Wells Park Road area

[wendydelainedonald]

I am thinking of buying a flat off Wells Park Road, Rosamund Street. I assume ex-local authority. It is behind the mini-mart, a big block. Can any one give me some idea if it feels 'safe', or what it is like to live there? A year or two ago there was an element of kids hanging around the mini mart area that was a bit off-putting. I've walked up and down Wells Park Road from Sydenham Hill for years, but can't say I have ever been in this part so would appreciate any information. Thanks

[Gaz]

Hi

I live on the Kirkdale end of Wells Park Rd but hardly ever walk along WPR past Halifax St so can't really say what that particular area is like at different times of the day.

You may find the new googlemap 'streetview' thing useful though to get a feel of the area and route: http://local.google.com/

(click on the 'man' icon by the zoom bar).

[Eagle]

Hello Wendy
Used to be really nice area in 50's despite a few sights coutesy of dear Helmut Goering.
These flats built in the 60's . I am sure quite sound buildings and neighbours might be really great. I would hang round the area a few times to judge

Very best of Luck.

[yay!gosydenham!]

I can't say categorically yes or no but I looked at a flat round there and, personally, I didn't like the walk to and from the station down Wells Rd. It felt uncomfortable to me. But there are, of course, plenty of people living there who seem quite happy so it can't be all bad. The park is lovely! If you're a single woman have a look round the big wide streets off the high street or round Lawrie Park Triangle. You can't guarantee safety anywhere in London but those areas to me feel lighter with wider streets and there always seem to be plenty of people walking from the station to these areas at night. My views only. But good luck with your move.

[wendydelainedonald]

Thank you for information. I love the park as well, but had doubts about the location of flats. I am now looking at top of Taymount Rise in SE23, much less for my money, but I love the position, love the art deco building, Horniman etc. Still keeping my eyes open for the Sydenham Hill area or Laurie Park triangle.

[Eagle]

The big difference , as you know, is the appartments on Taymount Rise are not ex local authority. Quite a steep climb but if you are fit great views.

[bigbadwolf]

Wendy before making a decision on the art deco buildings on Taymount rise check out the se23.com forum because last year some of the residents of forest croft warned other prospective tenents of an extortionate maintenance bill they believe they were tricked into and it kept rising with no visible work being carried out.

[yay!gosydenham!]

Hi Wendy
I've not long been here and wanted originally to live in Forest Hill. I'm very happy here in Sydenham as it turns out - real sense of community, great cafes, funky bookshop, Crystal Pal park etc - But Forest Hill is great. If you're talking about safety, Taymount Rise seems an excellent choice to me. I looked there too and liked it as it was near the light bright station, not far off the main road and a busy area. It's also right by the Sainsburys. I love those art deco flats. A real delight and hidden gem at the top of the hill. As Eagle pointed out, it's a steep hill but hey at least you won't have to join a gym! The saving you make there will allow you to shop at Sainsbury's over Lidl ha ha. I was a tiny bit uncomfortable about the entrance to the floors to the flats being unlocked but to be honest there are so many people around my guess is it's quite safe. Interesting point re the maintanance costs (does this apply to tenanats or owners only, Eagle?).. Maybe ask some of the neighbours:-)

On another note, careful when you take advice on safety from someone calling themselves Big Bad Wolf ! hee hee

All the best. Do let us know how you get on .

[wendydelainedonald]

Thanks to all for comments. I'll followup the SE23 site - I think I did see those comments re charges about 6 months ago.

[admin]

Block management & service charges can be a bit of a racket. There is both management companies that spring large and unexpected large items and those that are so poor and billing recalcitrant residents that the good people have to subsidise them or see the property deteriorate.

You can change companies and there are local ones who have sorted a lot of these problems. I just did a website for one of them. If you want to be put in touch with that company - PM me.

Admin