Author: leemanorsoc

Lewisham Council is offering small grants to residents and community groups to improve their localities.

The Council asks “Do you have an idea to tackle fly-tipping, improve a neglected place or make your neighbourhood cleaner, greener or more welcoming? Love Lewisham Micro Grants can help residents, community groups and local organisations turn practical ideas into action.”

Individuals can apply for up to £200, while community groups can apply for up to £1,000.

Applications are open; they close on November 27th.   Full details can be found here.

The Council makes clear it can fund projects like:

• community clean-ups and local neighbourhood action
• planting, planters and small greening projects
• equipment that will provide wider community benefit
• community artwork or local awareness activity linked to improving an area
• practical projects addressing fly-tipping, neglect or another recurring local problem

It can’t fund:

• private benefit or payments to an individual applicant for their own time
• work that should be carried out by the Council, a landowner or another statutory service
• costs already incurred or activity that has already happened
• projects outside Lewisham
• projects without wider local or community benefit
• projects that cannot obtain required permissions
• activities that are unlawful or unsafe

This year’s Blackheath Fireworks will be on November 7th. Tickets are now on sale on the organisers’ website.

The evening starts at 5 pm and runs through until 10pm, with a programme of entertainment before the fireworks themselves which start at 8 pm.

There will be a fairground and street food village. Lewisham Council says there will also be a “Peoples Stage” featuring local Lewisham talent. It will be launched by Cllr Rotimi Skyers – Lewisham’s Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture .

He said “The People’s Stage is a chance to celebrate the creativity, talent and community that makes Lewisham such a special place. We’re inviting local performers, artists, musicians, dancers, community groups and organisations to help shape this year’s Blackheath Fireworks and shine a spotlight on the amazing diversity of our borough.

“It’s about giving residents a platform and bringing communities together through culture and creativity. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved as we get ready for the return of People’s Day in 2027.”

The operator of Pentland House, the hostel next door to Manor House Library, has acknowledged that problems are being caused by some of the people housed there.

As we reported here recently residents have been complaining about anti-social behaviour by some people living in Pentland House. One local resident said “They are awful. It makes it quite unpleasant to live here.”

In a letter delivered to local residents, the operator Bercleys Properties Ltd provides several ways for neighbours of the house to lodge complaints, round the clock. It says “Whilst we may not always be able to resolve every issue immediately, we are committed to investigating concerns and taking appropriate action wherever possible. We appreciate people taking the time to let us know when something is happening”

New details have emerged about the current arrangements at the house. Cllr James Rathbone is understood to have confirmed to residents that the house is leased to Hackney Council for temporary and emergency accommodation. It’s previously been used for the same purpose by Tower Hamlets Council and the Home Office. The residents of Pentland House are believed to be either homeless people or asylum seekers. It’s understood that Lewisham Council had in the past tried to lease the building but was outbid, and currently has no connection with the property.

Bercleys Properties’ letter to residents says “We are also aware that noise, particularly late-night noise and music, has been a recurring concern raised by neighbours. In response, we have strengthened our monitoring of communal areas, increased management oversight of noise-related incidents and reinforced expectations with both staff and residents regarding acceptable behaviour, particularly during evening and night-time hours.

“We have also increased our focus on the use of the garden and communal spaces, with staff instructed to challenge excessive noise and music at the earliest opportunity and take appropriate action where site rules are breached. Reports of noise are being monitored closely by management to identify repeat concerns and ensure that incidents are addressed consistently.”

The letter goes on: “Pentland House is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The on-site team carry out regular patrols, respond to incidents, monitor communal areas and challenge behaviour that breaches site rules. They are also responsible for recording incidents and passing information to management for review.”

Hackney Council, Lewisham Council and Cllr Rathbone have been approached for comment.

The local police are holding another Lee Green Ward panel meeting on October 28th. All Lee Green residents are invited. Full details can be found here.

The Ward Panel is your chance to raise concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour. The police aim to agree a plan to address the problems.

Even if you can’t attend the meeting, at 7 pm on August 28th in Manor House Library, you can complete the survey which asks you about your concerns in the neighbourhood.

Share your concerns and ideas to shape local policing priorities.

Collaborate with the police to tackle community issues.

Build trust and transparency through open dialogue.

Your voice matters! By attending, you’ll help ensure local policing reflects our community’s needs. No prior experience is needed—just a desire to make a difference.

If you are unable to attend and wish to notify us of your local concerns, then please make sure you complete the Local Matters Survey