New legislation, under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005), will give local authorities extra powers to take action and enforcement against dog owners who do not comply with new rules.

Most people who own a dog behave in a responsible manner. There are, however, a some who do sometimes act irresponsibly. These are the people the Council wishes to be able to take action against, if they break the proposed new regulations.

It is hoped that the introduction of the Dog Control Order Act, which carries a £75 on-the-spot fine, will enable the Council to deal with irresponsible dog owners far more effectively.

Proposed offences that will attract an on-the-spot fine are:

Failing to remove dog faeces
Not keeping a dog on a lead in designated areas (these will be sign-posted in public areas)
Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded
Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land.

Unfortunately, the list doesn't seem to include banning Neanderthals from using dodgy-looking dogs to scare and intimidate human beings.

The public consultation period runs from Monday 13 October to Friday 14 November. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so via an online survey found at www.lewisham.gov.uk. Residents can also call 020 8314 7171 or email dogcontrolorders@lewisham.gov.uk for more information.

A map of proposed designated areas, a copy of the Dog Control Orders Regulations and a questionnaire can all be viewed in the Town Hall in Catford as well as five libraries across the borough:

Lewisham
Catford Library (in Lawrence House)
Downham
Forest Hill
Wavelengths (in Deptford)
 

Given the high public concern about crime in Lewisham Central ward, thought I'd publicise the following press release from Lewisham Council:

Free advice on crime prevention

The Safer Lewisham Partnership bus will be visiting Lewisham Town Centre and Deptford Market to provide residents with advice on how to protect themselves against crime.

The bus will be in Lewisham Town Centre on 16 October (10.30am – 3.00pm) and at Deptford Market on 17 October (10.30am – 3.00pm).

Advice will also be available on how to reduce the risk of motor vehicle crime such as:

Not leaving items on display
Using immobilisers
Parking safely
Using “Park Mark” care parks
Fitting an alarm
Securing wheels and number plates
 

A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of The Spotted Cow at 104 Hither Green Lane, and its replacement by a five storey building comprising 9 one bedroom, 2 three bedroom, 4 two bedroom and 3 self-contained flats, and a two storey 4 bedroom dwelling house.

I have written objecting, as follows:

I am writing as a local ward councillor to object to planning application DC/08/68773, for the demolition of the existing public house at 104 Hither Green Lane.

This will result in the loss of a historic local landmark and social amenity for the area. The loss of pubs is having serious consequences for 'third space' social life and social cohesion throughout Lewisham, and will do so in this case too. I am particularly disappointed that the opportunity was not taken either to:

- incorporate some of the existing features in the new design; and/or
- design the development to retain some social drinking space or other community use

I would be happy to expand on these remarks when the application goes to a Planning Committee.

The application (ref DC/08/68773) can be viewed at the Planning Information Office on the 5th floor of Lawrence House, Catford; at Lewisham Reference Library on the High Street; and on the Lewisham web site at http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/lewis-xslpagesdc/acolnetcgi. exe

If you want to comment, you need to do so in writing before 16 October, to planning@lewisham.gov.uk

Thought I'd publicise this press release from the Council about getting dogs chipped:

Free dog micro-chipping : Saturday 11 October 2008

To mark the launch of BARK - Borough Action for Responsible K9’s – a free dog micro-chipping and information event is being held on Saturday 11 October.

BARK aims to encourage dog ownership in the borough and is a joint project organised by Lewisham Council, the RSPCA and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.

The numbers of stray dogs being reported continues to rise each year. One way of finding a lost four-legged friend more quickly and easily is to have it microchipped.  Microchipping is a safe, permanent form of ID that can help to reunite owners with their dogs should they become lost or stolen.

The microchipping session is on Saturday, 11 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at:
 
Wearside Service Centre
Wearside Road
Lewisham
SE13 7EZ

Pre-booking for micro-chipping is essential. It is not possible to safely accommodate large numbers of dogs and their owners in one space at the same time. Dog owners wanting to bring their dogs along must call 020 8314 2098 for an appointment.

The event is open to Lewisham residents only. Residents – or rather their dogs! – will also get a free engraved tag as well as the micro-chip.

Residents can bring as many dogs as they like but do need to make an appointment first. Residents are asked to bring proof of pet ownership wherever possible, such as a vet card or bill, or pedigree papers. Proof of living in the borough is also necessary, e.g. Council Tax statement or utility bill.

Staff will also be on hand to give information and advice about responsible dog ownership.

Just a belated plug to say that I'll be going to Lewisham Country Fayre at Conrmill Gardens.  Even with Chas n Dave leading a knees up.