By Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin

Otford Community Hall

Council are yet to provide the details of the design for the replacement hall. WCC did promise that NF1 would be involved with the final design before the DA application but it appears Council have gone back on that promise.

Whitty Road reconstruction

Now listed for construction in the budget for this financial year.

New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library

This is now listed in the four-year plan as being in design for the next two years and then two years for construction. So much for the commitment from Council including the Lord Mayor to have construction started in 2025.

The WCC 2024 budget has listed restoration of the front of the existing Community Centre (referred to as Youth Centre) so the community will have “something” to use until the new centre is constructed. Still no details on when the main hall will be demolished due to health hazards inside.

The community has now had this “health risk” for over a full session of Council (4 years). Does this clearly show the concern for the Helensburgh community from the majority of Councillors?

Shared Footpath Parkes Street, Lilyvale Street to Cemetery Road, Helensburgh

Still waiting on details from Council. No scope of works has been provided to date. It appears that there is a shared footpath without curb and gutter from Lilyvale St to Cemetery Rd on Parkes St. But the path link along Cemetery Rd from Parkes St to join the existing path has been left out of the project. Another missing link from Council.

Vera St to Railway Station

One lane is now open and Council has reconstruction of the roadway listed for this financial year. Council Geotechnical team are in the process of design work now.

Walker St Works (near roundabout)

Work was not completed by the end of June as promised due to weather and supply issues (sandstone delay). Council’s staff were relocated to repair storm damage. The ramp in the curb is where the disabled parking space will be located.

Council Elections in September

Council will go into caretaker mode in August, a month before the elections. Council Election is 14 September 2024. Nominations for Councillors are from 5 August to 14 August (Ballot paper draw).

Residents will vote for 4 Councillors for Ward 1 and separately for Lord Mayor.

NF1 need a co-convenor

Neighbourhood Forums are organised and run by volunteers and need the support of Council and the community. NF1 does not have a Co-Convener at present.

Next NF1 meeting will be 14 Aug 2024 at Otford Community Hall at 7pm