Saturday 31 March 2012

Great barrier relief

Goldsmiths centre users, parents and staff have been concerned for some time about road safety outside the centre. The 124 bus stop is outside the main gates and small children could run straight into the road. One parent wrote and asked if something could be done and his concerns were passed to our local councillor Janet Daby a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to her intervention a long metal barrier was installed by the council within days of the request.

Yesrerday Councillor Daby and Deputy Mayor Councillor Smith came to the centre, and parents, centre users, staff and management committee posed for a photo. The feedback on the barrier has been overwhelmingly positive!

Friday 9 March 2012

Catford Broadway artist impressions


Artist's views of Catford Broadway





Here are some views of Catford Broadway and how it might look

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Community reporters day 2

The community reporters said today:

There is not much for teenagers anywhere!

An outing for everyone, accessible to all. Any ideas?

The Big Lunch is not enough - there should be more events through the year to help people get to know their neighbours and the community. 

Grove Park

L&Q have set up a job training programme for young people age 16-25 at the youth centre in Marvels Lane/Grove Park Road. Before this, the young people used to hang around.

Bushey House and Merryfield House are being done up, outside and in. Scaffolding is up and men and women painters and decorators are doing a good job. (Note: I don't think Hawley's have been keeping up their website www.hawley.co.uk)

Downham

The new leisure centre is great, there are lots of activities - swimming, library and more. In the half term and other holidays they put on activities for children including crafts and reading. Did you know if your child has a library pass they can swim for free?

There's a lack of community spirit in the area. People sit at home on their computers and don't mix. Did you know research has shown that socialising helps you live longer? How about a meet your neighbour or give a hug day? You may get funny looks in London!

Where can you meet people? Schools, parks, libraries, community centres, shops.

Catford

Verdant Court Lane is a very good environment and Sandhurst Primary School is the best in London! The teachers are very experienced and sensitive. Recently the head teacher warned parents about some anti social behaviour in the area and wrote letters to them - now the parents know about keeping their children safe.

Lee Green

It's a very quiet area with lots of schools, no gangs, no youth clubs and a big Sainsbury's. Jimmy Mizen was killed in Lee though.

More next week, (hopefully some photos too) keep the comments coming...

Monday 5 March 2012

Community reporters

What's going on in Sydenham, Catford and Bellingham?

Members of the CEL literacy class at Goldsmiths Community Centre reported on what's happening in their area, as part of the community media resource project.

Generally there are not enough activities and facilities for children aged 7-11, or for disabled children.

More tomorrow...

New facilities for Sydenham and Forest Hill

Kelvin Grove Primary School will be opening a new centre offering ESOL for children and adults.

Forest Hill Pools is being refurbished - it's looking good.

A new youth centre is planned for Wells Park Road.

General comments on Sydenham and Forest Hill

A lot of shops have closed, particularly in Dartmouth Road. 24 hour shops have started opening in the area. 

Local kids like to go to Wells Park, but there are good facilities in Home Park and Mayow Park is also worth a look.

The Bridge Leisure Centre offers 'Fun Physical' for disabled children, it is the only activity available in the area.

Update: Horniman Museum. You now have to pay to visit the aquarium, although the upstairs remains free.

Crystal Palace Park - there are some kids' events on this week.

There is a need for after school club type facilities, one of the group is willing to set one up. Are you interested?

Catford

There's a new pub in Catford, the Catford Bridge Tavern. It was formerly the Copperfield, which was closed down due to trouble.

The feeling is that not much money is spent on Catford. The shopping precinct is horrible and so are the flats above. Money is going to be spent on Catford Broadway and there are big plans for Catford, including replacing the flats.

Bellingham

Bellingham has good community facilities including the Ladywell Gymnastics Club, Bellingham Leisure Centre and a youth club.