Minor Improvements to the Underpass

I noticed this morning that the guttering has been repair in the underpass which should make the underpass a little better to use, especially in the rain. This follows last week's demolition of a pointless piece of wall at the bottom of the staircase that allowed rubbish to collect and from the smell it was being used as a urinal.

This makes two or three issues dealt with since the meeting between Southern Rail and FH and Sydenham Society at the station in June. Remaining minor issues like we would like to see addressed before the complete rebuild of the station:

• Removal of graffiti on the footbridge
• Wider exit on the southbound platform to avoid congestion
• Better lighting on the steps from the southbound platform (especially as we approach winter)
• Convex mirror at the top of this exit is facing the wrong way to be of any use
• Removal of the gate from the exit (which is never closed and causes an obstruction when opened onto the platform)
• Resurfacing at the bottom of the stairs
• Possible improvements to lighting and CCTV in the underpass

Let's hope we see more improvements soon.

Latest news (Thursday 5/10/06) - we have seen more improvements - the resurfacing of the bottom of the stair and the surrounding pavement. More good news for Forest Hill.

Sustainable Development Rail Services Review

Lewisham Council's Sustainable Development Committee is meeting on Thursday 5th October at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. They shall be taking evidence from expert witnesses and the public is invited to observe.

The expert witnesses include:

• Paul Dean, Head of Rail Planning - Transport for London
  
• Brain Cooke, Chairman - London TravelWatch
  
• Kirsty Stalley, Campaign for Independent Living (CILL)
  
• Mike Gibson, Public Affairs Manager - Southeastern Trains
  
• Yvonne Leslie, Stakeholder Liaison Manager - Southern Railway
  
• Roland Anderson, National Rail Utilisation Strategy (RUS) Consultation Manager
  
• Richard Bourn, London Campaigner - Transport2000
  
• Barbara Britton, Chair – Lewisham Disability Coalition
  

Minutes from First AGM

Click here to view the minutes from the first AGM of the Forest Hill Society held on 25th September.

Below the minutes are open questions which are being followed up by TfL regarding the East London Line Extension.

We had 150 people at this meeting, demonstrating the demand for such a Society in the local area.

Picture of the Committee

This is a picture of most of the members of the committee, elected at the AGM.

Video from the AGM

Which side of the railway?


And a new railway coming soon

You can download the full East London Line Overflight Movie from http://ellp.tfl.gov.uk/ellp.aspx/ell-further-information.shtml

Membership Application Form

Click here to access the official application form. Membership costs just £5 per year and entitles you to recieve the Society's Newsletters and to vote in the AGM.

Forest Hill Society Leaflet to 10,000 residents

I found a way to put the leaflet on the web in PDF format. If you did not get a leaflet, or want another, you can print it out from here

This leaflet was delivered to 10,000 houses in SE23 and some of the surrounding area.

Draft Constitution

Download Forest Hill Society Draft Constitution

Inaugural Meeting of the Society

The Forest Hill Society will be holding its first General Meeting
Monday 25th September at 7.30 pm
Friends’ Meeting House
34 Sunderland Road

We are pleased to welcome Nigel D'Souza from the East London Line project as our Guest Speaker. He will talk about possibly one of the most important events in Forest Hill history – the arrival of the London Overground (East London Line Extension - ELLX)

The New Civic Society for London SE23

We are PROUD to live in Forest Hill and think the time is right to give the area a strong VOICE. By supporting the Forest Hill Society, we can make sure that our community gets the amenities, the transport and the environment we need and deserve.

Forest Hill should be shouting from the hilltop about the great things the area has to offer – the Horniman Museum and Gardens, some architectural gems, fantastic views, and many good shops. There’s a lot to feel good about.

BUT ….. …what is the FUTURE for Forest Hill?

The station needs upgrading, the swimming pool is closed indefinitely, there are far too many empty, commercial properties on the high street. The list goes on.

The Forest Hill Society will promote what’s best about the area as well as working with the Council to get the improvements we urgently need.

Our neighbours in Sydenham, Dulwich, Peckham and Brockley already have active Societies securing important benefits for their areas. Forest Hill must not get left behind.