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young people

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.

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.

Emily Obasohan and Ryan Calais Cameron on red, green and gold lit up stage with backdrop banner for SEEN festival.

SEEN Lewisham is back! Celebrating cultural diversity

The 10-day festival of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual arts nurtures and showcases young creative artists alongside established talent.

Young footballers playing five-a-side on floodlit pitch

Sports Fun 4 All - delivering free football and improving young lives across south London

Starting out with free football sessions at Downham and Bellingham, Kieran Connolly's organisation has seen extraordinary growth. This year, Connolly's young coaches have delivered 283 free football sessions, working with 847 young people in Lewisham, Greenwich and beyond.