Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sunday 21 March 

In mid-February, all households will be sent a postcard telling them the Census is coming.

From 3 March, packs will be sent asking people to take part and explaining how.

By taking part, you can help to inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as schools, doctors’ surgeries and transport.

This time, the Census is digital first, with 90% of households being sent a pack that includes an online access code for completion.  The remaining 10%, identified by ONS as likely to need them, will be sent a paper version.

Residents can request paper versions if they are unable to use the online version. ONS has a range of support mechanisms in place to help complete the census such as questionnaires in a range of formats/languages, a network of field trained support staff, as well as contact centre support via phone, web chat, social media, text, etc.

It’s important everyone fills in the census questionnaire because the information they share affects the life of every single person living in England and Wales.

The information is protected by law. That means government officials dealing with payments or services cannot see it.

If you need help, you can visit www.census.gov.uk where there’s a wide range of support services available.

There is a planning application to put an 18m telecoms mast on Elmers End Green. Please object to this application on Bromley’s website

Go to search applications then put the number 20/03020

This is the actual application but the link may have been stopped. https://searchapplications.bromley.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

Sign the petition 

The mast is intended to go on the corner of the Green as you turn from Croydon Road into Upper Elmers End Road. Approaching from Beckenham, it would be the only thing you would see about Elmers End and would dwarf everything else on this open space. It would half as high again as the tallest tree on the Green.

West Beckenham RA strongly objects to the application because

1. The Green is protected as Urban Open Space. The council’s policy on Urban Open Space is that “any development must be related to the existing use or be small scale. …. The scale, siting and size of the proposal should not unduly impact on the open nature of the site.” An 18m mast is not related to the existing use of the Green nor is it small scale.

2. The application is made under permitted development rights but the council must approve the siting and appearance of any telecoms mast.

3. The visual impact of the mast and its cabinets would be severely detrimental. The view of Elmers End approaching from Beckenham would be totally dominated by this mast giving a very poor impression of Elmers End.  However, the mast would not be acceptable on any part of the Green.

4. The mast would be half as tall again as the tallest tree on the Green and here would be several large cabinets around it, plus presumably a fence.

5. The proposed location is just feet away from the Elmers End sign erected by the Elmers End Residents’ Association in 1998. The sign regularly features in programmes such as Location, Location, Location.

6. In 2016 Cllr Peter Dean unveiled a plaque celebrating the 300 year history of the Green.

7. LB Bromley have proposed, as part of the Bromley Air Quality Action Plan, to investigate improving the Green.  

8. Such a huge mast should be sited where it is not so visually intrusive and certainly not on Urban Open Space.  

See our Local History page for the history of Elmers End Green http://www.westbeckenhamra.org/local-history/a-brief-history-of-elmers-end-green/

Beckenham Library to re-open 6 July

LB Bromley has announced that some libraries, including Beckenham’s, will re-open on 6 July. These libraries have been chosen because social distancing is more practical because of the size and layout of the building with good accessibility including nearby car parking. The library will be cashless.

It will be open from 10am to 2pm for  

 – access to public computers and printing (limited to 30 min slots and by appointment

– Library Take Away (pre-packaged bags of 5 books for both children and adults in a genre or category of the customers choice eg crime, romance, picture books)

– Reservations for open libraries using the on-line catalogue

– quick browsing – face on selections only of popular titles

-purchase of food waste liners.

Returned books will be stored separately for 72 hours and there will be new cleaning regimes and measures such as screens and signs.

RELOCATION OF BECKENHAM LIBRARY

The reasons given above for choosing Beckenham Library for early re-opening demonstrate clearly why the present location is superior to the proposed new location of Beckenham Halls, particularly in relation to space available for books and computers and also accessibility and availability of parking.

The consultants examining the feasibility of the proposed move are due to report this month (June). But we understand that the council is considering only urgent business at present and so may not consider the library proposals until autumn.

From Monday 15 June, changes to the ticketing system will mean Older Person’s Freedom Pass and 60+ cards are automatically set not to be valid during the morning peak period (0430 to 0900) Monday to Friday. Older Person’s Freedom Pass and 60+ card remain valid after 9.00am on weekdays and at all times at weekends and Bank Holidays

Disabled Freedom Pass holders are unaffected and will still able to travel at all times using their pass.

All passengers are reminded to only use public transport if absolutely essential and maintain two metres social distancing wherever possible.

All passengers using these cards are also being asked to avoid peak times now where possible ahead of the systems changes taking place on Monday 15 June. This is consistent with advice from the Government and Mayor that everyone should continue to work from home where possible, walk or cycle if they need to travel and avoid public transport. Anyone who needs to travel should do so outside of peak times if there is no option other than to use public transport.

Passengers are being advised, where possible, not to travel immediately after 0900 to help reduce potential crowding on buses and trains where effective capacity has been hugely reduced as a result of the requirement to observe two-metres social distancing wherever possible.