Once again, there is lots of movement on the High Street and Parades with new businesses opening or undergoing development. We warmly welcome Fitology Kitchen and Cinnamon Culture on the High Street and Coffee on Camden at the end of Lower Camden who have opened their doors to great acclaim.
Work is well underway in other premises – the former Corals will become Vogue Dental with a grand reveal in late Spring 2022. Vogue Dental is headed by Dr Aneka who is an award winning Private Cometic Dentist currently working in Harley Street. Vogue Dental will specialise in orthodontics, veneers, implants, cosmetic bonding and facial aesthetics (Botox & Fillers). The former Diamond Shutters will open as Love Little Co, a new childrenswear boutique and photography studio in March 2022. Visitors to the boutique will be able to browse handpicked collections from beautiful brands and designers in Europe for children aged newborn to 4 years. The shop will also boast a natural light studio offering newborn, family, lifestyle and cake smash photography sessions. In the former KFH premises, Garden Aspect is preparing for the opening of its new showroom.
We have seen workmen in at The Broadwick but there is no news to relate at present. Lloyds Pharmacy is undergoing a change of ownership.
We were delighted that our very active intervention, engaging with councillors and our MP, has helped to secure the outdoor seating in Royal Parade that so many of us have enjoyed.
The Library is moving far more slowly than we had hoped. The Council has confirmed that progress is being made with Prime (the developer) and the CCG (who will be funding the GP surgery elements). Prime and the Council will publish public engagement dates in due course, once these dates have been scheduled we shall of course let you know.
At the time of writing, there was no update on the redevelopment of the Age UK or Hornbrook House buildings. Sainsbury’s has new agents for its upper floors (the third in recent years) but no progress in putting this space into good economic use is evident at present.
Last October, we were advised by LBB that they had funding available from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund to provide additional winter seasonal planting to ten High Streets within the borough, including Chislehurst. We were told the 4 floor standing planters/flower towers would be in place from November 2021 to 31st March 2022. Unfortunately, they were not delivered here until 19th January. We asked for them to remain in place beyond the 31st March but to no avail. We also received 14 potted bay trees for the High Street from LBB under the Fund. These will remain permanently. Readers will recall our long campaign for new street trees on the High Street; unfortunately it is not now possible to have trees on Burlington Parade because of the utilities there so more will go up near Red Hill School. We are also expecting an ornamental tree in the bed in front of Joelles.
Readers will recall our concern regarding a proposal to redevelop part of Walden Woods beyond the area included in the Local Plan. We understand that the Department for Education has recently started feasibility studies on the proposed school site. The Council does not expect their proposals for the new school to reach the planning application stage until later this year at the earliest.
Traffic safety issues remain a concern of local residents, particularly the lack of a crossing at the War Memorial, and speeds on many of our roads. We share that concern. These matters are covered elsewhere. In the meantime, we seem beset once again with utilities and road works in the area. Where appropriate, we contact Thames Water about overrunning works and signage left once the works have finished.
We are regular users of FixMyStreet and are delighted when matters get attended to, even if it sometimes takes longer than liked. After a delay of some 7 or 8 months since reporting, we were pleased to see the vertical pole for the height barrier in the High Street car park, finally moved from the middle of the pedestrian walkway. We have been actively chasing the Council on the lack of a dropped kerb there and hope this will finally be attended to!
Crime (particularly burglary) is increasing and anti-social behaviour, particularly kids on motorbikes, graffiti and egg throwing, plus flytipping, seem prevalent in the area. We are in regular contact with our local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and LBB on these matters and sit on the Community Advisory Panel with the SNT. Regular police surgeries at the Library have been reinstated, dates are on the High Street noticeboards. If you have any issues you would like the panel to discuss do email them to chiscap2020@gmail.com We urge residents to report all matters as this is the best way we will secure police resources.
Our Friends Groups go from strength to strength and we are delighted to see the new playground equipment in Belmont Open Space, co-ordinated by Friends of Belmont Open Space (FOBOS) and funded by The Chislehurst Society. We were also thrilled to see the new natural play area in Whytes Woods take shape thanks to the Friends of Chislehurst Rec (FOCRG) and idverde. A community clean-up of the Bird Sanctuary as well as new drainage being laid in Chislehurst Rec playground are the result of FOCRG’s ongoing efforts.
Our community groups are now busy planning for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations this summer. If you would like to get involved, do get in contact!
Alison Stammers
Chislehurst Matters
29/03/2022