Orpington in Focus

Council news

• Bromley Council and Community Links Bromley have announced a donation of £170,000 in emergency funding for local charities and community organisations, thanks to support from Direct Line Group. Grants of up to £10,000 will be made through the establishment of a Direct Line Community Fund, administered by Community Links Bromley, an organisation that coordinates the voluntary sector response in the borough.

• Lockdown has made media stars of Better librarians in Bromley and is creating growing new audiences for library activities online. With all Bromley’s physical libraries shut since the end of March, as part of the Government guidelines, libraries and leisure operator GLL (the social enterprise that operates under the Better brand) has moved much of its services online, providing support and relief for families enduring weeks in lockdown. Librarians have shown their creative sides, taking producer/director/actor credits when turning their gardens, kitchens and living rooms into ad hoc broadcasting studios for story times, rhyme and sign, and craft sessions for children. For adults, there are more craft sessions, alongside virtual walks, poetry readings and even a podcast.

• For families looking for activities to enjoy together at home, see better.org.uk/lp/fun-activities-for-kids-athome.

Transport & roadworks

If you’re planning on travelling by train in June, check the Southeastern Railway site for planned departures/arrivals at

https://bit.ly/sejunetransport

It is unclear whether or not proposed roadworks will go ahead in June. If they do, here are the main works scheduled:

Thames Water is carrying out works on sewage pipes on the A232 Croydon Road on 3rd June, where part of the road will be closed.

Thames Water is carrying out works for new water connections on the A208 Chislehurst Road from 8th-12th June where part of the road will be closed.

POLICE UPDATES

see https://bit.ly/2WSxrIf