17 December 2005

It's been looking a little untidy around here lately - so let's cut the stories down. It allows you to skim read what you want and click the links to the stories you want to read about in-depth. That way, the sites get hits (after all, they do the hard work and I just provide a link blog). Onwards...

Death of campaigner

A LONG-SERVING newspaper editor who was awarded an MBE for his services to community journalism has died. Roger Norman, 65, retired from South London Press sister paper The Mercury in 1996 after 25 years. He was famed for making a stand against racism when his front page lead was headlined "Let's not vote for the NF" as its members marched through the streets of Lewisham in 1974.

Benefit cheat caught

A FRAUDSTER who cheated the council out of £19,370 has been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. Farida Sebaduka admitted benefit fraud at Woolwich Crown Court. She was arrested following an anonymous tip-off to Lewisham Council and her home in Hexal Road, Catford, was raided by police in April last year.

Notorious club wants to stay open all night

The Venue, Clifton Rise, New Cross, which has been labelled a "hotspot for street crime, drugs and firearms", wants to serve alcohol until 5am Monday to Friday and 6am on Saturday. But police have criticised the proposal and say longer hours will mean more crime, disorder and public nuisance. Officers have compiled records of the 271 times police have attended the bar in the last year.

Racist cops in our midst

Detective Sergeant Jimi Tele of the Lewisham serious crime unit has been issued with an apology by top brass who wanted to stop his discrimination claim reaching an employment tribunal. DS Tele has accepted the apology and dropped his case, but the Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group (LARAG) are demanding that the force improve their act to prevent other black cops facing discrimination.

Swimming in satire at party

CAMPAIGNERS celebrated the 40th anniversary of a leisure centre's opening with a panto poking fun at top council figures. The Save Ladywell Pool group held a party outside Lewisham Leisure Centre in Lewisham High Street, to commemorate its opening on December 11, 1965.

Xmas job worries

A HUNDRED council workers face a bleak Christmas after it was revealed they are to be forced to reapply for their own jobs. Lewisham Council has announced it is to drastically change its building services department cutting 29 positions and redeploying 88 in a new structure.

Breath of fresher air

SMOKING anywhere in the buildings and grounds of Lewisham Hospital, Lewisham High Street, will be forbidden from New Year's Day. The policy, which applies to staff, patients and visitors, will help prevent passive smoking. The London Strategic Health Authorities have asked all London trusts to introduce the ban as soon as possible.