Category: News

Council Proposal to restructure Bromley Road Infant School – have your say by 15 Feb 2013

This information outlines Bromley Council’s case for the change of age-range at Bromley Road Infant School and how you can respond to the consultation. The deadline for responses is Friday, 15 February 2013.

The Governors of Bromley Road have stated that they wish to review the future organisation of the School. In addition to this, Bromley Council has a duty to ensure that there are sufficient school places available for all children.  The Council must also ensure that the size, location, organisation and number of pupil places deliver best value in the use of public funding.  You can view the relevant Report ‘Review of Primary School Development Plan: Outcomes’ on Bromley Council’s website at:  www.bromley.gov.uk/consultation.

Following discussion with the Governing Bodies of Bromley Road Infant and Worsley Bridge Junior the Council is consulting on changing these linked Infant/Junior Schools to two separate all‑through Primary Schools.  The potential advantages of an all through primary school include:

  • strengthened leadership and management across key stages;
  • consistency of policy and planning;
  • continuity of curriculum organisation and teaching and learning across key stages;
  • continuity in pupil assessment and pupil tracking;
  • staffing, the efficient deployment of expertise and curriculum range, enhanced opportunities for professional development;
  • consistent governance.

A review of the School site and an initial assessment of essential works has indicated that there would be the potential for:

  • A modified School access
  • Multi-use games area
  • Minor decoration and necessary adaptations to ensure facilities are appropriate for junior age children

The proposal for Bromley Road Infant School is to restructure the school from a 3 Forms of Entry Infant to a 1 Form of Entry Primary School from September 2014.

A form of entry is equal to a class of 30 pupils in each year group, so 1 form of entry is equal to 30 pupils in each year group. A Primary School has 7 year groups, running from Reception for the youngest children to Year 6 for the oldest children. Bromley Road already has Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. Under this proposal, the School would grow year to year, rather than all in one go, so that a Year 3 class would be added in September 2014, a Year 4 class in Sept 2015, a Year 5 class in 2016 and finally a Year 6 class in September 2017.

A change to the age range of a school is a prescribed alteration and therefore there is a required consultation and decision making process:

6 November 2012: Report to Education Portfolio Holder (PH) requesting authorisation to consult
11 January – 15 February 2013: Consultation with all interested parties
19 March 2013: Outcomes form Consultation considered by Education PH and decision on proposal made
If proposal approved:  
Late Spring 2013: Publication of Notice and Statement of Case
Summer 2013: Education PH Meeting to consider any objections
Summer 2013: Any objections to be considered by the School Adjudicator
September 2014: Implement Proposal

 

The outcomes from consultation will be reported to the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee on 19 March 2013 – this is a public meeting which starts at 7pm.

We would welcome your views and comments on our proposal.  You can respond to this consultation in the following ways:

When responding please give your name and address and clarify in what capacity you are responding, e.g. Head Teacher – this will help with the analysis of responses.

A telephone helpline has been set up on 020 8313 4088 and is staffed between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone the helpline if you require large print, audio or Braille versions of this letter, or you require language translation services.

While all responses will be acknowledged, it will not be possible for us to enter into correspondence with individual respondents.  However, Bromley Council’s website will be updated with information as the consultation progresses.

Views and comments received will be summarised in the consultation outcomes report to the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee on 19 March 2013.  This will be available to view on the Council’s website a week before the meeting.  Information provided in response to this consultation will be published in accordance with access to information regimes including the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

We look forward to receiving your views and comments.  The closing date for receipt of responses is Friday, 15 February 2013.

Please note that at the same time as this consultation, Bromley Council will be consulting on a proposal to restructure Worsley Bridge Junior School from a 3 forms of entry Junior School to a 2 forms of entry Primary School. Details of this consultation can be found on here

Council Proposal to Restructure Worsley Bridge Junior School – have your say by 15 Feb 2013

This information outlines Bromley Council’s case for the change of age-range at Worsley Bridge Junior School and how you can respond to the consultation.  The deadline for responses is Friday, 15 February 2013.

The Governors of Worsley Bridge have stated that they wish to review the future organisation of the School. In addition to this, Bromley Council has a duty to ensure that there are sufficient school places available for all children.  The Council must also ensure that the size, location, organisation and number of pupil places deliver best value in the use of public funding.  You can view the relevant Report ‘Review of Primary School Development Plan: Outcomes’ on Bromley Council’s website at:  www.bromley.gov.uk/consultation.

Following discussion with the Governing Bodies of Worsley Bridge Junior and Bromley Road Infant, the Council is consulting on changing these linked Infant/Junior Schools to two separate all‑through Primary Schools.  The potential advantages of an all through primary school include:

  • strengthened leadership and management across key stages;
  • consistency of policy and planning;
  • continuity of curriculum organisation and teaching and learning across key stages;
  • continuity in pupil assessment and pupil tracking;
  • staffing, the efficient deployment of expertise and curriculum range, enhanced opportunities for professional development;
  • consistent governance.

A review of the School site and an initial assessment of essential works has indicated that there would be a need for the replacement/modification of out-buildings and/or modular build to create the necessary accommodation for infant aged children.

The proposal for Worsley Bridge Junior School is to restructure the school from a 3 Forms of Entry Junior to a 2 Forms of Entry Primary School from September 2014.

A form of entry is equal to a class of 30 pupils in each year group, so 2 forms of entry are equal to 60 pupils in each year group. A Primary School has 7 year groups, running from Reception for the youngest children to Year 6 for the oldest children. Worsley Bridge already has Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 classes.  Under this proposal, the School would grow year to year, rather than all in one go, so that two Reception classes would be added in September 2014, two Year 1 classes in September 2015 and two Year 2 classes in September 2016.

A change to the age range of a school is a prescribed alteration and therefore there is a required consultation and decision making process:

6 November 2012: Report to Education Portfolio Holder (PH) requesting authorisation to consult
11 January – 15 February 2013: Consultation with all interested parties
19 March 2013: Outcomes form Consultation considered by Education PH and decision on proposal made
If proposal approved:  
Late Spring 2013: Publication of Notice and Statement of Case
Summer 2013: Education PH Meeting to consider any objections
Summer 2013: Any objections to be considered by the School Adjudicator
September 2014: Implement Proposal

The outcomes from consultation will be reported to the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee on 19 March 2013 – this is a public meeting which starts at 7pm.

We would welcome your eviews and comments on our proposal.  You can respond to this consultation in the following ways:

When responding please give your name and address and clarify in what capacity you are responding, e.g. Head Teacher – this will help with the analysis of responses.

A telephone helpline has been set up on 020 8313 4088 and is staffed between 8.30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone the helpline if you require large print, audio or Braille versions of this letter, or you require language translation services.

While all responses will be acknowledged, it will not be possible for us to enter into correspondence with individual respondents.  However, Bromley Council’s website will be updated with information as the consultation progresses.

Views and comments received will be summarised in the consultation outcomes report to the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee on 19 March 2013.  This will be available to view on the Council’s website a week before the meeting.  Information provided in response to this consultation will be published in accordance with access to information regimes including the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

We look forward to receiving your views and comments.  The closing date for receipt of responses is Friday, 15 February 2013.

Please note that at the same time as this consultation, Bromley Council will be consulting on a proposal to restructure Bromley Road Infant School from a 3 forms of entry Infant School to a 1 form of entry Primary School. Details of this consultation can be found here.

Beckenham’s Bid for TfL Funds Unsuccessful

Unfortunately  the bid submitted by Bromley Council and their appointed design consultants (East) for funds from Transport for London’s (TfL) Local Implementation Plan Major Schemes programme has been unsuccessful. Beckenham will not be awarded any funding for major town centre improvements.  We understand that the scheme design submitted to TfL was acceptable, however TfL felt that given how many bids there were and the fact the London Borough of Bromley already has a major scheme funded by TfL in progress (BromleyNorthVillage) other boroughs should be looked at first. Beckenham can resubmit its bid for 2014/15 as TfL’s funding ofBromleyNorthVillage will have finished by then.

There is some good news, TfL have awarded some funds towards realigning the junction at Southend Road/Rectory Road/Albemarle Road/High Street. Plus there is still £200,000 from Bromely Council to do some smaller scale town centre improvements in Beckenham.

We will keep you updated as we find out more.

Bromley Police Scam Warning – Bogus Waterboard officials

Bromley Police are reminding residents to be on the lookout for distraction burglars posing as officials who are tricking their way into people’s homes, following a number of recent incidents across the borough (ten in November alone).

Common ruses used by bogus officials include dressing smartly or wearing what might look like an official uniform. They might claim to be water board officials (as in the recent cases), meter readers, or any other official sounding occupation. They will often prey on a victim’s fear – for example claiming that if they are not let in to check the water supply, the victim will be responsible for any damage. If posing as a meter reader, they will often claim they have a right to enter a property. Alternatively, offenders operate as bogus workmen, claiming that essential work needs doing. For example, they might say that they need to turn off the water supply via a stop cock as there’s a leak or claim that a leaking roof needs to be fixed.

Detective Sergeant Miles Fuller from Bromley Police said “This is an evil crime. Cowardly and dishonest criminals deliberately ruin the lives of decent, honest and vulnerable people – people who have worked hard for what little they have and who are in every sense the most undeserving of victims.

Pretending to be from a utility like ‘the Water Board’ or ‘the Gas Company’ is the most common technique that these callous thieves use to trick their way into peoples homes. We really need to get the message home to people, particularly the elderly who are the most likely targets, that they should never let anyone into their homes without being shown the correct identification. By following a few simple steps this despicable crime could so easily be avoided.

I would also ask people to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and if you see anything suspicious or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately. We need your help to ensure these criminals are brought to justice.”

Police are reminding residents:

Before opening your door, check who’s calling and if someone calls who you do not recognise keep the door chain on. Remember that you are under no obligation to speak with any cold callers. If you are not happy, you do not need to open your door. “If in doubt, keep them out.” Turn them away. That is your right. If you are at all suspicious of anyone, do not hesitate to call us via 999.

Check the caller’s appearance and ask for identification, which should include a photo. Genuine utility workers will wear a uniform and drive a company-signed vehicle. These burglars will often say that they are from the “water board”, “gas board” or “electricity board.” A genuine caller would never use such terms because “boards” ceased to exist when those industries were privatised. The burglars use phrases like this because they think that elderly residents will be familiar with them. If genuine, they will be from one of the privatised companies and will have photo identification to prove it. There should be a number to call so that you can confirm the caller is genuine. Any legitimate caller or official will not mind waiting outside while you ring the number to check.

Many utility companies will have a verified password scheme. If you have registered for this scheme and the caller cannot give the password, do not let them in.

The safest place for your money is in the bank. It’s best not to keep large amounts of cash at home.

Kent Stage Academy of Performing Arts Beckenham presents A Night Before Christmas on Sunday 16th December 2012

  • A Night Before Christmas
  • Sunday 16th December 2012, 19:30, Beckenham Public Halls, 4 Bromley Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3  5JE
  • Tickets: £12.00 / £8:00 concessions. Available online from www.brookstreetproductions.co.uk or in person from Beckenham Public Halls. Call 020 8090 580 for further information.

Kent Stage Academy of Performing Arts (KSA), Beckenham-based musical theatre college, is delighted to announce that this year’s Christmas performance “A Night Before Christmas” will be in aid of The Breast of Bromley, a volunteer group for research charity Breast Cancer Campaign.

More information can be found on the KSA website

Report issues to Bromley Council at www.fixmystreet.com

Bromley Council have advised Residents’ Associations in the borough that the preferred way for residents to report problems to them is through a website called www.fixmystreet.com .

It is really simple….

  • You enter the nearby postcode, or street name and area
  • Then enter the details of the problem (you can check to see if some else has already reported the problem)
  • Upload a photo if you wish
  • The details are sent to Bromley Council
  • You can check the status of the problem online, the Council will advise what action they are taking

There are smart phone applications for www.fixmystreet.com to make it even easier to report issues. Not everyone has access to the internet or smart phones so why not offer to report issues online at www.fixmystreet.com on behalf of your neighbours.

See current issues reported in the Copers Cope Ward at the link below.

Last consultation meeting Today 2pm in Orpington – Future of South London NHS services

Mon 3 Dec at 2pm at Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 8PR.

Meeting held by Office of the Trust Special Administrator whose recommendations will affect Beckenham in the following ways.

The NHS Trust pulling out of the Beckenham Beacon by terminating the lease, discussions are already underway. What if anything will be put in its place? Residents may have to travel to Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough for services previously provided at the Beacon.

A recommendation to merge the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site with Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust will see Lewisham Hospital cease to have an A&E (this is the closest A&E for many Beckenham residents).

Lewisham Hospital has the closest A&E for many Beckenham residents. If the Minor Injury Unit at the Beacon is also closed the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough will be the closest hospital for urgent care. It is also recommended Orpington Hospital be sold off.

Take the shop local challenge…. see how much of your Christmas shopping you can do on our High Street

From major music electronics to the smallest stocking fillers, you’ll find it in your High Street.

Fantastic clothes shops whether they’ve been here for generations or are new on the block, hidden treasures in gift and specialist shops, a huge selection of toys with advice to guide you to just the right one, kitchen gadgets and Christmas essentials and luxuries, every chocolate and sweet you’ve ever dreamed of, books for everyone, and exquisite flowers, bouquets and decorations. If what you need isn’t in any of our wonderful independent shops, the stores are brimming with ideas – and when all else fails, there’s always vouchers from the numerous beauty, hair and nail salons, the Odeon cinema, and many of the shops, plus the timeless fail-safe book tokens from the book shop.

With the twinkling white Christmas lights to set the mood, and coffee shops and eating places to spoil you for choice, Christmas shopping in Beckenham will be a joy… Enjoy stress-free local shopping, support your High Street… and a Merry Christmas to all.

It’s been said before… “use it or lose it” – if we want to keep a thriving High Street we need to shop there.

Stables Green (R/O 86-94 High Street) Town Green Application Refused

APPLICATION TO REGISTER LAND BEHIND 94-98 AND 126 HIGH STREET, BECKENHAM AS A TOWN OR VILLAGE GREEN

Planning permission is given for construction of 3 blocks of 4 storey flats on the site, however, local residents backing on to the site formed Central Beckenham Resident’s Association and lodged an application for the site to be designated a ‘Town Green’.  If the Town Green application was successful it would have superseded any planning permission granted on the site.

A public enquiry was held by QC Annabel Graham Paul in regard to the Town Green Application, were evidence was given by Central Beckenham Resident’s Association among others.  The outcome of the enquiry can be found at the link below.

Inspectors Report

On the recommendation of the Inspector Report, Bromley Council declined to register land behind 94-98 and 126 High Street, Beckenham as a town or village green. This means the development of 3 blocks of 4 storey flats on the site will likely go ahead

 

 

Bromley Police Bank Card Scam Warning

Bromley Police are reissuing their warning regarding frauds targeting the elderly and vulnerable after a recent increase in these offences across Bromley, with one resident losing her £26,000 life savings.

Elderly residents have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from fraudsters purporting to be from the police fraud squad or their bank. The fraudster will state that there is an ongoing investigation into fraudulent payments on their bank account/card.
The person will be asked to ring the police/bank back using the phone number printed on the back of their bank card or by calling 999. This helps to convince the person that the call is genuine. However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though the person has dialled a number, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly still connected with the fraudster.
The victim is asked to provide their full bank card details and key in their PIN so that their existing card can be “cancelled” and a new one “activated” or “authorised.” The fraudster will then explain that the bank will need to collect the card. The fraudster will then attend the person’s address or send an innocent courier company driver to collect the card. The fraudster, having obtained the person’s name, address, full bank details, the card itself and the PIN, then used the card to empty the victim’s bank account.

Fraudsters have also pretended to be from the police cold calling members of the public claiming to be from the Economic Crime Department and that the person’s bank account has been compromised by criminals. The fraudster suggests that the person should withdraw the money for collection by a police representative for safekeeping until the investigation was complete.

Detective Inspector Louise Knipe from Bromley Police said: “If you receive such a call end it immediately. The police will never ask you for any money, either to assist with an investigation, or for safekeeping. Your bank will never attend your home, your bank and the police will never collect your bank card, your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN. If you do receive any call that you are suspicious about, please speak with a younger family member or relative before giving out any details or withdrawing any money and also contact the police”.

Future of South London NHS services -Public Meeting Today 10am in Bromley

Mon 26 Nov at 10am, Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley Hill, Bromley, Kent BR1 4JD

Meeting held by Office of the Trust Special Administrator whose recommendations will affect Beckenham in the following ways.

The NHS Trust pulling out of the Beckenham Beacon by terminating the lease, discussions are already underway. What if anything will be put in its place? Residents may have to travel to Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough for services previously provided at the Beacon.

A recommendation to merge the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site with Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust will see Lewisham Hospital cease to have an A&E (this is the closest A&E for many Beckenham residents).

Lewisham Hospital has the closest A&E for many Beckenham residents. If the Minor Injury Unit at the Beacon is also closed the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough will be the closest hospital for urgent care. It is also recommended Orpington Hospital be sold off.

Beckenham Beacon and other NHS services Consultation by Dec 13 2012

Respond to the consultation online at: www.tsa.nhs.uk/tell-us-what-you-think. If you cannot respond online,  please call freephone 0800 953 0110 or email tsaconsultation@nhs.net to request a hardcopy of the consultation response form to be posted to you.

Useful links

 

Old Zenith Windows shop front gets a clean up

Residents will be pleased that the old Zenith Windows shop front has received a make over.

Gone are the unsightly hoardings, in their place the windows now have smart posters promoting Beckenham.

Our Association, the West Beckenham RA, Beckenham Business Association and our Town Centre Manager all made representations to get the shop front tided tidied up.

We hope everyone agrees the site looks much better.

Council Meeting – More Tough Choices – Mon 19 Nov 7pm

Monday, 19 November at 7 – 8:30 pm, Citygate Church, Rectory Road, Beckenham, BR3 1AA

Public meeting – Have your say

With more than £30 million to be cut from the Council’s budget over the next four years in addition to similar savings in the last two years, there are more tough choices to be made. The Leader of Bromley Council, Stephen Carr is inviting those who live and work in the borough to join him and leading Councillors at one of the meetings to hear as many views as possible about the financial challenges faced and the future of the Council.

In an open letter to the people of Bromley, Councillor Carr said: “We are now at a stage where we cannot keep cutting then cutting again. Given the magnitude of savings and the financial pressures we face, we must be realistic as it is important that residents understand the pressures we are coming under locally as a result of significant change to Government legislation and funding streams.

Each and every Council service is now under the spotlight and we are asking some very fundamental questions about the future. What services would be better delivered through the private sector, through a social enterprise or the voluntary sector? Are there more services we could share with our neighbouring boroughs? Should we keep maintaining our parks and gardens? Should we keep all our libraries open? Should we keep the same level of youth provision? How do we meet the growing demand to support the most vulnerable in our community? And to ask you as taxpayers what tough choices you would make; is there an argument for a modest increase in council tax to pay for services? You have helped us make savings during the last two years. As your elected Councillors it is vital we continue to talk with you and listen to your views about your Council into the future.”