Assembly member seeks urgent meeting over Rotherhithe Tunnel gridlock

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Everyone in Bermondsey  must now be aware of the traffic chaos resulting from the enforcement of new width restrictions on the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

“Despite Transport for London having a year to prepare for the start of this policy it seems very few people are aware of this new ban on wide vehicles being allowed through the Rotherhithe Tunnel,” said Caroline Pidgeon AM, Lib Dem London Assembly member.

“These new restrictions might be necessary for safety reasons, but it is equally vital TfL ensure that drivers are fully aware of these new restrictions so where necessary can make alternative journeys. Every step must now be taken to avoid the gridlock we witnessed this week.”

“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Transport for London and local councillors to help resolve these problems.”

Rotherhithe Tunnel: new width restrictions enforced

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Transport for London says:

There is an ongoing programme of initiatives to improve the safety of the Rotherhithe Tunnel. The tunnel is now over 100 years old and was never built to carry the current level of daily traffic.

As part of these initiatives, in March 2012 we put up a 6’6″ (1.98 metres) width restriction sign at the Rotherhithe Tunnel entrances.

The narrowing of the width restrictions on both northbound and southbound approaches to the tunnel will significantly reduce the risk of vehicle collisions, spillage of flammable materials, and fires in the tunnel.

Physical width restriction barriers will be introduced at the tunnel entrances, and enforcement will begin on Tuesday 19 March 2013. Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) and police officers will be in attendance during the first week.

You will only be able to use the tunnel if you have a car, or car-derived van, less than 6’6″ (1.98 metres) in width.

The affected vehicles (an average of 103 per day out of 33,000, or 0.3%) will be required to use Tower Bridge or the Blackwall Tunnel, both of which are outside of the Congestion Charging zone, to complete their journey.

 

Police renew appeal for help to identify body found in Greenland Dock

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M122-12imageSouthwark police have made a renewed appeal to the public asking for assistance in identifying a man whose dead body was found floating in Greenland Dock six months ago.

Police were called to the dock at 4.40pm on 18 September 2012 after members of the public saw the body in the water. The Metropolitan Police Service’s Marine Policing Unit recovered the body.

A post-mortem examination was conducted at Greenwich Mortuary on 19 September. Police are treating the death as unexplained, but not suspicious.

Despite extensive police enquiries the man remains unidentified.

Southwark CID has released an artist’s impression of the man’s face in the hope that someone will recognise him.

The man is described as black, giving the appearance of being aged in his early to mid-thirties. He is described as being 6′ 2″ (1.89 metres) tall and of heavy build.

The body was fully clothed, wearing a black ‘Tommy Hilfiger’ long-sleeved T-shirt, blue jeans with a belt, and black ‘Kangol’ slip-on shoes.

Detective Inspector Ed Facer said: “It is difficult to believe that the man has not been missed by someone over the last six months – be it a family member, friend, neighbour, work acquaintance or member of the deceased’s local community.

“I would ask the public to spend a moment to look at the artist impression, together with the physical and clothing description provided, and contact the police if they have any information.”

Anyone with information should contact Southwark CID on 020 7232 7313 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Civic Trust Award for Canada Water Library – and a commendation for Dilston Grove

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Canada Water Library has received two prestigious awards in the space of a month: a 2013 EDGE Award in the physical category and a Civic Trust Award.

“We are thrilled to have won two notable awards,” said Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport, the Olympic Legacy and volunteering.

“The iconic building has been a resounding success and has helped renew excitement about libraries. The library has been seen over half a million visitors since opening, and is on course to hit the one million mark later on this year.”

“As well as being a stunning piece of architecture the library is also a great community asset, as these awards show. We plan to build on our successes and continue to deliver a library service in line with the needs of the local community.”

At this weekend’s Civic Trust Awards the library received the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design.

The citation said:

This Civic Trust Award winning building is incredibly successful, managing to redefine the function of a traditional library into that of a hub which offers a multitude of services to the whole community. All facilities are thoughtfully designed and clever environmental systems have produced an environment that is imaginative, elegant and beautifully lit. Inventive approaches to providing universal accessibility have created a library, coffee bar, theatre, learning, study and administrative areas that have excellent functionality. The enthusiasm of the staff for their building and the users of all ages coexisting comfortably, show the effort made by the client to involve all groups in the brief. This has resulted in a welcoming civic facility that is clearly enjoyed and well used by all. Canada Water Library brings to the East End of London an iconic community asset that is an exemplar of Universal Design.

Canada Water Library is currently Southwark’s library of the month and is hosting a special programme of events during March.

At the Civic Trust Awards the Dilston Grove gallery in Southwark Park also received a commendation from the judges.

Author Francesca Simon visits Canada Water Library for World Book Day celebration

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Councillor Veronica Ward + Francesca Simon + local schoolchildren

Bestselling author Francesca Simon joined local schoolchildren on Tuesday for a special book signing at Canada Water Library.

The author’s visit was linked to World Book Day which took place last week.

The award-winning writer of more than 45 books read extracts from the next title in her Horrid Henry series, Horrid Henry’s Nightmare, as well as sharing her experiences as a writer and signing books for the young audience of Southwark school children attending the event.

The author was joined by Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport, the Olympic Legacy and volunteering who said:

We are thrilled to have been able to bring local children closer to one of their favourite authors. We hoped to have got local children’s imaginations fired up and on the journey to becoming avid readers.

In Southwark we are excited about libraries. From our libraries in Canada Water to Peckham, we’ve continuously investing in each to ensure that they’re responsive to the local communities they serve. With over 500,000 visitors in its first year of opening, Canada Water Library has been a great success and we hope to be able to mirror this success in the new Camberwell library planned for 2014.

Commenting on the event, Francesca Simon said: “It is an absolute pleasure to visit such a thriving community library that is clearly doing so much to promote reading. This event was a lovely way to celebrate World Book Day.”

World Book Day aims to help children explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own, and encouraging them to join the library.

Harmsworth Quays: council lets Associated Newspapers transfer lease to British Land

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Southwark Council, which is the freeholder of most of the land at Harmsworth Quays, has agreed to permit Associated Newspapers to transfer its leases to British Land.

A dispute opened up last summer after British Land announced that it was buying the site from the newspaper firm.

When the council initially blocked the assignment of the lease to British Land, Associated Newspapers threatened legal action.

The council now says it has received further information and is prepared to agree to the transfer, thus preempting High Court action by Associated.

According to a briefing note from British Land published by the council:

The redevelopment of the Harmsworth Quay [sic] site provides and exciting and unique opportunity to truly revitalise this area of the Rotherhithe Peninsula. An opportunity we firmly believe can and should be taken. Ideally we would envisage a coordinated approach with the proposals for Harmsworth Quays integrated with the adjoining sites, including the Decathlon site, Aviva leisure site and The Surrey Quays Shopping Centre.

The move paves the way for talks between British Land, Southwark Council and King’s College London about the establishment of a new university campus on the site:

Having seen the proposals put forward by King’s College for the site, BL have met with their representatives to understand their requirements and potential benefits. BL are enthusiastic about the possibility of a university campus and advantages it would bring to the area including direct employment opportunities. The inclusion of this facility could also have spin off benefits with increased demand for commercial space for associated businesses including those catering to students as well as increased retail demand and expanding the day time economy.

The new campus would complement KCL’s plans for new student accommodation on the adjacent Mulberry Business Centre site.

* See all the papers on the Southwark Council website

Mobile phone snatched at Bermondsey Tube: Do you know this man?

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This image shows a man police want to speak to after a woman had her mobile phone snatched whilst on a Jubilee line train at Bermondsey Station at around 1.30pm on 10 December 2012.

Detective Inspector Jim Chamberlain said: “Incidents of this nature are frightening and intimidating for the victims involved and we are determined to find those responsible.

“Officers investigating each of these cases have carried out a number of enquiries to try and establish the identity of these people, including speaking to witnesses and circulating images on police intelligence systems, but to no avail so far.

“We’re now asking for help from the public to identify them. If you know any of these eight people and can tell us who they are, we want to hear from you.”

DI Chamberlain added: “A few simple precautions can help protect your belongings. Remember to zip up your bags, keep your jewellery, mobile phones, purses, wallets and MP3 players hidden and stay alert to what’s going on around you.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B14 LUA of 06/03/13. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

41-storey tower on Decathlon site “simply too high”, say councillors

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2013-03-08 13.23

The six Lib Dem councillors for Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks have written a joint letter opposing plans by Sellar (developers of the Shard) to build a 41-storey tower on the site of the Decathlon store at Canada Water.

We believe that 41 storeys is simply too high, and not in keeping with either the local area or the delivery of the Canada Water Area Action Plan.

The area has already seen the development of a ‘landmark’ tower, as per the Area Action Plan, adjacent to Canada Water station.  The 41 storeys are also far above both the aim of the AAP to restrict development in the core area to between generally 5 to 8 storeys and the already secured planning permission for 10 storeys on site C.

Whilst we welcome high quality development in the area and an increase in both health facilities and open space, we have severe reservations about the proposed building heights, the transport sustainability of the plans, and the mooted quantum of on site affordable housing.

You can read the councillors’ letter in full here.

English Heritage has also raised objections to the proposed tower, warning that it will spoil the view of Tower Bridge when seen from London Bridge.

Story Bubbles for 5 to 8-year-olds

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This from London Bubble:

A weekly drama group for children aged 5-8 yrs and their adults

Thursdays 5-6.30pm

runs 28th Feb, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th March

At London Bubble: c/o Swedish Church, 120 Lower Road, London, SE16 2UB

Have fun, play games, work together as a team to create stories and act them out.

To find out more or register:

Call: 020 7237 4434 / email [email protected]

http://www.londonbubble.org.uk/page/story-bubbles/