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.
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.”
Part of the letter to neighbours of Pentland House
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.
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
Lee’s new Green Councillor Laura Sessions is to raise the issue of speeding vehicles in the Conservation area.
Residents have been complaining about drivers breaking the 20 mph speed limit for many years, but say neither the police nor the Council have responded.
Peter Knight of Micheldever Road said “I’ve tried multiple times emailing about speeding to council officials, councillors and the police speed watch people, suggesting low cost ways to address it. I’ve never managed to get any concrete action, except the 20 roundels painted on the road.”
Cllr Sessions told the Lee Manor Society: “I completely agree it is an issue. The area has a high volume of traffic given the size of many of the streets. I am happy to raise it with Cllr Corin Ashwell, the cabinet member for transport and the environment and officers to discuss what could be done to reduce speeding in the area. “
Peter Knight has repeatedly suggested options for addressing the problem including chicanes, road narrowing and police speed checks.
Although the police occasionally mount radar checks on main roads – this one was spotted on Burnt Ash Road in April – they don’t operate them on side roads. At one time volunteers were able to join radar patrols in the area, but speeding drivers who were caught were only sent warning letters and not fined.
