New street signs for Lambeth's main roads

Eagle-eyed residents will have noticed that new street signs have been installed on main roads right across our area.

The new street signs are part of a range of extra environmental improvements being paid for by the Council from savings made from prudent financial management by Labour.

Street signs on our main roads have been neglected for many years, yet they are crucial for people attempting to direct themselves around the area. Some junctions lacked any signage at all! The smart new signs look far more attractive than the tired and battered ones they have replaced.

Pictured: this new sign by Lambeth Bridge is one of several on the Albert Embankment. Kennington Lane has also benefitted.

Vote for your preferred project

Lambeth Council is inviting residents to decide how the council spends some of its budget in 2010/11.

As part of the Lambeth Community Action Fund, £250,000 has been allocated to local projects and the local community will choose which ones get the money.

This is the first ever participatory budgeting scheme run by the council. The scheme is called "Your borough, your budget, your choice!".

Participatory budgeting involves local people directly in making decisions on the spending priorities of the council.

"This new initiative will give citizens a greater say on how council funds are allocated to community projects," said Councillor Jim Dickson, Lambeth cabinet member for finance and resources.

"I urge all residents to get involved in deciding which projects are funded - your choice will really make a difference."

The council has shortlisted twelve projects, which have been divided into three bands of £125,000, £75,000 and £50,000. People can vote for one project from each of the three bands. The winning projects will be announced at the end of October 2009.

Only Lambeth residents on the electoral register are eligible to vote. Voting takes place between 14 September 2009 and 18 October 2009.

There are several ways to make your choice, including online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/yourchoice, by post using the voting card that you'll find inside the current issue of Lambeth Life or by text to 07786 206 955.

To text vote enter 'Lambeth' followed by the band number and letter of the project you are voting for and then your full name and postcode. For example text: Lambeth 1a, 2d, 3b Sarah Smith SW6 6HT.

Voting ends on Sunday 18 October 2009.

One of the projects in Band C (£50 000) is to replace street signs in Vauxhall and Kennington. The project will involve improvements to street nameplates, street signage and road markings within Vauxhall and Kennington. Where possible, street nameplates will be relocated to locations where they are less likely to be vandalised. Where this is not possible, reinforced anti-vandal coated signage will be installed.

Councillor Mark Harrison said 'I hope as many people in Vauxhall and Kennington will help improve our environment by voting for this project. Vandalised street signs ruin the look of our area.'

Pictured: Mark next to a vandalised street sign in Vauxhall Gardens.