lize1968

God knows how I managed to end up hosting the local neighbourhood watch meeting, but aside from older folk worrying about people stealing fruit from their gardens (!) the PC did say that there is increasing use of a plastic card (can't remember name) that is slipped between front door and frame and opens latches easily. The answer - to ensure the door is locked, even when in. There is also a gang of kids stealing bikes from sheds. PC also reported that a few local known 'villains' had been released from prison pre-xmas, but had been caught again swiftly.

Dear Forumites. Our local area is chock-full of interesting, creative people, many of whom might have weird and wonderful collections. I am a local photographer working on a project looking at the idea of 'collecting'; what people collect, why they collect and how they feel about their collections. I would very much like to photograph you with your collection, prefably in-situ. You may keep it at home or store it elsewhere. You may have a few items or a collection that has taken over your home. I hope to showcase the work that comes out as part of Dulwich Open houses 2013. Please do email me at [email protected]; my portrait website is http://www.lizemerson.co.uk so I am bona fide! Many thanks Liz

There are 2 organisations I know of who are actively trying to offer solutions to the housing problem - one is Priced Out - has facebook page, the other is the Intergenerational Foundation www.intergenerational.org.uk. Another source is "The Jilted Generation" by Shiv Malik and Ed Howker, both journalists (one for The Guardian and the other for The Spectator). Until we can encourage older generations, many of whom live on their own in large properties, to down-size (maybe by tax incentives) gridlock will be maintained in both the rental market and buying. Average monthly rents have hit record ?700 a month. Average age of a first time buyer now 37 years. People in big houses don't realise that their properties are only worth something if they can sell them. If the younger generations can't afford to get on the housing ladder then there will be no one to buy the properties and prices will fall. Hold out is all I can say. Fears of a double dip housing crash in papers today!