Labour aren’t Listening: Southwark Liberal Democrats Call for Proper Consultation on Dulwich Transport Plans

Southwark Labour has set out proposals for redesigning key parts of Dulwich Village’s traffic infrastructure and public spaces, but without any opportunity for local residents, businesses and organisations to have their say.

The proposals, published on 16 June, set out a number of “activities” to help inform the design of future developments to road junctions and public spaces in Dulwich Village. But the process only aims to speak to “a representative sample of people who use the junction”, rather than a fully open process where anyone affected or interested can participate.

In response, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition has today written to the council’s Cabinet Member for Parks, Streets and Clean Air, Catherine Rose, urging her to pause the proposals until an open, comprehensive and meaningful plan for consulting with and engaging the community has been developed.

Richard Wingfield, who stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Dulwich Village in the recent local elections, said:

“The Council’s approach to involving people in Dulwich when making significant changes to the area where they live and work has been woeful. The recent introduction of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood led to deep division in the community, with many people and businesses frustrated at the quality of the consultation exercise.

Instead of learning from its mistakes and adopting a consensus-based approach this time, the Council’s approach risks furthering frustration and mistrust. A proper plan for engaging with consulting the community is needed urgently and the proposals should be put on hold until one is published.”