North Peckham streets are in appalling state says resident

By Harrison McQueen

A resident has hit out at Southwark council for what he says are the “appalling” condition of streets in North Peckham, writes Harrison McQueen.

Ian Huckle has lived in Pennethorne Road for three years. He said that the streets have never been in such a poor condition, with rubbish, fly-tipping, dog faeces, blocked drains, overflowing bins and food waste lining the streets from behind Peckham police station to the Old Kent Road.

The garage Mr Huckle rents from the council was recently flooded due to a drain blocked by rubbish, damaging everything that wasn’t above floor level.

But he said that streets in wealthier areas like Dulwich are immaculate, leading him to question whether some areas are being favoured or somebody isn’t doing their job.

He has now complained to the council.

Mr Huckle said: “I find the condition of the streets utterly depressing.

“To walk out of my front door and be met by such a sight really does lower my mood.

“Not only is this ugly and unhygienic but it fosters a poor civic attitude by those who have to live in it.

“Life is tough enough for us all at the moment but walking out of one’s front door to be met by such a disgusting sight starts one’s day off on the wrong note.”

Cllr Darren Merrill, cabinet member for a safer, cleaner borough, said: “We absolutely take on board the points raised by Mr Huckle.

“Council officers, ward councillors and I will be taking a look around the area together, as we recognise some focused work needs to be done to address the mess at this location.

“We are currently working to identify offenders and resolve the fly-tipping problem, and will arrange for additional monitoring and spot cleaning of the area.”