| Author |
Message |
See for miles
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Sunday, 10 October, 2004 - 02:09 pm: | |
I know talking about local crime gets a mixed reception on these boards but I think it's important to let people know what's going on in their area, while of course keeping a sense of perspective about it.
My neighbour was attacked and mugged at the bottom of Taymount Rise in the early hours of Saturday after he got off the night bus. He's putting on a brave face about it, but it was a nasty experience and he had to pay £200 for an emergency locksmith to let him into his flat as his keys were also stolen. I'm going to get on to the council AGAIN about the lack of adequate lighting in Taymount. They promised they were going to upgrade the lighting colummns but so far nothing seems to have changed. It would be of great help if all the Taymount residents who post here could do the same. I know it's not the cure for this kind of crime but it might help. |
See for Miles
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Sunday, 10 October, 2004 - 02:25 pm: | |
I'm not naive enough to think that better lighting will solve local crime problems but it helps to make the environment safer. In the meantime I'm going to exercise more caution when travelling home. Not that I can afford to get taxis all the time, so I resent this kind of incident curtailing my freedom, but I think it's only fair to warn other people about it. |
Alan
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Sunday, 10 October, 2004 - 10:50 pm: | |
We know this board is monitored to death so why are Councillor etc so keen on being quite when an important issue is raised?
It's your job to deal with our problems/concerns isn't it? |
nasaroc
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 11 October, 2004 - 10:58 am: | |
I read the messages on this forum daily and I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of local people who clearly feel passionately about their area and want to do something about it. But the authors of complaints usually end up frustrated that nothing is done about this or that issue, blame local councillors etc.
Surely, if you are passionate about something you should actually take action about it as well as raising the issue on this website. I'm a member of the Sydenham Society (yes, it covers Forest Hill, as well!). This is a body that actually takes up issues and tries to do something about them by direct approaches to councillors, local authorities and our MP. For example, locals in Sydenham have been complaining about our new zebra crossing and about how unsafe it is. After a few days, the Sydenham Society has ensured that floodlights are being put in place over the roundabout and that the road is more clearly marked to avoid accidents. A small victory perhaps but a sign that if you group together and actually do something you might get results. Frankly, councillors etc aren't going to take a blind bit of notice of a website; they might take notice of you if you get together in a group and raise the issues directly. Join the Sydenham Society! ww.sydenhamsociety.com |
Allan Murray
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 11 October, 2004 - 01:38 pm: | |
I raised the issue of poor lighting in Taymount Rise in a forum thread in March. The council responded by saying that "Alan Agent, the Street Lighting Manager is arranging to upgrade the lanterns to high pressure sodium (white light) on columns 1,2, 6 & 7 which still have the old low pressure sodium (orange light). This should significantly improve the lighting levels around the area". I believe that this was done and there was a slight improvement. However, I am still not convinced that it is adequate, as this latest incident shows. What are needed are new columns, not just upgraded lanterns. If you share my concern then please go to:
http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndViews/complainform.asp
and register a complaint.
We pay enough council tax don't we? Thanks. |
See for Miles
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 11 October, 2004 - 03:00 pm: | |
Thanks Allan, yes I remember when you first raised the issue. I'd already spoken to the council twice to argue we actually need more lighting columns, rather than upgraded lanterns. The bit of Taymount where my friend was attacked I think was the very dark bit near the alleyways at the bottom. I always feel nervous walking past there late at night, even though I stay in the middle of the road. Nasaroc, I, along with Allan did take action about the lighting last year and tried to organise other people to do the same. I certainly never intended just posting on here and then do nothing more. We do need to act collectively to put the council under increased pressure. |
Allan Murray
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 12 October, 2004 - 02:23 pm: | |
Good news. Today I have spoken to Alan Agent who has been to look at lighting provision in the road. He agrees that the spacing between some of the lampposts doesn't conform to modern standards: the norm is twenty five metres, yet there is a gap of approximately fifty between the first and second lights on the left hand side, for example. He thinks that the road needs and extra three lights, and has the funding to do it. He is even willing to come and meet residents to discuss exactly where they could be placed. I will be leafleting houses over the next week so people can contribute to the decisions if they want to. If we move quickly on this, he says they could be in place by Christmas. |
BT
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 October, 2004 - 07:13 am: | |
Although not on quite the same subject,it was agreed to repair the potholes up Taymount Rise. The potholes were marked for repair but as far as I can see only two of them were actually repaired. |
The Dommy
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 October, 2004 - 02:48 pm: | |
After reading these threads I sent a message via the Lewisham website. Spoke with Alan Agent this morning, he said there are funds to add some lamp-posts in Taymount Rise but he would like to check with residents about their placing. He wouldn't want any complaints due to light streaming through residents' windows. I await your leaflets, Mr Murray. Make sure you deliver to Forestholme Close. |
Allan Murray
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 20 October, 2004 - 04:59 pm: | |
Update: Alan Agent has been back to the road and he says that on re-inspection new streetlamps will only be able to go up in certain places anyway. He assures me that the lamps are designed to throw light onto the footpath and doesn't think there will be a problem with ambient lighting affecting residents in their homes. They're going to go up quickly, because he cannot guarantee that the funding will be available next year. Personally, I think this is a very positive outcome and should make the street feel less gloomy and more safe. |
The Dommy
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 21 October, 2004 - 09:19 am: | |
Well played! |
See for miles
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Friday, 22 October, 2004 - 08:49 pm: | |
Allan thanks so much for pursuing this once again. I will pass on the good news to my neighbour too.
thanks! |
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