PollyG

Definitely time to address the issue of pollution in London and agree that any expansion of the ULEZ should come with improved public transport facilities, even some new bus routes would be great for encouraging people to ditch their cars. One of my concerns with the route being extended up to, but not including, the north and south circulars is that there are many schools (state and private- not that debate please) along/near the south circular and it seems likely that by extending the ULEZ it will result in an increased amount of traffic along these routes. It seems at odds with wanting to improve air quality for London`s children to then potentially push more traffic past their schools. Anyone know if there will be a corresponding fund for green screens/ planting solutions to help detoxify the air past the affected schools? Calsug- you are spot on with the Edinburgh tram situation. I know lots of people there- it has been hugely expensive, incredibly disruptive, the locals generally considered it a council vanity project and the trams now are frequently seen under utilised.

In East Dulwich, north facing loft conversions along the Hillcourt Rd/Mundania Rd line and anything higher should have a good London view. Sounds as if they need to chart out their ideal geographical location then mail shot houses to see if anyone wants to sell!!

Another vote for Minster on the Isle of Sheppey if proximity is your key driver. It's only a bit over an hour away and in fairness is mostly a stony beach but has a shingly/sandy strip where you can just about build sand castles. It's great for shell collecting though and with a long prom for scooting, small grassy bank for rolling down and old fashioned (ice-cream &) sweetie shop on the front it is fun for pre-schoolers. Else, Westgate-on-Sea is sandy and has easy parking although the beach becomes quite narrow at high tide. Haven't been to Minnis Bay yet so that might be the first sandy beach going eastwards, prior to that the beaches are mostly stony from my experience. Loads of sandy bays round Broadstairs with surfing available at Joss Bay else Margate too- depends what you're after really. For big expanses of sand think you'll be looking at a 2hr+ journey..

Walked past Pretty's on North Cross Road earlier today and apparently that's going to be a French restaurant opening in about 8 weeks time...

I probably should have been clearer in my previous post. The railings are indeed a big improvement on the fence for many of the reasons mentioned above. My post was solely in relation to the final one third of the Underhill Road section which is very open and doesn't provide much privacy for those wishing to grieve privately to do so. Bob- sounds as if trees would be a no-go from Renata's email. I'm not a horticulturist, but maybe some sort of flowers/plants along the border might be a good compromise between a bit more privacy and maintaining an attractive green space. Renata- many thanks for taking the time to respond and for the information provided, much appreciated.

Agreed. Do you think the council could arrange for some planting/screening to go behind the railings to create some privacy for mourners- it seems very public now for what should be a very private affair. Any idea which department this would fall under?

I'm sure this has been covered before but I couldn't see anything very recent- any developments with what is happening with Golden City (Landcroft/Whateley corner) or the printers on the corner of Ryedale/Forest Hill Road?