I can appreciate people's confusion as to why the Forest Hill Society would seek to preserve a dilapidated shop front, if that is what our intent was.

According to ONS figures, Forest Hill has a wonderfully diverse population with 26% AB [Higher and intermediate managerial], 36% C1 [Supervisory, clerical, junior managerial], 24% C2, D [Skilled, Semi-skilled] and 12% E [on benefits]. Whereas the views on this forum can be quite strident at times, I doubt they truly reflect the views of all locals. However, our Town Centre should cater for everyone's needs.

We have been trying to engage with the landlord to improve the look of the launderette for some time. I am glad to say that the recent activity has enabled a discussion to start and we will see where they lead. Everybody agrees that the building needs some TLC, but there is no reason why the launderette could not be well maintained and a positive contributor to the look and feel of Forest Hill.

At the moment there is no lease on the launderette because the current owner owns the freehold of the entire building. Our understanding is that Pedder have signed their copy of a lease, but that the landlord has not signed his, pending the outcome of the planning application and the possible sale. In addition to the launderette, there are four bedsits above the launderette which the landlord rents out privately and a small cellar below.