The Council meeting on 17 July 2024 saw the confirmation of previous minutes and a welcome to a new councillor. Discussions also covered the council's charity of the year, the SEEN Lewisham Festival, and various public and member questions on topics ranging from road safety and environmental initiatives to housing and youth services.

Announcements and Communications

Mayor Brenda Dacres welcomed Councillor Pauline Dall, who was elected as the ward councillor for Blackheath following a recent by-election. Councillor Oana Olaru was announced as the new Cabinet Member for Refugees, Safer Lewisham and Equalities. The Mayor also highlighted the work of Lewisham Foodbank, presenting them with a cheque for £22,848 raised through fundraising events. The Mayor's charity for the year will be Urban Synergy, an organisation that provides mentoring and work experience for young people. A video showcasing Synergy's work was shown, and its founder, Leila Thomas, addressed the council. Ms Thomas was subsequently announced as the Mayor's Mayoress for the municipal year 2024/25.

Public Questions

Several public questions were addressed. Regarding concerns about self-identification and women-only spaces, Councillor Paul Bell stated that the council does not believe discrimination should exist and that transgender people are legally able to use facilities in accordance with their gender identity. On the topic of road safety and air pollution around the Cold Blow Lane tunnel, Councillor Louise Krupski noted that an experimental traffic order would be implemented, and residents were encouraged to respond to the consultation. Questions were also raised about the deliverability of the Barrett's proposed scheme on the gas holder's site, with Councillor James-J Walsh stating that planning officers assess evidence rigorously. The delay in the reopening of Lewisham Library was attributed to complex restoration work, including design changes and structural issues, with details to be submitted to the planning committee.

Member Questions

Councillor Liam Shrivastava raised concerns about road safety and air pollution around the Cold Blow Lane tunnel, and Councillor Louise Krupski confirmed that an experimental traffic order would be implemented from 29 July 2024. Councillor Ayesha Lahai-Taylor inquired about the council's support for arts and cultural programmes, to which Councillor Edison Huynh responded by highlighting the success of the SEEN Lewisham Festival, which featured 50 events and engaged over 3,600 attendees. Councillor Luke Sorba asked for a review of the designation of Drakefell Road and Gellatly Road as B2142 roads, citing concerns about heavy and speedy traffic. Councillor Louise Krupski acknowledged the request to raise this with Transport for London (TfL).

Councillor Rosie Parry asked about the council's transition to net zero, and Councillor Louise Krupski referred to the refreshed Climate Emergency Action Plan, approved in March 2024, which outlines actions to achieve net zero by 2030. Councillor David Walker sought an update on the pledge to support schools, with Councillor Chris Barnham reporting that 98.8% of Lewisham schools and academies are rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, exceeding the national average. Councillor Mark Ingleby raised issues of anti-social behaviour and parking around Mountsfield Park during events, and Councillor Louise Krupski confirmed that the Garage Nation festival would not return to the park due to previous complaints. Councillor Ingleby also asked about the enforcement of the no barbecues in parks by-law, and Councillor Krupski detailed the process of monitoring and enforcement by the Parks Patrol service.

Committee Appointments

Councillor Pauline Dall was appointed to the Planning Committee B. Councillor David Walker was appointed to the Licensing Committee.

Other Business

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record. There were no declarations of interest. No motions were put forward.