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Greenwich news and information

Greenwich House Prices Climb 2%

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Latest figures published by the Land Registry show that house prices across the borough of Greenwich recorded a 2% increase in July.

But even with this small increase, houses prices in Greenwich were, on average, 13% down on a year ago.

It was a different story in neighbouring Lewisham where home prices were down 2.2% in July. Across the river in Tower Hamlets, they had the biggest increase of any London borough with a movement of +3.1%.

Across London as a whole, there was an average increase of 1.6%, which was almost mirrored across the whole of England and Wales where there was an average increase of 1.7%.

Photos from Blackheath Climate Camp

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I wandered over to the newly erected Climate Camp at Blackheath this morning to take a few photos.  It’s a sea of tents and flags, with lots of people milling about, surrounded by a metal perimeter fence that has slogans attached.

It seemed quieter than I expected although I did hear one person suggesting there would be more happening there tomorrow. I also overheard someone discussing a blog post by the Mayor of Lewisham comparing climate campers with football hooligans which, understandably, doesn’t seem to have gone down too well.

Climate Camp Blackheath

Climate Camp Blackheath

Climate Camp Blackheath

Climate Camp Blackheath

There are more photos in our Climate Camp set on Flickr.

Climate Camp Swoops on Blackheath

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The Camp for Climate Action has swooped on Blackheath and and is aiming to stay there until the weekend. Protestors from the group had  kept the location of their camp secret, before it was suddenly announced early this afternoon that they were heading to Greenwich.

They say on their website: “Everyone is welcome to join us, as we converge on the secret location where the camp will rise. This summer, we are swooping together, and together we will transform a part of London into the physical manifestation of our desired worlds”.

There had initially been confusion as to where they were heading with news outlets such as the Daily Telegraph and Sky News reporting that camp would be in Greenwich Park.

Since arriving at Blackheath, Climate Campers have begun setting up and posted a series of pictures to their Twitter account, seen below.

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Protesters will also be ideally placed to enjoy the Funfair which has also set up at Blackheath and begins tomorrow.

Greenwich Council Set To Decide Market Future

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The Planning Board of Greenwich Council will meet tonight at the town hall in Woolwich to make their decision over the proposed redevelopment of Greenwich Market.

They will consider the plans for a new market development, as well as the related application for a temporary market in the Monument Garden of the Old Royal Naval College.

The controversial plans for Greenwich Market include the creation of a 100 bedroom boutique hotel. Last week, Andrew Gilligan reported in his weekly column that planning officials have recommended to the board that permission be granted.

The Planning Board will also be considering giving permission for a new 82 bedroom hotel in Greenwich High Road, on the site of the old petrol station that is currently operating as a car washing business. Planning approval had originally been granted for 14 flats at the site, but the developer backed out due to the economic climate and Travelodge stepped in, acquiring a 25 year lease.

Contentious proposals to expand the number of flights at London City Airport are also going to be discussed at the meeting, and the board will determine whether to enter into a Neighbouring Authority Agreement with the airport.

The meeting begins at 6.30pm.

NOGOE On The Plinth

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The campaign to stop the Olympic Equestrian events taking place in Greenwich Park scaled new heights this week when a supporter got up on Trafalgar Square’s “Fourth Plinth” wearing a NOGOE t-shirt.

“Kerry T” from East Dulwich took to the plinth on Wednesday at 9am. She was initially wearing a t-shirt supporting the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau, before taking it off to reveal her NOGOE top.

Anthony Gormley’s “One and Other” project sees one person go up on the empty plinth every hour and will last until October 14th.

NOGOE supporter on 4th plinth

Teacher from Greenwich Admits Relationship with Pupil

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A teacher from Greenwich has pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to six charges of sexual activity with a child under 16.

Helen Goddard was teaching music at the prestigious City of London Girls School when a relationship developed with a 15 year old female pupil.

Ms Goddard has signed the Sexual Offenders Register and was bailed to return for sentencing on September 21st. Goddard could be punished with up to 14 years in prison under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Run To The Beat Returns

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The Council has given the official green light for the charity half marathon, Run To The Beat, to return to Greenwich. The 13 mile run, which attracted criticism last year, will take place on September 27th.

Councillor Maureen O’Mara, Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said, “This event stands to raise thousands for charity as well as giving opportunities for runners and local musicians. However there were a number of real concerns expressed by residents over last year’s events and the council has therefore set clear requirements on the organisers to ensure that traffic restrictions don’t impose undue difficulties on local residents, and that noise levels are kept to a minimum.”.

There will be a series of phased road closures throughout the day. Find out if you’re likely to be affected by checking the Road Closures Map.

“Cycle Fridays” Initiative Encourages Commuting By Bike

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Transport for London is running a series of marshaled bike rides to encourage people to try commuting to work on a bike. The “Cycle Friday” events are free group commuter rides into central London using six different routes including one from Greenwich to St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London.

Four marshals from the London Cycling Campaign will be on each route to help cyclists who are new to rush hour bike riding. If you want to take part, turn up tomorrow with your bike at 8.00 am in Cutty Sark Gardens. The Cycle Friday rides will be taking place every Friday until October 2nd.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said “Cycle Fridays are a brilliantly simple way of giving thousands of commuters the confidence to get cycling. I’m sure that when they see how much of a fun, healthy and convenient experience it can be they will be hooked.”.

Missing Pet: Snoopy the Jack Russell

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I have been notified that a dog has gone missing today on Royal Hill. “Snoopy” is a much loved dog belonging to the landlady of the Richard I pub.

Snoops was last seen at 9.30am today (11/08/09). He is a Black and White Short Haired Jack Russell Terrier, please if anyone does see him or knows of his whereabouts could they please call Diane Radbron on 0208 692 2996.

Snoops is a very special dog and is very much a character that is missed greatly by all the family, staff and locals of the pub.

Update: Snoopy has been found!

Snoopy had latched on to a young lady at Greenwich Train Station and followed her to work. The owner’s son, Nik, tells me:

“My mum would like to pass thanks to this women, the Park Warden at Greenwich Park and the local RSPCA who rescued him and he is now safe and sound back at home feeling very sorry for himself…”

First Asian Mayor of Greenwich Has Died

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The first Asian Mayor of the Borough of Greenwich has passed away at his home in Coventry.

Gurdip Singh Dhillon was first elected to Greenwich Council in 1978, representing Charlton and later Woolwich Common. He became the Mayor of Greenwich in 1990 and continued to serve on the council until 2002. In 1996 he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Gurdip’s friend, Councillor Jagir Sekhon, herself a former Mayor of Greenwich, commented, “I’ve known Gurdip for the last 38 years. When I came here in 1968 we were living in rented accommodation and our families met at that time when we were both campaigning through the housing association.”

Councillor Sekhon added: “He was fantastic as a campaigner for the whole community. Nothing was ever too much for him. You could call him up at 2am and he’d be there for you. At the same time, he never said he had done something – he always said that the community has done it!”

Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts said, “Gurdip’s motto was always to see a better understanding between the different communities, better race relations and religious tolerance. At the same time, he championed the cause of every part of the Greenwich community. He will always be remembered as the borough’s first Asian Mayor.”.