Sydenham Crown Post Office is under threat of closure. In a list of Crown Post Offices under threat New Cross and Sydenham Post Offices are included.
Councillor Alan Hall said: “The post office is a vital public service. Please come and support it at the public meeting on Thursday, 18th May in the Sydenham Centre at 7.30pm”
The Communications Workers Union has condemned the closure programme as the government pursuing a strategy of ‘slash and burn’.
‘Swapping larger homes for security and quality-care 100% affordable homes reassures residents and provides a ‘win-win situation for housing’
Lewisham’s leading scrutiny councillor and board member of the Phoenix Community Housing Co-op, Alan Hall has hailed the approaching launch of a new 60-apartment ‘extra-care’ complex as the future of housing for the elderly.
The project came a step nearer this week with the award of the contract to run the homes going to Notting Hill Housing Association.
Hazelhurst Court built by Phoenix Community Housing in partnership with Lewisham Council and the Mayor of London is an extra-care building providing 60 one and two-bedroom flats allowing older people to enjoy facilities for independent living with staff on site.
Phoenix board member and local councillor Alan Hall said: “Providing high quality, well designed homes for older residents with care needs will allow local residents to stay independent.
“We have a win-win situation because residents who find the accommodation suitable will often live in larger properties and these homes will become available for those on Lewisham Council’s housing lists.”
He went on to say: “We have a housing crisis in London and I am extremely proud to have been part of Phoenix’s team to build these new homes for local residents. By being ambitious for Lewisham we have brought a range of partners together and I cannot wait to see our first residents move in.”
The story appeared in The Mercury newspaper 17th May 2017
‘Babs’ drama shows need for renewal of Lewisham film policy and for bringing forward plans to renovate theatre
Lewisham’s leading scrutiny councillor Alan Hall says Lewisham must once again become a borough that welcomes film crews making movies.
His call comes in the week that the BBC premiers the acclaimed drama about British film and tv legend Barbara Windsor, star of the Carry On films, which was filmed in Lewisham and features Catford’s Broadway Theatre. The BBC docu drama called ‘Babs’ is due to screen Sunday 6th May at 8pm on BBC1.
“Lewisham must once again have a clear policy with a designated film officer that actively invites and welcomes film crews. It is vital that it’s an active policy rather than passively waiting for these things to happen.
“We used to have this policy and it’s time to bring it back. ‘Babs’ features Lewisham brilliantly and the Broadway Theatre looks fabulous in the drama.
“The theatre is the jewel in Catford’s crown and we have pointed out that it needs renovation now. I will continue to push for a lottery bid and other investment as part of the Catford regeneration scheme.”
An account of the preview screening at the Catford Broadway Theatre where Dame Barbara Windsor appeared after the film was shown and gave a “Babs bum wiggle or two” is in the metro newspaper here
Cllr Alan Hall attended a public meeting with Heidi Alexander MP
The Government has announced that 78 Job Centres are to close including Lewisham Job Centre in Catford. The PCS trade union has launched a petition here:
Councillor Alan Hall said: “Lewisham residents need to be able to access government services. Closing the Job Centre in Catford will make it harder for those who lose their job including those who are disabled or sick. This, at a time when they most need help and support. I have written to the Secretary of State to ask him to keep a Job Centre in Catford.”
The text of the letter Councillor Alan Hall has sent to the Minister is here:
For Damien Green MP
Dear Secretary of State,
Lewisham Job Centre
I am writing to you to strongly urge that a Job Centre is retained in Catford. I understand that the Council has been working to find alternative premises for the Lewisham JCP since its closure was announced by the DWP in January.
On Monday 3 April the Council’s Head of Strategy spoke to the South London District JCP Manager, Hazel Renwick. Hazel reported that space planning carried out at the Forest Hill site showed that JCP should be able to transfer approximately 100 staff to that site. This will leave 25-35 staff without a base.
It should be remembered that Deptford Job Centre has closed and that benefit claimants some very vulnerable will have to long and difficult journeys across the borough.
I note that DWP guidance says that no claimant should travel more than 3 miles or 20 minutes by public transport to reach a JCP.
Eros House
An alternative option to reallocation, one that is favoured by the Council, is JCP using space in Eros House. I am asking you to consider this option seriously.
I would like to formally request that an Equality Impact Assessment be published on the loss of this significant service to the borough’s residents. I believe this increase costs to the Council – in delayed housing benefit claims and homelessness and disability services – merely cost shunting responsibilities and services around the public sector at large.
I would be very grateful if you could reply to all points raised in this letter.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Alan Hall
Leader, Labour’s Non-Executive Councillors
On hearing the news that Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee have made their decision on who fights Lewisham West & Penge constituency in the General Election on 8th June. Cllr Alan Hall, former constituency Chair and Chair of Lewisham Labour Group of councillors, welcomed the decision saying:
“I am very pleased that we have selected Ellie Reeves to fight Lewisham West & Penge in the General Election. I have known Ellie for many years. She will be a breath of fresh air as a strong local advocate and campaigner. I look forward to working with her and joining her campaigning across Bellingham and Lewisham West & Penge over the coming weeks to ensure that we have a Labour MP to represent us.”
Ellie Reeves has tweeted:
Delighted to have been selected as the @UKLabour candidate in Lewisham West & Penge – the area that I live in and that I love.
Transport for London are proposing to extend the Bakerloo line beyond Elephant & Castle to Lewisham, serving Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.
Tfl say that the extension will improve connectivity, increase the capacity and resilience of the transport network and reduce journey times between key destinations. This will help London to grow by supporting new homes and jobs.
Progressing with these proposals is a commitment made by the Mayor, Sadiq Khan he has committed to bring the completion date forward from 2030 to 2028/29. Proposed route map:
Bellingham’s Labour Councillors have made the following response to the public consultation below:
Councillor Alan Hall
Lewisham Town Hall
Catford
London
SE6 4RU
date 21/04/17
To whom it may concern,
Re: Bakerloo line consultation
I am writing on behalf of the Bellingham Councillors to submit our views about the extension of the Bakerloo line.
We request that the Mayor of London and Transport for London seriously consider that plans for the eventual extension of the Bakerloo line to Hayes be incorporated in to current plans. The London Plan requirements for Catford and the existing railway alignment mean that the extension of TfL operation of local lines, over the current franchise arrangements, would be of enormous benefit to residents and businesses in the borough of Lewisham and beyond.
Lewisham Council’s Sustainable Development Committee has highlighted that in previous consultations on the extension of the Bakerloo line, almost all respondents backed the extension of the line to Catford. It also notes that respondents backed the extension of the line beyond Lewisham in to the London Borough of Bromley by a margin of two to one, with a significant number of those who did not actively support the extension expressing no preference.
Furthermore, Phoenix Community Housing who have over 8,000 properties locally have said that these areas to the South of Lewisham suffer from high levels of deprivation and lack of access to opportunities. They lie between central London and the outer commercial and retail centres of Bromley and have been bypassed too often in consideration of improved transport links. The connections that a further extension of the Bakerloo line would bring much needed economic and social uplift to these areas. This could address the housing crisis by allowing for an increase in building densities through improved public transport accessibility.
In endorsing these comments we thank the Mayor of London and the Deputy Mayor for Transport but strongly urge them to further consider extending the Bakerloo Line beyond Lewisham to Hayes.
On hearing the news that Lewisham West & Penge Member of Parliament Jim Dowd has decided not to stand in the General Election called for 8th June 2017, former Chair, Lewisham West and Penge Labour Party and Lewisham Labour
Councillor Alan Hall said:
“Jim Dowd has decided to retire after 25 years in public service as our Member of Parliament and I pay tribute to his commitment to carrying out the role of MP for Lewisham West and Penge. He will be missed.
It is a very important job, therefore a very difficult decision to leave and consequently an admirable decision to take. I wish him well in the future.”
Cllrs Alan Hall Sue Hordijenko Jim Dowd MP Cllr Jacq Paschoud
Fynn Neb produces Rope Body Body Rope at My Aerial Home in Bell Green, Lower Sydenham
On an industrial estate in Bell Green, Lower Sydenham is the high flying My Aerial Home – School of Aerial Dance & Circus.
On Monday 17th April 2017 – Fynn Neb – winner of the Jacques de Leeuw Circus Prize produced a new aerial rope work called Rope Body Body Rope. This follows a workshop at the school and moves towards a performance on Friday 21st April.
Fynn Neb as artist in residence created this new rope work concept working with highly skilled aerialists that are known as Air Dance Company. More about Fynn Neb on youtube here
MAH’s school founder, Amanda Miles has said that she is really delighted to bring the circus space to Sydenham which has such a burgeoning arts scene. It is a top class circus arts environment for not only local people to experience the thrill of learning circus arts but to also offer excellent facilities to the circus communities around the country and the world.
Bellingham Councillor Alan Hall said: “It is a privilege to see international artists in Bell Green, Lower Sydenham. The My Aerial Home school has brought high art and culture to Bellingham.”
“Rope Body Body Rope showcases the art of the aerial high wire.”
In addition to weekly adult evening classes for hobby aerialists (for fitness and fun), My Aerial Home offers one-to-one lessons, a range of intensive courses, aimed at fast tracking those wishing to focus on aerial performance and rehearsal space to guest companies.
Amanda Miles went on to say: “Circus inspired classes are not just for children, we teach anyone and everyone with the grit and desire to learn aerial skills. Our oldest new recruit is over 70 yrs who has recovered from cancer – she is an inspiration. Sometimes, and more often than you would imagine, ordinary people become extraordinary and aerial transforms their lives.”
The Easter weekend saw the Tall Ships Festival on the river Thames. The Tall Ships Festival is anchored along the Thames from Deptford Creek to Woolwich.
Deptford’s Build the Lenox project gave out information flyers about the project to build a replica of the HMS Lenox at Convoy’s Wharf on the Deptford river bank. HMS Lenox was a 70-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Deptford Dockyard on 18 April 1678. She was rebuilt at Deptford in 1701, remaining as a 70-gun third rate. There is a more complete history on the Build the Lenox website here
In 1513, King Henry VIII established the King’s Yard at Deptford to build ships for the Royal Navy. For four hundred years Deptford was the central power house of the nation’s navy, and hundreds of warships and countless trading vessels were built here, including ships built for exploration, science and empire, such as The Golden Hind. Other famous vessels such as the Mary Rose, Discovery and Endeavour were refitted here.
Build the Lenox is an inspiring project based in the London Borough of Lewisham which aims to show how heritage can influence and lead regeneration. Celebrating the history and heritage of Deptford through education and training. The project also has considerable tourism potential.
Lewisham Councillor Alan Hall sad: “Deptford is changing and we need to remember and appreciate the maritime and nautical past. The Build the Lenox project is exciting recognising the importance of Deptford’s past whilst building and training for the future.”
Millwall Football Club has been named ‘Family Club of the Year’ by the English Football League. The Family Club of the Year honours the club that best demonstrates outstanding delivery of activity to attract and retain families at games.
This is a tremendous achievement and a credit to our local, Lewisham football club.
Lewisham Councillor Alan Hall said: “It is a well deserved award for Lewisham’s Millwall FC to be named ‘Family Club of the Year’. Let’s applaud the Lions for this tremendous achievement.”
Commentators have speculated that Millwall FC may have to lose the moniker ‘No one likes us we don’t care’ as fans have said that families like us.
The Easter weekend saw the Tall Ships Festival on the river Thames. 
