Residents were left shocked yesterday after Southwark Council’s Cabinet meeting which was deciding on, amongst other things, the Blackfriars Rd SPD. When residents started to complain about what can only be described as a badly executed attempt at a party political broadcast, Council Leader Peter John said “I can make a statement, its my meeting”. Afterwards one resident likened him to Jeremy Kyle, who apparently has the catchphrase “Shut up, its my turn to speak. After all it is called The Jeremy Kyle show“. Others described the debate as a “whitewash” and a “farce”, whilst one said that Peter John had not made a good first impression on them.

It came as no surprise to us ward councillors that the report was pushed through – despite the fact that the officers were clearly not on top of the issues – but we didn’t expect the residents to be treated so disrespectfully by the Cabinet. This is such a big concern for local people, and it is going to have a massive effect on their homes and local environment for many years to come.  Some will lose daylight and sunlight, some will have to fight harder to get on the bus/tube/doctors list/school list, all will lose their local shops and services to make way for chain supermarkets, restaurants and coffee shops. Some are threatened with the redevelopment of their own homes, as local charities and housing associations seek to cash in on the investment opportunities. Most will not be able to afford any of the new properties that are being built, nor will their children.

Peter John has previously said that he wants Blackfriars Rd to become like Park Avenue – one of New York’s most expensive streets. He has also stated that he wants to see more towers like 1 Blackfriars along the street. But he doesn’t seem to understand that it isn’t his street, it belongs to the people. Local councillors and the Administration (whatever their political persuasion) are here to serve the interests of those who elected them, and council officers are there to serve the elected members and the residents.

Recently, someone who is very influential in regeneration in London told me that they liked the mix in Blackfriars Rd, and that they had enjoyed being able to have lunch in the greasy spoon cafe. I pointed out that the cafe has just been demolished to make way for a new block of flats…….