Residents of Forest Hill ward are cordially invited to the next Forest Hill ward assembly on Wednesday 30th March.
The assembly is being held at the Honor Oak Christian Fellowship Centre on Honor Oak Road, 7pm for a 7.30 start. Arrive early to enjoy a contemporary music performance from Forest Hill School band.
The evening's discussions and presentations include:
• Updates on local issues including Horniman Gardens
• Feedback from local groups and organisations about the work that they are doing in the area
• Updates from the Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Ward Panel
• Update on community education provision
• Learn about recycling in Lewisham and why we recycle
• Have your say about Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust plans to become a NHS Foundation Trust
There will also be a short session discussing parking problems at the Honor Oak Park end of Devonshire Road. Please attend if you wish to contribute on this issue.
See you there!
Cllr Alex Feakes
Unfortunately I can't make it, but I was wondering about a particular issue. Perhaps if someone else were interested they could table it for discussion?
"Item 7 Forest Hill Assemby Response(2) - 20 October 2010.PDF"
http://bit.ly/g7cz0X
From the PDF referenced above, it's stated that works on the Forest Hill subway will go forward. £104000 will be allocated for what amounts to a bit of redecoration. While I have no illusions about the inefficiencies of government contracts, I'm very worried that no provision is being made for step-free access.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/ac...llstations
The DFT Access For All Stations initiative got us step-free access from the west side (London Road) and Platform 1 to Platform 2, there is no such access from the east side via Platform 2. Disabled passengers must go around via the A205; those with buggies need assistance - which the station staff never offer.
One of the most suitable solutions, I think, is to build a ramp in the subway. I don't see TFL / DFT building a ramp for Platform 2. Perhaps we can push Lewisham to create a better connection for disabled people and those with children between the different sections of Forest Hill.
I would appreciate it very much if this could be put before the assembly for further action.
Thanks!
The return of the step free route across the divide has come up again and again.
The problem is WHSmith's extension across the subway - if that was removed, you could easily create a step free, gentle incline down to the level of the promised lands.
Thanks Perryman.
I doubt the WH Smith extension will be removed or modified and I doubt that anyone will get TFL / DFT to make disabled access direct to Platform 2. They aren't as open to public suggestion as Lewisham Council.
So, in the end, FOH will always remain divided for disabled people and those with children in buggies will have to keep hoping that strangers are around to help them up/down the steps. Is that the conclusion?
I've done a little looking around and figured out the following.
According to
http://www.wheelchair-ramps.co.uk/ramp.html the gradient for a wheelchair accessible ramp must have a maximum individual flight of 10m and maximum gradients of 1:20 if longer than 5m, 1:15 if longer than 2m or 1:12 if shorter than 2m.
So in this case, assuming the height of the western street level is 2.5m above the subway level, we would need 50m of ramp. Assuming straight sections (flights), this would be broken up into at least 5 sections, because no single flight can be longer than 10m. The available space is insufficient for 10m lengths so there would be more than 5 sections or they could make it one long curvy ramp with level spots ever 10m. Basically, they may be able to make the entire subway into an accessible ramp. There would be no space for stairs.
I'm not sure that the WH Smith extension is the problem. The budget for replacing the subway with a single ramp would be very costly. Considering they're planning to spend £104K on re-painting, water proofing and recladding of the steps, the taxpayer would get bilked for crazy amounts if actual construction were involved.
good research theirpuppet !
I'm not sure where you can fit 50 to 60m of ramp (both directions) without removing the Smith's extension. Can you sketch something?
As I see it, if the ramp extended further into, er, devonshire rd, then it would start to block pedestrian flow and block access to the restricted side road to the back of the dartmouth arms.
Also the able bodied will not want a 50m detour - they'll want the stairs as well.
Remove the Smiths extension and a 50m straight ramp for all just about fits.
The main problem is that fantastic artwork that adorns the brickwork will be buried. (Cue 20 page thread on merits of this work...).
That 'artwork' in the underpass is a total blight on our neighbourhood.. its embarrassing, looks messy and gives the impression of the area being crime/vandal ridden.. not nice!! Will be a happy day when that goes!
Perryman, I'm not an engineer and have no skills to sketch anything. Just did a little checking on the internets... A 50m straight ramp is against regulation, at least per that site I listed. It makes sense though, could you imagine a disabled or elderly person moving 50m up an incline with nowhere to stop for a rest? I imagine that's why they limit it to 10m at a stretch.
If that's the case, the extension is not the only problem. 50m + of ramp would meander all throughout that subway taking up all available space - leaving no room for pedestrian foot traffic, stairs and the like. This is probably why any suggestion gets shot down.
The only alternative would be a pedestrian overpass (over the rail line) which I doubt Lewisham Council would pay for. I don't think there will ever be an option except for the less able-bodied to traverse the steps or take a wheelchair around the A205 underpass.
Actually, I just thought of another option. This might be workable.
Half (at least 1/3) of the western steps could be removed and replaced with a small lift. It wouldn't be enclosed like proper lifts, just an hydraulic platform with suitable safety barriers around it. The east side could use a ramp - with a bars to obstruct bicycles and a safety handrail on both sides.
The lift would be expensive and probably break a lot. But this scheme is doable and would benefit all "movement impaired" and those with small children in buggies.
Get TFL to build it and add an oyster card reader! PAYG system hahaha!
I very much like the idea of the lift - sold!
I've sent a PM to alexfeakes; hopefully the lift idea gets on the agenda.
Just a reminder about this evening's ward assembly meeting - 7pm for 7.30pm start at the Christian Fellowship Centre on Honor Oak Road.
In reference to the request for a discussion about a lift at HOP station, I will try and fit this in the agenda this evening.