Oval News

YES! to Fairer Votes - Voter Registration Deadlines

2011-04-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

On May 5th a referendum will be held on the Alternative Voting system. If passed, this new system would allow you to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just selecting one person - in a process very similar to that used for the London Mayoral Election. It would mean:

MPs working harder to earn - and keep - our support MPs would need to earn 50% of the vote to be sure of winning - whereas under the current system, MPs can be elected with just 1/3 of the vote in some areas.

A bigger say on who your local MP is Ranking candidates gives you more say - if your favourite candidate doesn't win, you still have a voice.

Tackling the 'jobs for life' culture Many MPs have 'safe seats' for life - this new process forces complacent politicians to sit up and listen, and reach out to the communities that they seek to represent.

Act Now to Make Sure you can Vote!

You can vote if you are over 18 and a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen who is resident in the UK. If you are not already registered to vote, you must do so before 14 April. You can register online here.

Postal voting is a great way to vote if you may find it difficult to get to a polling station on the 5th May - for example, if you are busy with work or away. If you are not already registered for a postal vote, you also need to do this before 14 April - you can register online here.

Planning Update - New Covent Garden Market

2011-03-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend also saw a consultation meeting for the proposed redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market. Whilst the 57 acre site sits across the border in Wandsworth, the development is of big importance to local residents in Oval, be it for the 2,500 people employed in the market, or the impact of the development in services and transport in Vauxhall.

The proposals were originally consulted upon in November 2009, and since then the Covent Garden Market Authority has been further developing the plans. In total, 2,500 new homes are expected to be provided as part of the development.

Artist's impression of the site. Click to enlarge. Copyright CGMA.

The plans see the the construction of a new market on the site of the existing fruit and vegetable market; the existing flower market would be merged into this new market. This new market would address some of the key issues of the existing premises, replacing inflexible trading units with modular units, improving the traffic circulation and road layout, and developing a more efficient use of the land available. Solar panels would be included in the roof design of the new market, as would a water reclamation system. Development would be phased in such a way that market traders would only need to move one time, however market traders would likely need to fund re-fit costs as they move into the new premises.

Vehicle access to the market would continue to be via Nine Elms Lane, with emergency-only access to be provided via Pascal Street.

To fund the redevelopment of the market, the site of the existing flower market would be redeveloped as a residential-led site, additionally featuring a hotel and retail outlets. The plans for this site are being drawn up by Foster + Partners, and presents an Arcadian vision, with the development centred around the pedestrianised Linear Park (40-60m in width), with vehicular access restricted to underground service routes.

An artist's impression of the proposed linear park and housing. Click to enlarge. Copyright CGMA.

The old flower market site, combined with additional sites on Thessaly Road, Sleaford Street, and Crimsworth Road, would provide 2,500 homes, with an expected 15% proportion of affordable housing. The old flower market site would include a total of nine buildings, six of which would be 8-15 storeys in height, and three of which would be 25-46 storeys in height. This would mean that the tallest building on the site would be only fractionally shorter the the approved 50-storey tower at St. George Wharf.

The scheme would additionally include:

Underground car and cycle parking, car club facilities, and service access.
New shops, cafes, restaurants and commercial spaces.
A new supermarket.
Seating areas and play spaces within the publicly-accessible linear park.
250-room 'premium' hotel with additional provision of serviced apartments.
"Community Facilities" (the exact nature of which is to be defined)
New pedestrian links through the site, allowing improved connectivity between Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms Lane (currently the market acts as a barrier between these two roads).

The developer is proposing that only 15% of the development is affordable housing, on the basis that they will likely be expected to contribute to the cost of the proposed Northern Line Extension to Nine Elms and Battersea.

A copy of the consultation booklet can be downloaded from the New Covent Garden Market website.

The developers are expecting to submit plans for this significant development to Wandsworth Council this summer, with a planning decision planned for the end of this year. Whilst not in Oval ward, this development does have the potential to affect local residents, and therefore we are keen to hear your views on the proposals, either via email or in the comments box below.

Planning Update - Sainsbury's Nine Elms

2011-03-06T07:55:00.001-08:00

This weekend, Sainsbury's presented revised plans for their site on Wandsworth Road, following an initial consultation late last year, which we reported on at the time.

The plans remain broadly unchanged, with a new 80,000 sq. ft. store replacing the existing 45,000 sq. ft. outlet, with residential accommodation built above the store, including the construction of three residential towers. Shops and cafes would also be provided at a ground level through the creation of additional retail space.

Since the last consultation, more details regarding the development have been fleshed out, including the provision of the following more detailed artist's impressions of the proposals:

Artist's impression of the proposed Sainsbury's development, from Wandsworth road. Two of the three proposed towers are shown here. Copyright Sainsbury's.

Artist's impression of the development's private residential gardens, which would be built above the proposed store. Copyright Sainsbury's.

In addition, some further details have been confirmed regarding the development:

It will include 750 1-3 bed homes, of which approximately 20% will be either socially rented or shared ownership properties (subject to negotiation).
One of the residential blocks has been removed from the original designs, in order to have more open space as part of the development; landscaped rooftop gardens, including an amphitheatre-style events area will be built above the store, however these facilities will be accessible to residents only.
The proposed gym facilities would likely be residents-only.
An after-school learning centre will be provided as part of the development.
The possibility of providing a space for a GP practice is under evaluation.
Residential blocks built above the store will be set back from Wandsworth Road, to reduce the risk of the road being 'dominated' by the structure, and to reduce the risk of properties on the nearby Wyvil Estate being overshadowed.
Negotiation with Network Rail to open up the railway arches, as part of a proposed new public square by the railway line is ongoing.
A new thoroughfare to New Covent Garden Market will be developed, and the proposals still provide accommodation for the proposed Nine Elms Northern Line Station, which would help alleviate peak-hour congestion at Vauxhall Station.
None of the existing 300 Sainsbury's employees who currently work at the store will lose their jobs as part of this redevelopment; an additional 300 jobs are expected to be created by the development upon completion.
The car park for the new store will have the same capacity as the existing car park.
A replacement for the existing petrol station is not part of the current design, however Sainsbury's are seeking to find an alternative location nearby.

The latest version of the plans can be viewed online at http://www.sainsburys-nineelms.co.uk/ - do also let us know what you think of the plans, via the comments box below.

Tate South Lambeth Library - TV Appearance

2011-03-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

The Tate South Lambeth Library will be featured in an upcoming edition of the BBC's Inside Out London, which will be discussing the importance of London's libraries.

The programme will air at 19:30 on Monday 7th March, and will be viewable via BBC iPlayer shortly after, via this link.

In addition, the Friends of Tate South Lambeth Library have launched a new website, which can be viewed here.

Vauxhall "Island Site" - Site Visit & Planning Committee Meeting

2011-03-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in our previous article, Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee decided last month to hold a site visit with TfL at the Vauxhall "Island Site," in the centre of the Vauxhall Gyratory, to assess the impact of the proposed development by Kylun Ltd, which would see the construction of a 41-storey and a 32-storey tower at the site.

Artist's impression of the proposed development, copyright Squire and Partners.

The site visit has now been scheduled for Saturday 12th March 2011, and will meet at 10:15 outside Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LL (the Lambeth Council office at the centre of St. George Wharf). The site visit is open to members of the public who may wish to attend.

In addition, the application will be considered at the next Planning Applications Committee meeting, on Tuesday 15th March 2011, at 19:00 in Room 8, Ground Floor, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW. A summary of the comments received by Planning Officers will be reported to the Committee, and members of the public are also welcome to attend. If you would like to address the meeting on this topic, you can do so by emailing the Governance and Democracy office at democracy@lambeth.gov.uk (Tel: 020 7926 2170), by 12:00 on Monday 14th March with the following information:

Your name
Whether you object to / support the application
Your contact details
The application you wish to talk about (10/02060/FUL)

The full plans can be viewed online on the Lambeth Council Planning Portal. Please also let us know your thoughts, either via email or the comments box below.

Ishbel Brown Speaks Out on Cuts to Lambeth Services

2011-02-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Ishbel Brown, Lib Dem Councillor for Oval, was due to speak last Wednesday in the debate on Lambeth Council's budget; however, following the occupation of the Council Chamber by protesters, Ishbel was unable to speak.

Ishbel's planned speech outlined options that the Council could have followed in order to lessen the severity of cuts to Lambeth's front-line services, and is reprinted below:

I am impressed that Lambeth Council has managed to accumulate so many reserves (almost £120 million) in the last four years.

One may be fooled into thinking that they were terribly prudent, and had full control of the financial situation; until, of course, you scrape away the veneer and realize the millions that have been wasted.

I want to talk specifically about the reserves. Firstly an interesting concept, but a truth nonetheless, is that one saves to spend. I believe the ‘invest to save’ scheme (containing £7 million) was established some years ago, and yet there are no significant Labour proposals to use this money – they have had 3 years to come up with ways to invest this money to generate future savings, and yet nearly all of the money still remains stashed away in a bank.

Additionally, I would like to know exactly what the earmarked reserves are earmarked for – what is more important – squirreling away money, or putting, say, lollipop people on the street to protect children crossing dangerous roads?

This Council is not a bank. Our job is to spend the resources in a way that best serve the people of Lambeth, not have millions sitting in accounts doing nothing but earning negligible interest. In the current climate, it is both immoral and uneconomic to be hoarding such cash.

As stated, we save to spend at a later (usually rainy) date – has this wet day not arrived?

It is not acceptable to hit the vulnerable and those in need when the Council is awash with money held in reserves. We propose to use £10m (a mere 8% of the total) to mitigate the cuts – a proposal the S151 officer says is legal and I think it is fair.

Instead of spending these reserves, this Labour administration has chosen to cut front line services whilst stating publicly that the coalition government is to blame. In my short time in this chamber, I am yet to hear Labour take responsibility for any of their actions – instead bleating that it is someone else’s fault.

Sainsbury's and Covent Garden Market Consultations

2011-02-27T13:15:00.001-08:00

Next weekend sees two further consultations on proposed developments in the local area;

Sainsbury's will be holding a consultation on the proposed redevelopment of their Nine Elms store, on Wandsworth Road. This follows a consultation session late last year, and presents revised plans with improved roof gardens and enhancements to the pedestrian environment.

Artist's impression of the proposed new store. Copyright Sainsbury's.

The consultation meeting will be held at the Nine Elms store on Wandsworth Road, at the following times:

Friday 4th March, 14:00 - 20:00
Saturday 5th March, 10:00 - 16:00

The plans can also be viewed online at http://www.sainsburys-nineelms.co.uk/.

The Covent Garden Market Authority will also be holding a consultation event this weekend, to present their latest plans for the redevelopment of the New Covent Garden Market. The redevelopment will see the construction of a new market specialising in fresh produce - food, flowers and plants, with the construction of new homes, shops, offices and open spaces.

Artist's impression, Copyright Covent Garden Market Authority.

The consultation meeting will be held at the Yvonne Carr Community Centre at 2 Thessaly Road, at the following times:

Thursday 3rd March, 16:00 - 20:00
Friday 4th March, 16:00 - 20:00
Saturday 5th March, 10:00 - 17:00

Do also let us know what you think of these proposals, either by email or via the comments box below.

£9m Council Tax Black Hole

2011-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC has revealed that Labour-run Lambeth Council has failed to collect a mammoth £9 million in Council Tax just in the 2009/10 financial year.

At a time when Labour has approved savage cuts to services in Lambeth, it is galling for the borough's taxpayers that such poor collection rates exist, with Lambeth being the worst out of the 32 London Boroughs. Such cuts to services could have been lessened if Lambeth was able to effectively collect the taxes that it levies.

In addition, the news came as Lib Dems announced their proposed alternative budget, which would have saved many front-line services, by identifying savings and efficiencies elsewhere in the budget. For example, selling Phoenix House, a Lambeth Council office in Vauxhall, could raise millions of pounds - the block was worth a staggering £24.5m when it was bought in 2004. We also proposed savings to reduce costs, such as a reduction on spending on publicity and advertising by £900,000 and a move to Open Source software, saving £500,000 - with both of these sensible proposals rejected by Labour.

With our financially sound proposals, which were approved by Lambeth Council's finance officers, Labour Councillors had a real alternative to protect some of Lambeth's most vulnerable when they voted through massive cuts to the Council's services last week - making the decisions taken by Labour last week all the more infuriating for residents.

£100m of Decent Homes Funding Announced for Lambeth

2011-02-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

The government has announced the funds that will be given to councils to help improve the standard of housing, bringing them up to the Decent Homes Standard.

As part of the £2.1bn proposals, Lambeth will be receiving over £100m over the next four years to help clear the backlog of repairs - this is more money than received by any other area in the country, recognising the need to improve the standard of housing in our area.

In addition, Lib Dem MPs have successfully lobbied the government to drop the proposal to reduce housing benefit for long-term jobless; Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes fought especially hard for this, and the Lib Dems were able to win this vital concession, ensuring that the long term unemployed who are struggling to find work are not punished again and placed at risk of homelessness.

Update on Vauxhall "Island Site" Proposals

2011-02-27T12:02:00.001-08:00

As mentioned in our article earlier this month, the proposal for the construction of two towers by Kylun Ltd on the Vauxhall "Island Site" at the centre of the gyratory was discussed by Lambeth's Planning Applications Committee on 15th February.

The proposed development at Vauxhall. Copyright Squire and Partners.

The meeting was specifically to discuss the pedestrian environment; Lib Dem Councillor Brian Palmer, who sits on the committee, spoke out about the necessity of having a pedestrian crossing at Wandsworth Road, between the development and St George Wharf, to ensure that the gyratory is "tamed" and to protect the safety of the residents. Councillor Palmer also spoke out in favour of greater Section 106 contributions from the developer, to help improve existing green space in the local area.

The meeting resolved that a crossing is needed across Wandsworth Road in order for the development to become a suitable location for family homes; a decision on the application as a whole will be made at a later date, following a site visit for the Committee with a TfL Officer in attendance.

St George Wharf Pier Approved

2011-02-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

As we reported in October, St George Wharf has been seeking planning consent for the construction of a commuter pier., which would be located at the centre of the development.

Last week Lambeth Council granted planning consent for the pier, bringing us a step closer to river services being able to stop at Vauxhall. When granting their consent, Planning Officers also applied conditions to ensure that fish and other wildlife using the river will not be impacted by the development.

Whilst the final pattern of services is not yet known, the Putney to Blackfriars commuter service currently passes Vauxhall; if it were to stop at the new pier, commuters would have a direct boat link to Embankment and Blackfriars piers. It could also help to alleviate some of the rush-hour congestion on other transport modes at Vauxhall Cross.

"Vauxhall Island Site" Towers to be Discussed by Planning Committee

2011-02-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

The proposed development by Kylun Ltd to construct two towers at the centre of the Vauxhall gyratory system, will be discussed by Lambeth's Planning Applications Committee on 15 February.

The proposed development at Vauxhall. Copyright Squire and Partners.

The council has received 57 letters of objection, 23 letters of support, and 5 letters of comment regarding the proposal, which would see the construction of a 41-storey tower and a 32-storey tower, containing between them 291 apartments, a 179-room hotel, office, retail, and community and leisure facilities.

The proposal is to be discussed at the Planning Applications Committee so that council Officers can get a steer as to the acceptability of the development; in addition, there is an unresolved issue regarding the proposed road crossing between the development and St. George's Wharf (a proposal that TfL, who are responsible for the road, object to) - there is a concern that without a formal crossing, people may try to cross the road in any case, at great personal risk.

It is expected that a final decision regarding the scheme will be made at a subsequent meeting, once the road crossing issue is resolved, but this decision will be largely informed by the output of the meeting on the 15th February.

The planning meeting will be held at 7pm on the 15th February, in Room 8, Ground Floor, Lambeth Town Hall, SW2 1RW. The committee will have details of all of the submissions received thus far, but if you would like to address the meeting on this topic, you can do so by emailing the Governance and Democracy office at democracy@lambeth.gov.uk (Tel: 020 7926 2170), by 12:00 on Monday 14 February with the following information:

Your name
Whether you object to / support the application
Your contact details
The application you wish to talk about (10/02060/FUL)

You can also download the report prepared for the committee via the Lambeth website. The meeting agenda can be found here, and the specific report regarding this application here.

20 More Cycle Hire Docks for Vauxhall

2011-02-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Following the initial popularity of the TfL Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, and issues raised by Vauxhall residents and commuters regarding peak-hour availability, Lambeth Council has approved the addition of 20 Cycle Hire docks to the existing Cycle Hire point under the Kennington Lane railway bridge, by the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

This will increase the number of cycle docks in the immediate vicinity of Vauxhall Station by 69%, from 29 to 49, hopefully easing some of the difficulties that local residents have in either finding either a bicycle, or a dock.

TfL has not yet announced when the docks will open, but we will be sure to keep you informed of the progress.

"Vauxhall Square" and Linear Walk Proposals

2011-02-06T05:15:00.001-08:00

Vauxhall-based property company CLS Holdings have announced proposals for the redevelopment of the site bounded by Bondway, Parry Street, Wandsworth Road, and Miles Street, and for the construction of a 'Linear Walk' through the centre of Vauxhall.

Linear Walk, and Proposed Vauxhall Square development. Copyright CLS Holdings plc.

The developer's proposals include two residential towers, approximately 40 storeys in height, 200,000 sq ft of offices, 80,000 sq ft of retail, a 300-bed hotel, 240-bed student housing and a six-screen cinema, with the creation of a public square.

The linear walk would be a landscaped walkway that connects the proposed Vauxhall Square with the station, Albert Embankment, and the proposed developments in Nine Elms and Battersea.

Artist's Impression of the Linear Walk, above the bus station, with
proposed Vauxhall Square on the horizon. Copyright CLS Holdings plc.

The proposals are in an early stage, and the developer plans to submit a planning application late this year. In the meantime, the developer has created a website with their proposals, at http://www.vauxhallsquare.co.uk/ and will be holding a public consultation next weekend, to which all are welcome:

Date:
Friday 11 February, 10:30 - 20:00
Satuday 12 February, 10:00 - 14:00

Venue:
19th Floor, Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane

Market Towers is the building on the corner of Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms Lane, opposite Lassco and Cap Gemini. As well as having the opportunity to inspect the plans, use the opportunity to make the most of the spectacular views of South London.

These plans represent a significant redevelopment of a three-acre site, as well as quite radical proposals for the urban environment of Vauxhall - please do also let us know either via the comments box below, or by email, as to what you think.

Save South Lambeth Library

2011-02-05T05:16:00.000-08:00

Councillor Ishbel Brown and the Oval Lib Dem Action Team joined Friends of Tate South Lambeth Library this morning to campaign against threatened cuts to libraries in Lambeth, collecting signatures for a petition and speaking to local residents who were furious about the risk to their local services.

The Tate South Lambeth Library plays a vital role in the local community, and a cut to services would hit local residents hard. Whilst collecting signatures for the Friends of Tate South Lambeth Library's petition, we met many local people who used the library for a whole range of activities, including after-school clubs, to look for jobs, or to help build their English skills.

This is not the first time that the library has been under threat - Labour have previously tried to close the library in the period 1998 - 2002, which was only stopped by a strong local campaign, supported by the Lib Dems. The Lib Dem council of 2002 - 2006 extended the library's opening hours, and in recent years Lib Dem Oval ward councillors supported the creation of an outside reading area and highlighted the problems caused by poor electricity supply and heating.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Vauxhall and Oval

2011-01-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

Lambeth Council will again be offering a free Christmas Tree recycling service throughout the borough.

If you live in a property with kerbside collection, you can leave your tree next to your bin on your normal collection day in the week of January 10th - 14th.

If you don't have a kerbside collection, or are in a Lambeth Living property, you will need to take your tree to one of the following collection points, on any day between January 10th and 14th:

- Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, SW4
- Streatham Common, Streatham High Road, SW16
- Kennington Park, Kennington Park Road, SE11
- Lambeth Reuse and Recycling Centre, Vale Street, SE27

For more information, contact the Lambeth Service Centre at 020 7926 9000.

Vauxhall Island Site - Planning Application Re-Advertised

2010-12-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

The planning application for the Vauxhall Island Site, at the centre of the one-way system, has been re-advertised by Lambeth Council's Planning Department, following the receipt of additional details, and some revisions, from the developer, Kylun Ltd.

The proposed twin towers at Vauxhall. Copyright Squire and Partners.

The height and shape of the towers remains the same, as does the use of the building, with the number of apartments and hotel rooms remaining the same; however some properties have been re-sized. Additional detail and clarifications have been added, with more information on the canopy and landscaping, with the developer also marking out on the plot two possible locations for Cycle Hire docking stations.

The application also includes further details on the community facilities that will be provided, which will include a commercially-operated soft play space for children, dentist surgery, performance space, digital cinema, and subsidised offices. It's important to note that the developers have clarified that the performance space will not be fitted out to be a 'community theatre', but that it will be designed as a flexible multi-purpose community space. The developer will also rent the digital cinema to an operator for an initial rent-free period of five years, to ensure that the plan comes to fruition.

In public consultations, the developer had mentioned the aspiration to have the Vauxhall Gyratory returned to two-way circulation. Transport for London, who have responsibility for the gyratory, are currently undertaking an urban design study, due for publication in January 2011. However, John McNulty, the Head of TfL Interchange, recently briefed Vauxhall BID on the study, and advised that such a return to two-way circulation was "unlikely".

Residents have until 11 January to make representations to Lambeth Council on these plans. The full plans can be viewed online; to view only the new documents, select "Associated Documents" and select those documents with a document date of 22/12/2010. Please also let us know your thoughts.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2010-12-24T06:33:00.001-08:00

We'd like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for all of your support during 2010.

Lambeth Council will again be providing free Christmas Tree recycling, and we will post full details shortly.

Pupil Premium to Bring £1.7m to Vauxhall

2010-12-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

The government has unveiled further details of the Pupil Premium - a key Liberal Democrat policy which will ensure the most disadvantaged children in our country get the help they need.

From April next year every school in England will get £430 for each child in their school on Free School Meals. Based on latest estimates this will mean at least an extra £1,701,510 for schools to spend on the students who need it most in Vauxhall.

This is money on top of what is already being allocated for schoolchildren – no school will lose money as result of the Pupil Premium. And it will be given to Head Teachers to spend at their discretion on what they think works best for their school – be it extra one to one classes, breakfast clubs or after-school clubs.

As this policy becomes a reality, the Liberal Democrats will boost the oppportunities facing hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children across the country, introducing tangible change for the better.

Boxing Day Tube Strike - Oval Station Closed

2010-12-24T03:11:00.000-08:00

Transport for London has published travel advice for the tube strike on Boxing Day, Sunday 26th December. TfL has advised that Oval station will be closed, but that Vauxhall station will remain open.

Stockwell station will be open, but only a southbound service will be available on the Northern Line; Kennington station will also be closed.

Bus services will be operating on Boxing Day, as will the cycle hire scheme, making these both good alternative options if you need to travel. As always, it is important to check the TfL website before you travel - and good luck with any journeys you make.

Cllr Ishbel Brown Supports Octave Tower Campaign

2010-12-04T10:49:00.001-08:00

Lib Dem Councillor for Oval, Ishbel Brown, has spoken out in support of the Vauxhall Civic Society's campaign to block the approval of the proposed 42-storey Octave Tower on Bondway, overlooking Vauxhall Park.

The plans to build the tower were rejected by Lambeth Council's Planning Committee following pressure from local residents and Oval ward Lib Dem councillors; following an appeal by the developers, the decision now lies with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Vauxhall Civic Society's campaign encourages local residents who object to the proposals to write to Eric Pickles outlining their objections to the proposals, and urging him to reject the proposals.

Councillor Brown said:

"I fully support local residents in their campaign against the Octave Tower plans. There are a number of really valid reasons why Octave Tower should not be built; it is too high and bulky, does not have adequate employment space, amenity space and does not provide enough affordable housing. Furthermore, this is not a suitable area to build such a huge structure and if the tower is built it will cast a huge shadow over Vauxhall Park, spoiling the enjoyment of the park for local residents. Open green space is such a precious resource for people living in urban areas - who often don’t have gardens of their own - so this must be protected. Lambeth Council Planning Committee was right to reject the planning application and Eric Pickles should do the same."

For full details of the campaign, visit the Vauxhall Civic Society website.

Tube Strike - Stations Closed in Vauxhall and Oval

2010-11-28T11:35:00.001-08:00

Transport for London have published travel advice for the tube strike from 6pm on Sunday 28th November to 6pm on Monday 29th of November.

TfL have advised that they expect both Vauxhall and Oval tube stations to be closed on Monday 29th.

Further afield, Pimlico station is also expected to be closed, but Stockwell and Kennington should remain open, making these stations a good bet for your commute.

As always, it is worthwhile to check the TfL website before you travel - and good luck with any journeys you make.

Impacts of 2012 Olympics on Vauxhall

2010-11-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

Details were published this week outlining the impact on public transport of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Details were published this far in advance to help businesses make alternative plans so that their employees can, where possible, work remotely or at flexible times.

The good news is that Vauxhall and Oval, despite being on the Olympic Road Network (shown in red and dark grey above), escape relatively unscathed. The following transport impacts in the local area have been identified:

Roads

Some congestion on the north side of Vauxhall Bridge, and on the south side of Lambeth Bridge.
No other local issues.

Tubes

Delays of up to 15 minutes in accessing the Victoria Line at Vauxhall throughout the Olympic period, including weekends, especially from 8-9am and 5-7pm.
No expected delays at Oval station.

Trains

Crowding on South West Trains services heading away from London, especially in the late evening (after 10pm) due to people leaving events.

Buses

Delays and alterations to routes.
Full details aren't published yet, but the 87 and 88 routes would likely be affected, as they pass near the Olympic venue as Horseguards Parade.

However, outside of the Vauxhall area, there are major impacts across the capital, especially on the Jubilee and Central lines, with delays of up to an hour predicted for passengers trying to access services at key interchange stations such as Baker Street, Bank, Bond Street, Canary Wharf, Green Park, Stratford and Waterloo. Road closures will also affect areas of the capital, causing additional congestion on the rest of the road network.

The full report can be downloaded from the London 2012 website, here.

The good news is that this analysis is based on a worst-case 'do nothing' scenario - with 20 months to go, the expectation is that many businesses will have time to adapt their working practices for the Olympic period. Advice for businesses is also published on the London 2012 website.

How will the Olympics affect you? Will your business be able to adapt? Will you gain / lose customers during the period? How do you see the Olympics affecting your commute? Or will you just be taking a long summer holiday away from London? Let us know in the comments box below.

Sainsbury's Nine Elms Redevelopment - Update

2010-11-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

This weekend saw Sainsbury's host a consultation exhibition at their Nine Elms store on Wandsworth Road. The Oval Lib Dem Action Team also paid a visit the exhibition to have their say on the plans.

This as been one of the first opportunities to find out more details about the plans, which are still in a 'draft' stage.

Some of the key points were:

The store will increase in size from the current 45,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft. (split across a 60,000 sq. ft. main floor and 20,000 sq. ft. mezzanine.). This would make the store the biggest Sainsbury's in central London.
The new store will face Wandsworth Road, with glass fronting along the road.
A 15,000 sq. ft. temporary store will be provided during construction effort, located by the corner of Wandsworth Road and Pascal Street. A temporary car park will be provided, although this will be smaller than the current car park. Whilst the current car park is rarely full, it is still a concern that the small temporary car park could result in shoppers parking in nearby streets during the construction work.
Two new thoroughfares would be created between Wandsworth Road and New Covent Garden Market, supporting the separately proposed development there of a consumer-oriented market facility.
Three residential towers would also be built at the site, with a target of 750-800 1-3 bed homes.
The height of the towers is 'undecided' but the maximum height being considered is 35 storeys.
The plan is for the three towers to be in descending height, with the tallest located on Wandsworth Road by the railway line, the second tallest located by the railway line and New Covent Garden Market, and the shortest being by Pascal Street.
The affordable housing provision is 'to be determined', although exhibition staff suggested that one option under consideration was to provide funding for improvement to existing homes elsewhere in the borough as an alternative to affordable housing provision on-site. We were told by exhibition staff that they expected that, as an example, staff working in the Sainsbury's store would be able to afford to live in the new accommodation.
There are also plans for a gym, and other retail facilities.
There will be provision for the proposed 'Nine Elms' tube station on the Northern Line extension to Battersea, which, if approved and funded, would be located in the corner of the site, by the junction of Pascal Street and Wandsworth Road. The site would be subject to the proposed TIF scheme, which would make developers contribute to the construction of the line. However - Sainsbury's have said that they would only be supportive of a station being built at the proposed Nine Elms site if they get planning permission for the wider redevelopment scheme.

The development will have a big impact on Wandsworth Road and we are keen to hear the opinions of local residents - do get in touch, either by the comments box, or at oval.news@gmail.com

Exhibition on Sainsbury's Redevelopment

2010-11-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

Next weekend Sainsbury's will be holding an exhibition of their plans for the redevelopment of their Nine Elms store on Wandsworth Road.

The proposals will see the creation of a new store, facing Wandsworth Road, with three residential towers built above the store. The exhibition will give local residents the chance to find out more about the scheme, and provide comments to the developers before a planning application is submitted early next year.

The exhibition will be held at the store itself, at the following times:

Friday 19th November, 14:00 - 20:00
Saturday 20th November, 10:00 - 16:00

A website for the development will go live on Friday 19th, at http://www.sainsburys-nineelms.co.uk/

If you have any comments on the proposals, please make sure that you also let us know!

Kennington Park Blitz Tragedy - 70th Anniversary

2010-10-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday 16th will see the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Kennington Park Blitz tragedy, in which an estimated 104 people lost their lives when a bomb hit an air raid shelter that had been constructed in the park.

The site is now marked by a memorial, following the efforts of the Friends of Kennington Park, and a short ceremony will be held at the memorial at noon on Saturday.

This week the BBC published an excellent article about the tragedy, written by one of the members of the Friends of Kennington Park; it can be read here.

Oval Community Action Fund - Deadline Looming

2010-10-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Lambeth Council have allocated £12,000 per ward in a Community Action Fund, for spending on projects in the area, as part of a scheme that was formerly known as the "Ward Purse".

The funding is available for 'capital' projects (for example, construction/repair, purchase of equipment), but can not be used for items such as rent and staff costs. Up to three projects can be funded in the ward.

If you have any suggestions of a suitable project, then please get in touch with Oval Lib Dem Councillor Ishbel Brown, at CllrIshbelBrown@LambethLibDems.org.uk - the deadline for this is Friday 22nd October. Ishbel will review the suggestions with the other two Oval councillors, and provide support to you in putting together the and applications. The final applications will need to be submitted by Friday 19th November.

Last year's projects, which were supported by Oval's Lib Dem councillors, were:

Installation of a cycle rack and re-paving of selected areas in Bonnington Square
Refurbishment of Bolney Meadow Ballcourt and purchase of additional equpment for the Flipside Youth Project
Improvement of security for a new play area in the Mawbey Brough Estate.

Oval Lib Dems Seek Reassurances on "Super Sewer"

2010-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Oval Lib Dem Councillor Ishbel Brown has spoken out against one of Thames Water's proposed "super sewer" construction sites in Vauxhall, which form part of the larger project to significantly reduce the amount of the raw sewage dumped into the River Thames.

A site in Vauxhall is needed for the construction of a junction between the existing sewers and the new "super sewer"- four possible locations are under consideration.

One of these possible locations is located in the middle of the Ashmole Estate, close to hundreds of people's homes. Ishbel has demanded that this location is immediately removed as a possible location for this construction work.

In her letter to Thames Water, Ishbel said:

"The Claylands Road site - a misleading term for it - is actually a large part of the central open space for a significant part of the Ashmole Estate and just yards away from hundreds of local homes; right next to a busy community centre for the Estate and very near to an old people's care home, a playground and two schools. As well as being disruptive to residents, it will also mean the loss of lots of parking spaces. I am very surprised and worried that this has emerged as an option at all - but I am very pleased that Thames Water is not regarding this as a priority option.
It should also be remembered that the Metropolitan Housing Association is about to embark on regeneration work on the Ashmole estate and this will surely make their work far more difficult.
Everyone accepts that the Thames needs to be cleaned up, but the preferred option next to the Albert Embankment is the one that will give the least amount of disruption to Oval residents and the one that should be pursued. I urge Thames Water to give re-assurance to Ashmole Estate residents that the Claylands Road site will be immediately deleted from the list of possible sites for any work."

Proposal for New Sainsburys at Nine Elms

2010-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Vauxhall, Nine Elms, and Battersea planning exhibition on Friday and Saturday saw a copy of early proposals for the redevelopment of the existing Nine Elms Sainsbury's on Wandsworth Road.

The proposals would see the re-orientation of the store, so that it faces Wandsworth Road, with the car park located underneath the store. The railway line arches that are currently behind the store would be opened up, with a view to creating additional retail outlets. The plans would also see residential development above the store, although the height of such development is not currently known.

Concept drawings for the proposed development
- Copyright Sainsbury's / Rolfe Judd

The proposals are currently in a very early stage, wth a full planning application expected to be submitted in early 2011. In the meantime, if you have any comments on the proposals, you can contact the developers at sainsburys@fourcommunications.com - please also let us know your thoughts.

Vauxhall Nine Elms and Battersea (VNEB) Planning Exhibition

2010-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

This Friday and Saturday saw an exhibition of various plans for the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, and Battersea (VNEB) area. This included the plans for Battersea Power Station, Tideway Wharf, Embassy Quarter, New Covent Garden Market, and the Nine Elms Sainsbury's. The plans include new public space in the form of a 'greenway' through Nine Elms, and the opening up of the riverside. Planners estimate that the projects could create a combined total of 40,000 - 45,000 construction jobs, 20,000 - 25,000 permanent jobs, and 16,000 new homes.

The Oval Lib Dem Action Team visited the exhibition to seek reassurances that the development will not cause a detrimental impact to existing residents, and that sufficient schools, health facilities, and transport infrastructure will be put in place. Local residents have already expressed concern that the development could place additional strain on the already-crowded public transport services at Vauxhall, and a Transport for London study has shown that the proposed Northern Line extension to Battersea, with an intermediate station in Nine Elms, is essential to ensure that this does not happen.

This is a major project that will have a profound impact on the area for years to come - please do let us know your views on these plans.

Planned Travelodge Hotel for Bondway

2010-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a Travelodge hotel at 1-9 Bondway and 4-6 South Lambeth Place - this is part of the stretch of buildings between the bus station and the railway line.

The hotel would be six stories high, with 148 bedrooms, and space for a bar, restaurant, and shops on the ground level. The building is currently unoccupied, and the adjacent Big Issue office and Centre Point hostel would remain.

Artist's Impression taken from planning applicaton - Copyright Dexter Moren Associates

You can view full details of the application on the Lambeth Planning website (10/03151/FUL). You can submit comments on the application until 20th October 2010 - please also let us know what you think of the application.

Beekeeping Experience in Kennington Park

2010-10-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Budding apiarists in the Vauxhall and Kennington area will be able to find out more about beekeeping on Saturday 16th October, at the Keeper's Lodge, in Kennington Park, from 10:00 - 15:00. The session is free, with a suggested donation of £5.

To book, email shawbarnaby@hotmail.com

Thames Tunnel Consultation - Albert Embankment

2010-10-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

As part of the Thames Water's Thames Tunnel project, which aims to reduce the outflow of raw untreated sewage into the River Thames, Thames Water are consulting on the location of an access point in Vauxhall, to build connections between the tunnel and existing 'Combined Sewer Overflows'.

There are four points under consideration, with Thames Water's preferred location located by 89 Albert Embankment. Of the four points under consideration, this is the location furthest away from residential properties, but it is close to office buildings.

The proposed site, by 89 Albert Embankment - Copyright Thames Water

You can view the full details of the plans at the Thames Water Consultation Website. You can submit comments to Thames Water until 20th December 2010.

New Commuter Pier Proposed for St. George Wharf

2010-10-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Plans have been submitted for the installation of a new commuter pier at St. George Wharf, potentially making Vauxhall Cross a Bus, Rail, Tube and Boat hub.

The Putney to Blackfriars commuter service currently passes Vauxhall, and if it were to stop at a pier in Vauxhall, commuters would have a direct boat link to Embankment and Blackfriars piers. It could also help to alleviate some of the rush-hour congestion on other transport modes at Vauxhall Cross.

The planning application can be viewed at the Lambeth planning website (10/02300/FUL). Don't forget to let us know what you think.

Vauxhall Park Cafe Reopened

2010-10-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

The excellent Vaxhall Park Cafe has recently reopened, offering a wide range of refreshments.

The cafe originally opened in 2008, following the hard work of local residents, and in particular the Friends of Vauxhall Park; it can be found on the corner of South Lambeth Road and Fentiman Road, just a few minutes walk away from Vauxhall tube, bus station and rail station.

Vauxhall Expo 2010 - Saturday 11th September

2010-09-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, 11th September, sees the Vauxhall Expo 2010, taking place in Spring Gardens from 12:00 - 17:00. It will feature entertainment, exhibitions, demonstrations and a market place for voluntary and community organisations. The theme for the event is "Changing Vauxhall" - how it has changed, how it might change, and how you would wish it to change.

In addition, during the event, two grants of £500 will be awarded to help provide activities or services in the community. The recipients of the grants will be determined by the people attending the Expo.

For more information, visit www.vauxhallexpo.org.uk

BBC Documentary on Kennington Park Air-Raid Shelter

2010-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

This week a documentary on BBC1 includes interviews about a bomb that fell on the air raid shelter in Kennington Park on 15th October 1940. This was the largest loss of life from a single bomb in Lambeth during the war, with an estimated 104 fatalities.

Since 2006, the site of the air raid shelter in Kennington Park has been marked by a long-overdue memorial. Local Lib Dem councillors supported local residents in their campaign for the construction of a fitting memorial.

The programme can be watched on BBC iPlayer, at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tn7ty/Tales_from_the_Blitz/

For more information about the history of the Kennington Park Air Raid Shelter, visit the excellent Vauxhall and Kennington website - http://www.vauxhallandkennington.org.uk/bombing.shtml#kpark

Cycle Hire Scheme Arrives in Oval

2010-08-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

The London Cycle Hire scheme has arrived in Oval, with many of the cycle docking stations becoming available for use from Friday. Liberal Democrat London Assembly members have long campaigned for the introduction of such a scheme.

In Oval we have docking stations at:

Vauxhall Cross (by St. George Wharf)
Vauxhall Station (under the Railway Line, by the Royal Vauxhall Tavern)
Kennington Lane (by Tesco's)
Kennington Road (by the Post Office)

The scheme allows you to use bicycles for free for up to 30 minutes, for the payment of a daily £1 access charge, or £45 annual pass. Some first-hand experience shows that this is enough time to get up to Trafalgar Square, the South Bank, or beyond!

We've noticed already that the docking stations can become quite empty, but we hope that this will improve as some of the other planned stations open, such as the one on Albert Embankment. There is also a large docking station just across Vauxhall Bridge.

To register for the scheme, visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire - and of course, let us know how you get on.

Planning Application Submitted for Vauxhall Island Site

2010-08-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

A planning application has been submitted for a development on the Vauxhall Island Site, the area in the centre of the one-way system at Vauxhall Cross.

The development would feature two towers, one 41 storeys, the other 31 storeys, and would include 291 apartments, a 179-bed hotel, shops and restaurants, a 100-seater digital cinema, NHS dentist, and new pedestrian and cycle crossings.

The full application can be viewed online at Lambeth's planning website, at http://bit.ly/9WuWZW

Representations to the council can be made until August 5th, and please do also make sure that you let us know your viewpoints on the scheme.

The site of the proposed development

"No" to Bondway

2010-03-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

The council's planning committee this week voted to refuse planning permission for the 149 metre tower development at Bondway.

Residents, supported by local Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Sawdown, spoke about the unnacceptable impact it would have on Vauxhall Park and the nearby residential area.

The developers had already taken the case to appeal so while we are pleased the council has refused permission, the work will continue.

More information is available at the excellent Viva Vauxhall website.

Tower City threatens Vauxhall

2010-03-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Permission was given this week for a 36 storey 120 metre mixed use tower block opposite Sainsbury's on Wandsworth Road (on the corner of Wyvil Road and Wandsworth Rd)

The development is on a very restricted site and has mostly internal and rooftop level 'green space' to make up for its lack of open space elsewhere.

The plans were originally approved by the council with a far higher proportion of employment space - this has been drastically cut down on, along with a smaller number of social rented flats.

Lib Dem Councillor Rob Banks urged the council's planning committee to vote against changing the existing planning permission, both on the grounds that it would mean less socially rented housing and also on the grounds of less employment space - but the Labour-run council has decided to give approval.

We did manage to win a guarantee of some extra funds for the neighbouring Wyvil Estate to help alleviate the impact the tower block will have on the estate, but we still would have wanted a scheme more in sympathy with the existing community.

We are concerned that the piecemeal attitude to local development will end up meaning a series of tower blocks in the area but with no vision and no heart.

Next week the larger development at Bondway will be coming up for consideration - Wednesday, 7pm, at Lambeth Town Hall. We strongly encourage local residents to come along and make concerns and comments very clear.

Lib Dems voted for a lower council tax and a fairer Lambeth

2010-02-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

Oval's Lib Dem councillors attended Lambeth Council's budget setting meeting this week and voted for a council tax cut and extra funding for key local services.

We wanted to pay for this by cutting out waste at the Town Hall - for example, we don't believe the council should be spending m0ney on a fortnightly newspaper at the council taxpayer's expense. We would also stop the council wasting money on empty buildings like Mary Seacole House on Clapham High Street.

And our budget would have meant more spending on services for young people, the elderly and for our local environment. More details here. Labour councillors voted against these plans which would have helped the Oval area.

Caroline's Safer Stations campaign visits Vauxhall rail station

2010-02-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Local Lib Dems Andrew, Claudette and Ishbel have been joined by Caroline Pidgeon at Vauxhall rail station as part of Caroline's work to help make London's rail stations safer.

We are delighted to report that following Caroline Pidgeon and Cllr Rob Banks raising the issue with Transport for London, the rail underpass at South Lambeth Place (behind the local team in the photo) now has all its lights working properly (8 of them were out on what is a key route from Vauxhall Park to the bus, rail and tube station).

In addition to this, we have got Lambeth to replace the missing litter bins, and finally put up new street signs for South Lambeth Road, South Lambeth Place, Kennington Lane, Harleyford Road and Wandsworth Road - which we hope will help people in finding their way about. Too often residents have had to help lost visitors find their way about!

We continue to wait for the company that owns the advertising hoardings on Parry Street to fix the lights there, which should help with lighting that rail bridge underpass.

Let us know if you have concerns over safety at or around Vauxhall train station and we will take it up with the police, South Western Trains and with Transport for London.

Ishbel and Claudette join Oval Ward Lib Dem team

2010-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

Ishbel Brown and Claudette Hewitt have joined the local Liberal Democrat team in Oval Ward. They have been working hard with the three of us as local councillors and with Caroline Pidgeon, Parliamentary Campaigner and London Assembly member.

They both live locally in Oval Ward - Ishbel in Heyford Avenue and Claudette on the Ashmole Estate, just off Meadow Road.

As part of the local Lib Dem team, they have been braving the cold weather and knocking on doors to find out how they can help people and to hear what concerns people have - most recently on the Ashmole Estate, Claylands Road and Hanover Gardens.

As a result of this, we have got several broken lights along Claylands Road repaired and have asked the council to do more cleaning on stairwells and corridors on the Ashmole Estate. Although it is due to transfer to the Metropolitan Housing Association soon, following last year's vote of residents, the council's housing company Lambeth Living is still collecting the rent - so they should be providing the service until the estate is transfered.

Helping prevent burglaries

2010-02-05T03:24:00.000-08:00

We were concerned to hear recently of burglaries in the Oval ward area, and thought readers of this blogsite would find the information below of use to help make your home more secure.

A decision had been made to extend a scheme which would provide grants for things like window locks and night latches to all residents in Lambeth who wish to have additional security to their properties - regardless of whether you live in a council property, housing association, or your home is privately owned.

Age Concern have been commissioned to carry out this work and they are able to assess and carry out security work to properties referred to the scheme. They are able to secure 120 properties per month. Night latches, spy hole, door chains, locks to windows and patio doors and other security assessments are some of the services provided for free.

Please note that the cut off date for referrals is the 19th March 2010. More information and a form are pasted below.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SAFE AND SECURE PROJECT

WHAT IS THIS FUNDING?
Clapham Park Project (a community regeneration project) has been awarded £99, 716 by the Home Office under the Safer Homes Fund. This funding is to be allocated across the whole of Lambeth.

WHO WILL BE INSTALLING THE SECURITY SERVICE?
Clapham Park Project is working with AGE UK (Help the Aged and Age Concern) who will provide locksmiths/handy people to install security measures to your home to make it more secure and help to prevent burglaries.

CONTACT FOR SECURITY SERVICE -0800 085 2378
If you are interested in receiving this service, please contact Clapham Park Project on the free phone number 0800 085 2378. This is an answer phone and you will be able to leave your name, address and contact details and we will call you back to give you more details. If you have any concerns, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams for more information.

BE SAFE, BEAT THE BURGLARS, CALL US NOW
SAFE AND SECURE PROJECT REFERRAL FORM

CONTACT No.: 020 8678 5922/07958 337 305
FAX No.: 020 8678 5901
e-mail: cwong@claphampark.org.uk

Client details

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Post code: _______________________________________________________________________________

Contact numbers: _______________________________________________________________________

Property type (privately owned, rented, etc): _____________________________________________

Landlord’s name and contact details (if applicable):_______________________________________

Name of SNT: ____________________________________________________________________________

I agree for my name and contact details to be passed onto Clapham Park Project for referral to the Safe and Secure Project funded by the Home Office.

Client signature: _________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

Northern line misery?

2010-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

We have heard that the Northern Line is due to close an hour earlier on weekdays for up to 18 months and the section from Stockwell to Morden will close at weekends for 16 weeks as engineering work takes place.

The Evening Standard has more details:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23801141-signals-upgrade-to-shut-northern-line-early-on-weekdays-for-up-to-18-months.do

16,000 new homes planned in Nine Elms and Vauxhall area

2010-01-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Greater London Authority is currently consulting on plans for 16,000 new homes and over 20,000 new jobs in an area stretching from Battersea Power Station to Lambeth Palace.

While much of it is in neighbouring Wandsworth, a sizeable amount of the area is in Lambeth, and the effects on things like transport will be felt throughout the northern part of Lambeth.

Local Liberal Democrats recently attended a consultation on the event organised by the Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall Forum at Montgomerey Hall opposite the Oval cricket ground.

We have already expressed concerns over transport capacity (local tubes, buses and trains are already packed to capacity) and over other essential local services that would be needed such as schools and services for young people.

The Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) can be seen at the Greater London Authority's website - http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/oapf-nine-elms/index.jsp. Note that there is a newly extended deadline for your comments: 5.00 pm on 28 February 2010.

The next public meeting being hosted by the Kennington Oval and Vauxhall Forum about this framework will be: 7.00 pm on 10 February 2010 at Vauxhall St Peters Church, 310 Kennington Lane, (corner of Tyers St), SE11 5HY.

Please let us know what you think of these plans as well.

Lights, pigeons, action!

2010-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

We have met with senior council officers and have been in touch with Transport for London staff over getting lights repaired and pigeon proofing fixed on South Lambeth Road (by Vauxhall Grove), South Lambeth Place (the underpass leading to the tube station) and Miles Street (the underpass leading to the Bondway self storage site and the bus station).

TFL have now said they will be fixing the lights, and the council will be taking more action over pigeon - proofing the South Lambeth Place underpass, jet-washing the pavements and the area of white-tiled walls, and we have also asked them to replace a missing litter bin. They will also be asking the owners of the advertising hoardings on Miles St to carry out repair work on the hoardings (otherwise rubbish just builds up behind them, looking unsightly) and fixing the lights above the hoardings - surely in their own interest as well so people can see the adverts! This will also help with casting some light onto the pavements until TFL can find the funds for better lighting.

Christmas Tree recycling

2009-12-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

Of course it is too early to take down Christmas trees at the moment, but a reminder that if you have the "orange bag" kerbside recycling collection, you can leave your real Christmas tree out on the same day as your normal collection day.

If not, the council are also collecting real Christmas trees at Kennington Park from 11-15 January.

The trees will be turned into wood chip.

Brrr....

2009-12-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Oval area, in common with much of central London, saw a blizzard on Monday afternoon and we are still seeing the effects of it on nearby streets and pavements which are covered in sheets of ice.

We have reported some local streets and pavements for gritting but if you know of anywhere you feel needs extra attention email us - oval.news@googlemail.com

Last Christmas...

2009-12-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas the Labour-run council failed to take steps to prevent the boiler at Sirinham Point on the Ashmole Estate from breaking down over the festive season, leaving residents without heating and hot water.

Not only did that happen, but Lambeth Living (the council company responsible for council housing in Lambeth) refused to send notices round telling people how they could get hold of temporary heaters in the meantime. So we spent part of the last Christmas break putting round notices ourselves about this. We then battled the council to ensure people got part of their rent or service charge re-funded to compensate for the loss of heating and hot water.

We have been reminding the council about what happened last year and, following the boiler breaking down again earlier this month, have been asking for action to be taken. We hope that this Christmas break sees residents get heating and hot water without them having to phone the emergency repair line...

Cycle superhighway to come to the Oval

2009-12-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

TFL have announced consultation over plans for a "cycle superhighway" linking The Oval area with the City and going south to Merton. It is expected that work will start next summer if plans are given the go-ahead. More details on the plans here and a copy of the actual map of the route can be found here.

It includes the Clapham Road and Kennington Park Road - both of which can be a nerve-racking experience for cyclists - and of course Clapham Road has been the site of two very sad deaths of cyclists in recent times caused by lorries turning left and not being aware of cyclists between them and the turning.

Let us know any thoughts or comments.

Say it with flowers? Not if you live in Labour-run Lambeth!

2009-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Cllr Andrew Sawdon has been supporting local residents who are furious at a recent order issued by Lambeth Council's housing company, Lambeth Living, to remove window boxes because they were deemed a "fire hazard".

This is despite the council running an annual Lambeth in Bloom competition to give a prize to the best window box!

As local councillors, we fully support making sure corridors and stairwells on estates are free of clutter and other obstructions. But where window boxes are clearly not causing an obstruction they should be allowed to stay and we very much hope that the council will see common sense. It looks like thanks to the South London Press picking up the story (see attached coverage) the council will be backing down.

Raising concerns over crime with the police

2009-12-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Oval Lib Dem Councillors have met with the local police team to raise concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour in the ward.

Concerns we raised included a recent death which many suspect was linked to drug dealing and two muggings.

There does seem to be a reduction in anti-social behaviour and gang related activity in the Dorset Road area, so we hope this will continue.

We will carry on working with local residents to raise concerns over crime. Please let us know if you have any concerns - or you can contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 07747790001. As always, call 999 if you think there is a crime taking place.

Also, the council's safer neighbourhood co-ordinator mentioned that there was a limited fund of £700 which can be spent on crime prevention initiatives - let us know if you have any good ideas.

Planning committee lobbied over "Octave" Tower at Bondway

2009-11-26T05:12:00.001-08:00

Local residents, supported by Lib Dem Councillors for Oval Ward, spent a large chunk of yesterday evening in front of Lambeth's Planning Committee giving our concerns over the proposed 42 storey tower block on Bondway.

As said in the previous post, many people are worried about the impact the tower would have on neighbouring residential streets. Clear evidence was presented to the planning committee over the loss of sunlight to nearby homes and Vauxhall Park, parking pressure and extra strain on Vauxhall tube station among many other factors.

Some members of the committee expressed concern over issues like the availability of green open space for the residents in the block and the impact it would have on the surrounding area.

The plans will now come back for full consideration by the committee at a future date - when we hear anything we will post a comment here.

Bondway's "Octave Tower" - first hearing at Lambeth Town Hall, Weds 25th at 7pm

2009-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

The application for the controversial 42 storey "Octave Tower" block on Bondway by Vauxhall tube will have its first hearing at Lambeth's Planning Committee next Wednesday (25th November). The area it would go is the other side of the railway line (behind where we are standing) and would dominate Vauxhall Park and the surrounding residential area of Vauxhall Grove, Bonnington Square, Langley Lane and Lawn Lane. Evidence collected by local residents shows a clear loss of sunlight to the surrounding residential area.

Over 120 people have objected to the plans.

Details of the report from Lambeth Planning Officers can be found here. As local Lib Dem Councillors, we will raise our objections over the current plans.

The hearing will not actually give permission for plans to go ahead, but instead will give councillors on the planning committee the chance to give a "steer" over the application - ie if they support the general principle of the plans.

Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting, which takes place at 7pm at the Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW.

Another great Kennington Park event!

2009-11-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Local Lib Dems recently went along to the opening of the Kennington Park Nature Trail. It is the culmination of lots of hard work from the Friends of Kennington Park and parks staff.

We were delighted that Simon Hughes MP was able to join us. Congratulations to all involved with the project and we look forward to supporting it as local councillors in the years to come.

Don't close our library this winter!

2009-11-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

Oval Lib Dem Councillors joined in recently with other local people who use the South Lambeth Library to call on Lambeth Council to ensure there are no more random closures of the library this winter.

Last winter, the failure of the Labour council to invest in a new boiler meant the old one kept breaking down, meaning the building had to be heated by electric heaters. But again, because the wiring had not been updated it meant that a fuse was blown and the electricity supply failed.

Most recently, earlier this month, the library was again closed due to staff sickness. People often fall ill over the winter months, so we are calling on Lambeth Council to plan ahead in future and ensure arrangements are in place so staff on sick leave can be covered for and the library can remain open.

Let a thousand flowers bloom in Vauxhall Park!

2009-11-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

We braved the bad weather and lent a hand on Saturday to help the Friends of Vauxhall Park with their bulb planting day.

The Friends planted over 1,000 bulbs and also planted some new trees in the park. Well done to everyone who came along and helped, it should help the park look better than ever!

Redevelopment plans launched for New Covent Garden market

2009-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Bordering onto the Oval area, plans have been launched for the re-development of the New Covent Garden Flower Market - details here. What do you think? Let us know!

What's your vision for Vauxhall?

2009-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

There have been 2 new developments regarding the Vauxhall area's future from the Mayor of London and Lambeth Council.

1. The first was at last week's meeting of Lambeth Council when Cllr Andrew Sawdon raised concerns over the council's future plans for the area (known as a Local Development Framework). In particular, Andrew raised concerns about the need for enough local services (eg schools and decent transport links) to be in place and planned for before permission is given for more development. His proposal was voted down by Labour. You can see the council's draft planning document here - and comments need to be with the council by 14th December to
planningpolicy@lambeth.gov.uk

You can see the report from the Council's consultants here, which is critical on the current plans for Vauxhall, saying that the Labour Council's area plan is "less convincing than the Waterloo policy in terms of enabling essential infrastructure to keep pace with growth: it may improve access to jobs and housing - but there is little detail on other essential infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and services, water and sewerage. If the policy results in greater road travel, particularly private car use it could worsen existing congestion and contribute to air quality and climate change problems....it also fails to address the issue of retrofitting - how the bulk of the areas existing buildings will reduce their impact on carbon emissions".

2. The second was a report in yesterday's Evening Standard that highlighted the proposal for a new "wobbly bridge" linking Vauxhall with Pimlico, as just one of many different ideas for the area. A 12 week public consultation has now started for the Vauxhall and Nine Elms area, and you can have your say here

Keep us in touch with what you think - or comment below!

Any ideas for electric car charging points?

2009-10-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

We have just had the following email from the Council's Transport Policy Manager asking people for good ideas for charging points for electric vehicles. Three are going in across Lambeth - and there is funding for more.

Anybody got any good suggestions? Let us know or contact Dawn Haines from Lambeth Council on the email below.

--------------------------------------------------
Dear Councillors,

As you may be aware the Mayor of London recently launched an Electric Vehicle Plan to encourage the use of electric vehicles in London. In line with this Lambeth have been given funding to implement electric vehicle charging points in the borough. We are very close to launching three of these in the next two months in Pulross Road, Upper Ground and Belvedere Road.

Transport for London have now provided us with additional funding to add further points in Lambeth. We are now looking at finding new locations to put these on the highway. Each charging point requires the conversion of one car park bay. Mindful that we are competing with car clubs, cycle hire sites and other schemes we are trying to locate these in areas where there will be high use. However the infancy of electric vehicles means that it is difficult to judge where these will be.

Therefore, if you have any suggestions for potential sites, or have received any requests from residents or businesses about electric vehicles please let me know.

Regards,

Dawn Haines, Transport Policy Manager
email: dhaines@lambeth.gov.uk

Fountain Farce

2009-10-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

People who enjoy using Vauxhall Park will have noticed that the fountain has again been turned off. A question to last night's council meeting by Cllr Andrew Sawdon asked how much the council saved by turning off the fountains and how much will be incurred by the council to turn them back on again. It seems the council saved £14,000 by turning them off - but are having to pay £25,000 to get them switched back on again!

Not much of a saving if you ask us...

Crime map for Oval ward released

2009-10-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

The Met Police have released the latest crime mapping for Oval Ward.

Although the total number of reported crimes is down slightly, some areas of the ward are seeing an increase in burglary and anti-social behaviour:
http://maps.police.uk/view/metropolitan/lambeth/lambeth-1/oval/

And a look at the detailed map for the ward, broken into sub-areas, shows that while part of the Oval area has an average number of crimes for Lambeth, other parts are above average:
http://maps.met.police.uk/index.php?areacode=00AYGK
(Note: you may need to zoom in and scroll down)

What is the point of an anti-social behaviour "hotline" if information is not made use of?

2009-10-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Last night saw a further application by the "Fire" nightclub at Vauxhall to move into neighbouring railway arches - and was granted on condition that there would be no increase in the total number of people allowed in the club.

Residents, supported by Oval ward councillors, voiced concerns that it will still mean that the average attendance per night would increase, and given that problems were persisting with anti social behaviour (including a violent incident this month) around the club there is a risk that anti-social behaviour will also rise.

We learned yesterday evening that complaints phoned through about noise and disturbance around the club by residents to the Labour council's new anti-social behaviour hotline seem to have gone nowhere - and certainly had not been passed onto the Council's licensing team so that they could be passed on to the licensing committee last night.

We are chasing up why complaints were not passed on and if not - then what exactly is the point of the new anti-social behaviour number?

Once again, residents and councillors stated that they did not object to the other local nightclubs in Vauxhall, but felt that Fire specifically was continuing to cause problems for them which they wanted to ensure the committee was aware of.

Lambeth forgets to pay its electricity bill!

2009-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

We stepped in after the council started installing new lighting on the paths going through St Marks churchyard opposite the tube without consulting the church.

The old lights had been switched off before the new columns were due to be installed (but that turned out to be because, after various re-organisations, the council has not paid the electricity bills!)

The Oval area gets busy at night, and it is not safe to have poorly lit pathways.

After Councillor Andrew Sawdon convened a meeting of the councill lighting engineers, the parks manager and the church, it has been agreed that the council will sort out the outstanding electricity bills; and the new lights will come on in the next few weeks. There will be "heritage" lanterns on the new columns more in keeping with the setting than the previous 1960s globes.

Designing out crime

2009-09-30T03:28:00.001-07:00

When Lambeth Council put up new street signs, they think having all of them at knee height is the best place to put them.

Problem with this is that in some locations it encourages graffiti and vandalism, meaning they need to get replaced more often. But if you secure them higher up - on nearby buildings - it can save the council money in the long run - and it "designs out" crime as they are too high to be easily vandalised.

We have persuaded the council to put up 2 signs at the Kibworth Street/Dorset Road junction on the walls of the nearby buildings. The previous locations for these were at knee height and too easily vandalised (we had to get them repaired twice)

Meet your local police team

2009-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

The local Police team for Oval Ward are holding a series of street briefings and advice surgeries over the next month:

Wed 30th Sept, 7pm - 8pm, o/s Tescos, Kennington Lane

Wednesday 7th Oct,12.30pm - 1.30pm, o/s the 1 o’clock club, Vauxhall Park

Monday 12th Oct, 4pm - 5pm, o/s Childrens playground, Wyvil Estate

Tuesday 20th Oct, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Coney Way community centre

Saturday 24th Oct, 1pm - 2pm, Café in the park, Kennington Park

Sunday 25th Oct, 1pm - 2pm, o/s Sainsburys, Wandsworth Road

Lib Dem Councillor stops Housing Sell-Off!

2009-09-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

Labour run - Lambeth have been caught red-handed after trying to flog off two flats which were earmarked for a Housing Association to rent out to needy people.

The Labour council proposed to sell off at auction two one bed flats on the Oval's Ashmole Estate - in Stoddart House and Bannerman House, claiming that the cost of refurbishment was too high.

But residents on the estate voted to transfer the ownership of the estate to the Metropolitan Housing Association just a month ago - who would have brought these flats back into use as rented social housing.

We believe that it is incredibly cheeky of Labour run Lambeth to try to sneak off with the sale of two affordable rented flats when the means exist to bring them back into use. Either that or they have been incompetent and forgot the estate was due to transfer.

Cllr Rob Banks put in an objection, pointing out that these flats could indeed be retained as social housing rather than yet more flats being sold off. Lambeth have now replied saying that they will not after all put these flats up for auction, so it is good to see that common sense has prevailed. But we cannot believe these were proposed for sale in the first place.

US embassy and New Covent Garden Market plans develop

2009-09-18T03:29:00.000-07:00

Two new developments that border onto Oval Ward have both taken a step further.

New Covent Garden Market Authority have announced plans to re-develop the market site and build housing at the Vauxhall end of the site where it edges onto Lambeth. Plans are expected to go to neighbouring Wandsworth council in November.

And Wandsworth Council have given outline planning permission for the plans for the US embassy - and have passed them onto the Mayor of London for his comments.

More details can be found here.

A symbol of Lambeth Labour's failure

2009-09-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

An unknown vandal has made their anger clear after an empty council house in the Oval's Ashmole Estate was daubed with slogans saying "Empty - why?"; "People can live here" and "Rats live here - why?" .

While of course such vandalism is never acceptable, the anger at empty family sized homes is understandable. As local Lib Dem Councillors, we reported this empty house to the council 18 months ago and were told they could not afford the repair. Yet Labour's solution is to leave this house empty while spending tens of thousands of pounds on expensive outside consultants.

Labour have failed to represent hard working families in need of homes such as this. We have asked for this graffiti to be cleaned off and pest control to be put in place, but the real crime is that Lambeth Labour Councillors have sat on their hands while this property - and others - just fall further into decay and thousands linger on the waiting lists. This house is a symbol of Labour failure.

While the Ashmole Estate is due to transfer from Lambeth Council ownership to Metropolitan Housing Association, this is may not finally happen until early next year. The council should take action now.

Battersea Power Station

2009-09-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Just along the river, the Guardian recently had an update regarding Battersea Power Station and its future - more details here.

We will post if we hear of any further developments.

World's Oldest Man lived on Heyford Avenue

2009-09-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to local blogsites Tradescant Road and South Lambeth and Stockwell News for putting up the information that Henry Allingham, who was the world's oldest man, once lived in Oval ward at No. 21 Heyford Avenue.

More information on the respective blogsites.

Evening Standard article on the planned 42 storey tower at Bondway

2009-09-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

The excellent Viva Vauxhall blogsite has posted an article from the Evening Standard regarding the proposed 42 storey tower at Bondway.

We understand that the outline plans will be discussed by Lambeth's planning committee by mid-October (this will allow them to discuss the general principles of the development) and the final plans are intended to go before the committee for a decision either later on in October or in November.

Most local residents who have been contacting us over this are concerned over the height and impact of the development and we remain concerned that in addition to the adverse impact on existing residents, the development will not adequately serve the needs of the area.

Lib Dems knock Labour for six over parking scams at The Oval!

2009-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

We were all delighted that England won the Ashes back at The Oval. But Lambeth Labour have been 'caught out' over their claims that the council's parking policy is fair.

Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Sawdon has revealed that the Labour council continued to enforce a parking ban around The Oval on the Monday - the day AFTER The Ashes had been won.

Of course, had the Test continued for another day the parking ban would have been needed. But Labour run Lambeth should have lifted the parking suspension first thing on Monday morning once they had news of the England victory. It's not as though the news was a secret!

Instead they tried to fine local residents with legitimate parking permits who reasonably thought the parking ban had been suspended. The South London Press has the full story.

Lib Dem Cllr Faye Gray is also taking up the case of an Ashmole Estate resident who has been unfairly given a parking fine when the resident parked on double yellow lines that had been painted over by the council on the Ashmole Estate because the yellow lines were no longer needed.

And Cllr Rob Banks got the council to lift the parking suspension on Fentiman Road recently when the Thames Water works were finished a week earlier than planned. One thing is for sure - the Labour Council's policy on parking is not fair and Lib Dem Councillors are standing up for local residents.

Wilcox Road regeneratio

2009-08-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

We got graffiti on the wall of Davidson Gardens cleaned up and we continue to work with local people on long term regeneration plans for Wilcox Road.

The dome rubbish shed opposite the library will go, but the cobbles on Wilcox Road will stay. Maybe there will even be a street market again!

We are to meet with local residents to discuss concerns about making sure there is enough disabled parking in the area.

And nearby on the Mawbey Brough Estate, we continue to work with residents to regenerate derelict play areas.

Oliver House lift

2009-08-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Leaseholders and tenants on the Wyvil and Mawbey Brough estates continue to be hit by the Labour Council’s sky-high charges and rent increases.

Lib Dem Councillors are backing all estate residents to get a fair deal from the council. We have also been taking the council to task over the Oliver House lift on the Wyvil Estate breaking down all the time - we hope it will now be fixed properly!

Fly-tipping on Palfrey Place

2009-08-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

We have been chasing up the council to take action to stop fly-tippers dumping rubbish on Palfrey Place, between Dorset Road and Richborne Terrace.

We understand that the fly-tippers have now been identified and given a formal warning; further action can follow if the fly-tipping continues.

We checked yesterday and all the rubbish had been picked up. But let us know if you see the problem is continuing!

The picture above is one of the times fly-tippers used the pavement as their personal litter bin, taken last month.

When will the Thames Walkway be finished?

2009-08-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Local Lib Dem Councillors are worried about the lack of progress in completing the riverside walkway going along St Georges Wharf from Vauxhall Bridge. We raised this with council planners and were told the walkway cannot be done until the completion of St Georges’ 50 storey tower.

The St George Tower has still not started 2 years after it got planning permission from former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. St George have now said they will not be starting on the tower before they finish the block by Vauxhall Bridge.

Ashes starts tomorrow

2009-08-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

The fifth Ashes Test starts tomorrow at the Oval Cricket Ground. While of course we hope for an England victory, we want to ensure that the impact on the local community is kept to a minimum.

If there are any problems, the residents complaint line will be open throughout the Ashes test - 020 7820 5656. You can also get information on road closures (and where alternative parking provision will be made available for local residents here.

And let us know as local councillors if you are unhappy with the response you are getting.

Ashmole Estate votes for transfer

2009-08-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Residents on the Ashmole Estate in Oval Ward have voted "yes" to transfering their estate to the Metropolitan Housing Association from Lambeth Council.

Number voting YES 180 (52.9% of the valid vote)

Number voting NO 160 (47.1% of the valid vote)

As the local councillors, we will still be here to help local people - even if the council does not manage the housing stock any more, and will continue to run our regular advice surgeries on the estate.

Farewell Cable Cafe?

2009-08-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

We hope we are not seeing the end of a little bit of history with the recent closure of the cable cafe at the top of Brixton Road.

It took its name from the cable cars that ran from Brixton to St Marks, Kennington.

These cars were a similar type to San Francisco, that are pulled along by gripping a continuously moving cable loop in the ground.

Let’s hope it gets a new owner who keeps the name!

Cycle hire bays - 'No' to Windmill Row, 'Yes' to Kennington Park Road and Kennington Lane

2009-07-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

We have just had confirmation through from Lambeth Council that one of the proposed sites in Oval Ward for a cycle hire docking station, Windmill Row, has been refused planning permission.

But the council has said "yes" to two other proposed cycle hire docking stations in the local area - on the public pavements opposite 98-125 Alverstone House and 275 Kennington Lane.

We were concerned that Windmill Row just didn't have enough space for the docking station so feel the planners have made the right decision, but we support the other proposed sites as the scheme itself is a good idea, they just need to be in the right place!

A shame that Transport for London were unable to agree to the request from local residents and Lib Dem Councillors for a docking bay near to the South Lambeth Library, but we hope they will look again at this in the future.

Improving Rita Road

2009-07-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

After pressure from Lib Dem councillors, Rita Road’s pavement has finally been resurfaced - it had become a mess with patches as a result of utility companies work.
And we’re working with residents to reduce the number of bins left out on the pavement by the bin men.

Dangerous dogs

2009-07-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Metropolitan Police have recently set up a dedicated unit to take action over concerns that more people are walking around with dangerous looking dogs and reports that gangs are making more use of fighting dogs to intimidate and cause anti-social behaviour.

If you live in the Oval area and are encountering problems with this, email us and let us know as much detail as you are able and we will take it up with the police. You can also contact the Oval Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team yourself on 020 8721 2761

Caroline gets dangerous lampost stub removed

2009-07-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

A while ago, we spotted there was a dangerous lamp post stub on Kennington Oval, opposite the Oval House Theatre and near the entrance to the cricket ground. It still had a live current running through it, and the only protection was some yellow tape. This is a "red route", so it is a responsibility for Transport for London.

We took this up with Caroline Pidgeon, Lib Dem London Assembly member and local parliamentary campaigner. She has now got an assurance from Transport for London that the post has been "attended to" by EDF energy. We think this means the whole thing has been removed, and we will check that this is the case! This is not the only such old lighting stub on major routes, and we hope London's Mayor will take action to make other similar posts safe.

UPDATE: The stump has indeed been taken away. But further up Kennington Oval there is now another stump covered in yellow tape in need of removal! We have reported this one as well to TFL for removal.

Lighting on the riverside path under Vauxhall Bridge

2009-07-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

We noticed a over month ago that the lighting in the Thames riverside path under Vauxhall Bridge - leading from the MI6 bulding to St George's Wharf - was in need of replacing, with several lights not working properly.

We asked TFL to do it, but despite their promises that it would be fixed, we checked this weekend and still nothing has happened, so we have asked them again.

We have also reported fresh graffiti on Vauxhall Bridge to be cleared up.

UPDATE: We have been back to check and TFL have now repaired the lights so they are all working.

Another tall wall demolished and playground plans launched

2009-07-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

We previously mentioned that a tall wall on the Mawbey Brough Estate had been demolished, helping open up a previously narrow and intimidating alleyway. Part of the work was paid for from our local "neighbourhood purse" which is a very limited fund that we have direct control over as ward councillors to help improve the area.

The good news is that as the second part of this work, the wall on the side of the playground has also been demolished, which means there is now a new, much lower wall, built on both sides. And we have now had confirmation that the lower walls will soon be topped off with railings.

We hope that this means the playground will be far more visible and less prone to vandalism. And we are working with the Mawbey Tenants and Residents Assoication and other local residents to consult over plans for a new play area on the other side of the existing playground, and to aim to get funding for rennovating the existing one. You can see details of the plans on the Mawbey Brough Estate website here and here. Plans had been discussed at Mawbey tenants meetings last year. You can also comment on the plans here.

More information on the funding that would help pay for the playground scheme can be found here.

Prima Road closure

2009-07-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

We contacted the council to find out why Prima Road had been closed - this is the reply we had back from Lambeth:

Thames Water are in the process of the Victoria Main Replacement in Prima Road.

The excavation in which they were required to dig is in excess of 1.2m resulting to using a frame and full supports of the sides. The original work site areas had given allowance for traffic to pass but as the workers were trying to dig the depth, vehicles passing were causing slight vibration through the ground which unfortunately was enough for the road to start cracking and the sides of the excavation to crumble.

Morrison, who work on behalf of Thames Water seized work for safety and contacted the council. On arrival to site it was assessed on how much further the work site needed to be extended to prevent risk to the workers and the public.

When this was put into account, there was not adequate room for vehicles to pass and there was still a risk that vehicle vibration could damage the structure of the road further.

Bolney Meadow Estate Housing Office

2009-07-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

Presentation Housing Association have taken over direct management of the Bolney Meadow Housing Office. Bolney Meadow Estate was formerly part of the South Lambeth Estate when run by Lambeth Council.

Following the stock transfer in 2008, an office on the estate was opened at the Melcombe House Annexe on Kibworth Street. Presentation had initially contracted out the running of the office to a private company, but have now taken it in-house.

The new phone number for the Bolney Meadow Office is 0800 1979799

Objection to Windmill Row cycle bays

2009-07-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

As local councillors, we have formally submitted an objection to the plans from Transport for London regarding cycle bays on Windmill Row.

There is very little space for parking as it is, and there are plenty of other alternative sites in the area which could be used for the cycle hire scheme.

We strongly support the idea of the cycle hire bays and very much hope that both Kennington Cross, Vauxhall and the Oval area benefit from these, but this particular site should have never made it onto the list.

Vauxhall Park Summer Fair - thank you for your comments

2009-06-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Oval Ward Lib Dems held a special advice surgery at this month's Vauxhall Park Summer Fair.

We were joined by Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon and we held a consulation session on the proposed new 42 storey development at Bondway to hear what people think.

Most residents were opposed to the plans, a few were supportive - but everyone was very clear that if permission does get given, the planners must make a sizeable contribution to local facilities such as Vauxhall Park and nearby streets - known as Section 106 contributions.

Thank you to everyone who commented.

42 storey tower block plans are launched

2009-06-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Plans have been submitted to Lambeth Council for a 42 storey tower block on the site of the Bondway Self-Storage depot (69-71 Bondway) opposite the far end of the Vauxhall Bus Station (ie the part of the bus station furthest away from the tube entrance).

Some residents have already been in touch with us to express concern at the height of the proposed building as it is on the edge of the area earmarked for new development and will dominate the nearby low-rise residential area around Lawn Lane, Langley Lane, Vauxhall Grove and Bonnington Square as well as Fentiman Road and the nearby Vauxhall Park.

These photos show the view from the junction of Langley Lane and Bonnington Square.

You can comment on-line via this link on Lambeth Council's planning website, but as your local ward councillors, we also want to know what you think - email us at oval.news@googlemail.com

Oval Cricket Ground - Secretary of State gives go-ahead to hotel and extra seats

2009-06-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Following the public enquiry, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has given the green light to plans by Surrey County Cricket Club and Arora International Hotels for the demolition of the Lock, Laker and Peter May stands and the creation of an additional 1,830 seats (the precise number of seats was confirmed at the public enquiry) and a hotel.

Oval's local Lib Dem Councillors supported local residents over their concerns regarding the loss of daylight, extra noise, traffic and disturbance, we wrote to the enquiry about them and Councillor Andrew Sawdon raised these and other concerns at the public enquiry alongside residents of the Kennington Park Estate, Kennington Oval and Rothesay Court (near the Oval tube).

The plans originally went to public enquiry following the Health and Safety Executive raising concerns over the proimity of the nearby Kennington gas holders, but the Secretary of State has now decided that these concerns (and those of the residents) do not warrant refusing permission.

The permission did come with restrictions on the hours of operation of the building work (and, once finished, the buildings themselves) and noise restrictions, and we will be keeping in contact with local residents to ensure these conditions are adhered to.

Gin Distillery, Montford Place

2009-06-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Oval's Lib Dem Councillors have been listening to local residents in Montford Place over their concerns with the planned vistor centre to the Gin Distillery on Kennington Green. We have raised the following concerns with the council:

1. Residents are concerned about seven day opening.

2. Residents are concerned about the hours of operation and would wish to see a condition regarding closing, particularly in relation to hospitality.

3. Residents are concerned about coaches and about how coach parties get from the parking place to the entrance – they would wish the visitors not to have to pass along Montford Place.

4. Residents do not wish for the exit to be from the shop, but from the same point as the entrance.

We are also concerned that there should be a plan for the boundary treatment and for the stub end of montord place up to the barrier and for parking:

- The barrier needs to be moved northwards still allowing for access (ie two loading bays northwards) the released space can be used for additional KSR parking bays

- In order to compensate for loss of parking some of the single lines on the boroughs (eastern side) of the northern part of Kennington Place should be removed (also white crossover lining) and replace with residents parking bays.

- There should be a decent streetscape scheme to resurface and plant etc.

- Design should be submitted in advance of any planning decision, and not left as reserved to be dealt with later.

Thank you for voting!

2009-06-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for Sarah Ludford MEP and the Lib Dem team in Oval Ward in the European Election campaign. Sarah was safely returned as London's Liberal Democrat MEP.

And in neighbouring Princes Ward, Lib Dem John Roberts achieved an 8% swing from Labour to Lib Dem and nearly halved the Labour majority in the by-election caused by the resignation of a Labour Councillor who claimed £15,000 in allowances for a year and a half but had moved to Bristol.

The swing, if repeated, would be more than enough for Labour to lose control of Lambeth.
Full results on this link.

Don't forget to vote on Thursday!

2009-06-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday is election day in the European elections and the neighbouring Princes Ward by-election. We have been campaigning to support our colleague John Roberts who is standing in Princes (on the left of the photo) and Sarah Ludford MEP (2nd from left) and the Lib Dem team in the European Parliamentary race. Just a few more votes would see a see a second Lib Dem London Euro MP, Jonathan Fryer, elected.

For more details on Sarah's campaign, visit http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/

Don't forget to vote - polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm. You don't need your polling card to vote!

Helping create a safer estate

2009-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

We have persuaded the council to come up with some funding to demolish a tall wall on the Mawbey Brough Estate, near the Mawbey Arms pub.

Residents had told us the alleyway just didn't feel safe, especially in the evenings. We hope that the lower wall will make sure the alleyway feels safer and helps reduce the fear of crime. We are now calling on the council to find the funding for railings on top of the wall.

Vauxhall Society

2009-05-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Are you intersted in the Vauxhall area and want to support the Vauxhall Society's work?

Details below of their open meeting coming up next month.

7.30 for 7.45 - Wednesday 17th June 2009

St Stephen’s Church Annexe,
Corner of St Stephen’s Terrace and Wilkinson St SW8 1DH

OPEN MEETING
WORKING TOGETHER: PLANNING OUR AREA OURSELVES

For all local organisations and peoplewho care about their neighbourhood and our whole area:
Kennington, Vauxhall, Oval and around.

Can we act together to strengthen our voices?

How can we all keep and use the Vauxhall Society’s huge amounts of useful present day and historical information on the whole area,
its planning expertise and influence, and its connections? Or shall we lose all this?

The Vauxhall Society’s AGM will follow the open meeting at 8.45 at the latest
The Vauxhall Society is the Civic Society covering the north of Lambethand adjoining areas of Southwark and Wandsworth. It was founded in 1969 and benefits from being a member of the London Forum of Civic Societies. The Society exists to encourage interest in and care for the character, history and future of the area, to maintain and improve the quality of life of all who live here, and to conserve the natural and built environment of the area.

It is consulted by the planning authorities and others on development proposals, supports local organisations in opposing unsuitable developments, and researches local history.

Yearly membership: organisations £5, individuals £3, students and 60+ £1.50

Free micro-chipping day for dogs and cats

2009-05-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 16th between 4pm to 8pm sees a free micro-chipping day for dogs and cats at the North Lambeth Housing Office, 91 Kennington Lane, SE11 4HQ

Although it is aimed specifically at residents on Lambeth Living managed estates (ie Lambeth estates), anyone can bring their dog or cat along.

Specialists including the RSPCA and the police consider micro-chipping to be a good way of re-uniting lost pets with their owners and also the most effective method to tackle anti-social behaviour from dogs as it provides a record of the owner's identity.