• Norwood Forum

Norwood Public Transport - Part Three

Update 13 December 2024
Norwood Forum met with Cllr Rezina Chowdhury and Lambeth Officer George Deacon, Senior External Affairs, on 12 December for a very constructive meeting.

We are currently just finishing off an Action Plan to return to the Councillor and will share this here as well.
 
The Councillor also asked for specific details on the reduced train services post Covid to West Norwood and West Dulwich and more information on the S106 funding agreement by the Housing Association granted planning permission to build social housing on Avenue Park Road. This included an amount to go towards provision of level access to platform 4 of Tulse Hill Station. Level access to Tulse Hill, our most important interchange station, being another strong issue raised by the community. In the meantime we understand from Cllr Fitzroy that the housing association development is very much on hold due to lack of finance.
 
One of the top concerns raised by the community with us was the speeding traffic going south past WN Library and Picturehouse and over the rise down past South London Theatre. The provision of a pedestrian crossing outside of South London Theatre and/or speed reduction interventions have been suggested. The Councillor and George Deacon recommended we look at ways to campaign to take this forward within the already approved Healthy Walking Route linking Hannen Road to Auckland Hill. This pilot project was consulted on at speed in June 2023 but  implementation has been delayed so therefore presents us with this opportunity which we will be taking up.
 
The Councillor agreed to meet with us again in six months to review progress.

Following the round table discussions at our AGM in July, Norwood Forum has been busy collating all the comments we have collected during the first half of this year, these include comments collected from:

  • Norwood Forum newsletters
  • Norwood Forum social media
  • Emails coming into Norwood Forum
  • Community engagement stall at West Norwood Feast in June
  • Roundtable discussions 'World Cafe' style during Norwood Forum AGM in July.

To summarise the top points made have been:

Bus
Improved reliability, frequency, information, and east/west routes

Stops
More countdowns, shelters, review of bus stops with users

Trains
Return to pre-Covid timetable frequency – general increase in trains, run replacement buses to train timetables, cleanliness

Stations
Prioritise access – step free access and resolve large gaps between trains and platforms, cleanliness

Cycling
More cycle lanes – designed with users, secure parking, cargo hire bike scheme

Walking
Speed limits enforced, clear pavements of rubbish and clutter, improve walking environment, stop e-bikes and scooters being dumped

Access
Stop time restrictions on use of Freedom and 60plus passes, impact of LTNs and CPZs on vulnerable residents/carers/family

Summary
To sum up, everyone wants more frequent, efficient, cleaner and accessible public transport options and a cleaner, clutter free, greener walking environment, with additional cycling facilities as well as cargo bike hire schemes including on estates.

As a community, we also want to be involved in the decision-making processes at local level.

Next stage
We have written to Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air) asking for a round table discussion to analyse and assess these key issues, specifically:

  • What Lambeth strategies align with the community’s top concerns and how can these be progressed by Lambeth, with support from Norwood Forum
  • What lobbying (or otherwise) can Lambeth provide for community concerns where Lambeth have no direct responsibility
  • As current Vice Chair of the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, what issues are your top priorities, and how can Norwood Forum support that work, and bring the community’s concerns directly into those London wide debates.

Cllr Chowdhury is overseeing the delivery of Lambeth's 'ambitious Transport Strategy', designed to advance active and sustainable mobility across the borough by reshaping our streets and neighbourhoods in the favour of sustainable modes of travel and is also currently Vice Chair of the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee.

We shall be reporting on progress regularly.
Follow these links to read Part One and Part Two of this campaign