Street clutter on Bermondsey Street

Try with Mark Adams ([email protected]) who works for the council as a Licensing and Enforcement Officer.

I agree it's bad enough with various "legitimate" pavement obstructions.

Maybe it's easier if we just take matters into our own hands and remove the annoying boards ourselves.

It is a public right of way they are obstructing so maybe just collecting the obstructions and removing them to the recycling plant is the easiest way forward?

Thanks, I'll try emailing the council again. I went into The Watch House yesterday afternoon and said I was going to complain to the council about the 2 boards and tables they are placing on the pavement. I was expecting that they would apologize or go and move the boards a bit but got a 'the council is fine with the boards and tables, luvv...' reply.
I would 'luvv' to remove and take everything to the recycling place but I'm quite small and could not carry 2 boards, 2 tables and 6 chairs with me :–)))

We should start a campaign: PAVEMENTS FOR PEOPLE NOT FOR POSTERS!

Beear wrote:

Thanks, I'll try emailing the council again. I went into The Watch House yesterday afternoon and said I was going to complain to the council about the 2 boards and tables they are placing on the pavement. I was expecting that they would apologize or go and move the boards a bit but got a 'the council is fine with the boards and tables, luvv...' reply.
I would 'luvv' to remove and take everything to the recycling place but I'm quite small and could not carry 2 boards, 2 tables and 6 chairs with me :–)))

We should start a campaign: PAVEMENTS FOR PEOPLE NOT FOR POSTERS!

It could well be true, as Southwark Council does offer a 'Street Furniture Licence' and a Tables and Chairs Licence' to such businesses - Highway licensing

There's loads of A frames on The Cut where I live. I push them out of the way if they are blocking the pavement. Lambeth council responded to my complaints, and did at least ask Delicate Cafe to stop putting more than two tables outside their premises, but they didn't really do anything about their A frame. The shop next door has four!

Does street clutter include humans? The ones that stand outside pubs drinking and smoking and blocking the pavement? I had to step out and walk on the road outside the White Hart on Great Suffolk Street last Thursday early evening.

Beear wrote:

Thanks, I'll try emailing the council again. I went into The Watch House yesterday afternoon and said I was going to complain to the council about the 2 boards and tables they are placing on the pavement. I was expecting that they would apologize or go and move the boards a bit but got a 'the council is fine with the boards and tables, luvv...' reply.
I would 'luvv' to remove and take everything to the recycling place but I'm quite small and could not carry 2 boards, 2 tables and 6 chairs with me :–)))

We should start a campaign: PAVEMENTS FOR PEOPLE NOT FOR POSTERS!

Hi there,

I am the owner of The Watch House and make a point of checking the forum for feedback and firstly thanks for putting this in writing. It is quite true that last year we applied and were given a license for one A board and the chairs and tables that are in position. Being new to the great street we were just finding our feet. My apologies of the old small second board was out out by staff, I have instructed them to remove it as we are permitted one a board only.

I would be very interesting to hear your feedback face to face as to where you think it would be best to put. Obviously having nothing on the streets is not an option and to be honest it adds to the community spirit of the street. That being said it has to be moderated so I appreciate your comments again. I am on RMH@watchhousecoffee.com if you ever want to contact and also the manager is on SBG@watchhousecoffee.com.

If you are around Beear to pop in and see us both again, it would be really great.

Thanks very much

Roland

I haven't found the boards or table outside the Watchhouse a problem, maybe because it's at the end of the street/on the corner and I agree it helps with the community spirit. I find it more problematic further up the street where the pavement also gets so uneven. It's also not helped by some extremely rude people barging into you.

Just yesterday I stopped on the outer side of the pavement as I wasn't going to step into the road, two people were coming towards me and the one closest to me barely moved around me but just knocked into me without a word of apology. Not sure where some people's manners have gone!!

Dear Roland, thank for the invitation and thank you for not placing the small board near the corner. It makes a big difference.

Best

Beear wrote:

Dear Roland, thank for the invitation and thank you for not placing the small board near the corner. It makes a big difference.
Best

No problem and thanks for taking the time to come speak to us! Next time you pass by a thank you coffee and piece of cake on me

Have a nice day

Roland