Background:
It's been over 2 years since Lewisham Council closed (June 2015) the "Hither Green Lane Streetscapes Improvement" consultation (link below) which received "phenomenal support" from the local community, residents, schools and businesses.
The improvement scheme was due to be implemented in 2018, however, post enquiries and months of chasing, we have been informed by our councillor (Stella Jeffrey) and Lewisham Traffic (Simon Moss) that the current tentative timetable is now 2021 for implementation, if ever.
In addition, we have been informed the whole scheme “may” be replaced with a different scheme entirely with unknown time frames which, we find very vague and with no firm commitment. This is especially disappointing given the significant effort that was put in by local residents to make this happen.
Lastly, which is the most disappointing, is the fact that it appears one of the reasons for the delay from 2018 to 2021 is because Hither Green Lane has been deprioritised versus other areas of the borough even though their consultations started in i.e. 2016 or later, they will be receiving their improvements sooner.
Consultation Link:
https://lewisham-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/regeneration/t/hither_green_lane_streetscape?tab=files
Why is this important?
Hither Green Lane could be a pleasant place to live and work but it continues to be blighted by:
- Excessive speeding (even before and after 20mph speed limit)
- Lack of / dangerous pedestrian crossings
- Ineffective traffic calming
- Heavy traffic / congestion
- Complaints to the Council and to the Police falling on deaf ears
- the Council stating that until someone gets hurt, they won’t do anything to make Hither Green Lane safer
We cannot accept that our community suffers from heavy traffic, irresponsible speeding and not having safe places to cross Hither Green Lane any longer.
The intention is to use this petition to urge / influence our Local MPs, Mayor, Lewisham Council (Councillors) and Lewisham Traffic to commit to the Hither Green Lane Streetscape Improvements by ensuring;
1. They acknowledge the importance of the improvements to the local community, residents, schools and businesses.
2. They deliver / implement the vision outlined in consultation and not some watered down version.
3. The implementation isn’t deprioritised any further and is prioritised appropriately.
Please sign this petition to help make Hither Green Lane a safer, more pedestrian / family friendly place to live, work and shop.
Note: there is no age restriction on who can sign this petition, so please sign for your children also
How it will be delivered
We intend to hand over the results / signatures in time for the upcoming Mayor and Cabinet Meeting mid-September this year during which, the Hither Green Lane Streetscape Improvements will be discussed / reviewed.