Crofton Park Trains All Messed Up. Bibbidi bobbidi boo.

"Well, serves you right, spoiling people’s best dreams."
- Cinderella

Until now, the Cinderella Line group, which campaigns for a better Crofton Park service, has operated in a parallel universe, where people just ask for things and public transport organisations deliver them promptly and efficiently.

Now, thanks to massive disruption on the Thameslink line, they have rejoined the rest of us in the real world. They write regarding the ongoing problems passengers are experiencing:

The message we have been feeding back to Thameslink, based on our experience is that this is simply unacceptable and cannot continue.

As always, it's the pressure from all our supporters that allow us to keep holding Thameslink to task so please continue to stand with us so we can do this. Our MP Vicky Foxcroft has already been in touch with Thameslink.

Why do services keep getting cancelled?

The national timetable planning process across the entire national rail network has been significantly delayed. Railway timetables are normally published 12 weeks in advance, however, rewriting the timetable from scratch across such a huge network is a massive undertaking and was not completed until a few weeks ago.

In addition to running passenger services, the timetable changes define the scope of engineering work to the track. This, in turn, affects the deployment of trains and train crew and the access they have to train maintenance depots. Less time than usual has been available to re-plan the driver allocations as well as the train stabling and maintenance requirements.

On top of all of this, there simply arent enough drivers trained to drive all of the new routes. Train drivers can’t simply turn up and drive any train – they need to understand and be cleared for, the routes that they drive.

We anticipate that it will get better as time goes on, however right now, Thameslink have been unwilling or unable to confirm how long this disruption might last so check before travelling and have a plan B.

Why are some of our services back to 4 carriages after being told they would always be 8 carriages?

Due to the implementation of the new timetables, SouthEastern have been drafted in by Thameslink to run some of our services on a temporary basis.

SouthEastern use older trains that can be split in two, and as they have a shortage of trains on their own network it means that some of our services may run short.

Why aren't there any more fast services from Catford? Our journey times have now increased for some services?

On the Cinderella Line, there is limited capacity for our Thameslink passenger services to run. The only way for us to have more services overall is for all our trains to stop at all stations, so they move in unison – exactly like they do on the tube.

Since Thameslink either can't or won't be clear about how long we might have to endure the current issues, thinking up alternative routes and checking before you travel are about the only things we can do.
For the full horror, click here.

New timetable and more trains for Crofton Park

New trains come into service soon

A completely new timetable will apply to Crofton Park trains from Sunday, May 20th.

And since there is nothing harder and more confusing than trying to write about train timetables for a service you don't use, the Cinderella Line campaign for better rail services through Crofton Park has summarised it instead. They say:

Thanks to everyone, from 21st May we will be enjoying our well-deserved 4 trains an hour on the Cinderella Line, doubling current capacity and giving us vital new services across London.

Here are the key changes:

Our core service

4 trains an hour all day every day Monday – Saturday. Sunday will initially have 2 trains an hour increasing to 4 once Network Rail have completed some engineering works that will allow Thameslink to run the full service on Sundays too.

You can read more about the engineering works here.

Two of our services will terminate at Blackfriars and two will go beyond to Kentish Town, linking us up to Farringdon for Crossrail and Kings Cross St Pancras.

Weekday mornings into London

On weekday mornings we will have 4 trains an hour and Crofton Park and Bellingham will also have some direct services to London Victoria:

The 4 Thameslink services will be spaced at 10 and 20 minute gaps. This is to pave the way for eventually increasing our service to 6 trains an hour and we're going to be pushing for this to happen.

Just imagine: a train every 10 minutes!

But there is a catch if you want to go to Victoria

From Crofton Park there are currently three direct services to London Victoria on weekday mornings departing at 7:36, 8:23 and 8:43. In the new timetable from May, these times have been amended to depart at 7:46, 8:15 and 9:21, so our third service will be more than 30 minutes after it currently is.

We have raised this with Southeastern Railway and the reason for this is that under the new timetable with all of our core services through Blackfriars, it is not currently possible to have a train that stops at Crofton Park at around 8:45 to Victoria as this could cause a knock-on delay to other services.

And the new services won't be fully operational straight away

From 11th June the initial phasing will be complete and our services will run as planned. During the phasing in period, some of our services will either start from Blackfriars or Terminate there, but after 11th June they will run the full length of the route.

For the full rundown of changes, click here.

Rebel Base

Barclays Crofton Park to close

It seems @Barclays are closing the Crofton Park branch! 😱 @BrockleyCentral @CroftonParkLife @JaneCanDoSE4 @BeecroftFOBS pic.twitter.com/cWdAwQBgOV

— Molewife (@Molewife) March 16, 2018

The last bank branch in SE4 will close on July 6th.

You shall go to the ball, four times an hour

The Cinderella Line campaign to improve train services through Crofton Park station will be celebrating a major victory from May, as frequency of service will be increased to four trains per hour during off-peak periods. They explain:

Despite a week of snow, nearly 100 local residents braved the weather and made it to the Rivoli Ballroom on Saturday to hear about the future of rail services at Crofton Park. For those who couldn't face the cold, or who made it but want to hear about it all over again, here are the highlights:

Local MP Vicky Foxcroft made the introductions and Michael from the Cinderella Line campaign talked about the achievements of the last few months and future plans.

Brilliantly, for the second and third rounds of the consultation, Crofton Park provided the highest number of responses across the whole network of 140 stations - beating Brighton, London Bridge and London Victoria in the 'having our say' stakes - a real tribute to Crofton Park power.

As a direct result: from May this year, we are getting FOUR TRAINS AN HOUR! This will effectively double our off peak services. In addition, we will also get two extra peak time services in the morning and two more in the evening, with scope for this to be increased in line with passenger needs in the future.

This is the culmination of years of work from the campaign, but as Michael mentioned, although we have achieved what the campaign set out to do, there are still a lot of hills to climb and we are willing to keep pushing for further improvements to the services and the station, as always, with your support.

Close the gap in Crofton Park

Reader Emily wants to do something about the large gap between the trains and the northbound platform. She writes:

"I am always a bit nervous of the gap - it’s huge - when I get on or off trains on the northbound platform at Crofton Park station.  I’m tall, wear sensible shoes with low heels, travel light, know the station well, but still get nervous. The platform at Crofton Park is curved and some of the doors on carriages further back from the driving engine are not visible to the driver, at least just by him just looking behind him.

"To make things worse, the platform is often really poorly-lit after dark and I’ve heard people gasp - and not in a good way - as they step out into the void as they disembark on winter evenings."

"Crofton Park station is not unique in this regard.  I’ve long worried about gaps between platforms and the floors of certain models of newer trains at a number of stations.  Nunhead, Catford, Beckenham Hill - the only ones on that line that I use regularly and am au fait with - all bigger than I find comfortable, all with vertical gaps way bigger than I would like to lift a baby buggy or bicycle up or down from."

"These gaps can be fixed. The gap on Platform 4 at Elephant & Castle station used to be huge and I thought it was really dangerous as the platforms and trains were often more crowded than at the stations I’ve mentioned.  I was very pleased when I noticed that this gap was hugely reduced a few years ago - by adding a gently sloping platform on top of the existing platform to raise it and - possibly - extend it out towards the track.

"I would love it if there could be a discussion leading to change on this front. I think the recent tragedy could be a catalyst for a debate.

"It seems to me like it would be quite a cheap and easy matter to raise train platform heights.  It seems curious that so much effort goes into installing lifts and incorporating step-free access at new tube stations but nothing is done to just make access ‘step-not-too-huge’ at train stations."

"I would like to hear from other Brockley Central readers, to know if they share my concerns and would support a campaign to get something done?"

Campaign group wants to create new Brockley nature reserve

Campaign group The Fourth Reserve Trust exists to create a nature reserve along the Brockley railway cutting. They are campaigning to protect the ancient woodland next to the Crofton Park scout hut, which has been granted 'Asset of Community Value' status. They write:

The scout hut, situated on Courtrai Road, is on a strip of land bordering the railway line, the ‘middle part’ of the New Cross to Forest Hill Cutting that runs between Courtrai Road and Dalrymple Road.

The whole stretch is already recognised by planning policy for its wildlife significance, designated as a Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in the Lewisham Local Plan, dating back to the 1990s. A Tree Preservation Order has been in place for the site since 1997.

This woodland is home to a variety of protected species including bats and hedgehogs and many mature trees; it is the oldest section along the green corridor, with winding paths through a dense cover of mature woodland.

In order to protect the wildlife and their habitats local group the Fourth Reserve Trust is actively campaigning to preserve the neighbourhood’s fragile nature corridor and get the cutting recognised for its ecological significance as a statutory Local Nature Reserve. This would be of great benefit to the neighbourhood, in particular local schools.

Follow and support their campaign on Twitter here:

Property developer turning SINC site into building dump on Courtrai Road only 1 week after being designated an Asset of Community Value - please re-tweet and complain pic.twitter.com/CPcRaGSPtW

— Fourth Reserve (@FourthReserve) January 17, 2018

Crofton Park Christmas Tree Transformed

Every year the #CroftonPark tree is an embarrassment - so well done locals who took matters into their own hands and guerilla decorated it last night! @BrockleyCentral pic.twitter.com/TocQSV17St

— Jenny Wood (@WoodyJen) December 20, 2017

Finally, the big society steps up!

After years of suffering under the dead hand of Lewisham Council, which each December provides the good burghers of Crofton Park with a dismal Christmas tree surrounded by Stalinist safety barriers, the citizens have taken matters into their own hands and transformed their tree into something to be proud of.

Joy to the world. Here it is. Well done people. Happy Christmas.

Crofton Park train campaigners aim high

Michael from the Cinderella Line campaign group, which campaigns for better train services through Crofton Park, writes:

Thameslink have proposed to run four trains to Crofton Park every hour at the weekend, which is great, but they are suggesting we'll have to wait until December 2018. Bah! Humbug! We think that's way too long to wait.

In the last round of their consultation, Crofton Park had the highest number of responses, closely followed by Nunhead in third place, and Catford in fifth. Brighton came in sixth and given how much trouble they have had over the last year it just goes to show what a sweet sound our community makes when it comes to singing from the same carol sheet.

But we need to raise our voices one more time while the weekend services are within our grasp.

We have to respond by 20th December so please get your vote in now.

But they want even more! They continue:

A little while ago now, the Cinderella Line campaign and the local community successfully pushed for services into Victoria during morning peak times on a weekday. ​

That's helped curtail a lot of commutes but imagine if Southeastern trains on the Cinderella Line went to Victoria on a weekend too?

You can sign our petition for this change here.

Crofton Park Vinyl

What a record looks like

Will writes:

We are setting up a vinyl record shop in Crofton Park Library. Most of the proceeds will go directly towards funding the running of the library and improvements to it.

We will be working closely with the already established and successful Crofton Books, who are also based at the library

There will always be low priced bargains whenever the library or book shop are open. For more collectible and desirable items, Crofton Park Vinyl will be exclusively staffed at the following times (as of Sunday 10th Dec):
Sundays: 1130-1330
Tuesdays: 1800-1900
Thursdays: 1800-1900

To help get us going we’re looking for vinyl donations. If you have a collection, big or small, that you no longer listen to, please bring it in, or we can come and collect. If you have items that are worth more than a few quid that you wouldn’t just want to part with, then we can sell them on your behalf for a commission, including a library donation.

If you want to know more or are interested in donating please contact me here.

The Aviva Community Fund: Vote for Marnock Road community garden

The Crofton Park and Honor Oak Park Neighbourhood Forum is fundraising to improve the public garden in Marnock Road (Crofton Park). Member Kay writes:

We have big plans for the Railway Garden and need your help to make them a reality! Firstly, we'd like to thank all those who voted for the project at the Crofton Park Ward Assembly. We succeeded in getting the grant! This will help with our continued efforts to make small improvements.

We want this little green space to be a local resource for everyone to use and to realise this vision, we have estimated works of about £100k. This will deliver:

- a new accessible entrance with a ramp down to the garden
- accessible pathways
- new planting areas
- removal of more rubbish
- increasing the biodiversity on site
- improving our mini woodland area for outdoor learning

To achieve this goal, the team have been hard at work applying for funding and seeking match funding, including bidding for £25,000 via the Aviva Community Fund. We would be grateful for readers' votes in support of our bid.

Please sign-up to vote here.

Crofton Park refresh

Lewisham Council has a launched  public consultation in relation to its plans for the Crofton Park stretch of Brockley Road.

The proposals are to:

• Narrow the available road width widening footways allowing for inset parking, disabled parking and electrical vehicle charging bays to be constructed
• Raise the carriageway level (raised junctions) locally in three areas to reduce vehicle speeds along Brockley Road
• Introduce a raised section in the side roads (raised table) at the junctions, to improve safety by reducing the speed of approaching vehicles, and to provide better facilities for pedestrians and those with impaired mobility to cross
• Formalise all on-street parking within inset bays and improve vehicle visibility at junctions
• Plant new trees along Brockley Road within the widened footways where possible

Though these are modest proposals, similar small changes have already helped Ladywell and Brockley Cross attract more footfall and business activity. 

To take part in the consultation, click here. Thanks to Joe for the heads-up.

Gently, 405 Brockley Road

We are delighted to be open now in #CroftonPark, every day. Come for a nose. We are selling gorgeous #gifts, #books and #homewares. pic.twitter.com/Xob4LLb2um

— Gently (@gentlyhome) July 23, 2017

Open seven days a week in Crofton Park, selling homewares and gifts, Gently Elephant now has a sibling.

Coming soon: Gently

Gently is the sister shop of Gently Elephant and will be opening in Crofton Park soon. Owner Helen teased this shot today and promises a shop for grown ups.

Coming soon: Another Elephant

I saw a little elephant standing in my garden,
I said 'You don't belong in here', he said 'I beg you pardon?'
- Spike Milligan

Another local store opening to share...

Helen from Brockley children's store (and Brockley Central award winner) Gently Elephant writes: "We have collected the keys for the old Swintons shop in Crofton Park (between Aqua and Rosie's the florist) and we will be opening a new uptown store with an unexpected twist!"

More news soon.

Crofton Park Pictures at The Rivoli

The Shining is playing on October 25th

Smile, you son of a bitch! Crofton Park Pictures is screening classic movies, including Jaws and A Nightmare on Elm Street at the Rivoli Ballroom (the perfect setting for a pop-up cinema experience) later this year.

The season starts on June 22nd with Jaws and ends on October 27th with The Exorcist. Tickets start at £12 and are available here.

Marnock Road development proposed

As part of its strategy to increase the number of council homes by developing infill sites, Lewisham Council is working with Lewisham Homes to develop the site of a former garage on Marnock Road in Crofton Park.

The proposal is for six four-bedroom houses and bears a passing resemblance to a previous development on Manwood Road. Thanks to Paul for the heads-up.

Crofton Park colour swap

The old version above, the new version below

The planned mixed-use development at 437-439 Brockley Road in Crofton Park has had a colour change. The grey-and-green scheme has been replaced by a more standard yellow-and-grey palette.

BCer Jed, who flagged the switcheroo, comments:

"Maybe it's because the ownership has changed since those original plans, maybe they are considered better bricks for the area, or maybe they are just doing things on the cheap..."

Cinderella Line meeting this saturday

The Cinderella Line group, which lobbies for better Crofton Park train services, writes:

We had amazing local support during Phase 1 of the Thameslink consultation where 2875 people from this area had their say.

But there’s more to come. Timetables are on the menu for Phase 2 of the consultation so this is your chance to ask questions.

What will we be getting? Where will it stop? When will it run? Want more Victoria services? This is our time to ask.

What we’ve achieved so far:

• New Class 700 trains being rolled out, with 30% more capacity
• 4 extra services to Victoria in the mornings, courtesy of Southeastern
• 20% of the response to the whole of Phase 1 of the Thameslink consultation coming from Crofton Park

So come to the Rivoli Ballroom at 2pm on Saturday - let Thameslink hear our voices!

Details here.

Budgens4Life

Pratik from the Crofton Park Budgens writes:

You may have seen some recent press reports regarding the closure of 36 Budgens stores nationwide.

In July 2016, The Food Retailer Operations Limited (TFR) bought 36 stores from the Co-op and traded them under the Budgens brand.

However, due to financial issues the company TFR experienced, it has gone into administration.

Just to confirm:

We are an independently owned store.

We have been here since 1980, and are currently in our 37th year!!!

In this climate of increased competition, we know how lucky we are to have such lovely people shop here.

And with your continued support we will be staying open.