A picture is worth...
Fed up with a continuous stream of 'customers' (products on offer come in small bags) visiting the corner of Southampton Way and Wells Way, as well as the number of cars parked on the pavement and people sitting around drinking, smoking pot and shouting (sometimes fighting) well into the night, I armed myself with a camera. I don't advise it, one of them spotted me and wasn't happy. It was a bit frightening. There are a few issues here. One, the cars parking on the pavement has gone on too long. Sometimes you can harldy walk amid what feels like a used car lot. TfL and the Southwark's Highway Dept say there is no problem. Besides, if cars don't block the right of way (the narrow footpath), they blame other departments or insist it is up to the private businesses. Coral betting shop claims they have no rights to stop it. They also claim no one drinks on their property. Hexagon Housing Association, which owns the abandoned Bricklayer's Arms, claims they inspect the site weekly and have 'found no instances of cars parking on the pavement'.
The photos show differently. Clearly one of the five cars snapped is on the footpath. Clearly there are cars parked in front of the Bricklayer's Arms. Clearly there are (count them) five men sitting INSIDE the window of Coral drinking.There is also the issue of 117 Southampton Way - an unlicensed takeaway. Often there are people drinking inside and just outside the shop. It is really the 'hub' of activity on the corner. Licensing have been told repeatedly about the issue but it only gets worse.
In the last few days, Street Wardens have promised to step up patrols and the Action Team (a joint effort to target hot spots) has promised to get involved. Also, Councillor Ian Wingfield has asked and been told the parking issue will be looked at more closely.
I am aware this is the newest of many 'hot spots' along Southampton Way that make many feel unsafe. I include contacts should you have more information on this or similar situations.
David Johnson: Environment & Housing/Action team
John Wirth: Camberwell Community Wardens:
Ian Wingfield: Camberwell Community Councillor:
posted by TommyD @ 2:32 pm
9 comments
9 Comments:
Be careful! I'm especially cross with Hexagon. They've sat on that property too long and not even tried to ask for our involvement, which would've made it easier for them. Compulsory purchase is in order for their neglect.
Thanks for recording this dismal story of inaction
I commend you on your bravery. The corner of this street is becoming a major problem.
Well done a great piece of work, I feel the problem is greater than most people think, particulary after 2100 hrs,on the few times I have complained the Police and Local Council appear disinterested and actually suggest it is all makebelieve. pp
What you have done is great. I hope something is done about the cars, drinking and the smoking of pot etc. As for the Bricklayers, I agree with the compulsory purchase comment.
Thanks Tom, for boldly going where no man has gone before with a camera.
Several issues, as you say, but seemingly acceptable in this parallel universe we call Southampton Way. Try parking on the pavement for a can and a smoke up Dulwich way and see what happens. Time for some enforcement.
I'm increasingly upset with Hexagon. They've squandered time and my patience. You would think they would want to work with the good people 'round here trying to create something nice. Instead their arrogance and lack of engagement is wearing thin. We ought to keep fighting anything they want to do so they just leave.
J&K Rainbow Street
On the upside, have you noticed all the construction going on? Well done you and everyone. I think within a year it will look and feel a lot different. Not completely transformed but three huge steps forward. Agree on Bricklayers. They are incredulous!
Keep up the good work.
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