Author Archives: cllrpaulgadsby

Consultation on the future of a vacant Myatts Fields school hailed as a “welcome early step forward”.

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Local Labour councillors have welcomed a new consultation on the future of the empty Charles Edward Brook school in Cormont Road.

The building has been empty since 2019 and has fallen into disrepair, prompting local people to launch a ‘Stop the Rot’ campaign to save it from further damage. Now Lambeth Council – which is now responsible for the heritage site – is asking ‘local schools and other interested parties’ for their views on its future.

The consultation, which is limited to proposed possible loss of the long unused playing fields within the site and is required by law, is the first formal step to decide the future of the building.

Local councillors Annie Gallop and Paul Gadsby have been pressing the council to work with the community and take urgent action to prevent the local landmark from degenerating further. They said:

“This is a first step along what is likely to be a long road which might result in the school becoming homes.

“But we continue to press for wider consultation keeping the wishes of local communities at the forefront of the debate”

The beautiful building is in poor repair in part because the Department of Education delayed transferring ownership to the Council for a number of years. It’s estimated that work to simply stop its condition worsening may cost up to £1.9 million, which the Authority claims it cannot fund on its own.

Myatt’s Fields popular playgroup welcomes this year’s intake — new and not-so-new.

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Myatt’s Fields Park’s Outdoor Stay and Play sessions, based at the Mulberry Centre, have restarted for the new term.

The organisers say they’re looking forward to welcoming four-year-olds and their parents and carers whether or not they’ve attended the free drop-in sessions in the past. Based in the fresh air of the park’s picnic area near the tennis courts, children are looked after from 9.30 to 11.30 pm during term-time.

Time is spent outdoors every day, encouraging children to learn through imaginative play, stimulated by hands-on projects, activities and experiences.

Email for More details or visit the Stay and Play website.

Renovating the vacant Cormont Road School ‘might cost £1.9 million’, councillors told

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Lambeth Council should work with the community to put the vacant Cormont School building in Myatt’s Fields back into use, according to local councillors.

The condition of the beautiful former Charles Edward Brook school has declined considerably since it became vacant in 2019, in part because the Department of Education delayed transferring ownership to the Council for a number of years.

Last year Myatts Field’s councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop received a commitment that the council would begin work to assess the future of the school and involve the community in deciding its future.

In a question to Lambeth’s Full Council meeting last month, Cllr Gadsby asked the Cabinet Member for Housing for an update amid growing community concern:

“The Charles Edward Brook site in Myatt’s Fields has been empty for some time after being handed over in a poor and declining state by the Conservative government. Can I ask the Cabinet Member for an update on the future of this building as local councillors are keen, as is the community, that the building is put back into use as soon as possible?“

In a lengthy response – which can be read here – the Council confirmed that officers were coming up with a strategy to develop the building for residential use. However, the council says there are significant hurdles, including the poor state of repair of the heritage site, and the likely exorbitant cost of simply making the building safe and preventing further damage – estimated at between £1.4 and £1.9 million which the authority says it cannot afford..

Cllrs Gadsby and Gallop said:

“The Charles Edward Brooke School building has been left vacant for far, far too long. The building needs to be both put back into use and restored to its former architectural glory. It is encouraging the council have carried out feasibility studies, including drone surveys, and it has to be acknowledged that there are financial hurdles which are made more difficult by more than a decade of economic chaos by the recently departed, but not missed, Tory government. However, we are calling on Lambeth to pick up the pace and make a call on the future of the building, in partnership with the local community.”

Flo Eshalomi re-elected as MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

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Flo Eshalomi has been re-elected as the Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, which includes Myatt’s Fields.

Flo took well over 50% of the vote in the election, gaining a majority of over 15,000.

As part of her duties as our local MP, Flo will be holding surgeries on every two weeks around the constituency: details will be posted on her website. The site also contains details of how to contact Flo if you need help with any local issue. Sessions can also be carried out online.

Results from Vauxhall and Camberwell Green constituency election

CandidateVotes%
Labour Co-opFlorence Eshalomi21,52857.4
GreenCatherine Dawkins6,41617.1
Liberal DemocratsChris French4,54912.1
ConAarti Joshi2,8097.5
Reform UKMike King2,0335.4
SDPAndrew McRobbie2010.5
Majority15,11240.3

Councillors oppose “unacceptable” proposals to “unpick” noise protections at Lilford Road development

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Local Myatt’s Fields councillors have raised objections to proposals that would allow noise from heavy machinery beyond 11pm at night from a light industrial complex on Lilford Road – despite a promise to respect the local neighbourhood by the private business outfit running operations from the site.

The plans for the redevelopment of the old business centre at 61 Lilford Road, which is currently nearing completion, drew considerable public comment when first announced at the end of 2022. Local councillors, and many residents, believed there were positive aspects to the proposals, including a commitment to bring new jobs to Myatt’s Fields and breath life into a derelict site scarred by decaying buildings and anti-social behaviour.

However, the original plans from AG Bloom, the developer behind the scheme, included 24 hour traffic movements to and from the site, as well as the operation of so-called “dark kitchen” businesses from the site. Both were eventually ruled out by the developer following pressure from Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop, as well as local residents and community groups. An outline of the range of restrictions placed on the development by Lambeth’s Planning Committee in June 2023 can be read here.

However, AG Bloom have now submitted a request to Lambeth’s planning department which would allow mechanical equipment, including heavy machinery, to operate on the site past 11pm at night.

Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop said:

“It is incredibly disappointing that after a huge amount of discussion during the early part of 2023, the developer is attempting to unpick important noise protections placed on the development by Lambeth’s planning committee.

“As we said at the time the original proposals were moving through the planning system, there are positives behind these plans, however, they must respect the fact that the new commercial complex is situated in the middle of a residential area. Residents have a right to enjoy their homes in peace and quiet, especially late at night.

“We are putting in an objection to these proposals and will be asking AG Bloom to withdraw their request that will generate late night noise. We would encourage residents to make their views clear through the consultation currently taking place here.“

Artists impression of the new industrial complex at 61 Lilford Road

Make your voice heard in this year’s general election

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Lambeth Council has announced a key set of dates who everyone wanting to vote in this year’s crucial general election on 4 July.

Important information at the Council’s webhub includes:

  • All residents must be registered to vote by 18 June 2024 – if you are a new resident to Lambeth, or have moved address within the borough, and have not registered to vote yet, you can do so online here.
  • If you are not able to vote on election day and do not have a postal vote, you can apply for a proxy vote, allowing someone to vote on your behalf. You must have registered your proxy vote by 5pm on 19 June 2024 – read more about how to register for a proxy here.
  • The 19 June 2024 is also the same deadline to apply for a postal vote – find out how to get a postal vote here.
  • The borough is also reminding residents that Voter ID is now required to vote in person at polling stations on 4 July: information on what ID is acceptable can be read here.
  • To find out where your polling station will be on election day, take a look at this page.
  • Other important dates in the electoral process can be found here.

Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop said:

“This will be a crucial general election with our country at a cross roads: we would urge all residents to cast their votes on 4 July. It is incredibly important that everyone’s voice is heard at the ballot box”

Residents asked to nominate sites for new “community parklets” in Myatt’s Fields

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Lambeth Council is asking local residents in Myatt’s Fields to nominate locations for new community parklets as part of a programme to improve local streets across the borough.

According to Lambeth:

“Parklets are parking space-sized parks that are installed in the kerbside. They can be customised by the community to best suit their needs from a catalogue of modular items, whether they want a space to grow, socialise or rest is up to them. They are part of our ambition to build neighbourhoods fit for the future, where people can live happier, healthier lives.”

Local councillors Paul Gadsby and Annie Gallop are encouraging local residents to put in their suggestions for suitable spots for parklets across Myatt’s Fields: for more information and how to apply visit this webhub.       

Road safety set to be improved around Christ Church School

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Lambeth Council have confirmed that from June, new measures will come into force to protect children from speeding vehicles around Christ Church School in Myatt’s Fields.

Following lobbying from local councillors Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop, the Council confirmed last year that a “safer street” would come into operation near the school: under the updated details for the scheme, Cancell Road, between the junctions with Eythorne Road, Elliott Road, and Russel Grove in its entirety, will close temporarily to motor vehicles between 8.30-9.30am and 2.45-3.45pm, Monday to Friday during term time. These changes will take affect from 17 June 2024.

Residents and Blue Badge holders will still be able to access the road at all times by applying for an exemption. Emergency vehicles will also have access.  Other motor vehicles will be restricted during these times.

If residents have any questions, or wish to enquire about exemptions, they can visit this webpage, email schoolstreets@lambeth.gov.uk or call: 020 7926 9000

Lambeth Council will be collecting feedback on the School Street for six months from 17 June 2024.

Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop, said:

“We are really pleased that the Council has listened to local residents and placed restrictions on motor vehicles from outside the area driving around Christ Church school at peak times for the school. This will really improve safety for local children. We will continue to press for further action to make our roads and streets safer for all residents across Myatt’s Fields.”

30 May 2024 Update: Please note this article has been amended to reflect the new implementation date which will now be on the 17 June (as opposed to the 3 June originally).

Councillor surgery switched to Thursday 9 May at Longfield Hall

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Myatt’s Fields councillors will next month be switching their regular monthly surgery to Thursday 9 May 2024 in order to avoid a clash with the Mayoral elections (taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024).

As usual the surgery will be held at Longfield Hall, 6pm-7pm, and as always, no appointment is necessary: if you have an issue to discuss please do drop in for a chat!

The monthly surgeries will return to the first Thursday of every month from June 2024.

Myatt’s Fields Boiler Garden hosts Spring “ideas session”

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The Myatt’s Fields Boiler Garden project – an excellent community garden on Mostyn Road – is hosting a Spring drop in event on Saturday, 13 April at 2pm-4pm.

The event has been organised to dove tail with Incredible Edible’s family friendly walk which kicks off earlier in the afternoon (more details about this event here).

If you are interested in visiting this excellent community event, all of the details are below.