Lewisham launches new consultation on the future of our libraries

Lewisham Council has launched a consultation about further changes to the borough's library services, as part of its bid to deliver cost savings. The library service has been asked to deliver £1m of savings over the next two financial years.

In short, the Council proposes three options:

A) to sub-contract library services to a private provider
B) to reduce opening hours
C) to convert more libraries to the community-led model, which is in place at libraries like Crofton Park. The libraries in Deptford, Lewisham and Downham would be preserved as Council-led "hub" libraries, while Forest Hill, Torridon Road and Manor House libraries would become community libraries.

In BC's view, reducing opening hours is totally unacceptable if libraries are to remain a useful study resource. The groups that have kept Lewisham's "community libraries" open deserve great credit for their hard work and ingenuity, but these libraries are ersatz in comparison to the Council-led ones, getting by on meagre resources. This would be a poor option.

The consultation notes that Lewisham Council does not favour option A) because it is unlikely to deliver the scale of savings that the others promise, but for library users it is the least worst option and might deliver some service improvements.

To take part in the consultation, click here. Thank you to Sara for the link.

Solar for schools share offer launches

The SE London Community Energy Share Offer is now open, giving you the chance to invest in a £250,000 solar energy project, which aims to return 4% per annum to investors for 20 years while saving local schools money on their electricity bills. It's a canny way of cashing in on Feed In Tariffs before they are nixed, while doing good. 

The minimum stake is £250 and you can invest here.

Peace marchers and police seek solutions to Turnham Estate deaths

The mother of schoolboy Shaquan Fearon, who was killed in a knife fight on the Turnham Estate, led a peace march through the area today.

Click here to watch the BBC's report from today's march.

Meanwhile, police staged an appeal for witnesses to last week's fatal car crash outside the same estate, during which a mob threw missiles at a fleeing car.

DCI McHugh said: "Firstly I would like to hear from anyone who saw the mint green Vauxhall Corsa on the Turnham Estate prior to the collision.

"Several people rushed to help Nassem and there are some who have yet to speak with police. We know the incident was also witnessed by other passers-by and residents in the area and again, we would encourage anyone who saw anything or has any information to come forward. Please do not assume that we already have the important information that you hold.

"We are keeping an open mind about the motive for this incident. Please do the right thing and be assured we will treat all information in the strictest confidence."

Anyone who can help should contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ASC Open Studios, New Cross

Saturday 3 October 12-6pm

Another major arts community is opening itself up for the Deptford X Festival. Zeitgeist Arts Projects explains:

ASC Open Studios houses a wide range of artists making painting, drawing, sculpture, film, installation and photography. Our Open Studios event is a fantastic and rare opportunity for members of the public, artists, curators and collectors to visit our studio building, see the range of work being developed and buy works directly from the artists.

ASC Studios (Bond House, Goodwood Road) are located between New Cross Gate Station (3 mins walk) and New Cross Station (7 mins walk).

The Propeller Foundry Open Studio, October 3-4

Acme Studios is a wonderful 1920s industrial building on Childers Street, Deptford, which houses the Propeller Foundry, an artistic community stretching across a vast space. Tomorrow, it throws open its doors to the public. The organisers say:

This weekend, 80 artists will be opening their doors in Acme's biggest studio building. Built as a ships' propeller foundry, the building was also used as a paper bag factory before Acme began converting it into studios in 1990. On display will be a wide range of artistic practice in studios of different shapes and sizes.

The event coincides with the nearby Old Police Station's annual open studios which forms part of the Art Licks Weekend.

The open studios also coincides with the week-long Deptford X festival.

Click here for more details.

I still believe in a place called Ladywell

Brockley's most-prolific street artist, Lionel Stanhope, has used up another few cans creating this on hoardings in Ladywell.

Wünderlust - Opening October 9th

Mountain Man: I bet you can squeal like a pig. Weeeeeeee!
Bobby: Weee!
Mountain Man: Weeeeeeee!
Bobby: Weee!
- Deliverance

The team behind Brockley Market hot dog purveyors Fleish Mob have taken over the Big Red bus (30 Deptford Church Street), giving them the perfect excuse for more Teutonic word play: The pop-up is called Wünderlust and their opening night party is October 9th.

They promise "a seasonally changing menu, with the finest rare breed meat, fresh fish & seafood cooked over wood, English cheeses, Kent Charcuterie, beers made from within 4 miles of the bar, natural & unfiltered wines and artisan cocktails."

Wünderlust will run until the end of 2015. If they don't have a Wünderbar, we'll be disappointed. Check out their website here.