Slow-down that traffic

The campaign for traffic calming measures in our area has been a major focus for ASSA. We were promised action on this earlier this year, but then the Council let us down. So we took to direct action in June (see photo), when local residents stopped the traffic into Albert Square with an early morning sit-down protest during 'Walk to school' week. But we've now been told that traffic calming measures will be in place by April 2004. The first step will be statutory consultation on the proposed speed humps. ASSA will be monitoring Lambeth Council's moves, and pushing for speedy implementation of this scheme. We have also written to Transport for London about the junction of Lansdowne Way with Clapham Road. We are emphasising that longer-term efforts to reduce the VOLUME of traffic should not affect the urgent need for calming measure to reduce its SPEED, as traffic races through our area to avoid restrictions in neighbouring streets.

Freeman's site - watch this space

Lambeth Council is recommending rejection of planning permission for the Freeman's site. ASSA is among the local residents' associations that have raised objections to the proposed redevelopment of the Clapham Road site to high density, mainly luxury housing. Lambeth's planning committee will be discussing the proposals on Tuesday 25 November. The meeting starts at 7pm in Lambeth Town Hall if you want to join us in expressing local opposition to the plans.

We give rubbish the brush off
Local residents got out their brooms on Saturday 8 November and got sweeping. Despite the windy day, autumn leaves were swept aside, litter picked up and bulky refuse cleared away as part of ASSA's twice-yearly neighbourhood clean-up. Not only was it good for our environment, but all those who took part enjoyed the big sweep - followed by well-earned refreshments. Watch this space for details of our next neighbourhood clean-up day.

Are underground bins the answer?

Lambeth Council wants to try out underground rubbish bins, like the example in the photos. The council will be talking with ASSA about what would be involved if we agreed to a trial of one of these bins in Albert Square. We have a number of issues to raise, and will want answers to these before agreeing to a trial.

Come carol singing
ASSA goes out carol singing each year, raising money for charities, as well as having festive fun. This year's carol singing will take place on Tuesday 16 December - meet at the Tradescant Sculpture outside St Stephen's Church at 6.30pm [note - to be confirmed]; song sheets - and accordion accompaniment - will be supplied.