The Orpington 1st Magazine Autumn 2023

Welcome...

by Orpington 1st BID Executive Director, Chris Travers

AWARM welcome to the autumn edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine, and as the nights draw in, we’re looking forward to festive events, as well as taking a look back at recent developments.

In August, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley joined senior officers from Bromley and South London at the civic centre for the ‘A New Met for London’ launch event. Turn to page 10 to read about the Met’s plan to deliver more trust, less crime, and high standards – and to page 32 for an update from local officers.

15,250 copies are printed of each edition of The Orpington 1st Magazine. 13,000 are delivered to homes across Orpington with a further 2,250 available to pick up at locations across the town centre. The magazine is also available to read online, sent to a subscriber base of 6,000, and promoted to a combined social media following of 13,500.

Orpington 1st Business Improvement District 01689 829 527 www.orpington1st.co.uk info@orpington1st.co.uk

Orpington1st

If you would like to advertise in the next edition please contact us. Orpington 1st is a not-for-profit company owned and led by local businesses.

We’ve got a review of the summer Orpington Children’s Business Fair (page 26), Orpington GPO’s inaugural Oktoberfest (page 6), and an introduction to some town centre businesses you might not yet be familiar with.

Priory Live 2023 saw its biggest lineup yet, with a fantastic combination of up-and-coming artists and established acts taking to the stage in Priory Gardens. Turn to page 20 for a flavour of Orpington’s brilliant boutique festival.

Remembrance Sunday falls on 12th November and we’re pleased that the Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting will be attending Orpington’s service at the War Memorial this year. All are welcome.

A week later on Sunday 19th November, having installed the Christmas lights we’ll be welcoming you to Light Up Orpington (page 9), and if you turn to the inside back cover and scan the QR code you can book your place on the Orpington Santa Dash 2023 - all part of local businesses work to create a more vibrant town centre.

As always, thanks for supporting your high street and we look forward to seeing you over the coming months.

Wunderbar! Willkommen zum

High Street Bar & Kitchen Orpington GPO hosted their very own Bavarian celebration raising money for local charity The MumMum Foundation

AS autumn set in there were steins and smiles a plenty at Orpington GPO for the high street eatery’s inaugural Oktoberfest.

Taking place in Munich every year from mid-September to early October, the festival originated in 1810 in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese von SachsenHildburghausen. Today, the festival attracts millions of visitors every year to enjoy traditional German cuisine, beer, and music, and has inspired events across the US, Europe, and all over the world.

Revellers at Oktoberfest Orpington - many joining the GPO team in lederhosen or traditional German dresses - entered the venue to the sound of Oom-pah, before selecting dishes from a delicious menu which

included reiberdatschi, bratwurst, Hanschen-schnitzel, and apple strudel. A live brass band added an enjoyable Anglo-German flavour to proceedings and entertainment culminated with a set from DJ K.

With Bromley twinned with Neuwied in Germany, and The MumMum Foundation selected as one of the mayor’s charities for 2023/24, The Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting and Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting attended to officially open the event. All ticket proceeds went to charity raising over £1,200.

The MumMum Foundation was founded by Gary Valentine-Fuller, co-owner of Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors and Orpington 1st BID director, following the loss of his grandmother. It aims to support families affected by cancer by providing memorable moments, be it a meal out with loved ones, a trip to the theatre, a

Oktoberfest Orpington!

weekend away, some respite, or simply someone to talk to.

Gary said, “It’s been a fantastic evening at a brilliant town centre venue. I’d like to thank Tom and Sam for hosting, every member of their team for all their hard work, and of course the Mayor and Mayoress for opening the event. The money raised this evening will help us continue our work to put smiles on the faces of those who need them most.”

Orpington GPO, which first

opened its doors at the former post office site in July 2020, is owned by former soldiers Sam Westlake and Tom Walker and has earned a strong reputation for quality food and drink.

Tom said “it’s great to see so many enjoying themselves tonight. There’s been a brilliant atmosphere and we’re delighted to support a very worthy cause.” Sam added “we’re proud to be part of the community here in the heart of the town centre and we’re already looking forward to our next event.”

Left: Mayoress

Cllr. Kim

Botting, Mayor of Bromley

Cllr. Mike

Botting, and The MumMum Foundation

founder Gary

Valentine-Fuller

Right: Orpington

GPO General Manager

Jo McNulty

Team Orpington GPO. Owners Sam Westlake (front row, second left) and Tom Walker (third from right)

Sunday 19 th November 2023, 2pm-7pm

Join fellow Orpingtonians as the town centre is transformed for a festive extravaganza and the countdown to Christmas begins.

Full line-up of... • On-stage Entertainment • Stalls

• Fairground Rides

• Santa’s Grotto

• Crafts & Activities

• Firework Finale

A New Met for London

On August 1, Bromley borough residents were joined by councillors, council staff, and local organisations to hear the Met Police Chief and senior officers set out their two-year plan to deliver More Trust, Less Crime, and High Standards.

ANew Met for London is described by the Greater London police service as “the product of more than 10,000 interactions with Londoners, our people, and partners from across the city”. The plan details the priority areas that will be focused on to ensure a quality service is delivered through more effective policing.

The launch hosted at Bromley Civic Centre was one of 32 London borough events held across eight weeks and was facilitated by the chair of the Bromley Borough Safer Neighbourhood Board, Sharon Baldwin.

Attendees were welcomed by the leader of the council, Colin Smith, before Sir Mark Rowley restated his intent to achieve the strongest ever neighbourhood policing programme and outlined the 3 areas of reform that the plan focuses on: to fix the foundations, change the culture, and fight crime with communities.

Super Intendent Luke Baldock, the Bromley borough’s lead officer for neighbourhood policing, provided more detail and apprised attendees of the steps the Met has already taken to implement improvements, and South London BCU Commander Andy Brittain emphasised the principles and values underpinning the plan.

Superintendent Luke Baldock

South BCU Commander Andy Brittain

A Q&A followed, with residents and stakeholders invited to ask questions direct to the senior leadership team. Orpington 1st Executive Director Chris Travers raised the issue of escalating antisocial behaviour, the prevalence of retail crime, the impact of abstractions (local officers being pulled away to issues in Central London), and the need for increased presence in the town centre.

In September Bromley Police confirmed that a post would be created for a dedicated sergeant for the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) for the Orpington Ward, which focuses on the town centre, along with 4 PCs and 3 PCSOs. So, it is hoped that residents, businesses, and their employees will soon see more officers on our high street.

However, recruitment continues to be a challenge for the Met as it works to overcome reputational damage and struggles with a 17% real terms decrease in frontline officer pay over the last decade. Speaking to the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee in September, the Commissioner expressed disappointment that government policy meant the withdrawal of approximately £60m funding from the Home Office as a result of falling 1,000 short of its recruitment target.

On Saturday 14th October, 9.30am - 12.30pm, the Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) hosts the annual Bromley Crime Summit at The Civic Centre where Superintendent Baldock and colleagues will discuss how issues facing the community will be resolved.

Scan the QR code to read the full details of the New Met for London Plan

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley

H u n d r e d s o f n e w j o b s

L o n d o n B i g g i n H i l l A i r p o r t i s o n e o f B r o m l e y ’ s l a r g e s t e m p l o y e r s , w i t h o v e r 7 0 c o m p a n i e s e m p l o y i n g m o r e t h a n 1 , 4 0 0 p e o p l e o n t h e 5 0 0 - a c r e s i t e .

W e a r e p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t e n g a g i n g y o u n g p e o p l e a n d o p e n i n g t h e d o o r t o a c a r e e r i n a e r o s p a c e a n d e n g i n e e r i n g f r o m a n e a r l y a g e . T h a t ’ s w h y w e a r e i n v e s t i n g h e a v i l y i n t r a i n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d w o r k i n g c l o s e l y w i t h l o c a l s c h o o l s a n d c o l l e g e s.

F r o m a p p r e n t i c e s h i p s t o w o r k e x p e r i e n c e , s c h o o l v i s i t s a n d o u r F u t u r e s W e e k , w e h a v e a n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r e v e r y l e a r n i n g s t y l e a n d c a r e e r p a t h .

S t a y i n t o u c h a n d k e e p u p t o d a t e w i t h e v e r y t h i n g h a p p e n i n g a t L o n d o n B i g g i n H i l l

A i r p o r t b y s i g n i n g u p f o r o u r e - n e w s l e t t e r .

Y o u c a n a l s o f o l l o w u s o n s o c i a l m e d i a :

care

Trusted to care

Trusted to care

Foxbridge House care home

Foxbridge House care home

Orpington

Orpington

Our fully qualified nursing teams care for a wide range of complex conditions, providing your loved ones with a home for life.

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If you’re considering a care home, call 01689 458087 or visit careuk.com/foxbridge-house

If you’re considering a care home, call 01689 458087 or visit careuk.com/foxbridge-house

Family run legal firm opens in Orpington

On

a new, forward thinking business on Orpington High Street.

With a mission to change the misconception that estate planning is for “old people” or the wealthy, Southeast Legacies are specialists in wills, probate, and Lasting Power of Attorney.

Founded by Bromley brothers Anthony and Pete Rockliffe, the growth of the company has seen them add to their Petts Wood office with a new base at a central location on Orpington High Street, officially opened by the Mayor of Bromley this summer.

With many years’ experience in heir hunting and bringing empty properties back to use, Anthony has seen first-hand the costs of not having a valid will and the problems of probate disputes which can arise from DIY or missing wills.

Anthony said, “We started Southeast Legacies after Pete was diagnosed with cancer at a very early age. Thankfully he made a full recovery, but the experience brought home to us how important it is to protect those you care about.”

Pete, whose technology and telecoms background helps keep the business at the forefront of new developments, added, “As fathers to young children and with parents enjoying their retirement, we appreciate the different stages of life and the importance of putting the right legal documents in place.”

Moving beyond the traditional model of drafting documents and then never speaking to clients again, the Southeast Legacies vision is to continue to help people as they move through their lives.

Anthony explained, “We reach out to our clients regularly to see if anything has changed and if they need to re-assess their documents. This means wills are kept up-to-date and estates are protected as much as possible.”

With a dedicated office team supporting them, Pete says they are excited to help local families achieve peace of mind. “We’re delighted to have opened our office here in Orpington and we look forward to meeting many Orpingtonians and helping them secure their futures.”

You can find Southeast Legacies at 256 High Street Orpington 020 8114 7111 contact@southeastlegacies.co.uk www.southeastlegacies.co.uk

Saturday 5th August, Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting and Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting were the guests of honour at the grand opening of

Above L-R: Anthony Rockliffe, Pete Rockliffe, Samantha Fincham, Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting

Many Happy Returns for Orpington Wellbeing Café

ORPINGTON Wellbeing Café was launched in July 2022 to provide a welcoming place for local people to connect with each other and with local health services - combating isolation and promoting good health through an inclusive community approach.

Visitors to the café - primarily older and vulnerable residents - are invited to drop-in to the Methodist Church on Sevenoaks Road from 11am-1pm every other Thursday, and can expect to benefit from a variety of healthrelated talks and wellbeing activities, including digital skills workshops and regular fitness sessions.

The café is organised by Jo Messenger, the Senior Care Coordinator at Orpington PCN, with the support of Bromley Healthcare’s services, including community matrons, Bromley Talking Therapies, the falls service, and bladder and bowel team.

Many other One Bromley partners have contributed their expertise to these events, including Bromley Well, Healthwatch Bromley and Community Links, reflecting a strong commitment to integrated care.

Jo said, “This first year has been a testament to the strength of community spirit and collaboration.

We’ve witnessed the café transform lives by offering invaluable resources and a friendly space for residents to connect.”

Building on the café’s success, Bromley Healthcare and Orpington PCN are planning to create an integrated health hub associated with the Orpington Wellbeing Café, and other Wellbeing cafés/hubs are being developed by health, care and voluntary sector partners across the borough including at Beckenham, Biggin Hill and Locksbottom for older people, Mottingham for young mums and Anerley for those with serious mental health conditions.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Dr Prema Ravi, local GP and

Orpington PCN Clinical Lead said: “It is truly heartening to see the growth of the Orpington Wellbeing Café over the past year. This fruitful partnership between Bromley Healthcare and GP practices across Orpington has led to the creation of a hub that significantly contributes to our community’s health and wellbeing. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to expanding our services further specifically for our residents with the most complex health and care needs.”

For more information about the Orpington Wellbeing Café and future events, visit https://www. orpingtonpcn.co.uk/our-community

A partnership initiative between One Bromley Partners, Bromley Healthcare and Orpington Primary Care Network (PCN) celebrated its first birthday and a successful year this summer.

Visitors to the café enjoying a royal celebration

Did you know?

l We offer reduced membership rates for people in our local communities living with long-term medical conditions, the over 60s and students, as well as value for money junior memberships for under 15s.

l We provide extra support and specialised courses for a range of conditions, including our pain management, weight management and Covid recovery support programmes.

l We’re also celebrating our community’s local heroes –the people who make our neighborhoods so special, who go above and beyond to support local people. To say thank you, we’re giving away six months’ worth of golf and leisure membership (worth up to £570) to a local hero every single month.

If you know a local hero who you think deserves a special thanks, why not nominate them at www.mytimeactive. co.uk/local-hero?

Get

MAKE a change for the better this autumn with Mytime Active. We have more than one hundred activities on offer at our West Wickham and Walnuts leisure centres, in the Spa at Beckenham, the Pavilion and not forgetting our

golf courses in Orpington, Bromley and Downe, to help you get more out of life. See all of our venues at www.mytimeactive.co.uk/locations.

In October, we’re offering all new leisure members up to 25% off their first three months membership (15% off concessionary rates), making

Whatever you choose to do, it’s Mytime well spent

25% off your first three months membership with Mytime Active and get more out of life

putting your wellbeing first better value for money than ever.

Whether it’s badminton or Bodypump, dance fit or the driving range, line dancing or laps in the pool, Mytime Active offers an activity for everyone. We’re passionate about wellbeing and about helping

people in our local communities to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We know how important physical activity and healthy eating are to making us feel good. That’s why we’re here to help our members make those small but all-important lifestyle

Move more, get more

Already a Mytime Active member? This autumn, we’re rewarding our loyal leisure members with treats for being active, more often.

Leisure members at Mytime Active will be rewarded for exercising more during September and October.

Just swipe your card every time you visit to receive rewards each month.

To find out more, visit www.mytimeactive.co.uk/ move-more-get-more

changes, building their confidence and helping them to form new friendships along the way.

Whatever you choose to do for your wellbeing this autumn, it’s Mytime well spent.

it up, step it up, it’s alright!”

An exciting combination of up-and-coming artists and established acts sees Priory Live’s growing reputation reach a new level.

ASOGGY Saturday in August saw the return of Orpington’s brilliant boutique music festival to the glorious Priory Gardens, but the rain did little to dampen spirits.

Dancing in The Moonlight, in the rain! Toploader’s 2000 worldwide hit achieved multi-platinum status in the UK and mass singalong status in Orpington.

Priory Live 2023 treated festival goers to a magic mix of music across two stages, with ‘The Vinyl Village’ hosting DJs playing everything from Northern Soul to Jazz Funk to Dance Classics.

Emerging talent included South East London’s very own Flo Gallop who gave an energetic and polished performance on her return to the festival. Early evening brought the first of the big hitters with Dodgy, who rose to prominence during the Britpop era of the 1990s with a string of hits including “Staying Out for the Summer”, “If You’re Thinking of Me”, and the ultra-feel good anthem “Good Enough”.

Making their second Priory Live appearance, Toploader were a firm favourite with festival goers. A triumphant performance included

“Step

Make sure you’re connected. Stereo MC’s topping the bill at Priory Live 2023

hits from their debut album, Onka’s Big Moka - which sold over one million units and peaked in the top 5 of the UK Albums Chart – as well as crowd pleasing covers of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and Waterboys “Whole of the moon”.

An enlivening DJ set from Capital UK presenter Lydia Rodford paved the way for an exhilarating headlining performance from Stereo MC’s. The hip hop/electronic dance group who had international hits with ”Connected” and “Step It Up” in 1992, brought an electric atmosphere to the festival, with the pouring rain adding impact to a dazzling light show.

Festival organiser, Nick Barclay, said: “despite the awful weather the festival had an epic vibe to it and the closing show will live long in the memories. We would like to thank all of the crew, artists and of course our sponsors for their faith and amazing commitment to the cause. We are already looking forward to August 10th 2024. Tickets for next year will be on sale soon. Visit: www.priorylive.co.uk

Go with the Flo. Flo Gallop brought her unique brand of indie pop to the Priory Live crowd.

Stereo MCs frontman Rob Birch soaking up the atmosphere.

“Staying out for the summer, playing games in the rain” Dodgy

PHOTOGRAPHS: Jonathon Cuff

Beating the bounds A

HISTORIC tradition was renewed on 2nd September when a sixteen strong group comprising members of Knoll Residents Association and All Saints Church walked the Orpington parish boundary in an ancient custom known as ‘Beating the bounds’.

Also known as ‘Perambulating the bounds’ the activity involves citizens of a respective community making their way around their locality and swatting local landmarks with branches to maintain a shared mental map of boundaries, originating in a time before maps were widely available. In England, it is thought to have Anglo-Saxon roots, and there is a record dating back to the time of Alfred the Great. However, it has similarities with the Roman festival ‘Terminilia’ which honoured the god of borders and protector of boundary stones ‘Terminus’, to whom cakes and wine were offered while sports and dancing took place at boundaries. Nowadays, the practice serves to strengthen a sense of community and place. It is not clear exactly when this custom was last observed in Orpington but there is a record from 1895 (see photo above). The 2023 rejuvenation raised money for The Children’s Society and saw five of the group complete the full 9.7 mile route.

Above left: Beating the bounds 1896 - Town Court farmhouse straddled the boundary between Orpington and Chislehurst, so to follow the Orpington boundary as closely as possible, the walkers would walk through the house, in the front and out the back. The site of the house, demolished in the 1920s, is between Kenilworth Road and Queensway Petts Wood. Many thanks to Orpington History Organisation for the photo.

Left: Beating the bounds 2023 – The group gathered at All Saints Church

Welcome to Chantler Kent Investments

CHANTLER Kent Investments is a longestablished firm of independent financial advisers situated in Roberts Mews, just off Orpington High Street.

Previously based in Petts Wood, CKI moved to its prestigious new offices in 2006 and has been a significant employer and supporter of businesses on our High Street ever since, as well as providing bespoke financial guidance to the wider community.

With a staff of twenty-five, of which twelve are advisers with varying degrees of qualifications and expertise, ranging from mortgage consultants to pension specialists, CKI offers financial advice and guidance across a broad spectrum. Established thirty years ago, the business has grown organically and its success is reflected not only in its loyal client base and professional connections but also in its £350m funds under management.

Housed within CKI is MediClub, the specialist financial advisory service for doctors and dentists. Set up in the 1970s, MediClub looks after hundreds of clients throughout the UK as well as conducting seminars to practitioners across the medical and dental professions. The two businesses combine well with CKI’s investment and pensions expertise proving invaluable to both doctors and dentists alike.

If you would welcome a financial review, a mortgage or, indeed, would like Chantler Kent to conduct a seminar to your staff or colleagues, do please feel free to contact them.

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London Fire Brigade in Bromley: E-bike Safety

We know people are worried about e-bike and e-scooter fires and the risk they pose to life and property. That’s why we’ve released guidance for those responsible for fire safety in buildings, such as landlords and business owners, on how best to store and charge these vehicles.

l Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.

l Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards. Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – hot to the touch or has changed shape.

l Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller. We are predominantly seeing fires where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they’ve been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.

l Let the battery cool before charging. Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to recharge as they could be more susceptible to failure. If you are charging batteries indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging.

l Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ charging instructions and we advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.

l Fit alarms where you charge.

Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly. You can quickly and easily check your home by visiting our free online home fire safety checker tool by visiting Home Fire Safety Checker | London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk)

Open Day Success

WE had a great response from our Orpington Fire Station open day at the end of August.

Thanks for all of you in the community that came out to visit us with lots of fun activities from glitter painting to squirting some water and a look around a fire engine. Please continue to share your photos with us on X (formerly Twitter) at @BromleyLFB

Risk Management Plan Engagement

NOtwo London boroughs are the same. That’s why your Borough Commander has put together a Borough Risk Management Plan (BRMP) that looks at the risks in Bromley, and sets out how we’ll protect the people and places at risk in the borough.

Please read here: https:// www.london-fire.gov.uk/ community/bromley/bromleyborough-risk-managementplan/ feed back to us using the QR code:

“

Borough

Young entrepreneurs shine at Summer Business Fair

On Saturday 8th July a pool of young entrepreneurs showcased their business acumen at The Walnuts Shopping Centre for the Orpington Children’s Business Fair, supported by Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID).

IN the fifth event of its kind to be held in Orpington, 21 businesses led by 33 young people sold a range of products from art to home baking kits, and jewellery to homemade dog biscuits.

Providing an opportunity for authentic, hands-on learning, Children’s Business Fair tasks applicants aged 7-17 with

developing a brand, building a product or service, creating a marketing strategy, then selling to real customers in the market place and making their own money.

Judges for the day, Orpington 1st Executive Director Chris Travers and HSBC Local Director Saveena MillsBaptiste, were entrusted with selecting the winners of four awards amongst an impressive crop of young people.

‘Popstar Creations’ was judged to give the Best Sales Pitch while ‘With My Little Eye’ earned Best Product, and ‘Craft 9’ picked up the award for Best Stand.

The Judges’ Choice Award went to ‘Classynfancy’, purveyors of quality handmade crocheted clothing, jewellery, and accessories, plushies, and personalised frames.

Orpington 1st’s Chris Travers, said, “As well as working collaboratively to improve today - it’s essential that we to look to the future, and our local business community is proud to help enable the next generation in business gain invaluable real-world experience. The ingenuity displayed today has been astounding and I’d like to congratulate all our stall holders, and thank residents for coming along to support them.”

We offer quality facilities to enhance your independence and low maintenance lifestyle. Above all we offer a safe and secure retirement providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Pop

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Have your say on proposed bus route changes for Orpington

TfL has launched a consultation on proposed changes to some Orpington bus services.

THE proposals, which TfL says aim to better match bus services to customer demand, would see changes to bus routes R1, R3, and B14, and the withdrawal of routes R2 (which currently travels from Gravel Pit Way to East Hill) and R6 (which currently travels from St Mary Cray/Station Approach to Orpington Station).

The R2 route would be replaced with changes to the R1, which would no longer serve stops between Orpington Rail Station and Green Street Green, instead travelling on to Biggin Hill Valley via Locksbottom and Keston - and the R3 would be rerouted via Towncourt Lane in Petts Wood and extended from Orpington Rail station to Green Street Green.

The R6 Route would be covered by proposed changes to the B14 which would no longer travel down Cray Avenue, instead travelling via Sandway Road and St Mary Cray High Street, and along Lower Road and Orpington High Street to Orpington Rail Station.

This map provides an overview of the proposed route changes.

The closing date for comments is Wednesday 1 November 2023.

To view the full detail of the proposed changes and respond to the consultation, scan the QR code above or visit haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/orpington-bus-proposals

If you prefer, you can also: Email: haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk

BROMLEY BECOME A

To join or find out more, please visit: bromley.gov.uk/neatstreets

Being Street Friends gives us the opportunity to socialise with members of our community, it keeps us active and of course it helps us keep the neighbourhood clean.

The Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting, officially opened our clinic base in Orpington in June 2023. Since then, we have added an accessible toilet and refurbished the large group room/training space at the rear of the premises, both of which have significantly enhanced our offer.

The Communication Workshop is a group of four Specialist Speech and Language Therapists and two Speech and Language Therapy Assistants.

Since March 2023, we have been working from our fully refurbished and specially designed Clinic Base at 95 High Street Orpington, comprising three separate Clinical rooms and a large group room and training space.

We offer a range of support for children and young people with speech, language, and communication difficulties, as well as their families. Our work includes individual assessments and sessions, paired and group work, workshops and training packages, and training for businesses looking to increase neurodiversity support within their workplace.

Saturday 16 December 2023 to Monday 18 December 2023

We will be hosting our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) focused Christmas Grotto from our clinic on the high street. This festive experience will focus on supporting children with a sensory play activity, a total communication environment, and a special visit with Santa including a gift. Cost is £15 per child (over 12 months old) and Parents/Carers are free. Tickets on sale now. For more information or to book, contact The Communication Workshop on 07984 314 433 or pop in.

HELLO everyone, I hope you are well. The summer months have been very busy for the Orpington ward team, when we usually see a peak in demand. Large scale, pan-London events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, together with various local festivals, can place significant strain on resources - including the local policing teams - as officers are abstracted to police these events.

Here is an update on some of the work your local Orpington Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been involved with over the summer period.

IN July, ward officers executed two search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act. I’m pleased to report they were both very successful, resulting in one male being arrested for possession of a class A and B drug, with the intention to supply, and another arrested for cultivation of a class B drug, namely cannabis. A large quantity of drugs and cash were seized by officers and these investigations continue.

ALSO in July, the team ran another catalytic convertor marking event. These are run approximately every quarter and form part of our Community Impact Days (CID), in

partnership with Bromley Council. This is a free event, open to all, that enables any member of the public to get their catalytic convertor marked at the Nugent shopping outlet.

The markings act as a deterrent to would be thieves. The idea being that it makes it harder for them to sell on, as they are scanned at scrap metal dealers before payment. This ongoing partnership with local scrap dealers has seen a reduction in theft offences. This service is only available through your safer neighbourhood teams. Please follow the team on social media to be kept updated of these events, and other local initiatives.

I KNOW that Priory Gardens, and the attacks on wildlife, remain a significant concern for a great number of residents. Rest assured, we do consider this a ward priority. Our plans to tackle this were laid out at our most recent neighbourhood ward panel. Patrols have been stepped up over the school holidays, when we have seen an increase in reported incidents. I have previously deployed officers in plain clothes and will keep this approach under constant review.

We continue to work closely with our centrally based Wildlife Crime Unit, who are offering specialist assistance in addressing this crime type. We are making good use of powers under the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to address ASB and low level offending in Priory Gardens, and the wider high street footprint. We have recently issued 10 anti-social behaviour warnings, 3 juveniles are subject to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, with a further 3 being applied for. For those not familiar with these, “an ABC is a voluntary written agreement between a young person, usually aged between 10 and 18, and the local authority and police. Under the

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Policing matters...

ABC, the young person agrees not to be involved with certain specified anti-social acts. The terms of the ABC are developed and agreed with the young person in an interview”. These are working to good effect, with only one breach so far.

Where proportionate to the offence, we have also made arrests where their actions have strayed beyond ASB into criminality. In August a juvenile was arrested after being found in possession of a catapult with ammunition. We are working closely with the council to increase patrols by their enforcement teams and to secure the park promptly in the evenings. There is simply no excuse for harming or killing defenceless wildlife. Rest assured, the team are doing all they can to identify those responsible.

IN other news, the local Policing team completed various activities

a column by Sgt Alex Farmer

during a week of action to tackle ASB in Orpington. In addition to high visibility patrols in hotspot areas and weapon sweeps, the team held an engagement event in Orpington High Street. Officers offered advice to members of the public about personal safety and crime prevention techniques. Throughout August various “Police Surgeries” and “Cuppa with a Copper” events have been held. These are increasing in popularity and it’s great to see more people attending! These small, regular events are seen as a contact point, to allow members of the community the opportunity to raise concerns or seek advice from their local policing team.

The events are normally held in Priory Gardens Café, Orpington Library or McDonalds. They often prove to be a valuable source of information! Again, please follow the team on social media to be kept

updated as to where and when these events are being held.

FOLLOWING intelligence shared with us through Trading Standards, a joint operation was carried out in Orpington high street, to tackle the suspected sale of counterfeit goods. Following a visit to two premises, £15,000 - £20,000 worth of counterfeit tobacco was seized. This was a great result, and plans are in place to run further operations to combat the illegal sale of counterfeit goods.

LASTLY, and as a general plea, we rely on information passed to us to keep our community safe. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please tell us! You have my assurance that we will listen, and act.

I think that’s about it for now. As always, thank you for your continued support and stay safe.

Alex

The road ahead for Orpington

I have written before in this magazine about my opposition to the Mayor’s decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone [ULEZ], London-wide. Despite large scale opposition, the Mayor implemented the scheme on 29th August.

IWAS disappointed that the Judicial Review brought by Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon, and Surrey councils failed. I do believe Bromley Council was right to launch the judicial review because of the effect on the people of Orpington.

A reminder that the ULEZ standards are:

• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)

• Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles

• Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles.

If your vehicle does not meet the above standards than you will be charged £12.50 per day. The new

daily driving charge could cost up to £4,500 per year while many families continue to experience pressures on their household budgets.

I know that the cost of the ULEZ will be felt hardest by small businesses and those on fixed incomes. I have listened to business owners who simply cannot afford to continue to trade because of the additional cost of the ULEZ. Businesses have also informed me that they simply have no choice but to pass the cost on to their customers potentially reducing the demand for services.

Pensioners who do not have the funds for compliant vehicles are finding it difficult to carry out weekly tasks or even see their loved ones. Several have told me, in distress, that they are effectively being made housebound.

The high streets in the Orpington area have their own distinct

character because of boutique and independent shops. If they must close, then we may see empty units in their place and thereby lose the intrinsic fabric of our community.

On 1st September, it was in the news that there had been 171 reports of vandalised ULEZ cameras logged by the Met Police. There have been incidents of this occurring in Orpington. I do understand the frustration many feel about the ULEZ expansion having not been listened to by the Mayor of London. However, as your MP, I cannot condone law breaking or the vandalism of the ULEZ enforcement cameras.

The Mayor has at least expanded the criteria for residents and businesses to apply for funding from the scrappage scheme. I understand that the money available [up to £2000] is not adequate to cover the cost of a new ULEZ compliant car. It

A column by Gareth Bacon MP

certainly does not pay for a new fleet of vehicles. However, I encourage you all to apply for the support available to you. I would not want you to miss out on this opportunity.

If you have experienced difficulties with applying for the scrappage scheme, please contact my office. My team will liaise with Transport for London on your behalf and request assistance with your application.

The fact that the scheme has now started does not alter my opposition to it. Please be assured that I will continue to campaign against the London-wide ULEZ.

At the time of writing, I and other MPs are due to meet with the Prime Minister and Transport Ministers to discuss possible ways forward.

The King’s Speech is due for 7th November. This is the process which marks a new year in Parliament and, with it, the forthcoming legislative agenda.

I have already publicly suggested that this opportunity could be used for new Bills to either directly reverse the ULEZ expansion or give Ministers the unambiguous power to veto devolved decisions.

BUSINESS RATES are a common issue that many retailers have approached me about since being elected, and I have spoken in Parliament about the issue several times.

Rates are still based on a 1500s Elizabethan-era model, so I have called for a review of the principles

behind this policy to better align it with the 21st century digital marketplace.

One suggestion made by Orpington 1st themselves has been to move to a proportional profits system. I will continue to hold roundtables with local businesses and present their examples to Ministers in support of a rethink.

Many businesses have also been calling for more visible

policing and stronger deterrence. After campaigning together with Orpington 1st, I am very pleased that the Metropolitan Police have set up a ‘Town Team’: a 7-strong squad for Orpington. This will help residents and retailers alike have greater confidence in our town’s security. I recently met with Superintendent Baldock and will be liaising on the town’s local priorities.

However – in less good news - following branch closures in other areas over the past three years, Barclays will be closing the Orpington branch in December. Although a new ‘Local Site’ will be provided, I fully appreciate this change stands to affect operations for many. I will be meeting the Barclays team to discuss the situation and what mitigations will be offered, including the possibility of an extension to give businesses more time to adjust.

THESE are long-standing local projects that I have been working on and I will continue to do so in your interests to help deliver for Orpington.

Surgery Details

I hold regular surgeries to meet constituents, hear their concerns and offer support. If you would like to attend one of my surgery sessions, please get in touch with Judi Ellis at 07835 815 495 to book an appointment.

PHOTO: ERIC RUSH

Gareth at the Orpington Children’s Business Fair in July.

Adults £7

Under 15s £5

Under 3s Free

A fun, festive, 2km run starting in Priory Gardens and finishing in Orpington’s Market Square .

On Sunday 3rd December, join hundreds of santas to run, jog, or walk your way round the beautiful Priory Gardens in the annual Orpington Santa Dash. The perfect way for you and your family to get active this Christmas.

Sunday 3rd December 2023 10:30am at Priory Gardens Supported by