woodland

Thanks - I did find the other thread - I'm in lewisham though not southwark so I googling the CAB and details of local councillors etc etc. thanks for your help :-)

I've just started a thread about this and then remembered that this was on here. I have also just received a bill for 33,000 also from lewisham for major works. We are a block of 12 flats. 11 leaseholders and 1 council tenant. Anyone any idea how to challenge the need for all the works to be done ?? It's an insane amount of money and it seems crazy that the council can enforce this work to happen. Any ideas how to make sure the work is actually essential? Or advice generally?

Seems my previous positive thoughts on buying ex council flats has come back to bite me. I have just received notice of compulsory works to the building that will cost each leaseholder 30,000 pounds. We have the option to pay this back over 36 months- that's ?800 a month. Has anyone had any similar experiences and has any good advice on ensuring the tendering process was followed correctly, the contractors do the work safely. We currently have no lights at all in the stairwell. Also any advice on where we stand if they think the work needs doing but as a group of leaseholders we don't. Also any previous experiences of negotiating payments in terms of length of repayment. I'd welcome any useful thoughts/comments . Thanks

Hi - I am going to Heathrow on Wednesday morning - I need to be there by 8am I just wondered if anyone else had to do the same and fancied sharing a taxi? (Apologies if this is the wrong section I wasn't sure where was best to put it)

If you want to live somewhere that constantly feels like full on London then Dunstans road might not be for you. If you want to live a ten minute walk from a road with some shops to potter around in, cafes, restaurants, some pubs to get drunk in at the weekend, near some green space and on some great night bus routes then it might just be. I was in my late twenties when I first moved to this area and haven't had too much trouble finding fun when I've wanted to. Plus I get to live in a quiet flat in a 'nice' area....

I live in a small block and the best piece of advice i was given and can give is to check whether there are any major works due. Have the windows been changed in the past few years - when is the block due to be redecorated. I believe that Lewisham conduct maintenance work on blocks every ten years. This year my block is being repainted, windows repaired, roof repaired etc etc. The estimated cost to me is approxinmately ?3,000 that I can pay over three years. I wouldn't let this put you off as the work is work that you would need to do to maintain a property but unlike other properties you cannot choose not to have the work done. In my experience ex-council flats provide more space for your money. The issue of low income families and housing stock extends into many areas, private landlords, lack of new properties being built, rising birth rates etc etc etc.... I think the OP just wanted some advice. Maybe that's a whole different thread.

Natalieh101 It was on Wood Vale - Forest Hill road end but it was four years ago now. That said they are still better value in terms of space. A 3 bed in teh block was just on the market for ?250,000. Good luck with your searching - hope you find something soon.

Otta - I live in an ex-council flat in a four story block. It's really spacious and in a lovely area. My neighbours are lovely and it's a quiet place to live. Ex-council flats are worth considering you just have to remember to check that there are no major works due as this can add cost to your outgoings. . For the price of a one bed conversion in East Dulwich I have a three bed a ten minute walk away. I know it won't suit all but worth considering.

Poppet - don't be put off the forum by those who can't accept people have different views and opinions.

I live in an ex- council flat. I agree that major works bills are diffucult but they are not as difficult as finding ?350,00 for a two bed flat. A lot of blocks like mine are mostly owner occupied and are friendly and quiet places to live. Just do your research - avoid anything that hasn't had its windows or roof done for a while and definitley stay away from anything with a lift. Good luck.

I too had a great experience recently with the a doctor there - she was really helpful, patient and understanding. The receptionist was also very freindly and polite too. Let's hope that this is the start of good things.

It would be helpful to have a well lit, clean entrance to the station. It would also be great if all those shops who regulalry throw rubbish out onto the street were reported and fined. Rye lane has its good points and shops often arise to meet the needs of the community and sell goods that bring customers and income into the area. Lordship lane now has a fair few gift shops/estate agents and baby shops - which wasn't the case five years ago. Peckham has some lower priced chains, great veg shops and butchers. If what those on this forum seem to be saying - and the communities needs have changed - then maybe it's time to get involved and make the change meet your needs.

They are parakeets. I have got a bird feeder and they are lovely to see up close through the window - there are a lots of them around SE london.

They are regularly at Peckham rye station - all part of living in a large city. Though I agree it's not a nice thing to see on your way home

That's horrible. Sorry to hear you have had something sentimental taken. When this happened to my sister with a piece of my grandmas jewellery the police suggested that she check on ebay. It's a long shot but it might be worth it.

You should let virgin media know- not sure what they will do but they may be able to put out a warning to other customers?

@andredivic thats brilliant thanks. I have been trying lots of different routes - versions of these but these two are brilliant. I have done the elephant roundabout a couple of times - you're right it isn't as scary as it looks. Your help is really appreciated.

i have started cycling now and I seem to take a different route home every day - I come from trafalgar square to the top of peckham rye via Burgess park in the morning when it is light but I am yet to find a fast ish well lit way home - any ideas?

I have just got a bike and am going to cycle from forest hill rd to charing cross area - all tips on avoiding hills and roads that are very busy happily received. Also - does anyone know whether as I technically live in Lewisham councils area - whether I can attend the Southwark free lessons. (I'm right on the border) thanks...

I would do some research into properties in the areas you mention as the prices are not as cheap as you may think. Ex council flats are a good buy as they offer a lot more space if you have children. I am not sure that you wodulfind many people willing to share wih a small child unless unless you offered very cheap rent. Good luck with whatever you decide..

spangly steve - I agree in part - if the pub has been there for 100 years then those who live next to a pub bought their houses did so knowing they were living next to a pub. That said - extended hours aren't part of the original plan but I do think that 9:30 is far far too early. TGE is a good pub and as much as a part of the community as other places.

I am shocked and sorry to hear this news - condolences to all his family and friends.

There is a thread on here about people being mugged by men/lads on bikes near honor oak for their phones. I am not sure if the two are related.