Martin and Adrian help celebrate the achievements of local learners with CEF Lyncx

IMG_2583CEF Lyncx (CEFL) is an educational organisation providing learning opportunities to help young people achieve their potential. The project originated on the Blenheim Gardens Estate and is now operating in three other tenant managed estates across Lambeth.

This week Cllr Martin Tiedemann and Cllr Adrian Garden joined CEFL learners and their families and the hardworking team behind the project at the annual awards ceremony and were pleased to award every learner with a certificate of achievement.

Earlier this year, Blenheim Gardens RMO and CEF Lyncx were winners of the Lambeth Community Initiative Award 2014. The project was selected by attendees at the Lambeth Council residents conference on Saturday 25th from a number of other community projects. Continue reading

Millionnaire developer prosecuted for illegal conversion of house in Trent Road

lexadonlogoLambeth Council has used the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) against a millionaire developer who illegally converted a house in Trent Road into flats without permission.

Jerrard Knight – who is included in the Sunday Times Rich List – and his company Lexadon Ltd, have been ordered to pay more than £175,000 after renting out a property as flats – despite having planning applications to do so repeatedly turned down by the council. Lexadon were previously behind the applications for apartments on Brixton Hill and Blenheim Gardens opposite the Windmill pub.

The case is just one of several planning enforcement cases in which Lambeth is using POCA legislation, which allows for the confiscation or recovery of the proceeds of criminal behaviour. Continue reading

Lambeth’s enforcement team seek to review licence of Serenity Wine Bar

Lambeth Council team dealing with noise and enforcement has made an application to review the licence of Serenity Wine Bar & Restaurant, where there have been several complaints regarding loud music and gathering of patrons outside late at night. Despite meetings organised and warning letters sent, the managers have failed to engage in any way with the Council and residents have continued to complain.

The enforcement team has therefore made an application to amend the licence of the bar to mean that only background music may be played; the hours will be restricted to 11pm every night; late night refreshment will not be allowed; and should any event licences be granted it will be with strict safeguards.

The review will go to Licensing Sub-Committee in the new year. Residents have until 12 January to make their views known. Comments can be emailed to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and should address the ‘licensing objectives’ – preventing crime & disorder; public safety; prevention of public nuisance; and protecting children from harm. Full details of the review will appear here soon.

Corpus Christi Primary confirmed as one of the best schools in the country

cclogoCorpus Christi Primary School in Brixton Hill got confirmation of its excellence last week when primary school performance tables were released, showing Corpus Christi as the highest performing school in Lambeth, sixth highest in London and equal fifty third in the whole of England. Other schools in the ward, notably Sudbourne Primary, performed strongly.

Well done to all the children, staff and parents, including Chair of Governors Mr Michael Burke and headteachers Mr Coyle and Ms Connery.

Cllr Paul McGlone explains the latest on the Your New Town Hall project

YNTH-sketchCllr Paul McGlone, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council, has written a blogpost outlining the current status of the Your New Town Hall project, explaining how we got here and why it’s important for residents to get involved, with 120 already having attended the latest round of consultation events.

Key issues addressed by Cllr McGlone include how the project will save taxpayers money and what it will cost; the 200 new homes on site, with 40% classed as ‘affordable’; the 45 apprenticeships and over 700 jobs created during construction; the Impact Hub for start-up and small businesses; and landscaping of the site. Continue reading

NHS England consulting on future of Streatham Place GP Surgery

streathamplacesurgeryMainNHS England is currently consulting on the future of Streatham Place GP Surgery. Healthcare provider Hurley Group has had a temporary contract to run the surgery since the previous GPs were suspended. Hurley’s contract will end on 31 August 2015 and there have been mixed reviews of its services there but patients now have the opportunity to express their thoughts in full.

Today (8 December) is the final day of the online consultation – councillors were only just informed. Patients should have been sent details and invited to consultation meetings, with paper questionnaires available from the surgery reception. Continue reading