woodland

I am wondering if anyone has any experience of challenging the quality of work done as part of major works programmes through Lewisham council. I am a leaseholder who is facing a large bill for work. Some of the work is not a good standard though the council are telling me that they have checked it and are happy with it. any advice appreciated.

I have been on once - it is a great improvement but could do with some different tables/furniture to stop it looking like a classroom/make it a bit comfier. Haven't eaten there yet but am happy to see it is busy and hoping it sustains itself ! The price of food generally in the area can be a bit steep.

another vote for Forest Hill supermarket - I have been shopping in there for over ten years and the veg is good quality and really reasonable. If you've got a spare pound the ginger thin biscuits are delicious too!

hi - the same thing has been happening to us on Wood vale - Lewisham council though. Our bill is also ?20,000. We had an inspection of the works and the snagging has been done - but the standard is just as bad as it was in the first place. They have painted the stair rails without removing layers of old paint so it is already chipping off - again... I would love to buy the freehold but there are no tenants in my block who are willing to. Three people who have been subjected to this are now moving away through fear of another massive bill. The council had done nothing to our block for over ten years and we are all paying the price. It's very frustrating.

great news - I love the French caf? but this is even nearer and it will be nice to have a choice of cafes on the road. thanks for the info on the opening times and date!

HI I live in the same place and have the same problem! I have two big ikea bags - live on the third floor and have no way to get them to the charity shop. It is possible we live in the same place. Any help would be appreciated.

I've been having problems with my hip and lower back and have just had an hour session with Andy. He took time to diagnose what my problem was and was great at making sure that enough but not too much pressure was applied. He's knowledgable and more than that has made a big difference after one hour. I feel more mobile and pain free. Thanks!

I did this at Christmas (well 19th dec) - I left at 5:45 was there by 7:15 - I agree it is worth sacrificing the sleep as public transport at that time is not fun at all and you will be very happy you did when you get back.

Sorry to hear about your expereince - when this happened to my sister she was advised to keep her eye on ebay for jewellery - which i think is a long shot - but that and local pawnbrokers are maybe worth a shot if it is distinctive.

There are no trains between London Bridge and Charing Cross until next August .... that's over a year of no way of getting to work easily for me and many others and it will mean more people on the already crushed overground/jubilee line and or local buses... It makes my bike start to look more and more appealing.

How are they allowed to just remove five trains that all go to the same places. This will force a large number of people onto the few trains that operate in a peak 2 hour period. Why not spread the removal of trains across all journeys. I am so glad I didn't waste money buying a season ticket for this farce of a service.

I agree with some of the above. I live in an ex-coucil flat - it is really spacious for the cost and my block is small and friendly with no trouble from any tennants - council or owners. In my experience (and it is just my experience) neighbours can be tricky whether they own or rent. I would advise doing a lot of research into what major works have happened and whether the roof/windows/communal areas have recently been upgraded. We are facing a bill of between ?25,000 - ?33,000 for major works EACH from Lewisham council at present. A new law called florries law is due to come in that will cap major works but it is a risk and cost of buying ex-council.

I agree with the comments about the space - it needs to be divided up more and made to feel more like the Great Exhibition which although open plan still feels ok if you are in there when it is really quiet. I ate there once - the food was great - but too pricey even by East Dulwich standards. I hope someone gets hold of the space and makes it work - it would be a shame to see another pub left empty or turned into houses.

We have a problem on wood vale with cars and bikes overtaking on the wrong side of the road. I was nearly hit by one a few weeks ago. I thougth abotu taking the licence plate but I had no idea what I would do with it!

I still have really low pressure which is affecting my shower and hot water this morning - anyone else?

JDB - I won't - i've seen more trouble on buses and trains than on my bike. Plus it's more fun than any other way. I will just have to try and get fitter and faster!

I commute through there too . Well I did last year - about to start again. I often try to cycle near other cyclists as some sort of deterrant - but I'm not very fast!

agree with the above - do your research carefully. Being at the mercy of major works and the councils decisions around them is not fun. We have just been landed with a bill for ?30,000 each. Get a good solicitor to check what major works are outstanding, when the roof was done and what major works they have planned. LEASE have a really good website and also a free phone advice service you can call. They were really helpful when I called them. Good luck!

there is a thread on lost and found about this it think - I don't know how to link to it - sorry. Have a look though

the butchers on Wood Vale is great - he has a well stocked fridge it's just not all out for everyone to see. He's helpful and knowledgable about his products -Well worth getting to before 2pm on a Saturday. I think he survives by having loyal customers who quite enjoy the leisurely pace and chat from time to time. I have seen a whole host of people go in there and buy their meat for the week - so that helps too. I like our stretch of shops and hope that the old TV repair place stays as a commercial business... though I'm not sure what type!

A group of us are being charged ?30,000 by Lewisham council over three years, that's ?800 a month for major works. Understand the section 20 consultation procedure you won't find out the estimated costs until just before the works start, you then won't know the final cost until their completion. I have spoken to an organisation called LEASE - they were helpful can also have some good advice and guidance sheets on their website. Good luck. We're going to need it on our estate. I also urge you to take photos of the works if they have started to contest the charges if the work is not of a good standard. You could also see if anyone else in your block wants to join together to complain. You can complain to your local mo, councillor, head of southwark homes ( if there is such a thing - we have lewisham homes)

we are already being billed 30k by Lewisham council for work they are doing to our blocks. If anyone else is a leaseholder and lives on Wood Vale please pm me if you want further info.

the station is open though - but no cars were going anywehre fast when i went past there an hour or so ago.

That must have been a scary expereince - I hope you are ok. I am new ish to commuting on my bike and often use this route dspite feeling uneasy sometimes. I am going to avoid it in the future - it's a shame as it's great in the summer months.

i have sent you a PM back gpercival78