We’ve been advised by our Safer Neighbourhood team that there has been an increase in cycle thefts in the area recently. It seems we’re a bit of a hotspot for pedal pinching.

They suggest:

1. Park your bike where it is in clear view of passers by. Avoid dark, poorly overlooked areas, especially if the bike is to be left there after dark.
2. Use good quality cycle stands where you have the option. The Sheffield type stand (inverted U shaped stand) gives the best security in most instances.
3. Avoid stands that hold your bike by one wheel only. They can damage your wheels.
4. Use an appropriate quality lock for the location. Most locks now carry a security rating, the higher the rating, the more difficult the lock is to break. If a lock doesn’t have a security rating it will deter opportunistic theft but not professional thieves.
5. Use two locks if possible – a high security lock to fix your bike frame to the stand, and a cable lock to protect the wheels.
6. Wrapping the cable lock once around the stand will help prevent your bike being knocked over and damaged.
7. Take any removable items (pumps, lights etc) with you.
8. If your saddle has a quick release lever, lock it to your frame or remove it.
9. Use a cycle marking kit and include your postcode and house name/number
10. Park your bike in a considerate manner. If it is in other peoples’ way it is more likely to get damaged.

Naturally, if you see anyone acting suspiciously, don’t wait, call 999 straight away.

The second public exhibition on the proposals to regenerate the Ram Brewery site will take place on Thursday 17th and Saturday 19th November. Entrance to the exhibition is on Ram Street

Full details can found here (PDF).

Go along and tell us what you think…

Do you know of a structure, building or built artefact that needs some protection in the Tonsleys?

English Heritage are drawing up a schedule – the Supplementary Grading List – of things that, whilst they may not be entire buildings, could do with a protection order on them. Victorian Post Boxes, Edwardian railings, Elizabethan manhole covers; that sort of thing.

We’ve been contacted via the Wandsworth Society – to help spread the word and put forward suggestions.

If you know of something that future generations might mourn the passing of, please get in contact and let us know. We’ll pass all and any suggestions on.

The last few years has seen more and more flytipping taking place at the bottom of Tonsley Hill, outside Pizza Express.

Fly tipping in Old York Road is getting out of hand.

We have been advised by the council that they are going to take steps to get this to stop. This will be through a combination of advice about collection services – either the regular Thursday one or the special collection service that’s available on request for larger items  –  and, if necessary, the prosecution of repeat offenders.

If you know of anyone who is leaving rubbish, please ask them to stop. Not only does it block the pavement, there’s often food waste which encourages rats and other pest.