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Downham

Picture of open palm showing handful of rubber crumb. Caption - 3G football pitches use around 120 tons of rubber crumb, topped up with 300 kg/year

Council ignores health risks in plans for rubber crumb pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Cabinet member Sakina Sheikh presented officer advice on rubber crumb which ignores health risks to players and workers, in her answers at the full council meeting on 28 January.

Football pitch visible behind trees, shrubs and ancient pond at centre of the playing fields.

Calls to scrap plans for crumb rubber football pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Lewisham council have raised a planning application for a 3G football pitch at the playing fields, which include protected nature conservation areas. But local campaigners are calling for a halt and health impact assessment.

Some red brick houses, grass and trees in the Downham estate, built in 1920s by LCC.

Housing regulator issues damning judgement on Phoenix governance

The Regulator of Social Housing downgraded its ratings for the local housing association, finding "issues of serious regulatory concern".

Canada geese flying over the Whitefoot Lane playing fields towards the pond.

Whitefoot Lane, Downham: risk of serious harms to children's health from planned football pitch

Downham GP Dr Helen Tattersfield raises concerns over potential "serious detrimental effects" of microplastics on young players' health, as well as the risks to nature.

Tree in front of the Green Woman Oasis pond with playing fields visible in the background.

Green Woman Oasis project, Downham: the community had a plan for health and nature - what happened?

Downham Community Land Trust and local GPs had plans to open up Whitefoot Lane playing fields and start addressing health inequalities. Previous Lewisham mayor Damian Egan supported their vision. But Lewisham council plans to transfer the lease this week, finally destroying their hopes.

Pond in shaft of sunlight, surrounded by trees with fence and playing fields in background.

"Ecological vandalism": plans for artificial grass football pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Community groups condemn Lewisham council's stewardship of the playing fields, which has allowed the ancient pond to dry out and progressed the plan for a 3G football pitch which will "dump microplastics into a nature reserve". They fear transfer of the site's lease will make things worse.

Two viewers of Helios at Bath Assembly rooms

Catch Luke Jerram's "Helios" shining in Downham this weekend

The unique illuminated sculpture is at Durham Hill, Downham from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd June. The installation is part of celebrations marking 100 years since the first residents moved into the LCC's brand new Cottage Estate.