There is a lot going on in Norbury at the moment with Council consultations on Car Parking and the possible closure or amalgamation of nurseries; and a review of the Library services plus a number of local events. So, apologies for a longer than usual update.
Bus Shelter Petition: Many of you will know that some of the bus shelters disappeared in March 2021 and have not yet been replaced. At the beginning of September when the Mayor held a question and answer session in Norbury, he said that because of contractual difficulties is it might be as much as another 18 months before the shelters reappear. The Committee are chasing hard on this issue and plan to ask a question at the next Council Meeting – watch this space!
Car Parking Consultation: Most of us have probably been fed up with trying to find a place to park, particularly with the large numbers of commuters parking in our streets. The Council is now asking residents for their views on its draft parking policy. The Council’s invitation to comment is attached. You can respond on line and there are a number of drop-in sessions at libraries – unfortunately, not at Norbury. There is a session at Thornton Heath Tuesday 24 October (apologies for short notice) 4.30pm-7pm. Thornton Heath Library is at 190 Brigstock Road CR7 7JB. The consultation closes on 31 October. The NVRA Committee wrote to the Council requesting a drop-in session at Norbury Library. Unfortunately the Council said this was not possible.
Norbury Library opening hours extended: You can now register at the Library for its self-service opening which is called Open Access. This will operate on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-6pm and on Saturdays, 9am-5pm. To use this service, you will need to complete a form at the Library and will be given a PIN number which will give you access to the Library at the above times. It’s great that people will be able to use the Library more, but there are some downsides: after the trial period, there will be no librarians on site, only a security guard; no lavatory facilities; and no photocopying.
Library Consultation: The Council has been conducting a review of its Library Service across the borough. At the on-line meeting attended by one of NVRA’s committee members, the following main points were made from residents across the borough: Library opening hours were insufficient, officers were urged to find ways of extending opening hours, particularly on Saturdays and into the evenings; concern was expressed for school children and students whose home conditions made it difficult to study at home. Whilst it was understood that there was no more money for the Library Service, concern was expressed about the use of volunteers, particularly around checks re their suitability. Suggestions were made about bringing more services into the Library such as housing and police advice; councillors’ surgeries; groups such as the Norbury Knitters; and many more. There was a recognition that the librarians were under a lot of pressure and were providing a very good service.
