first mate

The entrenched behaviour issue is a component of many types of anti-social behaviour. Perhaps other penalties should be considered for proven, unreformed serial offenders. The problem with this is policing and catching people doing wrong, and then it also becomes about best use of resources. The poo is a pain, we all hate it, but I just wanted to make the point again that just one bloody-minded and irresponsible individual can create the illusion that an area has an epidemic of bad dog owners.

This one comes around on a regular basis and might create the impression that ED is full of irresponsible dog owners. In fact it just takes just one bad owner in a population of 100's to have an impact. Dogs go twice a say, so within one week you can have a sizeable problem on the route frequented by one dog and bad owner. The solution is, in my view, twofold. Stiff fines for those caught red-handed followed by compulsory training in responsible ownership. Enforce compulsory use of leads. Dogs walking ahead or behind owners offlead are more likely to defecate without the owner 'noticing'. However, it is most likely that the problem us caused by a few and does not involve the majority of ED dog owners.

My point is more that there seems to be an overwhelming view that what ED needs is a good secondary school with adequate space. It is felt that inclusion of another, primary school will compromise the quality of the secondary. The arguments in favour of the Harris Primary seem to be that they were first out of the traps and built their case on the basis of need in Nunhead, not ED, but without access to a suitable site in the catchment area they used to make their case. Casting around for a suitable site they alighted on DCH land and with the apparent support of the EFA staked their claim. Therefore a school may be built on a prime site in East Dulwich to provide schooling for an alleged shortfall of primary places in Nunhead while compromising/jeopardising the future of a desperately needed secondary school in East Dulwich itself. This is madness surely?

So just to be clear, are you saying that a primary school needs to be built on DCH site to serve Nunhead and further afield?

A good letter and the last comment about Harris' lack of contact with Southwark re DHC site really does give a sense of the cosy relationship between Harris and the Coalition. I also wonder about their seeming intactability on the it's either the hospital site or MOL land. If the need is North of the borough then why not look in that direction?

Yes but that need was for Nunhead (since cancelled out by the expansion of Ivydale) not for ED. It looks like process is being cynically manipulated so that Harris can hold onto its 'right' to a parcel of land for a school that nobody wants- not in East Dulwich.

P68, Exactly. The message is that come what may Harris must have a site because that is what the process has decided. Quite apart from the fact that process can often be reversed (if enough effort is made)it does all seem to be about looking first at the requirements/needs of Harris and the community second- bizarre. I would also add that isn't there an issue about the Homestall Road site and MOL land? If that is the case I would not wnat to see a precedent set for Harris acquiring and using MOL land, not when it is right next to Peckham Rye. However, might have misunderstood this.

Other posters are right, an intact tom is going to be more of a risk and it sounds like this cat is also very assertive and territorial, not all cats are. Generally, a less territorial and pushy cat makes a better pet. In addition, this cat is of a breed and type that tends to be bigger and stronger than average, overall not suitable pet material where cars are forced to live cheek by whisker and where a strong instinct to claim territory causes nasty fights and stress all round. This cat needs a bigger territory and fewer competitors. Late neutering may help a bit but his behaviour us now learned and established.

I may be wrong but I suspect there are a quite a few objectors with no vested interest at all. There is a sense that a Harris Primary is being imposed on the community whether we like it or not. So what is the motivation for this imposition, if it is not being driven by local need? It feels wrong and it feels undemocratic. It is also upsetting to find that a locally elected representative for the community appears unwilling, and for reasons that are not clear, to represent the wishes of the community.

Louisa, I agree and once you have a few it sets a planning precedent.

Otta, I genuinely believe that any other Councillor or local politician that comes onto the forum will be asked to nail their colours to the mast on this issue. James has wriggled around in this one.

James, it does look pretty shoddy. Voters have made it very clear that we want a secondary school and do not want the Harris primary. Instead of hiding behind process as though there is absolutely nothing that can be done to change matters, why not support what your voters want and resist the primary? It really does seem like Harris have some hold over you.

Think offering opportunity to win a cash raffle prize if you sign up and participate is a bit rum.

What a mess. At another, hitherto excellent surgery the advice is to book two weeks ahead. However, when, as for many, there is no crystal ball with which to predict acute episodes of illness it seems one must first ring to make an appt to speak to a Doctor, having spoken to the Doctor there is every chance you will then be referred on to the Lister Centre. The local Doctor's surgery has become a kind of medical call centre with Doctor's making decisions on the 'phone (what a waste of all that training). This whole process can take 2-3 hours, no wonder many will give up and simply go to A&E. Something is desperately wrong with the health service and the way it is being re-modelled. Aside from the likes of Concordia (who, in former years, with city boys at the helm, chose to pilot this brave new face of healthcare)many local surgeries were offering a decent, reliable service. What has gone wrong in the last 4 years?

Woodwarde, Many thanks. This lack of transparency is concerning. James Barber are you aware of plans for the Southwark Spine? What comments do you have about Woodwarde's observations and concerns?

Bengals are known to be capable of being much more territorial and aggressive than many other cat breeds, especially if left intact...how utterly irresponsible of the owner. I would recommend rehoming the Bengal to somewhere that he has a large enough range to satisfy his territorial instincts, as well as neutering him immediately.

I have also reported poor/dangerous pavement areas and absolutely nothing done. However, plenty of money available to make the junction of Nx rd and LL look less 'unsightly'. What an odd sense of priorities our Council folk have.

Healey, I posted in response to your dismissive reply to edhistory's cautionary observation about the sewage system - 'something to moan about'. Given the rate of development in the Capital, together with Thames Water's own warnings about overloading the system, I think his comment is worth some thought. I'm not clear that anyone has said these houses should not be built...have they?

Healey, re Sewage read the Thames Water link I posted before.

I think it's a lot tamer than it used to be,espcially since some of the big beasts of the forum (Hugo et al) have retired or wandered off to other virtual hunting grounds. Most people get the odd pasting but you do find that any real nastiness and others will normally help you out. Go on, have a post or two, you might be pleasantly surprised.

In future follow Sec of State for Health Jeremy Hunt's lead and go straight to a&e, as he said, he didn't want to have to wait for a GP appt.

nxjen, yes, fair points but see http://www.thameswater.co.uk/about-us/10092.htm All your sanitary waste (dishwasher, washing machine, baths, sinks, loos etc.. ultimately drains into the sewers). Not many of those in days gone by.

There was a large burst water main flood towards Dulwich Village a few years ago. Around 2006 there was a case of at least one street flooding so badly that multiple cellars were awash. There are others but cannot recall details. I very much doubt that Victorian engineers had any idea of how the population might explode in the future nor that every family would have sometimes multiple bathroom, washing machines and so on.

What fun. Shame the Huskies and Santa could not be enticed to do a stint on Northcross Road closer to Christmas. All we need is some heavy snow and I'd pay good money for a Husky team and sled ride across Peckham Rye!

It is being made into a rather dense development of houses, the row continuing along on the land behind it. There is another thread on it which also has a link to the plans. These days any spare land will either be crammed with new housing, made into a Harris Academy or a new supermarket.