This is one of our regular newsletters. They are posted online and emailed out to anyone who signs up here.

General election

This is our first councillor report for a few months, primarily due to the general election. The result was a bitter disappointment for everyone who desperately need a Labour government, including so many in Goose Green. We Labour councillors will continue to do everything we can to deliver for local people and to fight back against this awful Tory government.

Closer to home, the results in Goose Green were more positive. Our local MPs Harriet Harman and Helen Hayes were both returned with healthy majorities. Throughout the campaign, we spoke to local residents: on your doorstep and at on the school gates.

#DulwichSaysNo

Just before the general election was called, Cllr James McAsh and local Labour members joined a demonstration against violent crime and in memory of Dennis Anderson, who was tragically murdered in East Dulwich last year. It was incredibly moving to hear from Dennis’ friends and family, and to see the community so united.

Bringing campaigns into the Town Hall

January 28th was our first council assembly since last summer. A motion was passed to make Southwark a Borough of Sanctuary. Cllr James McAsh brought motions in support of trade union and community campaigns: cheaper renewable energy, a decent pay-rise for local government workers, and for a child-friendly approach to primary school assessment. The voice of campaigners must always be heard in the Town Hall.

Clean air

Tackling air pollution is paramount. Cllr Victoria Olisa attended a talk on the impact of air pollution on children’s health on February 4th. We need to do as much as possible to reduce air pollution in the neighbourhood. Victoria has written more on how we can do this in her latest article for the SE22 magazine.

Our Healthy Streets

Our neighbouring ward, Dulwich Village, is running a project to reduce traffic volume in the area. Cllr James McAsh visited Townley Road during school drop-off time and witnessed complete chaos caused by incoming coaches to the local private schools. Cllr Charlie Smith met with council officers to discuss ways to prevent rat running on Melbourne Grove.

While the majority of the Our Healthy Streets project is focused on Dulwich Village, some areas of Goose Green will be affected too. If you live around Melbourne Grove or Townley Road then please have a look at the council’s project page and attend one of the consultation meetings:

Saturday 8th February, 9 - 12. 30pm@ JAGS
Saturday 29th February 9 - 12.30pm @ Herne Hill Baptist Church
Saturday 21st March, 6.30 - 9pm @ JAGS

This is an important opportunity to shape our local area.

Project FUNDING

Thanks so much to everyone who submitted an application to the council’s Cleaner, Green, Safer; Devolved Highways or Neighbourhoods funds. We listened to everyone’s pitches on January 22nd and are now in the difficult position of having to choose between some incredibly worthy projects.

Inspiring the next generation of councillors

Last Friday morning Cllr Charlie Smith gave a talk to year 8 students at the Charter school East Dulwich on being a Goose Green councillor. Perhaps you’ll soon receive your councillor newsletter from one of them!

Goose Green Newsletter - January 2020