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Public space

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.

CGI image of Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment scheme showing green space and park between new multi-story buildings

Lewisham shopping centre redevelopment plans set for approval

Landsec's plans to redevelop Lewisham Shopping Centre and replace it with more than 1,700 homes plus co-living and student accommodation, have been recommended for approval by officers.

A statue of a camel, with peeling paint and covered in graffiti, left in an abandoned playground on the site.

Ladywell Playtower: step on-site (just for one day)

Mark Morris attended Ladywell Old Baths community open day on 4th October and found some unexpected sights.

Fencing around the front of the library, with sign from construction company Rooff.

Lewisham library: Delayed refurbishment gets started

Lewisham council announced the award of levelling-up funding to restore the library in 2023 and the library has been closed ever since. Construction has finally started.

Lit up nave, attendees of the meeting at St Mary's church.

Ladywell Playtower: Council welcomes CLT and non-profit bids this time around

About 200 residents attended Thursday's meeting, which they hope will be the start of deeper engagement with Lewisham council. Councillor James-J Walsh outlined project timescales and explained how the council aims to avoid the pitfalls encountered last time.