Author: Darryl Chamberlain

Greenwich Council plans to stop through traffic on Old Dover Road

Darryl Chamberlain
Old Dover Road, seen here in this Google Streetview image, could be closed at the A102 bridge

Plans to make cycling safer for schoolchildren could see through traffic banned from Old Dover Road, according to plans unveiled by Greenwich Council yesterday.

Cameras could be placed on the bridge over the A102 to stop cars, vans and lorries from heading down the full length of the road as part of the proposal to finish a proposed cycle route from Shooters Hill Road to Greenwich Park.

The council also plans to put a camera on Banchory Road to stop the rat-running that has blighted the short-cut to and from Charlton Road for years, with HGVs transporting cars to the Metropolitan Police’s pound on Bramshot Avenue continuing to thunder down the dog-leg into Craigerne Road.

Traffic would still be able to use Old Dover Road, but drivers heading to the shops would have to enter from the Royal Standard if the proposals go ahead. Using cameras means buses and emergency services can still use the route, while closures could be limited to rush hours or daytimes only.

Part of the cycle route, from Baker Road to Weyman Road, was finished last year, but now the council is consulting on proposals to extend it west along Shooters Hill Road, and then to route riders along a quieter Old Dover Road, before the route continues along St John’s Park towards Blackheath.

However, rather than following an existing footpath to Greenwich Park, cyclists would be expected to turn left into Vanburgh Terrace and then right into Maze Hill – the top section of which would be closed to through traffic – before reaching the park.

The route was chosen as it runs close to or past five different schools: Greenwich Free School, Halley Academy, Leigh Academy Blackheath and John Roan School. It is one of two routes to be chosen for funding by Transport for London – the other is a cycle route from Eltham to Greenwich Park, which is also being consulted on.

Sizwe James, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “These routes will help more people cycle more often, even more safely, and help us with our green recovery. Whether it’s for shopping, commuting to work, getting to school or for leisure these routes have the potential to make cycling a serious option for more people.

“Travelling by bike is much cheaper than driving and these cycle routes will open the borough up so residents can travel further, more confidently. Not only is cycling easy on the wallet it’s good for our health and everyone around us too. If you’re serious about putting the brake on unnecessary car journeys, avoidable chronic health conditions caused by car exhausts and climate change then please have your say.”

Last month Greenwich announced a scheme which would involve cutting through traffic in Westcombe Hill: many Charlton residents have recently received anonymous leaflets urging them to protest against the proposals, and promoting a website which also does not reveal who is behind the campaign. Two weeks ago the council told The Charlton Champion it would monitor any effect the scheme had in Charlton and would take action if necessary.

Progress is also well under way on the extension of Cycleway 4 along Woolwich Road into Charlton, a scheme which is being delivered by Transport for London rather than the council.

A consultation into the Old Dover Road scheme is open until 21 March at greenersafergreenwich.commonplace.is.

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Hornfair comes home as Charlton gets east-west split in new council ward plans

Darryl Chamberlain
This could be the new council map of the area

Charlton could be split down the middle under the final proposals to redraw where Greenwich councillors are elected – with Victoria Way and Canberra Road forming the new boundary line.

At present, Greenwich borough is split into 18 wards, which each elect three councillors, with Charlton sliced into four wards: Charlton, Peninsula, Woolwich Riverside and Kidbrooke with Hornfair. But with the area’s population rising fast, the map is being redrawn to accommodate 55 councillors rather than 51.

New plans from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England propose that the SE7 area still be split into four, but most of it would be covered by two wards, Charlton Village & Riverside and Charlton Hornfair. If approved, they will apply from May 2022’s council elections, and will not affect the Kidbrooke with Hornfair by-election which is due in May. The commission is asking for the public’s views on its plans.

The L-shaped Charlton Hornfair ward would cover the area north of Shooters Hill Road and east of the A102, and would run as far as the Westcombe Park to Charlton railway line, Victoria Way, Canberra Road and Charlton Park Lane – ending a 20-year split which has seen residents of much of this area vote for Kidbrooke councillors. It would also include Blackheath residents around the Royal Oak pub and Woolwich residents in developments south of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It would elect two councillors.

Charlton station mural
The Charlton station mural is currently split between two wards – Peninsula and Charlton. It will be in Charlton Village & Riverside under the new plans

Charlton Village & Riverside would cover the area from the river up to Charlton Park, including the Troughton Road and Atlas Gardens areas that currently find themselves in Peninsula and Woolwich Riverside wards. It would also elect two councillors.

Small parts of SE7 would still cast their votes for other wards – the area around Gurdon Road, with new developments on Fairthorn Road and Bowen Drive, would be in a three-councillor Greenwich Peninsula ward, while Maryon Road, Erwood Road and Woodland Terrace go into Woolwich Dockyard, along with the rest of what will soon become the Trinity Park development.

The proposals do not affect parliamentary constituencies, so much of Charlton Hornfair would still come under Clive Efford’s Eltham seat for the time being. They also do not affect the borough’s boundaries with Lewisham and other neighbours, which were last tweaked in the 1990s.

Greenwich Council has input into the proposals but it is the commission that sets the boundary. The town hall had initially gone along with proposals for 55 councillors, but changed its mind last autumn and proposed 56. The commission has rejected that, and has based its proposals on those filed by the borough’s Conservative councillors.

The Tories may well be pleased to see the largely Labour-voting Charlton streets moved out of wards in the Kidbrooke area that was a traditional target for them. Other changes may also help the council’s opposition – such as a Woolwich Arsenal ward covering new developments by the Thames in Woolwich town centre, as well as a Kidbrooke Village ward.

The council’s own proposals would have further entrenched the old four-way split in Charlton’s councillors – including bringing the Kidbrooke with Hornfair boundary right up to Canberra Road. “As this proposal involves crossing Shooters Hill Road, we do not consider that this reflects the community identity of these areas, and we have therefore not adopted it,” the commission said.

The commission also rejected council plans to put Heathwood Gardens and Kinveachy Gardens in Woolwich Dockyard. “The council proposed an alternative boundary in this area, with Heathwood Gardens and Kinveachy Gardens in a Woolwich-based ward. We visited this area on our virtual tour of Greenwich and considered that these streets look towards Charlton for their community identity rather than Woolwich. This judgment was supported by the relatively small number of local residents who provided evidence that these streets regarded themselves as part of the Charlton community, using Charlton-based shops and community facilities rather than those in Woolwich.”

There will now be a public consultation on the plans, which will run until 10 May. You can have your say at the Local Government Boundary Commission for England website.

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Charlton Community Voting Day is coming: Apply by 8 March for grants of up to £2,000

Darryl Chamberlain2 Comments
Springfield Grove estate
Grants are on offer for health and wellbeing projects to benefit communities in Charlton

Last week, we reported on how you can apply for grants up of to £2,000 for health and wellbeing projects that well help communities in Charlton. Residents will also have the chance to vote for which projects get funding. GAYLE WALLACE, who is running the scheme for Greenwich Council, has more details on how you can get involved.

I am delighted to share key information on the new Community Voting Day funding available in Charlton – including how to get involved as an applicant or resident voter.

There are small (up to £500) and medium (up to £2,000) grants available for health-related projects to be delivered for the benefit of Charlton residents. Anyone can come forward with an idea they would like funded, and local people will vote on which they want to fund.

Where to apply for funding

If you have an idea you would like to put forward for funding, you need to submit it at the link below by 8th March: https://tinyurl.com/charltonfundingapplication

Getting support with your application

There will be a series of online workshops between now and the 6th March. These can help you with making an application and getting comfortable with doing a presentation for residents on the Community Voting Day – on Saturday 27th March from 10.45am – 12.15pm. You can find the schedule for these workshops below.

If you are an individual rather than organisation, you will need a “sponsor” organisation who will be able to hold funds for you. kellyann.ibrahim[at]royalgreenwich.gov.uk can help match you with a sponsor.

Registering to vote

Charlton residents can register to vote in the online “Dragons Den” on 27th March at this link. We would encourage all potential project applicants to actively recruit residents in the Charlton area to register and attend. They will be able to take part in a great community event and help shape their local area.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/142367014573

Funding application support workshops

Please feel free to join any the dates and times on offer. You will gain hints and tips on how to develop a rounded application ready for submission.

Saturday 27 February, 11am-12.30pm
Monday 1 March, 3pm-4.30pm
Thursday 4 March, 6-7.30pm
Saturday 6 March, 10.30am-12noon

Join by Zoom or Skype for Business.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CHARLTON CHAMPION

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What are those crosses for? Remember your loved ones with a church message at Lent

Darryl Chamberlain
The cross outside St Thomas’ church in Woodland Terrace

Have you seen the big wooden crosses outside St Luke’s and St Thomas’ churches? REV LIZ NEWMAN, the rector of the Benifice of Charlton, explains why they are there, and how you can use them to remember loved ones you have lost.

In both St Luke’s and St Thomas’ churchyards, large rough wooden crosses have appeared. During this season of Lent, we invite members of the community to share with us a loss you’ve suffered over the last year. It could be the name of a person who has died or something else you’ve been mourning. We’ll hang your messages on the cross. Please email your messages to: lentmessages[at]netarts.co.uk

Last Christmas the churches hosted “greetings trees”, on which people’s messages were placed.

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Charlton Athletic fans call for stand to be named after Alan Curbishley

Darryl Chamberlain
The Valley
The south stand (to the right) is already named after Jimmy Seed

Charlton Athletic fans have launched a petition calling for a stand to be named after Alan Curbishley, the manager who took the club into Premier League.

Curbishley, who is now 63, spent two spells at the club as a midfield player in the 1980s and 1990s, and managed the side between 1991 and 2006. He also played for and managed West Ham United, and played at both Aston Villa and Birmingham City as well as Brighton and Hove Albion.

But it was in his 15 years as Charlton manager that he achieved his greatest successes, winning the first division play-off final in 1998. While the team were relegated from the Premier League the following season, Charlton then won the division in 2000, leading to a seven-year Premier League stay.

Charlton were relegated a year after Curbishley departed in 2006, and have bounced between the second and third tiers of English football since then. More recently, Curbishley has been appearing regularly on Valley Pass, the live video coverage of matches broadcast while fans are unable to watch games in person.

The south stand at The Valley is already named after Jimmy Seed, the manager who steered Charlton to the old first division in the 1930s and won the FA Cup in 1947. As with Curbishley, Seed’s departure in 1956 was followed by relegation.

The petition has been created by Rick Everett, the editor of Charlton fanzine Voice of the Valley. It has been backed by Peter Varney, the club’s former chief executive, who writes in the latest issue: “It is a no-brainer in my opinion. His achievements are every bit as good as Jimmy Seed’s and these are tributes that should happen to a person when he is alive, not dead. Curbs will never say anything on the subject but he will love it.”

The Stand Up For Curbs petition can be found at change.org.

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Got an idea to promote health and wellbeing in Charlton? Apply for up to £2,000 in funding

Darryl Chamberlain1 Comment
Maryon Wilson Park
Funding could be used to help people in Charlton get out and about

Community Voting Day is coming to Charlton on Saturday March 27. Greenwich Council has a pot of government money to spend on community health and wellbeing schemes in SE7 as part of its response to the pandemic. GAYLE WALLACE, who is running the scheme, explains…

Individuals and organisations are encouraged to apply for ‘small grant’ funding of up to £500 or ‘larger grant’ funding of up to £2,000, to provide projects that will improve health and wellbeing in the local area.

The criteria for funding applications have been set by local residents from the Charlton Neighbourhood Delivery Team, who have been championing health in the community for some time.

This is a unique opportunity, as it will be local residents in this area who will vote to decide which projects will be successful through an online (lockdown compliant) Community Voting Day, based on the principle of participatory budgeting. This will be held on Saturday March 27 (time to be decided). It’ll be a community-style Dragons Den.

The funding is being dispensed through the Royal Borough of Greenwich. I have been commissioned by the council to deliver the Community Voting Day process for this area.

Residents and organisations have the opportunity to gain funding through making an application outlining a project that they wish to deliver (based on the criteria set by the local community).

As well as organisations, we are actively encouraging individuals with great ideas, enthusiasm, and the energy to deliver, to apply. To support this aim we are also looking for organisations willing to play the role of an umbrella/sponsor organisation for an individual or small group that has a good idea but may not be constituted.

The application forms will be available shortly, with a final decision being made (as to who gets the funding) at the community voting day to be held on March 27, to which all from the community would be invited to take part.

Training will be available to help those interested in applying to help them formulate their project ideas, complete application forms, and to make a great presentation to the local community.

If you have any further queries regarding this funding, please do feel free to contact me at gayle.wallace[at]btconnect.com or call me on 078144 22696 for a brief discussion.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CHARLTON CHAMPION

We tell the SE7 stories you won’t read elsewhere. We can’t do it without your help.
– Please tell us about your news and events
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Pizza takeaway and flat at Charlton’s Victoria pub get council approval

Darryl Chamberlain
Victoria pub plans
The plan for the Victoria was submitted last August

Plans to convert the crumbling Victoria pub on Woolwich Road into a pizza takeaway with a flat behind it have been approved by Greenwich Council.

The Gillingham-based Zaan Group, a Domino’s Pizza franchisee, was given permission for the conversion by council officers after only one person complained about he proposal. The pub, known for its sloping floor, is locally listed but has been unused for over 20 years, and has been recently damaged by fires.

Earlier proposals to turn the pub, into a takeaway and build four flats behind it were thrown out in 2019 because the new flats would “appear as an incongruous addition which would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the locally listed host building and Thames Barrier and Bowater Road Conservation Area”. Plans for student flats have also been rejected.

But Zaan’s latest plans, which feature a single three-bedroom flat, were given the nod just before Christmas by council officers. As there was only one objection and no local councillors called it in, the scheme did not have to go before a planning committee – so the approval has only just come to light.

Victoria pub interior
Inside the Victoria after the May 2019 fire.

“Given the poor structural condition retention of the building requires creative thought and use. This is an isolated building that does not relate to any existing use in the area. Therefore, new uses are required,” the submission from architects Cook Associates says. The developer warned that the pub would face demolition if it could not be redeveloped.

Zaan has three years to start work on the site, council officers have said. The sole objection pointed out the takeaway’s proximity to local schools, but a report by a council officer states: “The specific intention is not to cater to pupils of nearby schools. In light of this [the] proposed change of use to a takeaway would be unlikely to significantly undermine efforts to combat childhood obesity.”

The Victoria in 2018

The scheme is also the first Charlton Riverside development to get approval – even if it may end up being the smallest with just one home, with thousands more planned for future years.

Seven schemes are in the pipeline:

Greenwich Council also owns significant portions of land on the riverside, and next week its cabinet is due to approve plans to buy more, The town hall is set to buy land on other side of Penhall Road from Leopard Guernsey Anchor, a company involved in the ill-fated Rockwell scheme rejected last year. The purchase price has not been disclosed. The plot is next to land the council already owns.

Another formal council document, the Site Allocation Plan, will also come up before the cabinet next week. This reiterates the council’s plans for housing and employment on the riverside, and gives guidance for developers looking at various plots of land. This includes the Makro site at Anchor & Hope Lane – where it says any development “should accommodate a mix of small and medium sized commercial, retail, leisure and community uses and flexible SME space”, although there is currently no suggestion the the cash and carry retailer is planning to leave the area.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CHARLTON CHAMPION

We tell the SE7 stories you won’t read elsewhere. We can’t do it without your help.
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