24 October 2005

Thief ordered to pay money back

A THIEF who befriended her elderly neighbour before stealing £60 has been ordered to pay the money back.

Louise Dyer got to know her 75-year-old neighbour in Burnt Ash Hill, Grove Park, when she moved into a flat in Lewisham last year.

Dyer, aged 22, regularly asked to borrow milk and sugar.

And she twice borrowed money which she did not repay.

Then on October 26 last year, the woman noticed £60 missing from her purse after Dyer and a male friend had visited her.

Dyer, now of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft.

She was sentenced to 200 hours' community service at Woolwich Crown Court.

Dyer was also told to pay the £60 she had stolen back to her victim.

Mayor safeguards services

Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, has saved Blackheath Fireworks and the Sydenham Library.

The Mayor stepped in to secure the future of two of the borough's most valued institutions at Wednesday's Mayor and Cabinet meeting.

The Mayor decided against departmental efficiency proposals that would have put an end to London's largest free fireworks display and meant the closure of Sydenham Library.

Steve said: “Sydenham Library is too valuable a community resource to lose. In addition to being an important service for local people and school children, it offers a valuable free internet access point."

“What's more, the Blackheath Fireworks offers Lewisham a safe and spectacular community event that is enjoyed by a huge number of people."

The Mayor and Cabinet meeting, which took place on 19 October, considered a range of possible saving opportunities drawn up by council departments.

Meet the new Young Mayor

Forest Hill student Wilf Petherbridge was last night announced as Lewisham’s new Young Mayor.

As the excitement built around the announcement, Wilf was visibly stunned when his name was called. He said: “It was an incredible shock - and I’m still in shock! The countdown was nerve-racking. When it got to the end and I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it!”.

Wilf was amongst a field of 33 candidates standing for election, proving that young people really do want the chance to participate in politics. His deputy, who came second in the election, will be Deptford Green student Dami Benbow. He will also be assisted by advisors Yasmin Ali and Dawit Demissie-Kuma, who made it to the final four candidates.

The Young Mayor will have a £25,000 budget to spend on services for young people in the borough, as well as advise the elected Mayor for Lewisham, Steve Bullock, on issues relating to young people.

When asked what he most wanted to achieve as Young Mayor, Wilf said: “There is a massive music scene in Lewisham. I want to create a space for people in bands, in the theatre, dancers and for artists to rehearse in, perform and display their talents.”

Steve Bullock praised the commitment of the young people involved: “Wilf showed great energy, both in the workshops and in canvassing for votes, and I am looking forward to working with him on issues facing young people in Lewisham.

All the candidates showed enormous enthusiasm and commitment throughout the campaign and I want to thank each of them.“