Sorry to hear about the grafitti in your area and on your property frosty. It's a nasty crime that makes the neighbourhood feel run down and unsafe. In reality it's often the result of a few kids who do most damage and it's not always related to violence. The way to fight this is to constantly paint over the damage - get the council to paint over it in public places. Spray cans should be illegal if in the possession of anyone under the age of 18 , fine the parents or make these kids clean the stuff off. Chain gang style.

Liberal laws are the problem - not enough punishment for wrong doing in our society. Kids should NOT be allowed to loiter when they should be at school, By-laws should be enforced, like NOTmaking a public nuisance of yourself outside Sainsbury's and NOT riding your bike on the pavement. There should be more of a police presence 'on the beat' and stop and search should be brought back (and it has).

I dont however, believe these problems are particular to Forest Hill, probably a symptom of living in London (or any city). Forest Hill is still a lovely place - look at the Museum, Horniman gardens, the summer fetes and events. We've got some nice restuarants, pubs, music and comedy. There are new businesses in the area and people do support them. We have a library and should have a new swimming pool soon. There are some good schools in the area and there is a strong sense of community which you see from this message board and the efforts of the Forest Hill Society.