The installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Bromley Road, with Scotts Lane and Downs Bridge Road, supported by ward Councillors, is due to be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Environmental and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny committee on Thursday 11 March at 6.30pm (see agenda and attached documents here). Unusually, the Council Officer report states that TfL do not recommend a mini roundabout be installed at this point.
Please let us know your views by email to hello@coperscope.org.uk. Ward Councillors contact details can be found here.
Bromley Healthcare invites all Bromley residents to an online event on the 10th March (3 – 4pm). Book your place before 7th March.
Get the latest information on the COVID vaccination rollout in Bromley.
In this session there will be an update on where NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group are with the vaccination programme in Bromley, how you can help them reach different communities, what information would be helpful for the public and reflecting on the volunteer support to the vaccination programme.
The next national Census is due to take place on 21 March 2021, managed by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The Census is a once in a decade opportunity to determine the profile of our resident population. Many funding decisions are based on the data collected, so it is important to maximise opportunities to engage with residents, especially hard-to-reach groups, and to raise awareness to ensure a maximum return rate.
This time, the Census is digital first, with 90% of households being sent a pack that includes an online access code for completion. The remaining 10%, identified by ONS as likely to need them, will be sent a paper version. Residents can request paper versions if they receive an online pack and are unable to use it. ONS has a range of support mechanisms in place to help complete the census such as questionnaires in a range of formats/languages, a network of field trained support staff, as well as contact centre support via phone, web chat, social media, text, etc.
Postcards are to be sent to all households in mid-February informing them the census is coming and, from 3 March, packs are to be sent asking people to take part and explaining how. A range of reminder campaigns will follow throughout April and field campaigns in May in areas of low completion.
New timetables for Southeastern train services have been issued on 22 Feb 2021. Please note:
Hayes line: no direct services from Beckenham to London Charing Cross at off-peak hours (between 10.30 and 15.30); service to Lewisham/London Bridge every 15 minutes
Victoria line: service from Beckenham to Herne Hill/Victoria every 15 minutes; service into London Blackfriars/City Thameslink/Farringdon/St Pancras International via Herne Hill every 30 minutes
Thameslink services between Orpington & Luton via Catford will have two services a day in each direction Sevenoaks to Blackfriars services via Catford continue to operate two trains per hour
On Wednesday, 3 February, NHS England (London region) announced changes to the way in which Londoners over the age of 70 access their COVID vaccination. The change has been made to ensure anyone over the age of 70 has their COVID vaccination as soon as possible.
Any London resident over the age of 70 who has not yet had their first COVID vaccination can now book online at: https://www.nhs.uk/book-a-coronavirus-vaccination/enter-your-name or by calling 119. A letter is no longer needed; people will only need to give either their NHS number or their postcode and date of birth.
You will be able to book an appointment at a vaccination centre or community pharmacy. You will not be able to book in for a vaccination with your GP in this way. If this is your preference, please wait to be contacted.
Bromley Council are keen to seek views from the Voluntary and Community Sector on how access to the Council’s services could be improved for all members of our community.
They would like to understand whether there are specific groups of residents who you work with who find it difficult to access the Council’s services fully and how their experiences can be improved when interacting with the Council.
TfL have now published their Consultation Report and Response to Issues Raised following the autumn 2019 consultation on updated proposals for extending the Bakerloo line beyond Elephant & Castle to Lewisham, serving Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. The consultation also sought to understand the level of support for a further extension beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.
8,749 responses were received. The majority of respondents made positive or supportive comments about our overall proposals (89 per cent). There was also support (82 per cent) for a possible further extension to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.
Despite the huge impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the TfL network and finances, it remains committed to delivering the Bakerloo line extension. This however remains dependent on a viable funding package being put together, with a Government commitment to support funding for the scheme.
The immediate priority is safeguarding the route of the Bakerloo line extension from Lambeth North to Lewisham in order to protect the route for delivery, a process led by the Department for Transport. TfL are in constructive discussions with the Department for Transport to work towards this important milestone.
If you have any queries about the consultation reports or the Bakerloo line extension please contact: ble@tfl.gov.uk
Bromley Police have warned that there seems to be a hike in the number of burglary incidents in Clock House, mostly around Mackenzie Road, Ravenscroft Road and Birkbeck Road. It is likely that this increase could also affect other areas in Beckenham, especially in the run-up to Christmas. The target has been bike sheds, which criminals have been breaking into and stealing bikes from. Bromley Police have said that they will increase their patrol in these areas, but also advise residents to try as much as possible to beef up their personal security as well.
The Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit has issued the following alert:
NHS TEST & TRACE SCAMS
This government service is extremely important in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public are on board with it; however, people have concerns about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams and some scam texts are already in circulation.
NHS Test & Trace will never ask you for financial details, PINs or passwords and will never visit your home. Also, Contact Tracers will never:
Ask you to dial a premium rate number (eg those starting 09 or 087);Ask you to make any form of payment;
Ask for details of your bank account;
Ask for your social media identities, login details, or those of your contacts;
Ask for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up passwords or PINs over the phone;
Ask you to purchase a product;
Ask you to download software or hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet;
Ask you to access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS.
Whilst it is possible for criminals to fake official phone numbers, they cannot fake official website addresses. Anyone with concerns about a phone call, text message or email in relation to Test & Trace is encouraged to check the website address provided carefully. If possible, type the official address (https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk) followed by unique characters given to you, directly into your browser.
If you think you have been sent a scam message, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Temporary changes are being made from Monday 15 June to the times of day the Older Person’s Freedom Pass and the 60+ Oyster card can be used on Transport for London services. They will not be valid for use during the morning peak travel period on weekdays from 04.30 t0 09.00. After 9am on weekdays and at weekends they can be used as normal. Disabled Freedom Pass holders will be unaffected by these changes.
Passengers are also being advised, where possible, not to travel immediately after 0900 to help reduce potential crowding on buses and trains where effective capacity has been hugely reduced as a result of the requirement to observe two-metres social distancing wherever possible.
The erection of a covered full-size football pitch and the creation of an artificial full-size pitch as part of an extended football academy was approved by Bromley Council’s Development Control Committee on 18 March.
Crystal Palace Football Club’s planning application also included plans for six training pitches of various sizes as well as a full size show pitch with spectator seating in Beckenham. The application proposes that the public will also be able to use the facilities. The council’s Development Control Committee were persuaded that while the proposed indoor pitch is inappropriate development on the Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) in Copers Cope Road, there are very special circumstances to outweigh the harm which would be caused. This includes the benefit to Crystal Palace Football Club and the community use.
Councillor Alexa Michael, Development Control Committee Chairman, said: “This site has been used for sport for over a hundred years and securing the long term future of the site and keeping its sporting use is very welcome news. It will also mean that Crystal Palace Football Club will continue to be intrinsically rooted in our Borough, sharing its roots with Crystal Palace, which is also in our Borough. In addition to the commitment that the facilities will be used by the community, this will be a place where young people will receive football related coaching and a variety of life skills.”
There were concerns raised by local residents about the size and height of the indoor pitch and the impact on Metropolitan Open Land, with the 19 metre maximum height to the apex of the curved roof required for technical engineering reasons.
The academy facilities will be made available to the local community in partnership with the Palace for Life Foundation, with the Foundation delivering programmes for more than 14,000 local children and young adults across south London. The increased access to the new Academy facility will enable this they can extend their reach in Bromley, especially for disability football, girls’ football, health and wellbeing programmes and employability workshops.
The approval decision is subject to the completion of a legal agreement and a section 106 agreement. It is also subject to approval by the Mayor of London.
Lewisham Council are consulting on potential changes to the eastern side of Beckenham Place Park (the Common and Summerhouse Fields) and seeking to secure funding to deliver improvements.
They are very keen to engage the local and wider community at an early stage in the design process to help understand the qualities and character of this part of the park and what needs to be improved and what positive things can be emphasised. The Council will feed all this information into the development of design ideas – which the Council will then be seeking views on in a few months’ time.
The consultation will run until April 26. Go to: Online Survey
Bromley Crime Prevention and Community Safety Survey 2020
Every four years the Safer Bromley Partnership carries out a strategic assessment, which looks at all community safety issues in the borough. As part of this process, a survey is conducted to find out the community’s concerns in relation to crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol.
The results of the survey combined with an analysis of all crimes that happen in the borough help Safer Bromley Partnership set the partnership’s priorities for the year.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share with colleagues and residents. It takes about 5 minutes. Questions are closed and straightforward for ease of completion.
St Paul’s Church in Brackley Road is hosting a week-long celebration for the whole local community to join in and come together! There’s a huge range of events for all ages and all interests – an offstreet party on the opening Saturday (7 September), a concert, a film night, fitness sessions and a Jive/Latin dance night, together with workshops, talks and demos, plus a community litter-pick. There’s a pop-up cafe open every day and a Flowerfest and Photofest will run throughout the entire week.
Everyone welcome and there’s no need to book (except for the pasta making workshop!)
See the flyer below for details and timings – and come along!
New Beckenham Together, a week-long celebration of the local community, 7-15 September
If you’re a keen photographer, young or old, experienced or inexperienced, and would like the opportunity to display your local shots in the daily photo and flower festival, part of New Beckenham Together, a week of events for the local community hosted by St Paul’s in Brackley Road from 7th to 15th September, we would love to hear from you by the end of August!
Southeastern have spent a few pennies at Beckenham Junction Station with a much-needed refurbishment of both the Ladies and Gents toilets. New cubicles and sinks with ultra hygienic taps & hand dryers have been installed.
So it’s a ‘thank you’ from the Beckenham travelling public!
(posted by Copers Cope Area Residents Association)
As part of Transport for London’s programme to upgrade tracks, roads and bridges in the Croydon area, there will be some temporary service changes for trams and buses from Friday 23 August to Sunday 1 September.
During this time, trams will not run between:
East Croydon and New Addington
East Croydon and Elmers End/Beckenham Junction
Between Wimbledon and East Croydon, trams will run at a reduced frequency in both directions.
Local buses will also be on diversion due to road closures:
Routes 119, 194 and 198 (not 189 as originally communicated) will not serve Addiscombe Road in either direction. Instead, they will divert via Shirley Road, Lower Addiscombe Road and Cherry Orchard Road
Route 466 will not serve Shirley Hills Road, Upper Shirley Road or Addiscombe Road. Instead it will divert via Coombe Lane, Coombe Road and Park Hill Road
TfL will increase the number of buses on busy routes and provide some tram replacement bus services. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.
Kings Mental Health Strategy – draft strategy out for consultation
Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have published their draft mental health strategy identifying key priorities to provide vision and direction over the coming five years. These priorities have been developed based on the good work already happening across the Trust, with input from clinical and operational staff and early engagement with volunteers, members, patients and Healthwatch organisations. They are now engaging with a range of local organisations and partners.
The strategy aims to build on and spread good practice in meeting the physical and mental health needs of their patients, their families and carers. Click here to read the strategy.
If you have any comments or questions, please email them to kch-tr.stakeholderrelations@nhs.net by close of play on Monday 9th September 2019.
You can also attend one of the sessions they will be holding to discuss the strategy.
3rd September, Board Room, Hambledon Wing, Denmark Hill, King’s College Hospital. You can attend a session from 5.00 – 6.00pm or 6.30-7.30pm
9th September,10.00 – 11.30am, PRUH Education Centre, Princess Royal University Hospital
Notification of major gas works: Albemarle Road area of Beckenham
An upgrade of the gas network in the Albemarle Road area of Beckenham is currently underway. This essential work involves the replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply is provided to the local area. The contractor JDT Utilitieswill undertake this work on the behalf of Scotland Gas Networks (SGN).
So that disruption is minimised, careful consultation and planning has taken place in partnership with Bromley Borough Council. The upgrade will start on Monday 8 July and last approximately 18 weeks. Engineers will be working in three overlapping phases as follows:
Phase 1 – Westgate Road, between its junction with The Avenue and Foxgrove Road
SGN will begin the project on Westgate Road between the junctions of The Avenue and Foxgrove Road on Monday 8 July for approximately four weeks
To ensure everyone’s safety temporary multi-way traffic lights will be installed at the junction of The Avenue for the first two weeks of this phase
Phase 2 – Westgate Road, between its junction with the railway bridge and Albemarle Road
From Monday 22 July work will start on Westgate Road between its junction with the railway bridge and Albemarle Road for approximately five weeks
For reasons of safety, Westgate Road between these junctions will be temporarily closed. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists and access for residents and pedestrians will be maintained
To ensure everyone’s safety and maintain traffic flow temporary multi-way traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Albemarle Road during this phase.
Phase 3 – Albemarle Road, between its junction with Westgate Road and Downs Bridge Road
From Monday 12 August, engineers will start working on Albemarle Road between its junction with Westgate Road and Downs Bridge Road for approximately thirteen weeks
Engineers will progress along Albemarle Road towards its junction with Downs Bridge Road working under multi-way temporary traffic lights to allow the work to be completed safely
Engineers will be working extended hours Monday – Saturday between 8am and 6pm to minimise disruption.
The new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, Beckenham businesses and residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.
Copers Cope Area Residents' Association (CCARA) & West Beckenham Residents' Association (WBRA) 