The Sidcup & Bexley Chronicle October 2008

One of Sidcups respected resident associations is The Crescent Association who are up in arms about the way the council have failed to fully consult residents about the proposed reconfiguration of accommodation and day services for older people and adults with learning disabilities at the Carlton and Hoblands site. They wrote to Cllr. Sharon Massey comparing her reaction to the recent decisions to change the way Queen Mary’s hospital will operate in the future and the consultation process she held in contempt saying; “We are truly puzzled as to why you and other councillors are so shocked and horrified at such actions when you are fully aware of exactly the same actions being deployed by Bexley Council, and sanctioned by Members. The Council failed to fully consult neighbours and the local community and despite your recent claim that it is the duty of councillors to represent the views of the public of Bexley , this outcome very clearly demonstrates the degree of contempt, exclusion and discrimination shown on this occasion. A done deal . One would have to question whether there are legal implications concerning the Council s failure to oversee the consultation exercise to ensure it is true and meaningful on the basis of all opinions and alternatives, as opposed to being on the basis of a pre-judgement of the viability of certain options. Given the Council s justification by way of their perverse definition of what constitutes a neighbour , there may well be a case to answer. According to Cllr. Jackie Evans (Sidcup Ward) Vice Chair Health & Adult Social Care, members of the committee did not consider it appropriate to call-in the decision and suspend its progression! A Briefing and Information Meeting organised by the residents assocation was held at The Carlton Centre, Carlton Road, Sidcup to provide an update on the proposed changes. The Chair of the Crescent Association is Linda Waterman. No councillors turned up, and it was very evident from the large turnout of local residents that MCCH s previous formal consultation exercise with the local community was virtually nonexistent. No-one seemed to know anything about the proposals prior to the meeting on 11th, and the general consensus was that people are not happy with what is being proposed, but are being told tough, too late, you ll have your say at the planning application stage. I guess if our Listening Council don t ask, they don t have to listen! Chronicle 40p Where Sold Sidcup & Bexley T h e Vo i c e o f S i d c u p Your Local! NEWS • MOVIES • THEATRE • MOTORING • LIFESTYLE 26 Movies20 Motoring16 Competition OCTOBERwww. bexleychronicle. com October 2008 W. UDEN & SONS LTD FUNERAL DIRECTORS The Family Business that still offers a personal service. Est 1881 SIDCUP 64 High Street, DA14 6DS 020 8300 2002 *24 Hour Service Branches also at: Eltham, Petts Wood, Biggin Hill, Dulwich, Forest Hill, New Cross & Camberwell Call free 0800 163 186 53 The Oval, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9ER 5 Lessness Ave. , Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5SH *Autumn Specials* on Alternators, Batteries & Starter Motors Cutting the cost of Winter repairs Batteries for every make of car BRAKE DISCS AND DISC PADS AT LOW PRICES ST JOHN’S REACHES TARGETBy the time you read this article St John the Evangelist Church, Sidcup, will have embarked on the installation of a new lighting system. The mammoth fund raising for this project has been very successful with the total of £72,000. 00 having been all but reached. It is continuing, however, to cover any unforeseen costs which may occur when the works are in progress. The great achievement of this is due, not only to the generosity of the congregation, but also to folk in and out of the area, many of whom have had association with St. John’s at some time in their lives. On a lovely sunny afternoon, 24th August, Heather and Hugh lbbot opened their beautiful garden. There was a tombola stall, a bring-and-buy table, delicious teas, cakes and a raffle. The proceeds were added to the lighting fund. At the end of September, a “Harvest Lunch” will be held in the Church Hall. “A Quiz Evening” is scheduled for Saturday, lst November, while on Saturday 7th March, 2009, a “Celebration Concert” will be performed in the church when the new lights will be fully demonstrated. Plans are well under way for this very special event. It is an exciting time! The lighting will enhance the wonderful building for services, when illumination can be selected as required, while at the same time reduce the power used. It will also provide a variety of options when the church is employed for other events. It is to be hoped that many groups in the community will now be encouraged to apply to stage their presentations in this building, which seats about six hundred people. Should you require further details about any of the events mentioned in this article, please contact, The Church Administrator on 020 8309 0866 Our listening Council! Drain covers stolen Bexley council have painted drain covers to help combat the increasing number of drain cover thefts. Apart from losing the metal covers there is always a high risk of people slipping down flood covered areas! It has been reported that as many as almost ninety covers have been stolen. Churches and schools are reporting metal losses and offices. Tandoori RestaurantFully Licensed and Air Conditioned Open 7 Days a week for lunch & dinner 169-171 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent DA15 7AA Reservations: 020 8300 0777 / 020 8300 2527 Paul Cantara returns with his KINGS OF SWING & LEGENDS SHOW Tuesday 4th November Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Robbie Williams, Ricky Martin, Freddie Mercury A stylish, witty show with authentic Tributes – Hugely Entertaining and Danceable (Est 1978) Free entertainment for diners (Usual top quality menu) Tuesday 4th November Jimmy Mizen minibus We are pleased to report that the fund to raise money to buy a minibus in the memory of Jimmy Mizen has been successful. It will be used by the scout group operating from Our Lady & Lourdes church. Barry Mizen, Jimmys father said how grateful he was to the people of Sidcup who have supported the appeal so well. Judicial Review Appeal reaches £2,000 Campaigners for Independents to Save Queen Mary’s Hospital are delighted with the continuing response to their appeal to raise £75,000 to fight the planned closures of Queen Mary’s accident and emergency and other vital services by means of a judicial review in the High Court. Party leader, Chiselhurst based John HemmingClark said that after just one month £2,000 has already been raised, together with many letters of support. He said, “We are continuing to get a great response to this appeal from people who live or work in the area. The most heart-warming letter to have been received so far has come from a gentleman who donated £40 from his war disablement pension and who wrote, “We hope you obtain the amount you require to take this matter, which is so important to so many of us, to court. ” How can you not be moved by such comments from those who most need Queen Mary’s services? We do have a long way still to go and I would urge everyone to donate as much as they can to ensure that this outrageous and preordained decision can go before one of the highest courts in the land. ” Donations can be made online at www. faect. org. uk. Cheques payable to ITS QMH can be sent to Independents to Save Queen Mary’s Hospital, 1a Holbrook Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 6PE. L I C E N S E D B Y T H E P U B L I C C A R R I A G E O F F I C E SIDCUP CARS24 Hour Service for: AIRPORTS LONG DISTANCE LOCAL SALOON 7/8 SEATER EXECUTIVE 020 8300 8000 • 020 8300 3300***DRIVERS WANTED***