Hello.

I have e opportunity to move to Normanton street and was wondering how safe it is around there. I also have a small dog - should i be concerned for his welfare? I mean are there lots of unruled In the local parks?

Also is there much homophobic prejudices?

I really like the house and have been to the area a few times but the dotted line is to be signed on Monday and I may have a little over exaggerated fear for my well being in a new area on my own.

Thank you

Hi FireSnake
I can't advise on dog area's, but would just like you to know I have never heard of any homophobic issues in the area. Hope this helps!

Can't comment re dogs as we're not dog owners but Mayow Park (your nearest from Normanton Street) has lots of people out with their dogs and I've never witnessed any problems.

As for homophobia - we live very near Normanton Street and neither my partner nor I has experienced homophobic abuse or prejudice in the 10 or so years we've been here. There are ******s everywhere of course but Forest Hill doesn't appear to be overrun with them...

Thank you for the confirmation.

I will feel better knowing that im not the only gay in the village.

I know there is a little park just up the road from my new house, so i can take him there until i have sussed the parks put.

Again, thanks for putting me at ease.

Marcus

And you won't be the only gay in that street either!

I'm not sure which little park you mean. At the top of Normanton is a Methodist church which has grounds that look like a park, but it's not a park. Mayow Park is the nearest park and I haven't heard of any problems with dogs there or elsewhere in the area. And if there had been I'm sure we would have heard about it either on this forum or on Sydenham's forum.

Plenty of people walk their dogs around those residential streets, and you may well come across a regular poster here - 'Snazy' - and one of his distinctive Alaskan Malamute dogs.

Lol. Thanks for that blusingsnail.

The little bit of park is opposite the church. There is an open gate and a large grassed area. Seen some young lad hanging around in there when viewing the house.

It's just the morning walk really as I'm a gardener ill need to wake early.

Ill have to check if its allowed there...

Thanks again. M

Hi FireSnake, sorry for the delay with this post, tried to post on the day you first posted but my message went to drafts, inadvertently. I live on Siddons Road, which runs parallel to Normanton down to Perry Vale. Have been here since 2008. It's me, my wife and our toddler in our home. I have never seen or heard anything in the area that makes me concerned about my family's personal safety. Occasionally as you may have seen on this forum comments are raised about the cut-through from Shipman to Sunderland Road, but this is fairly muted (IMO). I personally do not think the alleyway presents genuine risk. I seem to recall a few months ago there was concern raised after stones were thrown at a SE23.com user when using the cut-through. Unpleasant and far from social behaviour that this was - I think it fell within the "petty irritation of city life" category, much like graffiti and littering -than anything more sinister. Others may of course disagree. The main park in the area is Mayow - I do not have a dog so am not part of the dog owner community. I do note that there are often dogs walked there that might fall under the (much derided) Dangerous Dogs Act. In the main I think that these are kept on the lead. Some are muzzled. Occasionally some are allowed to run free. This is something that mildly concerns me - particularly when I am with my toddler - but there has never been an incident as a result of this. I am not in a position to offer any insight with regard to homophobia. Generally I am very happy in the area. The Perry Vale parade is functional and pleasant. The Bakers at the foot of Siddons is a particularly welcome new addition. The dry cleaners is reasonably priced, and, being a lazy so and so, I always take my shirts there for washing and pressing. In all you will find this part of FH very pleasant. Recommended.

This is entirely possible as I walk up Normanton 4-6 times a day. If you do see me, please ignore the behaviour of the dogs, they are friendly really.... honest!

Welcome to the area Feel free to say hi if you see an aging man, panting up the road, being dragged behind the dog in the picture..
<<

Oh by the way, for quick morning runs, through the alley and along South Road will take you to the little park on Westbourne Drive, probably a bit closer than Mayow for a quick stroll.

Hello and thank you everyone who send me those reassuring messages.

I moved in on Thursday and am very happy. Although feel a little alone! I guess that's to be expected when moving to a totally new area. And one that is much more relaxed than the city of London, which is what I wanted anyway. Still - will take some time.

Snazy - I haven't yet seen an ageing man being dragged by his four legged friends yet but I will offer a pit stop for a breather if I see you

Tomcat - been having a look at the local area this week and will go and have a look at the parks before I take my dog. Just in case. He's only small and wouldn't stand a chance with big dogs off the lead. If there where not friendly of course! Lol.

I've seen the deli bakery on the corner and as yet haven't been able to go there, mainly as its been closed over the holiday weekend.

If you see me in the street with a small white poodle, say hello! You can't miss mika my dog! I have blond brown hair.

Again, thanks for the encouragement. So far it feels great to be here. :-)

Marcus.

Aka FireSnake ;-)

Hi Marcus, thanks for that. I shall be passing by between 7 and 7.30 for my evening walks, so will keep an eye open. Feel free to say hi, start the getting to know people ball rolling

Always great to meet new people, and while I'm not the most socially active person on this forum, saying hi on the morning/ evening walks always puts a smile on my face.

Hey Marcus, lovely to meet you and your fierce pooch today Sorry I forgot his name already .

My apologies to you and your neighbours for Aana's rather excited behaviour, maybe we can make the introductions AFTER her morning walk next time when she has calmed down a little.

Glad you are liking the area, so welcome to the neighbourhood

Feel free to drop me a message if I can be of any help

was lovely to meet you too, no probs about Aana, she is a big girl! Mika was fine, just a little nervous from the barking. At least the neighbours got their morning alarm! Lol. Intro's after morning walkies sounds like a good plan.

Have a great day and see you around no doubt.

Marcus

P.s I didn't catch your name

Haha I hope they see it the same way. Great to meet a new face though, and would love to say hello to Mika properly too. Aana loves a fuss, as does Tuvaaq the male.

Indeed proper intro's are required at some point soon.

Oh and it's Michael haha