More local shops

I was reading an article in the Evening Standard recently about the number of local shops that are closing down. Lee shopping centre was an example of an area that has seen a drastic increase in boarded up and shuttered shops creating a dead zone for local shoppers.
Here in Coney Hall we really are fortunate to have so many good local shops. A top quality butchers, a friendly flower shop, our own curtain shop, Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants, a great local pub, cafes and car shops. We really are spoilt.
We can now add a Beauty Salon and a new Letting agency to the list.
Walking down to Kingsway parade on a Saturday morning gives you an opportunity to meet with friends and neighbours whilst you get your morning paper and milk.
I would encourage all of us to buy locally whenever possible to ensure that we keep the shutters away from Coney Hall particularly in a time of recession.
So whether it's a new bike, blinds for your bathroom, a tanning session, a bouquet of flowers or a turkey for xmas - keep our money local by investing in Coney Halls economy.
Happy xmas!

Halloween etiquette

I'm sitting here typing this between regularly answering the front door to trick or treaters.

I mustn't grumble as I've decorated the porch with skeletons, ghost and ghouls making it clear I'm happy to answer the door to the pesky little tykes. In fact all the kids so far have been fantastic, most of the vampires and goblins wishing me a great night rather than threatening me with flour and eggs. The only danger I have been in is of running out of goodies.

But obviously not every one is so keen on having to answer the door 20 times in the space of 2 hours. For alot of people Hallowed Eve is one of the nights that they dread. Fortunately, we seem to be lucky with the kids and teens we have round here with everyone entering into the correct spirit of things.

But we should try and make clear to friends and neighbours that unless your house is decorated with a pumpkin or attired with ghosts and goblins it might be best to give that house a miss on your scary rounds.

Happy Halloween!

Litter picking and tree watering

With the Con-Dems ideologically committed to rolling back the state it looks as though local communities will have to learn to be more active in looking after their own area.

Funding to volunteer and charity groups may be facing cuts, councils may be forced to make savings (fortnightly bin collections anyone) but there is nothing to stop us taking pride in our community.

I find it really encouraging to see the amount of people who take time to pick up litter in Coney Hall Recreation Ground. Recently I've seen dogwalkers going around with a litter picker and a bag and even one resident appeared to drive up there just to walk about and put litter in the bins. I suspect that the Friends of Coney Hall Recreation Ground have much to do with this. The best way to encourage others to follow suite is to do the same whereever you are in Coney Hall.

Bin it, recycle it and you'll be surprised how many people take notice of your actions. Some will even stop and praise you - it's another way to get to know your neighbours!

Tree watering is another way to get out there and make a difference to our community. There have been a number of new trees planted recently, for instance on Church Drive, which will have a small hose like object sticking out of the soil. If you live nearby take the time every now and then to give them a water. We are extremely lucky to have such a leafy neighbourhood so we should do our best to keep it that way.

Local councillors back residents objections

The latest response from Cllr Anne Manning reads as follows:

Cllrs Arthur and Reddin are supporting the residents in their objections. However, for legal reasons, I am unable to express a view in advance, in case the application comes before me at a Plans Sub-Committee – I sit on Plans 1 and 3 - for decision. But I always advise those who approach me that I will put their views forward at a Plans Sub-Committee Meeting.

I trust this helps. We will of course alert everyone to any news we receive from Officers about how the application will be handled.

Regards,

Anne Manning

This is great news for the local residents and hopefully strengthens the case against the proposals.

Chestnut Drive Planning Proposal update

Our local councillors have been asked if they will object to the planning proposals for Chestnut Drive. Cllr Anne Manning responded as follows:

"Many thanks for your email. We are likely to know more about this application, probably later this week, and how it will be handled. We will be contacting all those who have let us see their objections once we have heard more."

A second email has gone to all our councillors asking them if they will object or otherwise.

Planned proposal to build on Queensway/Chestnut gardens

In what could set a dangerous precedent, planning proposals have been put forward (again) for the demolition of nos 2 & 4 Chestnut Avenue to be replaced with a mini-estate of eight houses complete with cul de sac.

These houses will overlook a large number of properties on Chestnut Avenue, Queensway and Church Drive. It will also include the removal of a large number of trees and shrubbery as the gardens are paved, concreted and slabbed over.

Local residents will see increased noise levels and disruption as building work takes place, traffic jams from large lorries and vans and for those close by an unwelcome invasion of privacy.

In the long term it will mean a further decline in Coney Hall's greenery, increased traffic levels, and an irrevocable change in the appearance of Coney Hall not seen since the estate was first erected.

It is a shame that some people see fit to try and make a profit at the detriment of their neighbours and the neighbourhood in general.

I would ask those of you who object to the plans to submit your objection as soon as possible (before the appraoching deadline) by going to www.bromley.gov.uk/planning access and use the reference 10/01426/OUT

Even if you don't feel you will be directly affected by these dramatic changes I would ask you to object for the greater good. Who knows - one day it could be the end of your garden that sees a new estate go up....

Bromley Community Question Time

Bromley's Questions!

The Bromley Community Engagement Forum will be hosting an all NEW Question Time, for YOU - Bromley Resident’s to question the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Council, Housing and More!

Do you feel safe in Bromley? Do you want answers to questions?

This is the opportunity! This is your chance to get your voice heard!

Monday 12 July, 7pm start

Bromley Football Club, Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF

No need to call in advance, but if anyone would like more information, please call 020 8658 7168 or email: amanda.evans@bcef.org.uk

Or check the website for further details http://www.bcef.org.uk/

Resident Association

Went to the Residents Association AGM last night. These guys are doing some sterling work. Found out that the old Spanish Property shop was on the cusp of being a burger joint but fortunately the business owner eventually pulled out - which is a relief.

Also had a great talk from one of the association members on Coney Hall's history stretching right back to the Norman times and the rabbits they brought over which gave the area its name. Was interesting to find out why so few of us use Coney Hall in our address. Put it this way - the area temporarily had a bad name in the days of mortgage defaulters and battles with bailiffs.

For me the most interesting topic raised was the possibility of the area becoming a village. Everyone there seemed to agree that Coney Hall has all the criteria to qualify as a village and one of the members agreed to pursue the idea further. Apparently Councillor Manning was approached but wasn't particularly supportive of the idea. It would be interesting to know what the area would need to do to be considered a village. Watch this space...