BEATING THE SNOW – CUTE KIT PROVIDED

As reported on the Herne Hill Society blog,  Lambeth council is looking for community-minded volunteers to help clear snow and ice from local streets and help keep the borough moving during periods of bad weather this winter

They say they are looking for individuals  to become Lambeth’s first snow wardens and make our pavements safer. training and tools will be provided.

For more information,  telephone 020 7926 0524 or click www.lambeth.gov.uk/snowwarden

WHAT’S HAPPENED TO THE CPZ?

Following the consultation about the CPZ that closed in June, I think we expected – perhaps we were encouraged to believe – that any implementation of the CPZ, if that’s what’s decided, would sensibly happen at the same time as the traffic calming measures that are now imminent.

But nothing has been said. Clearly the two projects are separate.

We hear rumours, however, of meetings next week between officers and councillors at Lambeth, which might be the precursor to some announcement. So far, so good.

But wait. We also hear rumours that most streets in our proposed Zone voted against, yes against, the CPZ, for the second time. Can this be so?

Since the first vote in 2009, the parking situation in our neighbourhood has clearly got worse. After the summer reprieve, it can be very critical on many days. A few tradesmen’s vans and skips, and the overflow from neighbouring streets or perhaps commuters, can make it impossible to find a parking spot near one’s house. Sometimes it’s even impossible to find space on one’s own street. Meanwhile there are many empty parking spaces on CPZ-protected Ferndene Avenue.

So if you voted against the CPZ last time, what were your reasons?

Maybe you have your own off-street parking, or have no car, so don’t feel involved. Or perhaps you have two cars, and quail at the cost.

Or maybe you calculate (not unreasonably) that Lambeth will use CPZ charges to ramp up council income through inflation-busting annual increases, and would prefer to put up with the inconvenience of hunting for a parking space.

Many of us fear, however, that the parking situation is now near to crisis, and can only be rescued by a CPZ, despite the downside.

If you are on that side of the argument, you might want to get in touch with our local councillors urgently to make sure that they understand this point of view. Before it is too late.

STREET PARTY – 5TH JUNE

Following the success of last year’s street party, there are plans for another this summer on Sunday June 5th from 12 till 6pm.

An email and fliers will come round later in the year to remind everyone, but in the meantime save the date and do let the organsiers know if you’d like to help. Like last year, the plan is for a communal meal, with everyone bringing tables and chairs out.

If you have any ideas of things you’d like to do, bring, make, contribute… do let them know.

Also, do please forward this blog and spread the word to neighbours (on Fawnbrake and nearby roads) not on this list.

The organisers are Milly (No. 42) and Anna (No. 37) – and they can now be contacted at fawnbrakestreetparty@hotmail.com

LENDING & BORROWING CIRCLE – CHECK IT OUT, SAVE MONEY … AND GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS BETTER!

Consider joining the Fawnbrake Avenue lending and borrowing circle on Ecomodo, which many residents may already have heard about.

Ecomodo explain it like this:

Already a few neighbours have joined and added some items they are willing to share including a chocolate fountain, ladder, travel cot and bike. As well as household objects you can add your skills (such as gardening advice, guitar lessons, computer repair or help with IT) and spaces too (such a bedroom, a space for storage or even a beach hut – though obviously this may not be local).

Ecomodo is a social enterprise and their aim is to bring neighbours together, to help each other out and make visible the things that people are willing to share in one place.

Their website lets you to list your items to lend and see what others have on offer. Items can be lent for free or as a lender you are able to charge for an item, and choose if you want to keep the fee or make a donation to charity. And if you need to borrow something that isn’t yet listed you can post a wanted ad.

By borrowing the things you only occasionally need, as opposed to buying new, is not only a simple way to save money but it’s better for the environment. It’s an amazing fact – that the average drill is used for only 12 minutes in its lifetime. The total lifecycle impact from the collection of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution, to disposal is unacceptable when the purchaser was probably within a few metres of an idle drill in a neighbour’s shed.

If you’re not sure what to lend or borrow - sign up - to keep an eye on new items or wanted ads added in our neighbourhood. And for a bit of inspiration browse all items to borrow to see what others are lending around the UK.

More information:

About ecomodo
Lending with confidence
How ecomodo works

You might want to share experiences here about how it works out for you.