Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street, SE11 5SY with easy access on buses and Oval tube.

To attend please RSVP to Cllr Jack Hopkins: jhopkins@lambeth.gov.uk

Youth Mayor's Fund launched

2011-05-07T13:15:00.003+01:00

Members of Lambeth’s Youth Council launched the 2011 Lambeth Youth Mayor’s Fund this week with a special ‘give-away’ in Brixton town centre.

The Youth Mayor’s Fund is £25,000 which is available to help improve things to do and places to go for young people in Lambeth.

Last year, Lambeth’s former Youth Mayor Darren Tenkorang used the Fund to support:

A sailing trip for young people working with the Flipside project in Brixton
A summer playscheme for young people at the Knights Youth Centre in Streatham
A youth club for LGBT young people based at the Terence Higgins Trust in Waterloo
A young peoples’ photography project based at the Old Library Centre in West Norwood
A young peoples’ film school based at Code 7 in Oval; and
A boxing club for students at Lambeth Academy school in Clapham

This year’s Youth Mayor, 16-year-old David Oyedele said: “After last year’s successful projects, we hope to move forward and progress with the year’s Fund. I would like to give the youth the opportunity to express their own ideas, and maximise the power and unity that young people have”.

The Fund is open to anyone aged 13-19, who lives or studies in Lambeth, and forms can be downloaded from the Youth Mayor’s website at www.YouthMayor4Lambeth.com.

Applications can be for any amount up to £6000, and must be supported by a local youth organisation (school, college, youth club, youth project or church).

The deadline for funding applications is 7 June 2011, and funding decisions will be announced on 7 July.

For more information about the Fund visit www.YouthMayor4Lambeth.com, or contact Lambeth Youth Council on 07506 676 266.

What do you want from your library service in Lambeth?

2011-05-07T12:13:00.002+01:00

Lambeth Council wants to know your views about the future of Lambeth libraries. The Council is asking local people and community groups to engage over the coming months in order to decide what a modern and effective service can look like in Lambeth.

Lambeth is starting a discussion with people in the borough on what they want from their library service. All your ideas will be fed into the Library Commission. This is a group of councillors and independent people with an interest in libraries. They will use your comments and ideas in order to draw up a set of proposals.

From these ideas the set of recommendations will then be made available for you to comment on. These are due by July.

Lambeth will be holding a set of public events, so you can come along and have your say and also hear what other people think. And there will be surveys and discussion groups with people who use libraries, as well as with those who don't.

There will be two "open space" sessions during June 2011. Open space sessions are a relatively new technique, which allows the participants to design their own working agenda. The process aims to ensure that participants have an opportunity to discuss what is important to them within the theme. Open style meetings use a variety of methods to stimulate discussions - this can include individuals posting their issues on bulletin style boards.

Saturday 4 June 2011 – 10am to 1pm, at Lambeth Town Hall (Assembly Hall), Brixton SW2 1RW
Tuesday 14 June 2011 – 6.30 to 9.30pm at Lambeth Town Hall (Assembly Hall), Brixton SW2 1RW

Visit the Libraries Commission pages in order to learn about what it is doing and find out who the commissioners are.

The close of the initial consultation will be Friday 1 July 2011.

How can you get involved in the consultation?

You can send your ideas about the library service to the following email address. Or you can contact us by phone to get more information about how to get involved.

Send an email to: LibrariesHaveYourSay@lambeth.gov.uk
Text: 07772 103 628
Phone: 0800 013 1497 or 020 7926 6397
Write to: Freepost RSKJ-YSKA-AUSA ACS Consultation, Lambeth Adults' and Community Services, Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2LL.

http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/CouncilDemocracy/Consultations/ACSConsultations/LibrariesConsultation.htm

Next VNEB Community Forum

2011-05-07T11:58:00.002+01:00

Please note that the next Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) community forum event will be held at:

The Lost Theatre,
208 Wandsworth Road
SW8 2UP

on 17 May 2011 from 6.30 pm – 8.30pm.

This will build on the work of the first meeting in January.

The Forum is the place for Lambeth community groups and residents to engage with the work of the VNEB Strategy Board, which is coordinating the redevelopment of the area stretching from Lambeth Bridge to Battersea Bridge.

The draft agenda is as follows:
1. Opening remarks about VNEB
2. Update from officers on Nine Elms (VNEB) Strategy Board
3. Proposal for community engagement
4. News in Lambeth / current proposals
5. Update on the business improvement district for Vauxhall
6. Information about the Northern Line Extension Consultation

Get in touch with your councillors for more information.

Photos from the Cottington Community Garden

2011-04-17T18:27:00.005+01:00

These photos were taken a couple of weeks ago in the Cottington Community Garden, which is going from strength to strength. They will be having further open days over the summer so keep an eye out and get involved if you can!

Beaufoy Institute up for sale

2011-04-12T20:53:00.003+01:00

Because of cuts to Lambeth Council's funding made by the Government the Council has been forced to dispose of various sites in order to protect our frontline services. Over the past few years various options for educational use for the Beaufoy Institute site have been explored, and none have come to fruition. The council will begin the process of selling the Beaufoy site on Saturday. Lambert Smith Hampton are managing the bidding process.

Cllr Paul McGlone said:

“These plans should be good news for everyone – local residents should see the building brought back into use, while the sale of the building will raise funds for the Beaufoy Trust to help disadvantaged young people in Lambeth, and also vital funds for the council to invest in local schools, roads and housing at a time of such major cuts in Lambeth’s government funding.”

· The receipts raised from the buildings sale would be spilt between the council, to invest in services for local residents, and the Beaufoy Trust, a charity which seeks to support disadvantaged young people through education and training.

· The building is listed so could not be torn down. Instead it would be redeveloped, bringing back into use a building that is a local landmark and of historical significance.

· The building has been empty for around a decade.

· The decision to dispose of the building was made by cabinet in February 2011. The council’s disposal programme aims to raise £100 million over four years to invest in vital services, such as schools, roads and housing, at a time when the council’s budget has been slashed by cuts in capital grants from central government of 60%.

· There is no covenant in place that says the building must be used for education use, but the building’s sale will raise vital funds that will help the Beaufoy Trust continue its work of helping young, disadvantaged residents.

Background : The Beaufoy Trust

The Council is the Corporate Trustee of the Beaufoy Trust, but the issues around the dilapidated Institute building which has been ‘mothballed’ for a decade and the actual Trust have become muddled over the years. The Council has been seeking a solution to resolve this confusion, separate the building from the Trust and re-establish the Trust to focus on what it was originally set up for.

The modernised charitable objects of the 100 year old Beaufoy Trust are set out in the Trust Scheme, and state: “The object of the charity is the promotion of the education for the public benefit of persons under the age of 25 who are in need of financial assistance and resident in the area of benefit, with a preference for the promotion of vocational training”. ‘Vocational training’ is defined specifically, but covers education, training or instruction capable of improving prospects for employment. The area of benefit is also defined, but is broadly North Lambeth. Importantly, once the Beaufoy Institute building has been sold, the money can be used for the purposes of the Trust, which has delivered nothing for over a decade. Importantly, The Capital Community Foundation (CCF) has confirmed that it is interested in the trusteeship of the Beaufoy Trust being transferred to CCF once the sale of the property has been completed by the Council. This will make the Beaufoy Trust completely independent from the Council, with a capital sum of money to invest and be used for local vocational training in the future.

Queen Anne becomes Tea House Theatre

2011-04-06T22:46:00.006+01:00

The Queen Anne (orange pub in the far left of this picture) has been closed since last summer's tragic murder of its landlady Denise D'Courtenay in the Dominican Republic.

Now new owners are relaunching the venue as the Tea House Theatre, due to open in a few weeks' time. In advance of the opening the people behind the Tea House Theatre are organising a Royal Wedding Street Party for all residents of the Vauxhall Gardens area. It promises to be a memorable afternoon with animals from the Farm, cricket, bingo, tea, cake, jelly and ice cream. Local groups and businesses such as VGERTA, Vauxhall City Farm, the Friends of Vauxhall Spring Gardens, and Franklands Butcher are getting involved.

In preparation for opening the owners have submitted a planning and licensing application for their new venture.

The Planning application is here.

The Licensing application is below:

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 4th April 2011

Applicants Name: Tea House Theatre Ltd

Premises Address: Tea House Theatre - The Queen Anne Public House 139 Vauxhall Walk London

Activities/times requested:

Plays

Saturday 12:00 - 23:00

Tuesday - Friday 19:00 - 23:00

Films

Monday 19:00 - 23:00

Live Music

Friday & Saturday 19:00 - 02:00

Sunday 12:00 - 21:00

Provision of Facilities for Making Music

Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 18:00

Provision of Facilities for Dancing

Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 18:00

Provision of Facilities for Similar Ente

Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 00:00

Supply of Alcohol

Monday - Sunday 18:00 - 00:00

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;

· Public safety;

· Preventing public nuisance;

and · Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 2nd May 2011

Councillors respond to schools protest

2011-04-05T16:07:00.008+01:00

Today a group of parents are protesting outside the Shelley site, asking that Lambeth Council expands Archbishop Sumner School onto the site. This is councillors' response:

Lambeth councillors understand the frustration of parents who missed out on securing a place for their child in their first choice primary school today. Unfortunately, the system always results in disappointment for some, as the most oversubscribed schools will never have enough places for everybody who wants one.

Lambeth’s priorities are to ensure we have enough places in our schools to ensure every child is offered a place, and to ensure every school is reaching the highest possible standard.

Archbishop Sumner, like many other schools in Lambeth, is oversubscribed because of its outstanding Ofsted results. However, other good primary schools in North Lambeth are not oversubscribed and have places to offer.

This is in stark contrast to the south of the borough, where an explosion in pupil numbers in Norwood and Streatham has put huge pressure on primary school places. To meet this demand Lambeth is building a new school, expanding existing schools, and providing temporary ‘bulge’ classes where necessary – adding an extra eight forms of entry this September alone (240 places). Even despite this investment, there are many children who will be forced to travel a great distance to attend primary school. By contrast, overall demand for places in North Lambeth is again lower than supply, as it has been for several years.

Lambeth obviously has to prioritise its scarce resources to ensure that every child in Lambeth is offered a place at primary school. Whilst we are sympathetic to the wishes of parents in Kennington who would like to expand Archbishop Sumner, the council cannot justify diverting our very limited resources on creating new primary places in an area where there is spare capacity. We are struggling to fund the expansion of places in the south of the borough as it is, and it would be wrong to divert funding away from this priority.

In order to fund the expansion of schools in the south of the borough, we have to sell assets which are surplus to immediate requirements. The Department of Education asked Lambeth to sell the site in 2006, as part of the agreement to provide funding towards the new Michael Tippett school, but it has since been used for the Olive School until July 2010. As there is no projected demand for an educational use for the Shelley site, it is right that we sell the site to raise vital funds to ensure every child in Lambeth can have a primary school place.

Our priority in Kennington is to work to ensure every school reaches the outstanding level that Archbishop Sumner has. Lambeth Council does not tolerate underachievement in our schools, and works hard to drive up standards. Recent Ofsted inspections of schools in North Lambeth show that all the schools in the area are at least satisfactory with good or outstanding prospects for improvement. Today all children in Kennington have been allocated a place in a successful local school within walking distance of their home.

Cllr Pete Robbins

Cabinet Member for Children & Young People

Cllr Lorna Campbell, Cllr Mark Harrison, Cllr Steve Morgan

Councillors for Prince’s ward

Lambeth Labour at TUC March for Public Services

2011-03-27T14:36:00.005+01:00

Dozens of Lambeth Labour councillors marched as part of the TUC's protest against public sector cuts. Lambeth Council is facing a budget reduction of one third, one of the most extreme reductions in the public sector.

Prince's ward councillor Lorna Campbell

Tens of thousands of people gather on the Embankment

Lambeth's Labour councillors' banner

Labour councillors' banner

Royal wedding street party application deadline: 31 March

2011-03-25T22:47:00.002Z

Lambeth Council have extended the deadline for people to apply to close their street for a royal wedding street party.

To organise a party, answer the questions in the form below and send to the Council before 31 March.

Residential Street Party Information Form

Please fill out this form and send it to Lambeth’s Traffic Manager, Transport and Highways, 3rd Floor Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SP or email it to TFellowes@lambeth.gov.uk

1. Applicant Details:
Name of person:
Contact address:
Contact telephone number:
Email address:
Time of road closure:

2. Event Details:
Please give a description of the event:
Do you intend to place any stall/marquee/tent/stage other structure on the roads to be closed?
If yes please give brief details:

3. Road closure details:
Name of road(s) to be closed:
If you plan to close only a section of the road(s), where will the closure begin and end?
From:
To:

Once you have returned this form Lambeth’s Traffic Manager will arrange a site visit with you before the Traffic Management Order can be arranged.

Delay to Cleaver Street Cycle Hire remedial works

2011-03-25T22:44:00.002Z

The new cycle hire site in Cleaver Square will be in place on the 31 March. However, current resourcing issues at Transport for London mean that the extensive remedial works at Cleaver Street which include re-paving the area, will need to be completed in the two weeks following the installation of the docking station.

Residents shouldn't worry that the work won't be completed - it will just be slightly delayed!

Ethelred Estate showhome open for business!

2011-03-25T19:40:00.004Z

Today saw the opening of the LATMOS showhome on the Ethelred Estate. The showhome gives tenants an idea of the improvements to their homes they can expect if the LATMOS stock transfer is approved in a ballot this September. Tenants can expect a new kitchen, new bathroom, and full redecoration of their flats. The showhome will also be the base for LATMOS project workers, who will on hand to answer any questions residents have about the project and the ballot.

LATMOS is the Lambeth Alliance of Tenant Management Organisations - three resident-run Lambeth estates which have banded together to investigate stock transfer. They have selected a landlord called WATMOS - the only housing association in the country which is run by tenant managements organisations. By transferring ownership of the estate away from the Council, WATMOS will be able to borrow money to invest millions of pounds into the homes on the estate. Ethelred TMO will continue as it is, and will have more support than it currently gets from the Council.

Councillor Mark Harrison has lived on the Ethelred Estate for six years, is a member of the Ethelred Board, and is closely involved in the LATMOS project. He said:

'I'm supporting the stock transfer as it's the only way the Estate will get the investment it needs. We'll preserve tenant management and all the rights that tenants and leaseholders currently enjoy from the Council.'

Pictured: Olu Leigh and Glenn Upton, who will be working on the estate over the coming months, in the showhome kitchen.

Remember to fill in and return your census form

2011-03-20T19:57:00.003Z

27 March is census day - you should have received your form and you can fill it out now if you know who will be in your home next Sunday.

It's crucial that everybody completes and returns their census form. The information is used to allocate resources for public services. In 2001 Lambeth had one of the lowest rates of census response in the country, and as a result missed out on funding we were entitled to. Let's not let that happen again!

New Lambeth Youth Mayor elected

2011-03-03T12:14:00.002Z

Lambeth’s incoming youth mayor has vowed to provide more social activities for young people in Lambeth and campaign to improve GCSE results.

David Oyedele, 16, was announced Lambeth’s new Youth Mayor at an election night held at the Town Hall on Tuesday. David, a student at Archbishop Tenison’s School who lives in Brixton, will be given £25,000 to help improve opportunities for young people. Current Mayor, Darren Tenkorang, 16, will hand over the role on 1 April. The second highest vote saw 14-year-old Jacqueline Gomes, a student from Sacred Heart College, announced as Deputy Youth Mayor. More than 10000 young people aged 11-19 who live, study, or work in the borough voted in the Youth Council elections at polling stations in schools and youth centres across Lambeth as well as online.

Naomi Mwakamowo, a student at Charles Edward Brooke School, was voted the next member of Youth Parliament (MYP), and Jeremiah Emmanuel, a student at Archbishop Tenison’s School, deputy MYP. Naomi and Jeremiah will organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision-makers on issues that matter most to young people in Lambeth.

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna was present to hand out a Democracy Award for the school with the highest student turnout in the elections. The award went to Elmgreen School in Tulse Hill, where an impressive 84 per cent of students cast their votes. Elmgreen students will now be treated to a visit to Parliament, hosted by Mr Umunna.

David, said: 'I feel ecstatic to have won this year’s Youth Elections in Lambeth. It’s a real privilege to be able to stand up and represent young people across the borough, and I’m looking forward to working hard to make change happen for them.

'During my campaign, I focused on the need to protect young people from the impact of the cuts we are seeing to services, and my desire to help improve GCSE results and provide more social and physical activities for young people in Lambeth.

'I’m hoping to use my £25,000 Youth Mayor’s budget to help achieve these aims, and will be campaigning hard on behalf of young people to make sure we are a top priority for the people who are making decisions around which services are cut, and which are protected.

'It’s so fantastic that we have the Youth Mayor Elections in Lambeth and the £25,000 budget we receive demonstrates that young people here are really taken seriously.'

The outgoing youth mayor, Darren Tenkorang, used his budget to fund:

• A sailing trip for a group of young people based at Flipside youth project in Brixton.
• A film-making project for young people at Code 7 in Oval.
• A boxing club based at Lambeth Academy in Clapham
• A summer playscheme for young people at the Knights Youth Centre in Streatham.
• A project for LGBT young people based at the Terrence Higgins Trust in Waterloo.
• A photography project based at the Old Library centre in West Norwood.

Lambeth Youth Council is an award-winning youth leadership and engagement project. Lambeth is one of only four London authorities, and ten nationally, to have a directly elected youth mayor. The Youth Council allows young people to make a difference in their lives and those of others in the borough through training and empowerment. The Youth Council allows young people to give their views on issues affecting them and their community and also gives them the resources to act on their ideas.

For more information visit http://www.younglambeth.org.uk/lyc1.aspx or www.YouthMayor4Lambeth.com or follow @LamYouthMayor on twitter.

Pictured: election candidates at Parliament with West Norwood MP Tessa Jowell and Streatham MP Chuka Umunna.

National Grid Gas Works – Kennington Lane

2011-03-03T10:08:00.000Z

TfL is writing to make you aware of the upcoming planned works by National Grid Gas (NGG) on Kennington Lane to renew 57m of gas mains.

This work will be completed in two phases, with each phase lasting for up to 10 days. In agreement with the London Borough of Lambeth’s Environmental Team, NGG will be working the extended working hours of 08:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday and some weekends as deemed necessary. The following traffic management will be put in place for each phase:

Phase one
· Starting Friday 25 February 2011 until Sunday 6 March 2011
· Kennington Lane opposite the junction of Opal Street
· Two way temporary traffic signals
· Bus stop suspensions

Phase two
· Starting Saturday 9 April 2011 until Tuesday 19 April 2011
· Kennington Lane opposite the junction of Cottington Street
· Two way temporary traffic signals
· Parking and loading bay suspensions
· Bus stop suspensions

To minimise disruption to vehicular traffic, the temporary signals will be manually controlled between 07:00 – 10:00 and 16:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday, and during working hours at weekends.

Whilst we appreciate that a certain level of disruption is inevitable, TfL has worked closely with NGG and the London Borough of Lambeth in order to reduce the impact of these works on road users and local people and businesses as far as possible.

I apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused as a result of these essential works. Should you require further information or an update during the delivery of these works please contact our Streets Customer Services department on 0845 305 1234 or via the web at www.tfl.gov.uk/contact.

Surgery cancelled as work to Carmelita Centre underway

2011-03-01T23:05:00.004Z

This Saturday's councillor surgery at the Carmelita Centre is cancelled, as major works are underway to renovate the community resource.

The works are taking place because residents association VGERTA applied to the 'Ward Purse' for funding to help transform the former housing office into a community facility. Councillors decided to grant VGERTA around £5000 to complete the work, which will finish in mid March.

Friends of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens respond on mulberry trees

2011-02-25T23:14:00.004Z

The national press has got excited by a silly story circulating that Lambeth Council has cut down two mulberry trees in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, simply because their fruit stains the pavement.

The reality is rather different.

The Friends of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens have been working hard with the Council for several years developing a masterplan for the park, which sorely needed regeneration. The major developments in the Vauxhall area are bringing significant 'Section 106' money to improve parks and open spaces - this is money paid for by developers to compensate for the effects of their new buildings.

The work on the entrance to the Pleasure Gardens began a couple of months ago. The idea is that the entrance should be open, with excellent sight line down avenues of trees, that it should welcome visitors into the park, and that the new columns should draw attention to the fact the park is there.

The mulberry trees at the entrance were planted by the Friends eight years ago. They are not in good health. Unfortunately they are not in a suitable position for the new entrance works and it would be prohibitively expensive to move them. For these reasons the trees have been removed. the new entrance works will include 12 new trees and the Friends are committed to planting six new mulberry trees to replace the two which have been lost.

The Chair of the Friends Eamonn McMahon has responded in more detail here

We hope that people will like the new entrance once it is complete and that they will assist the Friends in their excellent work to plant more trees in the park.

Pictured: the Friends have planted dozens of new trees in the park over the past few year

Val and councillors press TfL on Oval junction

2011-02-25T22:56:00.006Z

Val Shawcross, Cllr Jack Hopkins, Cllr Jane Edbrooke, Cllr Mark Harrison and Anna Tapsell from the KA discuss the traffic issues

Cllr Steve Morgan, Val Shawcross and Cllr Mark Harrison in front of the new traffic island

This morning Lambeth's London Assembly Member (and Labour's Candidate for Deputy Mayor of London) Val Shawcross met with councillors, a representative of the Kennington Association, and an office of TfL to discuss problems with the junction between Kennington Park Road, Camberwell New Road, and Brixton Road.

Residents and councillors have several complaints about the junction:

-the new traffic island which separates the bus lane is difficult for cars to manoeuvre around

-there is too little time for cars which want to travel left down Camberwell New Road to get into the correct lane

-the bus lane is incredibly bumpy

-the new traffic island prevents buses from overtaking cyclists

-it is difficult for cyclists to move over from the bus lane to turn right into Brixton Road

The TfL officer has promised to go away and look at what can be done to improve this junction for all road users. We hope to see some results!

------

UPDATE: RESPONSE FROM TFL:

1, The build-out was provided as part of the development of cycle superhighway route 7. Prior to the construction of the build out, cyclists heading straight on through Kennington Park Road would need to cross two lanes of traffic turning left into Brixton Road. The speed of traffic turning left was high and the junction represented a significant difficulty for cyclists. The build out slows traffic turning left, and allows cyclists to better position themselves if heading straight on.
The scheme was subject to both a multi-stage safety audit and a consultation with stakeholders, which included the Traffic Police. The design of the build out (as it affects traffic) was not raised as an issue during the safety audit or consultation stages, and we have not been advised of any difficulties subsequent to our meeting. We will monitor the build-out but would not expect its design to present any difficulties for traffic.

2, TfL regularly inspects the Transport for London Road Network and prioritises the repair of any identified defects according to their severity. The most serious defects are repaired within one or 24 hours, and less serious defects within seven or 28 days. I arranged soon after the meeting for Brixton Road to be inspected and any pot holes found to be filled.

3, Finally we also discussed lane discipline at the junction of Brixton Road and Camberwell New Road. TfL has not previously been advised of any road safety issues at this junction by the Police, and analysis of collision statistics does not indicate that there is a particular difficulty in the circumstances described during our meeting. TfL prioritises funding for road safety schemes to areas with the highest recorded collision history, to deliver the greatest reduction in collisions. We will continue to monitor safety at the junction but have no plans at present to undertake a scheme here.

Val has promised to chase TfL to ensure the potholes are filled in as soon as possible.