Horses and 20mph

I've long been an advocate for 20mph zones especially in areas with lots of kids. For me Coney Hall is an example of an area that would benefit from reduced speeds.

Lets face it, most people coming into Coney Hall are going home or visiting someone. Would a 10mph reduction make that much of a difference to your journey? So you might get to where you are going 2 minutes later. But then if you did hit a kid or a cyclist at that speed the chances are they would survive. No brainer in my book.

Then it struck me that we are lucky enough to still have horses being ridden around our area but I've never seen any signs warning motorists to watch out for horse riders. Maybe that might be a small and cost effective way to help reduce speed.

I've written to the council before citing examples of other areas and councils adopting 20mph zones but Bromley don't yet seem receptive to the idea. So perhaps the horses can be the spur (no pun intended) for my new approach.

I figure it's only a matter of time before they make the change to 20mph. I just don't want us to be like Bounds Green where 20mph zones are enacted only after a girl is left brain damaged after being hit outside her school.

Meantime - please drive carefully in our wonderfull neighbourhood.

Kebab shop?

So is it a kebab shop or a restaurant? I've not tried it out yet but I'm curious to find out.

Unfortunately, Cafe Fiennes seems to have closed (despite promises they would be back). Maybe a greengrocers or a nice local coffee shop would be a nice replacement.

The new Indian Inaga(?) seems to be doing really well. I've heard some great local reviews. And the same can be said for Joan's Beauty Salon.

As for Focus going into administration, rumour is it will be a Wickes next...?

New road surface in Kingsway

Good to see the road re-surfacing in Coney Hall and Kingsway Parade but can't help but wonder how much that cost at a time when councils are making major cutbacks.

My understanding was that today's modern cars can withstand all but the worse potholes (at least that's what the adverts tell us). That being the case would the money have been better spent on keeping our lollipop men/women rather than helping our cars to go even faster and smoother on our suburban roads. My preference would have been to make sure our children are safe on the roads.

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.