Author: Copers Cope Area Residents' Association (CCARA)

Residents Association covering central and northern Beckenham. Founded in 1939 to protect and promote the interests of residents in matters of local concern

Beckenham High Street Improvements Update 31st July 2107

Improvement Works Update courtesy of F M Conway, contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 30th July 2017.

  • Kerb laying, drainage work and paving continuing north from Church Avenue.
  • The construction of the new planters on Beckenham Green will continue.
  • Transport for London traffic signals work at the Bromley Road/Church Road/High Street Junction to be completed by the end of the week.
  • Pavement laying will continue adjoining the planters on Beckenham Green and will be completed by the 11th August.

For reference some works such as traffic signals and power connections are conducted by outside agencies such as Transport for London and UKPN. The project does not have control of these works and therefore trenches such as at the Albemarle and High Street junction cannot be filled.

Previous completed works

  • Paving and kerbing completed to Marks and Spencer.

The completed scheme

Feedback from the community has revealed that there are some incorrect preconceptions about the scheme.

  • The asphalt at Thornton’s Corner is a temporary measure until the granite paving is laid.
  • The High Street will not be pedestrianised. Improvements will however greatly improve the pedestrian environment with wider pavements, improved lighting and more and better road crossings.
  • After the improvements are complete the High Street will revert to two way traffic as prior to the improvements. The larger widenings such as the North-West corner of Thorntons Corner have been    designed to enable the largest road vehicles to comfortably navigate the corner in both directions. Changes to the vehicle stop lines and traffic signalling will enable vehicles to use the reduced road space with minimal impacts on traffic flows.
  • No existing bus stops will be removed from the High Street. All bus stops will however be improved and will become fully disabled accessible. In order to create sufficient waiting space for passengers some bus stops will be located on what is the highway at present.
  • The scheme will not introduce shared surfaces where the footway and road surface will be on the same level. Throughout the scheme a kerb will be retained and the pedestrian areas will be a traditional pavement above vehicular areas except at crossing places.

Further information can be found at www.bromley.gov.uk/beckenhamimprovements

Splatter Make – free craft workshops at Market On The Green next weekend 8 July 2017.

Market On The Green – 10am to 4pm, 8 July 2017 on Beckenham Green

Splatter Make (based in Beckenham Place Park) will be running free craft workshops all day for up to 10-15 kids at a time, making headbands, pom-pom tassel keyrings, bracelets and other fab items.

The July Market On The Green brings you over 40 local produce, craft and street food stalls. Come along to stock up on Kentish products, meat, cheese and fruit; local honey; locally grown plants; fabulous gifts and treats. Be sure to check out our web page for an up to date stall list.

Entertainment

Our special guest this July is Princess Poppy (lookalike), she entertaining the kids with a dance party at 11.30am. The stage is set for an afternoon of free entertainment with Balgowan School Irish Dancing, Certitude Community Choir Penge and singer Josef Pitura-Riley confirmed so far.

The will also be a funfair, paint and take pottery and face painting for the kids.

July_2017_A6_Postcard

Market On The Green – Sat 8 July 2017

Market On The Green has over 40 stalls selling local produce and craft and lots of yummy food for lunch –  jerk chicken, wood fired pizza, cakes, chocolate, artisan breads, handmade sauces and conserves, hand painted cards, handmade children’s and adult jewellery, locally produced fruit gin, plants, rare breed lamb & pork, local brewed beer, Kent strawberries, Kent cheese, local honey, handmade fudge, pottery, ceramics, soaps, candles, gifts and more.

Our special guest is Princess Poppy look-a-like, she will be on stage bringing Poppy-happiness to the kids with a dance party at 11.30am. Balgowan Primary will be Irish Dancing, Penge Certitude Choir singing, and pop artist Josef Pitura-Riley is back.

Buzzers Academy (Teach Sport) are returning to Market On The Green to run free sports games. Bring the kids along to try out multi sports games, obstacle courses and football games.

The will also be a funfair, pottery painting and face painting for the kids.

July_2017_A6_Postcard

Beckenham Improvements work update 26th June 2017

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 26th June 2017.

  • Kerb laying and new paving will commence north from Pierluigis towards Church Avenue. Car parking will be suspended at this location.
  • Strengthening materials will continue to be laid under the new parking bays along The High Street between Rokewood Apartments and Thornton’s Corner.
  • Additional drainage will continue to be installed at Thorntons Corner and new kerbing will be completed.
  • Temporary surfacing will be laid at Thorntons Corner to reopen the pavement and remove the safety barriers.
  • The construction of the new planters on Beckenham Green will continue.

Previous completed works

  • Structural works for the Beckenham Green planters has continued.
  • The crossover to Rokeswood Apartments was completed (1 day earlier than anticipated).
  • Drainage, road strengthening and kerbing has been laid at Thorntons Corner.

Kelsey Park Musical Afternoon, 2 to 5pm Sun 2nd July 2017

This year’s Musical Afternoon will commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the Friends of Kelsey Park. We will have many of our regulars – including the immensely popular ‘New Generation’ big band from the players of the wonderful BYMT; the choir and glee club from St Mark’s School and the Bishop Justus Jazz Band, which has concluded the afternoon for some years.

 

Bridge Bar approved for 4am close Temporary Licence.

Bromley Council approves a Temporary Tent notice allowing a 4am closure. The licensing sub-committee decided that it was fair and proportionate to allow the Temporary Event to proceed as the licence holder had demonstrated that they had taken sufficient steps to mitigate any adverse effect on the Crime and Disorder objective.

Read more on the Council’s website here.

 

Bromley Council response to Grenfell Tower

We have written to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Carr and MP Bob Stewart to find out what the Council is doing to ensure all blocks in Bromley Borough are safe. We have also requested the Council website be updated as a matter of urgency as there is currently no information in regard to the Council’s response to Grenfell nor how concerned residents can make contact.

Cllr Carr has confirmed that an immediate review of fire and safety standards of all properties (Council and Housing Providers) in which Bromley residents are placed in Borough or beyond is underway and ongoing. Cllr Carr has also confirmed the Council website will be updated and that Bromley Council has offered help and support to Kensington Borough.

Our MP Bob Stewart has confirmed that central government has issued an instruction to all local authorities to check whether all high-rise buildings in their area have complied with recent fire orders.  Further central government are identifying all high-rise buildings owned or managed by Housing Associations or Local Authorities and conducting a fire safety review of all buildings similar to Grenfell Tower.

 

Beckenham Place Park 5000 person event License applicantion

Lewisham Council are applying to themselves for a licence to hold music and entertainment events up to 2300 hours in Beckenham Place Park for 5,000 people.  

The application (attached) states that “significant” events will have an “event management plan”, there is no detail as to what will be in the “plan”, particularly with regard to parking, access gates, how numbers will be limited, how noise will be measured and controlled, etc. Our Association will be making representations to request these details be well managed and considerate of local residents.

Comments/representations must be received by 11th July 2017, and should be sent via:

  • email: licensing@lewisham.gov.uk
  • post: Licensing Services, London Borough Of Lewisham, Licensing Authority, Holbeach Office, 9 Holbeach Road, SE6 4TW.

It would be appreciated if you can copy our Association in to any email comments/representations at chairman@coperscope.org.uk

Beckenham Improvements work update 12th June 2017

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 12th June 2017

Excavation work for new kerbs will be commenced between Pierluigis restaurant and approximately the Beckenham Pharmacy. Parking will be suspended in this area.

The entrance to Rokewood Apartments will be closed to vehicles for a minimum time from 8:00am on Tuesday 20th June through to Thursday 22nd at 16:30pm. Residents and users of this car park are being notified. Alternative parking will be arranged during this time for authorised users. If you do not need to use your car during these dates it can remain in situ.

If you are affected by this and have not contacted FM Conway’s liaison officer Helen McConnell please could you email Beckenham@fmconway.co.uk detailing your address, car make, model and registration number. Alternatively you can call Helen on 07917 518 529

The construction of the new planters on Beckenham Green will continue. The structures have been designed in consultation with the Councils arboriculturalist. Each root will be boxed in a pipe/chamber to protect it with leverage for growth.

Transport for London will continue to carry out modification works to the traffic signals on the corner of Albemarle Road and the High Street.

Previous completed works 

  • Kerbing and paving on Bromley Road has been completed.
  • Foundations for the planters on Beckenham Green have been commenced.
  • Preparation works for new kerb alignment between 106 High Street and 62 High Street Thorntons Corner have been carried out.

Beckenham Improvements work update 5th June 2017

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 5th June 2017. 

Foundation are continued to be laid for the planters on Beckenham Green. The structures have been designed in consultation with the Councils Arboriculturalist. Each root will be boxed in a pipe/chamber to protect it with leverage for growth.

Preparation works for new kerb alignment between 106 High Street and 62 High Street will continue with trial holes on Thornton’s Corner, to confirm the location of underground services.

It is anticipated that Transport for London will carry out modification works to the traffic signals on the corner of Albemarle Road and the High Street.

Previous completed works

  • Kerbing and paving on Bromley Road will be completed.
  •  Foundations for the planters on Beckenham Green have been commenced.

Beckenham Improvements work update 30 May 2017

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 30th May to the 2nd June 2017:

  • Kerbing and paving on Bromley Road will be completed.
  • Work on the planters on Beckenham Green will continue.
  • Preparation works for new kerb alignment between 106 High Street and 62 High Street will be implemented in anticipation of excavation and kerb laying starting the week of the 5th June 2017.
  • It is anticipated that Transport for London will carry out modification works to the traffic signals on the corner of Albemarle Road and the High Street.

Previous completed works

  • New kerbs and paving have been laid on Bromley Road between the Nat West and the Public Halls and between 47-71 High Street.
  • Labour intensive hand digging excavation around the Beckenham Green Plane trees has been completed and temporary root protection introduced.


Novelty Dog Competition Times – Sat 20 May 2017 at Market On The Green

Calling all Beckenham Doggies, come along to the Novelty Dog Competition at Market On The Green on Saturday 20 May. There 8 categories to show off Beckenham’s winning dogs. If you would like to enter sign up here.  

  • 10.30 am – 11.00 am – Best Biscuit Catcher & Waggiest Tail
  • 12.30 pm – 1.00 pm Fancy Dress (dog) and Cutest puppy (6-12 months)
  • 1.30 – 2.00 pm – Fastest Sausage Eater & Best OAP Dog (over 7 years)
  • 3.00 – 3.30 pm – Best Trick & Longest Eyelashes

 Your owners may enjoy the local produce market, hula hoop workshop, live entertainment and fair. They can find out more here.

 

 

Beckenham Improvements work update 15 May 2017

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for weeks commencing the 15th May to the 26th May 2017

  • Kerbing and paving on Bromley Road will be completed.
  • Work on the planters on Beckenham Green will continue.
  • Between 47-71 High Street paving will continue in front of the shops.

 Previous completed works

  • New kerbs and paving have been laid on Bromley Road between the Nat West and the Public Halls and between 47-71 High Street.
  • The trees stumps outside 47-71 High Street have been removed and the tree pits have been sealed over.
  • Labour intensive hand digging excavation around the Beckenham Green Plane trees has been commenced.

Beckenham Improvements work update 8 May 20

Improvement Works update courtesy of F M Conway contractor for the works.

Work for week commencing the 8th May

  • Kerbing and paving on the roadside half of the pavement will be completed on the south side of Bromley Road. The existing tree pits will be surfaced to allow pedestrians to use the front portion of the paving to enable the excavation in front of the shops.
  • Work on the planters on Beckenham Green is underway.
  • Kerb laying will continue around the corner from the High Street to Bromley Road, Church side. To facilitate the works the crossing point will be temporarily moved slightly towards the junction will St Georges Road.
  • Between 47-71 High Street excavation and paving will commence on the pavement area in front of the shops. The completed tree pits, will be temporarily asphalted until tree planting in the autumn.

Previous completed works

  • New signs on the approaches to Beckenham have been installed.
  • Road marking at Beckenham Junction crossroads has been completed.
  • New kerbs have been laid on Bromley Road between the Nat West and the Public Halls and between 47-71 High Street.
  • Trees outside 47-71High Street have been removed.

Beckenham Improvements Work update 01 May 2017

Improvement Works Update, Monday 1st May  courtesy of F M Conway, contractor for the works:

Work for week commencing the 1st May

  • Work continues on both the corners of Bromley Road junction with the High Street and outside 47-71 High Street. The tree trial pits outside 41-71 will be filled until planting in the autumn.
  • External contractors will remove the two trees outside 47-71 High Street.

Note: Our Association contacted the Council this morning for clarification regarding the trees, advice as follows:

The two trees to be removed will be replaced with six trees Elm Trees. If the two trees were not removed there would not be enough space for the six new trees to be planted. The Council tree officer originally suggested the removal of the trees as they are considered to be located too near the buildings. Also if the trees were retained they would end up in the middle of the planned widened footpath .

Previous completed works

  • Paving and new kerbs were continued to be laid on both sides of Bromley Road.
  • Kerb realignment in front of 47 to 71 High Street almost complete.
  • Trial holes for new trees in front of 47 to 71 High Street have been dug and it has been confirmed that 6 trees can be planted.
  • Road resurfacing at the High Street / Albemarle Road / Rectory Road / Southend Road junction completed.
  • New advance notification signs have been erected on lampposts approaching the High Street.

 

Market On The Green 20 May 2017, Novelty Dog Competition, Spy Ravens and Little Diamonds,

Market On The Green is back for 2017.  

The 20 May market kicks off with a 4-legged theme, the Beckenham Business Association is running a Novelty Dog Competition. With 8 categories to enter, there’s bound to be at least one category for your furry friend.

  • Best Biscuit Catcher
  • Waggiest Tail
  • Fancy Dress (dog)
  • Cutest puppy (6-12 months)
  • Fastest Sausage Eater
  • Best OAP Dog (over 7 years)
  • Best Trick
  • Longest Eyelashes

Further details and booking information can be found here.

Of course we will have a usual local produce and craft stalls (a full list on our Market page) … many of our favourites are back plus a few new stalls to tempt you.

There will be lots of entertainment, including free live performances on stage.  We are very excited to welcome 2 special acts to the stage….  Spy Ravens and Little Diamonds are two great junior pop bands. A parent from Balgowan Primary School who works in music auditioned for a boy band and girl band (year 5 – 9 year olds) to go into a national competition. The children had to write 3 songs each, which the parent helped produce. Now they will both perform for us at Market On The Green, please come along for 12.30and show your support.

The above information correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.

Subscribe to the Market On The Green mailing list.

 

Beckenham Improvement Work Update 24 Apr 2017

Work for week commencing the 24th April.
· Paving and new kerbs will be laid on both sides of Bromley Road. (It is anticipated that these works will be complete in 2-3 weeks).

· Kerb realignment in front of 47 to 71 High Street will be completed.

· Trial holes for new trees in front of 47 to 71 High Street will be dug.

· The new granite paving on the four corners of the junction will be subject to a thorough jet clean prior to the highway resurfacing.

· The High Street / Albemarle Road / Rectory Road / Southend Road junction will be re-surfaced during the hours of 9pm and 4am on the 24th to the 27th April.

Second week update report

· The pedestrian islands at Beckenham junction have been installed.

· The cobbles at the bottom of the steps adjoining Coppers have been re-laid. Kerb realignment in front of 47 to 71 High Street has been commenced.

· Paving between Beckenham Green and the entrance to St Georges Church was completed before the Easter celebrations.