Good news… a long empty shop previously a William Hill Bookmakers next to Chas Norman is undergoing a refurbishment and will re-open as a hairdressers in mid February.
News from Bethlam Hospital Beckenham
As you may be aware, the trust was recently inspected by the Care Quality Commission and achieved an overall ‘good’ rating with some services rated as ‘outstanding’. More than 100 inspectors visited our services and judged them to be “safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led”. The full report can be found here: http://www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RV5 if you would like to read it.
Also, last year, we opened the Bethlem Gallery and Museum. A new space open to the public and free of charge where visitors can view centuries of significant historic artworks and objects together with inspiring contemporary works by current artists and service users. Since the space opened, we’ve welcomed many visitors and I hope that you will consider going along . More information here: http://www.slam.nhs.uk/about-us/art-and-history/bethlem-gallery-and-museum
You may remember that in May 2014 our documentary series Bedlam was awarded a BAFTA television award. Since then, we have been working with Channel 4 and Rare Day (a production company) on a project looking at forensic mental health. We recently started filming at River House, Bethlem Royal Hospital. This will not be a second series of Bedlam, we hope to achieve the same outcomes in terms of successfully breaking down widely-held prejudices surrounding mental illness. The aim is to give members of the public a better understanding of what forensic mental health really means, seen through the eyes of the patients and the staff who care for them. At the moment we don’t have a name or broadcast date for the series, but we will be in touch when we know more.
You can contact the Media Team at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust which runs Bethlam by email communications@slam.nhs.uk for further information.
Best wishes
Sarah
Sarah Crack
Head of communications and media
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Bromley Council CUT support to Beckenham Town Centre – comments by 17.00 Tues 26 Jan 2016
- Bromley Council propose to stop providing all support to Town Centres by removing Town Centre Manager (TCM) posts, including the TCM for Beckenham and Penge. Bromley hope to implement a Business Improvement District (BID) where businesses pay a levy and manage their own Town Centre affairs in Beckenham and Penge as they have done in Bromley and Orpington. Usually BIDS are implemented whilst maintaining TCM support to ensure a seamless transition from Council support to the BID (this is how the Council implemented the BIDs in Bromley and Orpington). For Beckenham and Penge there will be no TCM for 18 months to 2 years until a BID is implemented and there is absolutely no guarantee Beckenham and Penge businesses will agree to a BID. We could end up with no TCM, no BID and a run down town centre. The Council are doing this at a time when Beckenham is just about to embark on its most significant public realm improvement in 30 years. The Beckenham TCM has played an integral part in the TfL funded improvement scheme for the last 3 years and to remove the TCM post just before work commences is madness.
Read more about the proposal that goes to the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee next Tuesday 26 January 2016.
http://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=117&MId=5385
The Beckenham Town Centre Team (chaired by the Copers Cope Area Residents Association, and including the Beckenham Business Association, Beckenham Society, West Beckenham Residents’ Association among others) and the Penge Town Team have written the following letter requesting the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee REJECT this proposal.
“This is a joint letter to you from the Beckenham and Penge Town Centre Teams with the support of our Town Traders’ and Business associations. We are writing to you because we believe that the changes proposed in Agenda Item 7d will be harmful to our town centres and in particular will make it more difficult for you to reach the agreed Council policy on Town Centre Development.
The Beckenham and Penge Town Centre Teams were formed from traders and residents to help pave the way towards the replacement of traditional Town Centre Management with BIDs, in accordance with council policy. We share and support your determination to make this process a success. However, we have been dismayed to learn that under this proposal both remaining TCM positions will be made redundant from April 2016. We have been working to your previous timetable which continued our traditional Town Centre Management for a further year. We appreciate that the replacement model of employing one dedicated BID officer on a 2 year fixed term contract will allow a greater focus on promoting the BID process but we believe that neither of our towns are currently in the position to take this forward without the expected support of a TCM.
The immediate loss of TCM risks undoing the achievements of recent years; the process of transformation will become self-defeating making the acceptance of a BID by local traders less rather than more likely. Neither of our local business associations are currently enthusiastic supporters and more direct work needs to be carried out.
The justification for attempting to implement a BID without TCM support appears to be a belief that replacing a TCM with a dedicated BID officer will speed up the process. By changing your approach, you will in fact put the whole process in these towns at risk. History supports our contention. LBB successfully implemented BIDs in Bromley and Oprington whilst maintaining TCMs throughout the process. This is a formula that works, enabling the Council to drive through a BID and provide a seamless transition.
The scope of the proposed dedicated BID officer is unrealistic. It will not be possible for one person to successfully implement 2 BIDs (in Beckenham and Penge), be the liaison point for the existing BIDs (in Bromley and Orpington), provide phone TCM support by phone to businesses, Town Teams and other bodies (as suggested by Martin Pinnell) and manage any cross over from the Beckenham Public Realm Improvement and Penge NHB proposals. Put simply, having only one resource will not speed up the process.
The prosperity of a place is measured by its centre, whether this is a High Street or a small shopping parade. We believe the accelerated removal of all TCM support will result in lower standards. It will become more difficult to resolve issues arising from litter, commercial waste, street clutter, fly-posting, empty shops etc., and this will be detrimental to the amenity, vibrancy and prosperity of our towns. Convincing business to go into BID whilst simple issues go unresolved (as there is no TCM) will make the process more difficult and one BID officer will not have the capacity to assist.
We also question the Council’s timings. Support from traders is more likely after the current improvement schemes have been implemented rather than during a period of significant change. Our towns cannot be without TCM support during this period.
The report argues that only Beckenham and Penge have dedicated Town Centre managers implying that other places have no support. In fact, the TCMs have provided assistance for events, town initiatives, and streetscape issues in West Wickham, Chislehurst, Petts Wood and Biggin Hill amongst others. All these town centres will be disadvantaged by the proposals. Volunteers will not have the expertise nor the time to take on these responsibilities.
Town Centre Management is not just about Christmas lights, markets and town centre promotions; it is about improving local amenities for local people. Beckenham has recently been awarded the Prestigious Purple Flag for a well-managed night-time economy, having made changes that make Beckenham safer and more pleasant for revellers, businesses and local residents. It is the first place to achieve this status in the borough and one of only a handful if places in London. This aspirational achievement was product of the TCM and Town Team working together. The assessors were especially impressed by how TCM led this co-ordinated approach between council officers, police, businesses and residents associations and how well these groups worked together. It would be remiss of the Council not to support maintaining the Purple Flag whilst a BID is being set up.
The recommendation in the report asks you to support implementing BIDs in Beckenham and Penge by the withdrawal of TCM. You are being asked to make this decision before a feasibility study of the likely success of a BID in Beckenham and Penge (wholly different towns to Bromley and Orpington) has been undertaken. If this proposal goes through, the BIDs could fail simply because of lack of TCM support in the crucial build up period.
For our part, we support BIDs for our towns and want the process to be a success, To achieve this, we believe the Council should revert to the original plan to retain a TCM for a further year. Further funding is available to support the BID process and small amounts could be released from the TfL proposals for Beckenham and from the NHB proposals for Penge. Running both the TCM and BID for just one year would lead to a more positive outcome for the Council and for our towns. We call on the Scrutiny Committee to reject the officer recommendation in this report and ask for further consultation to develop a proposal which has a greater chance of success.
We hope you will consider our comments in the positive way they are intended and support our desire to make the BID process a success in both Beckenham and Penge.”
In the current climate we are concerned that all proposals to save money get the green light regardless of their chances of success. We encourage local people that are concerned about the loss to Town Centre Management support to voice their concerns asap by 17.00 Tuesday 26 January 2016 to:
- Your Ward Councillors
- Clock House: Vanessa.Allen@bromley.gov.uk, Ian.Dunn@bromley.gov.uk, Sarah.Phillips@bromley.gov.uk
- Copers Cope: Russell.Mellor@bromley.gov.uk, Michael.Tickner@bromley.gov.uk, Stephen.Wells@bromley.gov.uk
- Kelsey and Eden Park: Alan.Collins@bromley.gov.uk, Peter.Dean@bromley.gov.uk, Diane.Smith@bromley.gov.uk
- Penge and Cator: kathy.bance@bromley.gov.uk, Kevin.Brooks@bromley.gov.uk, Peter.Fookes@bromley.gov.uk
- The Renewal and Recreation Portfolio Holder and the current head of Town Centre Management: Peter.Morgan@bromley.gov.uk, Martin.Pinnell@bromley.gov.uk
- The Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee: Ian.Payne@bromley.gov.uk, Michael.Rutherford@bromley.gov.uk, Douglas.Auld@bromley.gov.uk, Julian.Benington@bromley.gov.uk, Peter.Dean@bromley.gov.uk, Alexa.Michael@bromley.gov.uk, Neil.Reddin@bromley.gov.uk, Michael.Tickner@bromley.gov.uk, Angela.Wilkins@bromley.gov.uk, Anna.Begley@bromley.gov.uk
- Please also cc us in at chairman@coperscope.org.uk
Church Motor Company to remain in Beckenham
Church Motor Company has told CCARA that they are operating as usual and intend to stay in Beckenham, after losing the garage they have occupied for over eleven years.
Last autumn we reported in The Express that CMC, situated next to the Beckenham Methodist Church on Bromley Road, was set to close after the church, which owns the garage building, secured planning permission at appeal to change the use of the building from Light Industrial to Storage.
CMC have been unable to continue trading from the same building, however they have acquired a smaller building directly opposite while they look for alternative, permanent premises elsewhere in the Beckenham area. They intend to retain an office here and establish a drop-off and collection point for their Beckenham customers. Cars will be taken to CMC’s Bromley garage where work will be conducted before being returned to Beckenham for collection.
CMC’s telephone number 020 8650 7373 remains unchanged.
Beckenham Place Park activities Jan to March 2016
Wednesday 27th January – WINTER WALK
Meet 1.30pm on Mansion steps. Looking around the park to see how the, so far, mild winter is affecting the flora and fauna. Or just come along to enjoy a good walk in good company.
Sunday 28th February – HISTORY WALK
Meet 1.30 at the mansion. A short talk will proceed this walk looking at the history of the park, the mansion and its occupants.
Saturday 19th March – THREE PARKS WALK
Meet 10.00am on the mansion steps. This walk is long and takes us far from the park. Walking to Kelsey Park and then to South Norwood Country Park. The route is as rural as possible avoiding too many stretches of pavement and is never too far from 54 (and others) bus route.
CONSERVATION & SENSORY GARDEN WORKDAYS Saturdays 9th Jan, 13th Feb,12th Mar (About 2 hour sessions)
Meet at the Mansion 10.am. Sensory Garden work will be less and the January and possibly February days will be work around the park. Tools and instruction provided.
About The Friends Events. All our events are free, but any donations to funds are much appreciated. Most last about 1-2 hours, but you can join in for as long or as little as you like. It is advisable to wear stout walking shoes, as the paths do get very muddy. Walkers are individually responsible for their own safety during our events. Minors are welcome, but must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Walk leaders always carry water and mobile phone.
PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT Bulletin – January 2016
This is the first of a series of regular bi-monthly updates on planning and development in the Copers Cope area. Our aim is to keep you informed with a concise and informative snapshot of recent planning applications, decisions and appeals we think are of particular interest. You can look up planning references on the Council website.
56 Copers Cope Road, Ref 15/03470/FULL1
A second planning application to demolish the existing late19th-century house and replace it with a four-storey block of nine flats was refused last October after the previous application in March 2015 for a five-storey block of ten flats was withdrawn. Grounds for refusal were that the scheme constituted a cramped over-development of the site.
Royce House, 56a Copers Cope Road, Ref 15/02068/OUT
An outline planning application made last year to demolish the existing houses at 56A and 56B and replace them with five, three-storey, four-bedroom houses was refused permission on the grounds that it constituted an over-development of the site. The applicant has appealed against this decision and the hearing is due on 22 March this year.
Ardec Shop, High Street, Ref 15/02489/FULL2
Last August the Council refused an application by the owner of the old Ardec shop to convert it to a restaurant on the grounds that the shop is part of the designated Primary Shopping Frontage of the High Street and restaurant use would not complement this function. The applicant has since appealed against the decision although, at the time of writing, an appeal hearing date has not yet been set.
Telephone Exchange 15/04184/TELECOM
An application by O2 and Vodafone to install a telecommunications mast, antennae and other equipment on roof of the Telephone Exchange, at the corner of the High Street and Kelsey Park Road, has been refused. The proposed location of the mast, on a prominent part of the roof, was judged to be unacceptable with regard to the visual impact it would have on the streetscape, in particular the view looking down from Church Hill.
Vodafone, who own the masts and telecoms equipment on the roof of Kelsey House next door, have been given notice to quit by the landlord. In summer last year, Kelsey House was granted prior approval for change of use from offices to flats. O2 owns the existing mast at the Exchange.
1A Wickham Road, Peach Design, Ref 15/05100/FULL2
An application has been made for a change of use to the three-storey building from a printer’s office to a House of Multiple Occupation with eight bedrooms and shared dining and bathroom facilities. Four of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms.
Bricklayers Arms, High Street, Ref 15/05287/FULL1
The Bricklayers Arms pub has made an application to replace the existing outbuilding and build an infill extension at the rear to enlarge and remodel the interior.
278-280 High Street, above Martin & Co and Red, Ref 15/04371/FULL1
A planning application to add a mansard roof and two studio flats to the building has been refused. Reasons for refusal were that the proposed mansard style roof alteration and additional floor, by reason of its design, siting, form and bulk and its relationship to adjacent buildings in this prominent location would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the existing building, the integrity of the adjacent terraced buildings and special interest of the setting of the Odeon Cinema Listed Building within the Beckenham Town Centre Conservation Area. It would therefore represent an inappropriate and visually obtrusive development.
94 High Street, Rendezvous Cafe, Ref 15/04478/FULL1
After the first the application was refused, a second application for a replacement shop front has been approved and the work has recently been completed.
86-90 High Street, adjacent to Pier Luigi’s restaurant, Ref 15/04138/FULL1
An application for the construction of a mansard roof to provide two studio residential units has been refused. Reason for refusals are that the proposed mansard style roof alteration and additional floor, by reason of its scale, design and close proximity to roofscape boundaries, would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the existing building within the Beckenham Town Conservation Area and would represent a visually intrusive addition, harmful to the character and appearance of the area
Change of use from Commercial to Residential
Prior approval applications to convert office premises, many fully-let, to residential use continued to be granted consent at an alarming rate throughout the latter half of last year. Marqueen House, Ironstone House and Provident House on Burrell Row, towards the western end of Beckenham High Street, were all granted permission in December to be converted to flats, at a loss of many thousands of square feet of purpose-built office space:
Marqueen House, 215 High Street, Ref 15/04323
Consent granted to convert offices on the first, second and third floors to 18 one-bedroom flats, with five parking spaces.
Ironstone House, 205-213 High Street, Ref 15/04293
Consent granted to convert offices on the first, second and third floors to 18 one-bedroom flats, with five parking spaces.
Provident House, 6-20 Burrell Row, Ref 15/04343
Consent granted to convert offices on the ground, first and second floors to 2 two-bedroom and 18 one-bedroom flats, with six parking spaces.
The few remaining office buildings in and around the High Street are under increasing threat of change of use:
Burnhill House, 50 Burnhill Road (adjacent to Lidl), Ref 15/03333
Prior approval was refused at the end of September 2015 to convert the offices to 5 two-bedroom and 9 one-bedroom flats, citing the lack of parking provision as the reason for refusal. The applicant has since appealed the decision although, at the time of writing, a date for the appeal hearing has not yet been set.
Bakerloo Extention Proposal Update – no immediate plans to extend to Beckenham
TfL have published an Options Assessment Report for the Bakerloo line extension that considers the feedback of the 2104 public consultation including alternative routes proposed by the public.
The upshot for Beckenham is that whilst an extending the Bakerloo to Beckenham and Hayes has not been ruled out it will not proceed in the immediate future. TfL need to work out the impact of converting the Hayes railway line into the Bakerloo and whether doing this best meets rail demands for this part of the Borough in the future and the capacity for housing/commercial development along any Bakerloo extension to Beckenham, West Wickham and Hayes to fund the extension. The latter was a significant concern for local people that were opposed to the extension.
TfL propose that phase 1 will be extending the Bakerloo from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via the Old Kent Road. Having 2 branches to Lewisham via the Old Kent Road and via Camberwell was ruled out, however TfL are investigating the possibility of re-opening the Camberwell Thameslink Station.
You can read the Options Assessment Report for the Bakerloo line extension online at tfl.gov.uk/bakerloo-extension.
Beckenham Rotary Charity Valuation Day – Sat 30 Jan 2016

Copers Cope Police Newsletter January 2016
Wishing You All a Happy New Year
Hello and thank you for reading this months Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) newsletter. The team details and ward map along with other useful information can be accessed at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
Your team includes
- PS 12py Steve King, Sergeant
- PC 128py Steve Allen, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
- PCSO 7256py Julie Oldfield, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
Street Surgery
Our next surgeries are on the following dates:
- Saturday 30th January 2016 between 11 a.m & 12.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
- Friday 26th February 2016 between 4.00 p.m & 5.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
Come and talk to your local Officers and discuss your concerns and for crime prevention information.
MetTrace
The Met have come up with an operation called MetTrace an initiative to help residents make their homes more secure by providing smartwater forensic marking equipment. The equipment allows residents to mark valuable property such as jewellery, mobile phones, electrical items and bikes. The plan is 1 in 7 London homes will have been visited and introduced to MetTrace by 2018 with a planned 440,000 kits to be distributed over the three year project. 100% conviction rate if found with stolen SmartWatered property. Each kit is unique to your home. Bromley Police have a team currently visiting homes across the borough and hopefully will be in the Beckenham area in the future.
Crime
Our ward priorities are:
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle crime
- Robbery – personal property
Our promises are:
- ASB related to alcohol
- Shoplifting
- Traffic
December Burglary & Motor vehicle crimes
There has been an increase in garage burglaries in the month of December these offences have mainly been happening in areas where there is a communal garage areas such as flats. The majority of these crimes have occurred in the Brackley Road area.
Vehicle crime has been relatively low in December and there has been no pattern in terms of area where these crimes have been committed.
Crime Prevention Burglary
Front Door Security: Doors should be solid timber, not hollow, a minimum of 44mm thick, supported by three 100mm ( 4” ) hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 600mm ( 23” ) around the whole frame.
– Fit a good automatic deadlocking latch cylinder lock a third of the way down the door.
– Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise deadlock with boxed staple a third of the way up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).
– Strengthen the door frame with metal reinforcement. A “ London Bar “ on the lock side and a “ Birmingham Bar “ on the hinge side.
– Fit a letterbox cowl / basket to prevent fishing for keys or access to lock handles.
Back Doors: Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise sash lock halfway up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).
– Fit key operated bolts to top ( max height 1.5m ( 4’ 11” ) and bottom of the door.
– Reinforce any weak door panels with either sheet metal or 9mm plywood.
Double French Doors: Fit key operated bolts to the top and bottom of each door securing it to the frame.
– Fit hinge bolts or interlocking hinges to any outward opening door.
Patio Doors: Fit patio door locks at the top and bottom of the opening section of the patio door.
– Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the door being lifted and moved.
Window Security:
Sash Windows: Fit 2 key operated sash stops to the upper window. The maximum window opening should be 100mm ( 4” ) to allow ventilation when the house is occupied.
Casement ( Hinged ) Windows: Fit key operated locks on the opening side. If replacing windows fit those that have achieved British Standard 7950 and have laminated glass 6.4mm thick in ground floor and accessible windows.
Gardens: Secure your rear gardens by locking gates and fixing trellis to the top of fences. Trellis should support climbing plants but not climbing intruders.
Sheds: Secure your shed or ensure that tools that may prove useful for breaking in ( e.g. forks and spades ) are secured elsewhere.
Please if you can take simple steps to help prevent these offences take place, lock all windows and doors of your house even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you have an alarm please use it.
Vehicles
When you leave your car please lock it and use your alarm or immobiliser if you have one and take any valuables with you.
Mobile Phones
Please consider using the immobilise website to register your mobile phone. It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s completely free. If your phone is lost or stolen you’re much more likely to get it back and possibly help catch a thief as well. http://www.immobilise.com
Cash Point Machines
Please be aware of your surroundings if and when you use a cash point machine. Be vigilant of people near you when entering your PIN and don’t allow yourself to be distracted if some body tries to talk to you whilst you are using the cash point. If uncertain, use another machine.
Pedal Cycles
Please remember to lock your bikes and consider getting it security etched and registered. The Bromley Safer Transport Team are holding cycle marking events on the following dates:
- 7th January at Bromley South BR Station 5.00 p.m – 7.00 p.m
- 9th January at Halfords, Sevenoaks Way 10.00 a.m – 2.00 p.m
- 16th January at Cadence, Anerley Hill 10.00 a.m – 2.00 p.m
- 23rd January at Panagua Bikes, Hayes Street, Hayes 10.00 a.m – 2.00 p.m
- 30th January at Cycles UK, High Street, Orpington 10.00 a.m – 2.00 p.m
Up and coming events are advertised on:
Further crime prevention information is available from http://www.met.police.uk/bromley and follow the link to Crime Prevention.
Neighbourhood Watch
Copers Cope ward would like to have a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator(s) on every street. If you know of anyone who wishes to take part please find information on http://www.bnwa.co.uk/
If you know anyone who has set up a neighbourhood watch please can you send me their e-mail address so I can send them our monthly news letter.
Panel Members
We are looking for local residents to join our ward panel. There are 4 meetings a year and panel members help decide on the wards promises and discuss local issues.
If you would like to have your say on how your local community is policed please contact us for details.
Local Information
If there is any information you would like to share with the Copers Cope safer neighbourhood team and residents of Beckenham in relation to crime then please e-mail us using the address on the bottom of this letter.
Thank you for your time reading this letter, if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to help.
If you need police for an urgent matter where you are in danger or fear always dial 999. If you wish to see a police officer for a non emergency matter, then please dial 101
Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team
Telephone 0208 721 2772
E-Mail Coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
Langley Park Primary School Public Consultation – 7pm Thur 20 Jan 2016
You may be aware that a new free school has been proposed in Beckenham –: Langley Park Primary School. The proposal is to open a 2 form entry Primary School for 2016 on a site owned by the Langley secondary schools. This is being done through the government’s free school scheme. As a legal requirement, the directors of Langley Park Academies are now carrying out a formal consultation before the Trust signs a Funding Agreement with the Department for Education. The consultation is about whether a new school should be opened, regardless of time scales. We wish to formally notify you of this proposal and to inform you that we have begun a formal consultation process with all the stakeholders from our local community, including yourselves. We want to ensure that you have the opportunity to express your views to us should you wish to do so. We are enclosing a copy of the letter explaining the background sent to our supporters with some information about Langley Park Primary School. Also enclosed is a short survey which can also be found on our website at www.langleyparkprimary.org.uk .
For your information, there will be an open Public Consultation Meeting on Thursday 20th January 2016 at 7.00pm at Langley Park School for Girls, when you will have the opportunity to meet Mrs Louise Turner, the Headteacher Designate, as well as members of our proposer group to discuss the project. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at parentview@langleyparkprimary.org.uk .
Copers Cope Police Newsletter December 2015
Hello and thank you for reading this months Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) newsletter.
The team details and ward map along with other useful information can be accessed at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
Your team includes
- PS 12py Steve King, Sergeant
- PC 128py Steve Allen, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
- PCSO 7256py Julie Oldfield, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
Street Surgery
Our next surgeries are on the following dates:
- Friday 4th December 2015 between 5.00 p.m & 6.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
- Saturday 30th January 2016 between 11 a.m & 12.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
- Friday 26th February 2016 between 4.00 p.m & 5.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
Come and talk to your local Officers and discuss your concerns and for crime prevention information.
Poppy Charity Collection Theft
A theft of a Poppy charity tin occurred on Remembrance Sunday 8th November in La Rascasse in Beckenham High Street.
CCTV was taken by myself and the suspect was quickly identified. I am now pleased to say that this person has been caught, arrested for this crime and for another similar offence and will now be spending his Christmas behind bars.
Push Chair Found on Beckenham Green
A push chair was found a few days ago on Beckenham Green and has been taken to St. George’s Church.
If you have recently lost or know someone who has lost a push chair please show this picture and hopefully we can reunite it to the owner.
The church can be contacted on 0208 663 6996 if there is no answer please leave a message .
Crime
Our ward priorities are:
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle crime
- Robbery – personal property
Our promises are:
- ASB related to alcohol
- Shoplifting
- Traffic
November Burglary & Motor vehicle crimes
- There has been 2 residential burglaries
- There has been 2 distraction burglaries
- There has been 2 attempted residential burglaries
- There has been 2 non residential burglaries
- There has been 9 theft from motor vehicles
- There has been 2 criminal damage of a motor vehicle
The Police in Bromley are still conducting operations in the worse affected areas for both burglary and motor vehicle crimes.
Crime Prevention Burglary
Front Door Security: Doors should be solid timber, not hollow, a minimum of 44mm thick, supported by three 100mm ( 4” ) hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 600mm ( 23” ) around the whole frame.
– Fit a good automatic deadlocking latch cylinder lock a third of the way down the door.
– Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise deadlock with boxed staple a third of the way up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).
– Strengthen the door frame with metal reinforcement. A “ London Bar “ on the lock side and a “ Birmingham Bar “ on the hinge side.
– Fit a letterbox cowl / basket to prevent fishing for keys or access to lock handles.
Back Doors: Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise sash lock halfway up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).
– Fit key operated bolts to top ( max height 1.5m ( 4’ 11” ) and bottom of the door.
– Reinforce any weak door panels with either sheet metal or 9mm plywood.
Double French Doors: Fit key operated bolts to the top and bottom of each door securing it to the frame.
– Fit hinge bolts or interlocking hinges to any outward opening door.
Patio Doors: Fit patio door locks at the top and bottom of the opening section of the patio door.
– Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the door being lifted and moved.
Window Security:
Sash Windows: Fit 2 key operated sash stops to the upper window. The maximum window opening should be 100mm ( 4” ) to allow ventilation when the house is occupied.
Casement ( Hinged ) Windows: Fit key operated locks on the opening side. If replacing windows fit those that have achieved British Standard 7950 and have laminated glass 6.4mm thick in ground floor and accessible windows.
Gardens: Secure your rear gardens by locking gates and fixing trellis to the top of fences. Trellis should support climbing plants but not climbing intruders.
Sheds: Secure your shed or ensure that tools that may prove useful for breaking in ( e.g. forks and spades ) are secured elsewhere.
Please if you can take simple steps to help prevent these offences take place, lock all windows and doors of your house even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you have an alarm please use it.
Vehicles
When you leave your car please lock it and use your alarm or immobiliser if you have one and take any valuables with you.
Mobile Phones
Please consider using the immobilise website to register your mobile phone. It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s completely free. If your phone is lost or stolen you’re much more likely to get it back and possibly help catch a thief as well. http://www.immobilise.com
Cash Point Machines
Please be aware of your surroundings if and when you use a cash point machine. Be vigilant of people near you when entering your PIN and don’t allow yourself to be distracted if some body tries to talk to you whilst you are using the cash point. If uncertain, use another machine.
Pedal Cycles
Please remember to lock your bikes and consider getting it security etched and registered.
The Bromley Safer Transport Team are holding cycle marking events on the following dates:
11th December 2015 at Bromley South BR Station 5.00 p.m – 7.00 p.m 7th January 2016 at Bromley South BR Station 5.00 p.m – 7.00 p.m
Up and coming events are advertised on:
http://www.met.police.uk/teams/transportse/bromley/
Further crime prevention information is available from http://www.met.police.uk/bromley and follow the link to Crime Prevention.
Neighbourhood Watch
Copers Cope ward would like to have a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator(s) on every street. If you know of anyone who wishes to take part please find information on http://www.bnwa.co.uk/
If you know anyone who has set up a neighbourhood watch please can you send me their e-mail address so I can send them our monthly news letter.
Panel Members
We are looking for local residents to join our ward panel. There are 4 meetings a year and panel members help decide on the wards promises and discuss local issues.
If you would like to have your say on how your local community is policed please contact us for details.
Local Information
If there is any information you would like to share with the Copers Cope safer neighbourhood team and residents of Beckenham in relation to crime then please e-mail us using the address on the bottom of this letter.
Thank you for your time reading this letter, if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to help.
If you need police for an urgent matter where you are in danger or fear always dial 999. If you wish to see a police officer for a non emergency matter, then please dial 101
Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team Telephone 0208 721 2772
E-Mail Coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Reindeers times confirmed – 12.30 to 16.30 on Beckenham Green Sat 05 December 2015

Christmas Procession Lanterns 05 Dec 2015
Check out the lanterns for the Copers Cope Candlelight Procession on Saturday.
- 4.30pm – Meet outside the Post Office on Rectory Road to collect a lantern and enjoy some music from the Salvation Army Band.
- 4.45pm – Line up behind the Haverettes All Girls Marching Band will lead the procession down the High Street (sorry traffic) to Beckenham Green.
There is lots going on in the town this Saturday, funfair, local produce and craft market, Christmas light switch on and community sing-a-long. Find out more here.
Copers Cope Police Newsletter November 2015
Hello and thank you for reading this months Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) newsletter.
The team details and ward map along with other useful information can be accessed at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
Your team includes
- PS 12py Steve King, Sergeant
- PC 128py Steve Allen, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
- PCSO 7256py Julie Oldfield, Dedicated Ward Officer ( DWO )
Street Surgery
Our next surgeries are on the following dates:
- Wednesday 11th November 2015 between 11.00 a.m & 12.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
- Friday 4th December 2015 between 5.00 p.m & 6.00 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road
Come and talk to your local Officers and discuss your concerns and for crime prevention information.
Crime
Our ward priorities are:
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle crime
- Robbery – personal property
Our promises are:
- ASB related to alcohol
- Shoplifting
- Traffic
We have seen a drop in burglary offences in the last month however theft from motor vehicles is still a problem with offences happening in different areas across the ward.
With the dark nights now drawing in please look into protecting your home when it starts to get dark. Having timer switches for your lights is a cheap solution.
The Police in Bromley are still conducting operations in the worse affected areas for both burglary and motor vehicle crimes.
Cycle Marking
The Bromley Safer Transport Team are holding cycle marking events on the following dates:
– 6th November 2015 Bromley South BR Station 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm – 10th November 2015 Beckenham Spa 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm
– 13th November 2015 Bromley South BR Station 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
– 14th November 2015 Cycles UK Orpington High Street 10.00 am – 4.00 pm – 20th November 2015 Bromley South BR Station 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Up and coming events are advertised on:
http://www.met.police.uk/teams/transportse/bromley/
Further crime prevention information is available from http://www.met.police.uk/bromley and follow the link to Crime Prevention.
Trading Standards Warning
Three incidents have come to our attention involving what appears to be a very similar bogus drainage repair scam.
Incident 1
Trading Standards were contacted by the family of a Beckenham resident who was cold called and told there was a problem with a neighbours drain. He allowed the men into his back garden to inspect his manhole cover and they told him that work was needed to clear a blockage. The resident paid a deposit for machinery needed to do this work.
This man was also told that he had damp in the property and then paid a further £10,000 to resolve these problems.
Incident 2
A further report was received from an elderly resident in Orpington who was cold called by a young male in shorts and told that there was a problem with a blockage on a neighbours drain. The resident was asked for permission to inspect his drains and he agreed. The male lifted the manhole cover and left.
The resident was then telephoned by a man claiming to be from a company attempting to sort out the problem, he was told that a deposit of £4000 was needed to hire machinery to clear the blocked drains and asked the resident to go to the bank and get a bankers draft.
The resident refused and he then received a call from someone claiming to be from the council who applied more pressure in an attempt to get the resident to provide the funds. The resident again refused.
The resident then received a phone call from a further male pretending to be one of the neighbours, again applying pressure and trying to appeal to the resident’s good nature in assisting a neighbour. Luckily the resident knows his neighbours and did not fall for it.
When they continued to phone, the resident advised that he had informed trading standards and police and the caller hung up.
Incident 3
Trading Standards have issued an additional warning following further reports of rogue trader activity in Beckenham. Officers were alerted to a vulnerable man who had gone to his bank to withdraw £12,000 in cash. This followed a previous withdrawal a few days earlier of £12,000 for what the man said was roof repairs. Bank staff became concerned and called the rapid response team who attended and discovered the man had been cold called on Tuesday 6th October by two men, both believed to have Irish accents and noticeable tans, persuaded the victim needed £27,000 worth of property repairs. They were driving a white transit van and may have been using a trading name of Home Improvements or Home Maintenance.
Officers investigating this matter interviewed several neighbours and have found a further victim who was elderly and pressured into having roof repairs by the same gang.
Head of Trading Standards Rob Vale is urging all residents to be extra vigilant. “We have had a string of cases recently where consumers are being
aggressively targeted by organised criminals. This case is particular upsetting as the male has mental health issues which would have been apparent to anyone talking to him and these people have taken advantage of him in the most despicable way. We will do all we can to find these individuals”
Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety Cllr Kate Lymer added: “We have been promoting the Adult Safeguarding is “Everybody’s Business” campaign for several months now and seen an increase in referrals of this type of incident. But we need to do more so please report suspicious traders to the rapid response team on 07903 852 090.”
Trading Standards are investigating these incidents. Please look out for any suspicious cold callers offering property repairs or purporting to be from the council.
Call the trading standards rapid response team on 07903 852 090 if you are approached by anyone offering any type of property repairs. Please look out for any neighbours who may be vulnerable to this type of caller.
Neighbourhood Watch
Copers Cope ward would like to have a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator(s) on every street. If you know of anyone who wishes to take part please find information on info@bromleynwa.org.uk
If you know anyone who has set up a neighbourhood watch please can you send me their e-mail address so I can send them our monthly news letter.
Panel Members
We are looking for local residents to join our ward panel. There are 4 meetings a year and panel members help decide on the wards promises and discuss local issues.
If you would like to have your say on how your local community is policed please contact us for details.
Local Information
If there is any information you would like to share with the Copers Cope safer neighbourhood team and residents of Beckenham in relation to crime then please e-mail us using the address on the bottom of this letter.
Local Event
The next market will be taking place on Beckenham Green Saturday 5th December.
Thank you for your time reading this letter, if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to help.
If you need police for an urgent matter where you are in danger or fear always dial 999. If you wish to see a police officer for a non emergency matter, then please dial 101
Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team Telephone 0208 721 2772
E-Mail Coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
Buddy Holly and Elvis Tribute at Christmas On The Green 05 December 2015
Come along and enjoy the festive entertainment in Beckenham next Saturday…. a kids Cinderella party, Buddy Holly and Elvis Tributes, local choirs, dance school, and a marching band are among the acts. The stars of the day may well be the real live Reindeers on Beckenham Green. There will be a funfair, local produce and craft market, candle light procession through the town, Christmas light switch on and community sing-a-long. For full details click here.

Bromley Council budget 2016-17, tell us your views
Message from Bromley Council
Dear Resident,
I am pleased to send you a link to an Update Special about giving your views as senior councillors set the budget for 2016-17.
Tell us what you think:
Fill in the online survey up until 6 December 2015 www.bromley.gov.uk/budgetviews
Contact your residents’ association – we will be meeting with representatives very soon. [Email us at chairman@coperscope.org.uk, we are meeting with the Council on Monday evening 30 November.]
Talk to your ward councillor or email leader@bromley.gov.uk.
Kind regards
London Borough of Bromley, Civic Centre
New to the High Street a shutter shop and a vintage furnishings shop.
Good news two empty shops are coming back to life. The old Suola Shoe shop near Winkworths has been taken over by The Shutter Studio. The old Furley and Baker sports shop near La Rascasse will become and vintage furniture shop.
3 weeks to go until Christmas On The Green & Beckenham Christmas Light Switch On
The Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association has been working hard with the Council to bring you an amazing Christmas event in Beckenham. Saturday 5th December is a great day to be in Beckenham with so much going.
Our local produce and craft market will be open from midday to 6pm, with special guests, free live entertainment, hot food, drinks, over 40 stalls, children’s funfair, Candlelit Procession through the town and the Christmas Light Switch On extravaganza.
Special Guests
- Cinderella (look-a-like)
- Real life reindeer on Beckenham Green
- Santa’s Elves making balloon models to give away
- Mr and Mrs Becks
- Father Christmas
Live Entertainment
The will be a funfair plus live entertainment on stage:
- 12.30 – Cinderella Christmas Party from Brilliant Birthdays
- 13.0o – Hayley Ince local soul songstress
- 13.3o – RCCG Inner Court Church Choir sings gospel and soul favourites
- 14.00 – Love2Dance Beckenham dance school
- 14.30 – Hayley Ince local soul songstress
- 15.00 – TBC (get in contact if you area local group wishing to take this stage slot)
- 15.30 – TBC (get in contact if you area local group wishing to take this stage slot)
- 16:00 – Churchfields Community Choir
- 16.30 – FiL Straughan, a musical tour de force, powerful vocalist & versatile entertainer
- 17.00 – Haverettes Marching Band leading the Candlelit Procession arrives at the stage for the Christmas Light Switch On and Sing-a-long
Copers Cope Candlelit Procession from 4.30pm
The Copers Cope Annual Candlelit Procession is a little bit bigger, those little Residents’ Association Elves have been busy making 600 free child-safe lanterns, give them your support your by joining up.
- 4.30pm – Meet outside the Post Office from 4.30pm on Rectory Road to collect a lantern and enjoy some music from the Salvation Army Band.
- 4.45pm – Line up behind the Haverettes All Girls Marching Band will lead the procession down the High Street (sorry traffic) to Beckenham Green. Look out for the Carol Singers from our local churches on the way plus all the festive windows taking part in the Best Winter Wonderland Dressed Window Competition.
Christmas Light Switch On 5.30pm
The Candlelit Procession will arrive at Beckenham Green and gather in front of the stage for the Switching On of Beckenham’s Christmas Lights at 5.30pm. Look out for song sheets being passed round for the festive sing-a-long.
Above details were correct at time of writing but may be subject to change. Subscribe to the Market On The Green Mailing List.
Keep fit and Coffee on Beckenham Green
Two new ventures are planned for Beckenham Green. A mobile coffee van from 6.30am-1pm weekdays is due to start a trail on 23 November. Plus there is interest from a fitness trainer to provide quiet exercise classes for up to 2 hours morning (9-11am) and 2 hours evening (some time between 5-8pm) on 4 days per week (not in the fenced off area for Bromley Road School).
For more information about you can contact the Landscape Group that manage Beckenham Green by email PRead@thelandscapegroup.co.uk
Patient and public awareness events on the Mental Capacity Act in Beckenham Nov & Dec 2015
Bromley CCG are holding two patient and public awareness events on the Mental Capacity Act. The dates are as follows:
- 18 November – 6:00pm – 7:30pm – Beckenham Beacon, Harry Lyne Room
- 8 December – 09:30am – 11:00am – Beckenham Beacon, Meeting Room C
The Mental Capacity Act is about empowering people to make their own decisions and also how they can make their own wishes known and respected, once they are no longer able to consent for themselves.
These could be people who may have more permanent issues related to capacity such as dementia, learning disabilities, had a stroke, brain injuries and people who may have more temporary issues related to capacity due to mental health problems or other illnesses.
Bromley CCG has a responsibility or ensure that we commission services that offer high levels of quality and treatment. A fundamental element of the commissioning process is that providers understand the Act, apply it to daily practice, have mechanisms in place to monitor their compliance and can demonstrate that the Act is embedded throughout the organisation.
If you would like to attend this event, please register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QHPZL6P



