We have had some good news: the “calling in” of Southwark Council’s attempt to name the wildlife area by the Surrey Quays Tesco as its preferred site for a new leisure centre to replace Seven Islands.

This is a significant opportunity. We now need to redouble our efforts to get Seven Islands refurbished instead and save the wildlife area.

What does “calling in” mean?

Up until now, one councillor, Mark Williams, was set to decide on a preferred site, without consulting local residents or others in the borough first (or name what alternatives have been considered, if any).

The “calling in” means that the matter will now be considered by Southwark Council’s overview and scrutiny committee, which has the power to force a rethink. Crucially, local residents can attend the meeting in which it considers the matter.

When will this meeting happen? How do I attend?

The meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee is being held 0n Monday, 7th September at 7pm at the council offices at 160 Tooley St, opposite the Unicorn Theatre. We have been told that our part of the agenda will start at 8pm so please arrive then rather than 7pm.

More details about the location are here. The number 47 bus stops right outside. London Bridge station is also close by. Ask for the overview and scrutiny committee meeting.

The meeting is open to the public. It is really important that as many people as possible pack out the audience to show the committee the strength of feeling on this issue.

Please email canadawaterwest@gmail.com to let us know if you can make it or have any questions.

What else can I do?

Please email the councillors for Rotherhithe – the ward in which both Seven Islands and the wildlife area are located – and ask them to push for a rethink given the mounting local concern. They are:

1. Stephanie Cryan (stephanie.cryan@southwark.gov.uk);
2. Kath Whittam (kath.whittam@southwark.gov.uk);
3. Bill Williams (bill.williams@southwark.gov.uk).

To read more about the wildlife that is at risk, click here. More details about the site and what Southwark Council is planning are here.