On-line checking whether a postal vote has been received

When postal vote packs were hand delivered to electors, the pack contained 2 unique identifying numbers (PIN and VIN). An elector who has voted by post can log on to the Council's website using these unique identifiers to check whether their postal vote has been received by the Council. The Council will update the data on the website daily. Only the elector will be able to access the information about their own postal vote. If it has not been received, it is possible for the first vote to be cancelled and a second postal vote to be re-issued on attendance at the Town Hall with proof of identity. In that event, only the second vote will count.

Vote early!

If you just can't wait until May 4th to cast your vote you can vote early on Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 8pm at Lewisham Market Focal Area!

IMPORTANT: Postal Votes

Are you registered for a postal vote - have you got your voting pack?

If you're registered for a postal vote you should have received your pack last weekend. If you didn't receive it you'll have to go to the Town Hall, Committee Room 6, just inside the Cash Hall, with proof of identity and they will cancel your original ballot
papers from the system and re-issue your packs to you.

The Electoral Helpline number is 020 8314 9333

Planting in the long bed in Manor House Gardens

If you've walked around Manor House Gardens recently you'll probably have noticed that some of the ivy in the long flower bed between Manor House Library and Penfolds has finally been cleared and new plants added. If you're curious about what's been planted here's Glendales planting scheme:

Hedera Helix (Ivy)
Alchemilla Mollis (Ladies Mantle)
Anemone Honorine Joubert (groundcover)
Geranium Phaeum
Arum Italiaum
Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' (fern)

FUSS AGM & Social this Saturday

This Saturday (29th) FUSS (Friends and Users of Staplehurst Shops) are holding their AGM & Social at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Handen Road from 6:30 to 8:30pm. There's wine and nibbles so it's a perfect time to meet the FUSS team! See you there?

Information board or bus shelter?

There seems to be some confusion surrounding the new TfL fixture on the Staplehurst side of Hither Green station. It isn't in fact the bus shelter that I spent all last year lobbying for but an information board. What I'd asked for at the Transport Liaison committee was information boards for the wall at the bottom of the exit ramp from the station. This positioning makes more sense to me than the current information board as it would allow you to decide which exit to take from the station. I'd also requested that local information could be displayed there too.

I've taken the whole issue up with TfL.

Blackheath Candidates Hustings

Wednesday 26th April 8 pm to 9:30 pm
At the Age Exchange's Old Bakehouse Theatre,
Bennett Park (opposite Blackheath Station)

Save Ladywell Pool Campaign on BBC Radio 4's "The World Tonight"

From Max Calo's Save Ladywell Pool Campaign newsletter:

Tonight at 10 pm on BBC Radio 4 the popular program "The World Tonight" will
feature a report on Lewisham's local elections and how our campaign is
effecting them.

Morleys Fried Chicken Licensing Application

Morleys Fried Chicken, 9 Burnt Ash Hill, SE12 0AA have applied for a New licence under the Licensing Act 2003.

Applied to sell late night refreshment Monday – Thursday and Saturday 11:00 – 01:00, 11:00 – 02:00 Friday and 12:00 – 01:00 on Sunday.

The four criteria under which you can support or object to this application are:
Prevention of Crime and Disorder
Protection of Children from Harm
Public Safety
Prevention of Public Nuisance

You can email the Licensing Team or write to:
The Licensing Team, 2nd Floor Laurence House
1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU

Please could you ensure that any representations reach the Licensing Team by 19th May 2006.

Footsteps course at the Good Shepherd

I've just received details of a new course at the Good Shepherd which may be of interest:

What is Footsteps?
Footsteps is a group that meets for 5 sessions starting on Tues 2 May to look at the basic core of the Christian faith and what it means for our lives. The sessions will cover:
• Do we need God in our lives?
• How does Jesus fit into the picture?
• Why did Jesus die on the cross?
• Who or what is the Holy Spirit?
• What difference does believing make?

Who is Footsteps for?
If you can identify with any of these, then Footsteps is for you:
• Thinking about the meaning of life?
• New to the church?
• Coming back after a gap?
• Bringing your child for baptism?
• Wanting to know more about the basics of the Christian Faith?
• Wanting to go further in your faith?
• Wanting to be confirmed?

When is it?
Session 1 7.45pm Tues 2 May
Session 2 7.45pm Wed 10 May
Session 3 7.45pm Wed 17 May
Session 4 7.45pm Wed 24 May
Session 5 5pm Sat 3 Jun 
 with shared meal

Where is it?
Church of the Good Shepherd, Handen Road SE12, in the Parish Room.

How can I get involved?
Come to our first session on Tues 2 May. It is helpful if you contact Richard or Anne to say you are interested, but this is not essential.

What happens at the sessions?
Teaching, visuals, discussion, activities and prayer. Everyone will have a chance to ask questions and take part. The leaders will talk about their faith.

Contact:
Parish of Good Shepherd with St Peter, Lee
[Church of England]
Richard on 8318 2363 
or Anne on 8297 8761
e-mail revrdb@yahoo.com
http://www.goodshepherdlee.org.uk
http://www.stpeterlee.org.uk

Lee Green Safer Neighbourhood Team

Lee Green now has a Safer Neighbourhood Team based at Lewisham Police Station of 1 PS, 2 PCs and two PCSOs. The Team are led by Sergeant Mick Chattenton and will eventually operate from a Drop In Centre where they'll hold 'councillor style' surgeries. Work is underway to find a suitable Drop In Centre in Lee Green.

The email address of the Safer Neighbourhood Team is: LeeGreen.SNT@Met.Police.Uk and their telephone numbers are: 020 8721 2482, and 07920233877

We haven't had any dedicated policing in the ward since PC Lucy Burroughs moved on so this is great news for the ward!