Plaistow Walk Saturday 17th August

The Plaistow Walk was an opportunity for local residents to meet Councillors Ellie Harmer and Colin Smith to discuss issues of concern about the area around the Burnt Ash Lane Parade. The event was arranged by Ellie Harmer and we met with her at Cafe Clementine where those who arrived early could try out the Cafe's refreshments.

There was a good turnout with a mix of people including members of two nearby allotments, LERA chairman Peter Skipp and LERA treasurer Diane Bex as well as other residents who had previously contacted the council about local issues.

Councillor Colin Smith, who is the Portfolio Holder for Environment, is seen here in the red shirt. He made notes as the group walked around the area and he strongly encourage residents to make use of the the "Report It" link on the Bromley Council website whenever there is a problem which the Council should deal with. The link to use is at:- https://fix.bromley.gov.uk/. Clicking on the link today, Monday, gave the following page:-

(Click the image to enlarge it or better still click the link to see the current situation)

The group set off and reviewed the litter which has accumulated behind a fence in the alley between Martins and the betting shop. We also viewed the recycling bins in the car park which have to be cleared of rubbish early every morning due to inconsiderate people dumping things which should really be taken to the tip. (On recent mornings I have seen old televisions, push chairs and even a two seater Ercol settee. I also regularly see piles of books left on top of the paper recycling bins which could well have been taken to the local Charity shops.)

We then walked along past Waitrose to view the land at the front of the substation next to Rotunda House. The land is rough and unfenced and people dump their rubbish there. Thoughtless dog walkers let their dogs mess there and don't bother to remove it. Councillor Smith explained that the patch of ground is the responsibility of the power companies who have been asked to fence it to discourage fly tipping but who do not regard it as a priority.

Crossing the road we walked along Milk Street  past the allotments. The area was fairly tidy although there was some recent graffiti under the railway bridge which was reported in the "Graffiti and Flyposting" category by Cllr Colin Smith himself later that day. The walk ended at 11.00 am with some of the participants taking up the invitation from the reverend Elizabeth Davis to have a cup of tea or cake at St Andrews Church which is open every Saturday morning between 9.30 and 11.30.