Author: tgntra

Make estate ballots fair!

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Dear Friend

MAKE ESTATE BALLOTS FAIR!

The Public interest Law Centre (PILC) and their solicitor, Paul Heron, has been been a fantastic help to our campaigning work at the Elephant.

Now the PILC is campaigning to level the playing field for ballots on the future of council estates, which include proposals for demolition.  Many of these ballots are being won by councils, after using uncapped public funds to canvass for ‘yes’ votes.

The London Assembly has proposed a Resident Empowerment Reserve Fund to redress the balance.  Local communities opposed to demolition would be able to draw on this Fund, to put across their point of view.

Sadiq Khan now has to decide whether to include the Fund in his 2022-2023 budget.  He is considering this now  and will respond this Thursday 24th February, at Mayor’s Question Time, when he presents his final budget to the Assembly.

EMAIL THE MAYOR NOW!

PILC has set up an emailing campaign to the Mayor, via this link – https://www.pilc.org.uk/tell-sadiq-to-say-yes-to-the-resident-empowerment-fund/ .

The email urges the Mayor to adopt the Fund.  It also asks that the terms of access to the Fund is formulated by community members who have experienced estate-ballot processes and would have benefited from the Fund.  The email will be copied to Tom Copley, the deputy Mayor for housing.

The email only takes one minute.  PILC’s message can be retweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/publiclawcentre/status/1489266674125574144

Regards
Jerry
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Free swimming lessons, local antiques sale and COVID-19 information

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Things to do in Southwark and key council updates

Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

Extra vaccine clinics this week in Southwark

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DUSK

Extra vaccine clinics this week in Southwark

All the key COVID-19 information

Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

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URGENT update on Covid-19

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Dear TRA Chairs, VCS partners and Community Ambassadors,

I wish that our only focus was on spreading festive cheer in our communities at this time, but unfortunately we remain very much in the grip of a dangerous pandemic. You will have seen that cases are rising incredibly fast in London, and this week in Southwark our rates have risen alarmingly to 1,494 per 100,000 – the third highest rate in the country. This is a really worrying number, and is a much higher rate when we went into Tier 4 restrictions this time last year.

As we await a potential update from the Government on further restrictions, I do need to appeal to all our communities to avoid meeting in groups face to face wherever possible. I believe it’s the only way we are going to slow the speed of the virus spreading, and therefore protect local people and the NHS.

The vaccine does provide protection, and it’s important that residents continue to come forward for their 1st, 2nd or booster dose, but we know that in some parts of the borough, 40% of residents have not had a single vaccine.

I am asking for your help, therefore, in helping get the word out to residents that they should come forward for whichever vaccine they are eligible for now, to help protect them and their families. You can do this by:

  • Sharing the attached 1,2,3 campaign on social media and your local Whatsapp groups
  • Promote local enhanced provision in or close to your wards . These include extended opening hours at Tessa Jowell, the Artesian, and at various approved pharmacies across the borough – you can find the up to date details here
  • Helping to publicise the extended offer in Peckham next week. The attached leaflet gives details of a walk in at the Lister Centre on Monday/Tuesday but we are hopeful that this will extend into Wednesday/Thursday. Please share the attached graphic and this web link which will be updated if the offer is extended: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2021/dec/extra-vaccine-clinics-in-peckham-20-to-24-december

In addition to the vaccine we are promoting cautious behaviours to help reduce the rise in Covid-19 rates locally. We are asking all our community leaders to avoid face to face meetings or gatherings with groups of residents, move events online wherever possible, and to follow the following advice:

  • Take a rapid lateral flow test before meeting with family and friends or going to busy public places
  • Wash hands regularly and wear face coverings in public places including community centres and faith premises
  • Self-isolate if positive. There is financial support available for this.
  • Stay at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing on other illnesses onto friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community
  • Meet family and friends in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors or indoors with windows open. You are at a higher risk if you are in an enclosed or crowded space, or there is limited fresh air.
  • Download the NHS COVID-19 app. Keep your Bluetooth and contact tracing on to stay informed in case you come into contact with a positive case. 

The current rates and restrictions will alarm and concern some our residents, especially those who are more vulnerable and those who were previously shielding. Please do remind them of the support on offer to them, as we all help our residents through another difficult period.

Officers across the council, alongside our NHS colleagues, are working extremely hard to try to keep residents safe and I know you will be too. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes,

Cllr Evelyn Akoto

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

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Peckham walk-in times[10139]

Get your booster, first or second vaccine dose

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Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX  

What Plan B means for you, and how to stay safe as Covid rates rise

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Southwark Council header
COVID-19 numbers are rising in Southwark and across the country, and rates have increased by 45% in Southwark in the last week. There are also cases of the Omicron variant in Southwark.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the government has moved to ‘Plan B’ arrangements (details below). These make it a legal requirement to wear face coverings in most places where you mix with other people. They also ask people to work from home if you can.

It’s important we all get vaccinated and get a booster jab when we’re eligible. It’s also important to keep getting tested regularly and to follow current guidance.

Aged 40+? Get your booster vaccine now

If you’re aged 40+ you can now get your booster vaccine if it’s three months since your second dose.

You can pre-book your booster if it’s two months since your second dose (you will be offered an appointment three months after the second dose).

>> Book your booster jab now on the national booking system

Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19. Over 20 million people have had their booster jab.

If it’s already three months since your second dose you can go to a walk-in clinic for your booster.

>> Go to a local walk-in clinic (if it’s 3 months since your second dose)

Frontline health and social care workers and people aged 16+ with certain health conditions can also get a booster vaccine.

Get your first or second vaccine dose

It is one year since the first people got their vaccine. In the UK over 51 million people have had their first dose and over 46 million have had two doses. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and the best defence against COVID-19.

>> Book your first or second vaccine dose now

>> Find a walk-in clinic for your first or second dose

Second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for 16 and 17-year-olds

If you’re 16 or 17-years-old you can book a second dose, for 12 weeks after your 1st dose. If you’re at higher risk from COVID-19, you can get a 2nd dose at a walk-in vaccination site from eight weeks after your 1st dose.

Walk-in vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds

All children aged between 12 and 17 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Most children aged 12 to 15 will we be offered one in school, but if you have missed that opportunity you can go to a local walk-in clinic for your vaccine.

Plan B: a summary of the changes

  • From Friday 10 December, face coverings will be required in more public settings, including theatres and cinemas, unless you are exempt. Face coverings are already required in indoor places such as shops and on public transport.
  • From Monday 13 December, you should work from home where possible.
  • From Wednesday 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass will be needed in some venues, including nightclubs. People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
  • The government will also introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive cases instead of the ten-day self-isolation period. However, please check the current self-isolation rules.

Get a PCR test and isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms

If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new cough or a change to sense of taste or smell) you should self-isolate and book a PCR COVID-19 test.

You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site.

>> Get a COVID-19 test if you currently have symptoms
Southwark Council · PO BOX 64529 · London SE1P 5LX

35% Campaign update – Elephant traders without new premises one year after shopping centre closes

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Dec 06, 2021 12:00 am

Traders’ deputation seeks fair treatment from developers; urges Southwark Council to act

Independent traders displaced by the closure of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre are to send a deputation to Southwark Council’s Cabinet meeting tomorrow. The deputation will be urging the Council to do more to help them secure new premises, after being left homeless by the shopping centre closure.

This will be the traders second attempt to get a hearing from the Council, after its recent Assembly meeting refused to receive the deputation.

Many of the Elephant’s former traders have shops and cafes in Castle Square, in Elephant Rd and in the Elephant Arcade, after a three year campaign to secure new premises, but many others are still without trading spaces, including two of the Elephant and Castle’s longest standing businesses, Pricebusters DIY and La Bodequita restaurant.

Both Pricebusters and La Bodequita have been offered new premises on Elephant Park, but have been unable to reach agreement with developers Delancey and Lendlease about who will meet the relocation costs. Southwark Council has legal agreements with both developers covering traders’ relocation requirements and the deputation will be asking Southwark to enforce these agreements.

Traders ‘very disappointed’

The owner of Pricebusters, Rakesh Patel, said ‘We have been trading at the Elephant for 35 years, ever since the shopping centre opened. We were the biggest DIY shop in the area and sold things people cannot get anywhere else. We have had long negotiations with Delancey and Lendlease and have made some progress, but there is still a big gap between us. The costs of setting up new premises are astronomical and the amount we are being offered from the relocation fund set up to help us is simply not enough. Just lately Southwark councillors have joined the negotiations, but we still need much stronger support from the Council’.

The owner of La Bodequita, Diana Sach, said ‘I started La Bodequita in 2001, with my brothers and we worked hard to build up a successful family business. La Bodequita and other cafes and restaurants at the Elephant and Castle helped to introduce Colombian and Latin food to London and people came from all over the city to eat with us. We trusted Southwark Council and Delancey to help us with the relocation, but have been very disappointed. We have spent many thousands of pounds designing new premises and storing equipment, while we have had no premises. It is over a year since we left the shopping centre and we really need to re-open soon, but we just seem to be stuck’.

Successful businesses are being lost

Rakesh and Diana point out that Pricebusters and La Bodequita were both successful businesses, before they were forced to move.

Rakesh says ‘We did not want to move, but the decision was taken out of our hands and I am having to find a very great deal of my own money for the relocation. I was assured by Delancey and Southwark Council that there would be enough money in the relocation fund for us all, but so far this has not been the case’.

Diana says ‘La Bodequita is more than a restaurant. It is part of the Elephant and Castle and part of Latin American life in London. We want to stay here, as part of the new regeneration and are investing a lot to do this, but we need the help we were promised from Delancey and Southwark Council’.

‘No more Elephant as we knew it’

The traders’ deputation will also include Mathew Onuba, of the Look@Me stall. from the shopping centre’s old market. About a dozen displaced market traders have been in discussions with Southwark Council about setting up a small number of new pitches at the Elephant.

Mathew says ‘We have had intentions of opening up a business, but it’s been a struggle. There is no more Elephant and Castle as we knew it, there are no units, there is still no market, even after trying to make plans with the Council. Leaving a previous business and going to a new location is a hard process – it involves careful attention, publicity to attract new customers. None of this has been provided. We kept our goods with the promise that we would receive anew place but it never came. I’ve been paying for storage up until now, with the believe and hope I could continue my business….but I would like the support from the council to continue.’

Elephant Arcade struggles

A representative from the Elephant Arcade will also be on the deputation. They will be telling the Council of the difficulties of trading from their new premises, at the bottom of Perronet House, just opposite the Bakerloo line tube entrance.

Yousaf Dar, of Dar Bags, says ‘We were working at the shopping centre, my dad almost 15 years, me the last 10 years. Business was good. When the shopping centre closed, we asked them not to put us in Elephant Arcade, and still they placed us in there. They told us we would be opposite a Western Union, but when we arrived we were opposite another shop that was the same business as our own. After the pandemic, there were no customers, no business. We were struggling too much, we couldn’t even afford to pay rent, that’s why we decided to leave. Now we have been left at the side of the road, so we are not in a position to start another business, and have no access to relocation support. I don’t want to go on Universal Credit, I want to work at my business, but I may have to.’

Southwark must do more

The traders are being supported by Latin Elephant, which advocates on behalf of all traders, the Southwark Law Centre and the Up the Elephant campaign, which fought against the demolition of the shopping centre.

Natalia Perez of Latin Elephant said ‘A year on since the closure and demolition of the shopping centre in Elephant and Castle, Latin Elephant reiterates the demands for a proper scrutiny of the s106 legal agreements signed by developers, so that every trader that has been displaced is relocated; that the necessary funds are released by developers to cover moving and fit-out costs and not passed on as a burden to independent traders and that the much needed investment in the relocation sites are put in place for the benefit of the traders, as well as the local community’.

Harpreet Aujla of Southwark Law Centre said ‘Southwark Council have a big part to play in resolving the problems traders face moving from their old premises. They have legal agreements with both Delancey and Lendlease to make sure that the traders get the money that they need to relocate. So far, though, Southwark has just been happy to go along with whatever Delancey and Lendlease have offered. This is not good enough. Southwark must make that clear to Delancey and Lendlease, other these businesses will be lost to the Elephant’.

Jerry Flynn, of the Up the Elephant said ‘Traders are not looking for hand-outs or charity. They are looking for Southwark and the big developers to fulfill the promises that were made before the shopping centre was demolished. Southwark Council said that no-one would be left behind in the Elephant’s regeneration – now is the time to prove it’.
35% Campaign

Latest news on Elephant traders’ deputation this evening.

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Dear Friend

Yesterday we were notified by Southwark Council that it is ‘unlikely’ that the Elephant traders’ deputation will be heard the Council Assembly meeting this evening. Southwark has suggested as an alternative that the deputation attends the Cabinet meeting on 7 Dec.

We are naturally very disappointed with this news, particularly as it comes so late in the day. We have asked Southwark and the councillors to reconsider, but as yet we cannot say what the final response will be and may not know until this evening.

The Yes to Fair Redevelopment demonstration is still going ahead and will rally outside outside Council Assembly at 6.30pm. The march will begin at the Vauban Car Park, Alscot Rd, opposite Spa Gardens, SE1 3GG (Bus 1 and 78) at 6.00pm.

Many thanks for your continuing support and please CLICK HERE for a trailer of an upcoming film on the traders plight (thanks to Emile Burgoyne).

Regards
Jerry

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