Latest Crystal Palace news from local Lib Dem councillors John Canvin and Chris Gaster

8.25.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 19th Nov 2006

Crystal Palace Councillors John Canvin and Chris Gaster are circulating their latest local newsletter

CRYSTAL PALACE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE (NSC) and PARK

English Heritage has ruled that because the NSC is listed, it cannot be demolished. In September's newsletter, we said one option would be to build a temporary Olympic-sized pool close to the stadium and convert the existing swimming pools into a dry sports area. Other options now being considered include repairing/upgrading the existing pools plant or 'bolting on' new plant to the side of the existing building.

We saw the LDA's events manager and pointed out that their licensing application was unlikely to be approved. It has been withdrawn but a new one will be submitted.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the burning down of Crystal Palace, there will be a free fireworks display THIS WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR 6-7pm on 30 November 2006 but due to a problem the date has changed to 29 November THERE IS NO PARKING. The temporary ice rink will again be operating in November and December.

PLANNING

Bromley Council has given permission for first floor rear/second floor extensions and conversion of first and second floors into 2 one bedroom and 5 two bedroom flats at 79-89 Church Road SE19. The Council has refused both outline applications for 129 flats and 95 parking spaces on the former Anerley School for Boys in Versailles Road SE20. The application for 2 three storey houses on land next to Rochester House, Belvedere Road SE19 has been withdrawn. An appeal against a discontinuance notice for advertisements on the railway bridge next to 69 Anerley Road SE19 has been dismissed.

TRANSPORT ISSUES

Transport for London's (TfL) consultation with residents, stakeholders and community groups on the extension of Croydon Tramlink to Crystal Palace has now started. As well as the routes from Anerley Road to Crystal Palace, There will also be stops near Penge Road and by the bridge over Anerley Road leading to Crystal Palace Station. We urge residents to send TfL their views.

London Buses will be tendering a number of routes in 2008/9 and are reviewing the existing network. Local routes include the 176, 194, 354, 356, 358 and 410. The sorts of issues on which they'd welcome comments might include: adequacy of Sunday and night time services; frequency; need for larger vehicles; unreliable routes; adequacy of transport interchanges. Let us have your comments and we'll pass them on.

London Buses want to install 19 metre long bus stop markings outside 41-45 and opposite 49-53 Maberley Road and outside 2-6 and 3-7 Hamlet Road. The aim is to stop parking at bus stops. Complaints have been received that passengers have to walk in the road. Letters informing affected residents are being sent.

HIGH STREET PENGE LOCAL SAFETY SCHEME

40 questionnaires were distributed to residents in Thicket Road by consultants about proposals to install a mini-roundabout and improved pedestrian facilities at the junction of Thicket Road and High Street Penge. 5 were returned - 3 for and 2 against. We were also consulted and argued that the mini-roundabout would delay traffic in Crystal Palace Park Road and increase the attractiveness of the Thicket Road rat run and the speed of vehicles using it. Bromley then found insufficient money to complete all the work. The mini-roundabout is not, therefore, proceeding.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

In our last newsletter, we gave details of how Bromley Council planned to deal with street cleaning in heavily parked roads. A traffic order has since been published which includes: Anerley Park, Anerley Vale, Belvedere Road, Cintra Park, Milestone Road, Palace Grove, Patterson Road, Pleydell Avenue, Springfield Road, Thicket Road and Waldegrave Road. This order is now in force but the Council is not implementing it till January 2007 to allow completion of leaf clearance. A programme will then be worked up and letters delivered to residents, parked cars leafleted and signs erected giving dates and times when their roads will be cleaned. Steps are also being taken to stop rubbish being left on the pavement outside 19-69 Anerley Road.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON: 23 November 3pm Penge High Street

Thanks to Penge Forum, local people and councillors, over ?4000 has been collected so far. Contributions have come from traders, residents and Broomleigh. There will be music from local students with Mr & Mrs Santa. Do come along.

Crystal Palace Liberal Democrat councillors Chris Gaster and John Canvin are circulating their latest newsletter to residents

PROPOSED DISPERSAL AREA - ANERLEY VALE and SURROUNDINGS

Following a meeting with residents, Police, Broomleigh staff and ourselves, Bromley Council is liaising with the Police about making a Dispersal Order. This allows the Police to designate an area for a fixed period of time, prohibiting congregations of youths and allowing those under 16 to be taken home if in the area after 9pm.

BROOMLEIGH ISSUES

Bromley Council will be lopping 4 trees in Beaver Close later in the year. Broomleigh has taken action to deal with rats in South Penge Park and enlarge bin areas. Ivy in Tovil Close will be cut back to the root and grassed areas returfed.

LIB DEMS LAUNCH GREEN TAX SWITCH

Liberal Democrats want to give families on average incomes a ?1000 income tax cut by switching to green taxes. Liberal Democrats will change the way Britain pays tax. We will tax good things, like income, less and bad things, like pollution, instead. The more you switch to greener living, the more income tax cut you will keep. Whereas other parties talk about the environment, Lib Dems will act to tackle climate chaos.

Date for your diary: LIB DEM CHRISTMAS FAIR - St Edmund's Church, Village Way: 2 December 10am-2pm.