Sydenham Assembly - 7pm Tuesday 5 March

[Chris Best]

Everyone living in Sydenham ward should been receiving a special eight page Assembly Newsletter through their letterbox today - please let me know in the next day or two if you haven't received one and I can email an electronic copy.

The Newsletter provides updates on local issues and sets out the agenda for our meeting next Tuesday starting at 7pm at the Naborhood Centre - next to the Post Office - at 44 Sydenham Road.

We are looking forward to hearing from Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, Lewisham's new Head of Neighbourhood Policing, regarding the current consultation on the draft Police and Crime Plan as well as the latest on the future of Sydenham Police Station.

At this Assembly you will hear about the new retail park in Bell Green from Alastair Higgs, Senior Projects Manager on the site. This 120,000 square feet development is due to open in the autumn with retailers such as Next Home, Curry/PC World and B&Q as the anchor stores.

I am looking forward to running through the progress on SEE3 our Mary Portas pilot. We are gearing up for the return of the Sydenham Markets - first of the year on Sunday 24 March in Station Approach. We are working on our next four pop ups in Sydenham as well as much activity in Jill, 27 Sydenham Road.

There will be an update on the opening of the TNG - our new youth centre in Wells Park Road as well as various youth projects.

I will make sure there is time for questions from the floor - so don't miss out on hearing the latest news from those that know. Join us for this open meeting and help shape the future of Sydenham.

Cllr Chris Best, Chair of the Sydenham Assembly
http://www.chrisbest.org

[Chris Best]

Reminder to come along to the Assembly this evening - have your say on changes in the high street plus many other topics. With the pavement works taking place at the front of the Naborhood Centre entrance to the meeting is at the rear of the building from Tannsfeld Road.

[leenewham]

Not to mention some exciting news from the Library and Home Park Chris! Shame about Tesco invading our high street though.

[leenewham]

Does anyone have any feedback on tonight?

[Sydenham]

Quick summary - a positive meeting with virtually no dissenting voices. A reminder of how much is changing - from the road improvements and development of pocket piazzas through to the progress towards completing the Bell green retail park. The Neighbourhood Police CI gave a super smooth speech on the changing face of local policing, with or without Sydenham Police Station. The final mural details were shown - its almost finished.

Skanska were available for questions on the new lighting, concerns were raised, and a number of local groups updated us on progress and activity (Home Park, Wells Park etc.)

Best bit for me was to see and hear three community groups who were awarded funds last year describe what they did and then give a big "thank you" to all who helped and made it possible; two youth based. Almost like the Oscars - I really appreciated them coming in and doing this - great manners.

And of course news about the new TNG centre on Wells park Road - opening on April 1st - and that's no joke (or if it is then I've been fooled).

Great evening and showed there's lots going on.

[leenewham]

It would be great to have the in-depth update. Any chance Chris? I couldn't attend last night.

[jonekt]

Hi Lee,

I managed to go last night & it was a positive meeting. Personally I was pleased to hear from Chris Best confirming the lewisham bins would be replaced as part of the high street regeneration project. I had read on the forum this was not covered by the funding, however the councillor confirmed they are. She also said she would follow up on the telephone boxes too which is great news.

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[leenewham]

Thanks Jonekt.

I think Chris will struggle with the phone boxes though. Certainly a case where deregulation failed. Removing them is a nightmare. It will be a big feather in her cap if she pulls it off.

Anything else?