View source for Rye Lane Traders' Association

{{Seealso|
*[[Peckham Town Centre]]
*[[Peckham Town Centre Forum]]
*[[Peckham Town Centre Forum/meetings]]
*[[Local economy]]
*[[Transforming Central Rye Lane]]
*[[Rye Lane and Station Action Group (RLSAG)]]}}

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==NOTICE==
'''Since 2016,''' the small Development Committee has not had the capacity to continue to develop the Rye Lane Traders’ Association. It has however continued to work with some individual trader's issues in Central Rye Lane, including those affected by the station redevelopment. News is provided when necessary by email to the RLTA mailing list. To join the list please email ryelanetraders@gmail.com. Information about previous work is shown below.

<br>'''March 2023''' The GLA - Council High Streets recovery scheme which funds consultants [https://www.treeshepherd.org.uk/peckham-business-forum-autumn-newsletter/ Tree Shepherd] to set up a Peckham Business Forum. This was announced without any reference to those involved in several years of working hard to bring small businesses together to improve various aspects of the town centre. We hope it is successful and provides a foundation to bring together all town centre businesses and operators and also local residents who are very committed to supporting town centre real and lasting improvements.

==Rye Lane Traffic==
[[Image:ONE WAY BUSES FOR RYE LANE.jpg|thumb|right|250px|click to enlarge]]
===December 2022 Buses two-way===
The council's consultation is now concluded and is recommending that the two-way bus system in made permanent. 
* '''[https://www.peckhamvision.org/wiki/images/7/75/Report_-_Rye_Lane_Traffic_Arrangements.pdf The Council Cabinet report on the consultation here]''' recommends the continuation of two-way buses and commercial loading and unloading in 7am-10am every day. There will be a formal consultation in early 2023 before this is finalised.
* '''[https://www.peckhamvision.org/wiki/images/4/42/Rye_Lane_buses_Appendix_1.pdf This is the detailed report on the consultation responses.]'''

===August 2022 Buses one-way?===
'''Rye Lane Buses:''' The Council is [https://bit.ly/3R3400O consulting] on whether the buses should continue as they are, going both ways along Rye Lane with bus stops on both sides of the road. OR whether they should go only one way with the other way diverted along Copeland/Consort Roads.<br>
'''SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE:''' to be completed by 16th September.
* online this is here: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/rye-lane-traffic
* to ask for a paper copy or more information: email highways@southwark.gov.uk
* IN-PERSON: Mon 5th Sep, 2pm-7pm in Rye Lane Chapel hall, (at the back of the Chapel up the side passage), opposite Highshore Rd.
See [[Media:Poster_ONE_WAY_BUSES_FOR_RYE_LANE.pdf|poster here]] why two way is best for many bus users. 

'''Rye Lane graffiti, waste, street cleaning, anti-social behaviour''': drop in for discussion with officers 
- MONDAY 5th SEPTEMBER between 2pm-4pm in Rye Lane Chapel hall, at the back of the Chapel, at the same time in the same venue as buses consultation.

Southwark News articles: 
* '''[https://southwarknews.co.uk/news/transport/network-rail-and-govia-thameslink-railway-concerned-by-one-way-rye-lane-proposal/ Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway “concerned” by one-way Rye Lane proposal]'''
* '''[https://southwarknews.co.uk/featured/one-way-rye-lane-plans-spark-fears-for-the-disabled/ One-way Rye Lane plans spark fears for the disabled]'''

===October 2021 Rye Lane reopens for buses===
Rye Lane re-opens for buses, taxis and commercial vehicles (limited times) on 18th October 2021. This is for a trial period of 18 months. [[Media:Rye_Lane_opening_to_buses_and_taxis_18_Oct_Council_news.pdf|See Council's news here.]]

===August 2020 Rye Lane closed to traffic===
"The owner of a popular Peckham nightclub has said it could be put out of business by new road closure rules designed to help people keep to social distancing guidelines, ... Ciaran Canavan, who runs Canavan’s Peckham Pool Club on Rye Lane, has said the closure means that the company that delivers his beer cannot get close enough to drop it off. The club makes a large part of its money from beer sales, he added. Read more in Southwark News [https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/do-they-want-to-kill-the-business-peckham-nightclub-owner-hits-out-at-rye-lane-closures/ ‘DO THEY WANT TO KILL THE BUSINESS?’: PECKHAM NIGHTCLUB OWNER HITS OUT AT RYE LANE CLOSURE]

==Peckham Business Forum==
===June 2020=== 
The Peckham Business Forum was diverted into supervising a series of events in the town centre aimed at encouraging shoppers to come to Peckham during the gas works and afterwards. The theme was #PeckhamisOpen. The Council appointed a temporary Business Support Manager, paid for by the Gas Network companies, to help the small traders claim compensation or the damage to their businesses because of the road works. Unfortunately, while they had a series of meetings with those of us who wanted to take the opportunity to make progress on the wider town centre issues, the Council did not include that in the remit. Towards the end of 2019 they took part in discussions about the way forward. These were proceeding slowly when the Public Health emergency in March 2020 overtook us all. The failure to get to grips with these wider issues, when there was a real opportunity in 2019, has been lost, and we have to start again.
===February 2019===
As part of the follow up to the traders public meeting in December 2018, the Council has formed a meeting called the Peckham Business Forum to help traders handle the impact of the gas road works on their businesses, and also to develop sustainable ideas for the future for the town centre. In October 2018 the RLTA gave the Council a list of issues arising from the the planned roadworks disruption. This was further developed for a '''[[Media:RLTA_traders_issues_March_2019.pdf|RLTA list of issues]]''' for the new Peckham Business Forum to take into account. The first meeting was held on Friday 15th March at [https://www.mountview.org.uk/Mountview Mountview.]


==SGN major gas works - Rye Lane closures 13 months from Jan 2019==
===RLTA Rye Lane closures meeting report - Southwark News 13th December 2018===
[[Image:RLTA meeting SGN Rye Lane closure 13months from Jan2019.jpg|320px|SNews RLTA meeting report about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
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===RLTA meeting 6th December 2018===
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[[Image:P1030312 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030314 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030326 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]

[[Image:P1030329 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030330 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030332 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]

[[Image:P1030336 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030338 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030340 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]

[[Image:P1030341 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030343 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
[[Image:P1030347 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]

[[Image:P1030350 - RLTA meeting 06-12-2018 - SGN major gas works.jpg|290px|RLTA meeting about Rye Lane closures for major gas works starting Jan 2019]]
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==Cllr Johnson Situ visits Rye Lane traders 20th September 2016==
Rye Lane Traders' Association arranged a visit for Cllr Johnson Situ to Rye Lane traders to hear their views about trading on Rye Lane and other parts of the town centre and what issues there might be. Cllr Situ is the Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Social Regeneration. He was accompanied by the Head of Waste & Cleaning from Southwark Council, and local ward Councillor Nick Dolezal. The main issues for the traders that surfaced during the conversations were: 
* Importance of equal car parking facilities for trading in the south of Rye Lane as well as in the north.
* Continuing problems for loading and unloading in Rye Lane.
* Waste management system differentiating varying business sizes and needs
* Need for organised training for small traders, on a range of trading standards.
* Need for changes to ease the pressures of business rates on small shops on high streets
<br>
[[Image:IMG_4811 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4815 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4816 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
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[[Image:IMG_4823 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4825 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4827 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
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[[Image:IMG_4831 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4832 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4833 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
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[[Image:IMG_4835 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4837 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4843 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
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[[Image:IMG_4851 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
[[Image:IMG_4859 - RLTA host Cllr Situ traders visit 2016.jpg|290px|Cllr Johnson Situ visits traders on Rye Lane]]
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==Waste in Peckham town centre==
[[Image:Peckham_TC_Cleanup_-_leaflet_graphic_v.09_b%2Bw_lo.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
===Peckham Town Centre Cleanup event Tuesday 19th July 2016===
The RLTA is a partner in the Local Cleaner Peckham Project (CPP) which has published an insightful and ground breaking report on managing waste in Peckham town centre. It says there need to be changes in behaviour among all town centre stakeholders - the multiple different waste producers in businesses, traders, residents and visitors and the multiple waste systems and collectors, including Southwark Council. The partners in the Cleaner Peckham Project say: “This has been an enlightening investigation. It has confirmed that working together across the town centre and with the Council is essential to begin to solve the waste management problems. We are pleased that the Council is discussing with us the way to move forward on this together. We for our part are developing our proposals for further work and research which our report recommends. “These matters need to be owned by us all, together. So we have arranged the drop-in event in Rye Lane on 19th July in collaboration with the Council, to explain the results in more detail to businesses, traders, residents, visitors, council officers, councillors, and most importantly to seek responses to the results and our aims for going forward." Anyone with an interest in the town centre who would like to become actively involved in this work will be very welcome. Please email CleanerPeckham@gmail.com  '''[[Peckham_Town_Centre_Forum/meetings#19th_July_2016_Peckham_Town_Centre_Cleanup.21|Initial report on the event.]]'''

[[Image:Rubbish in Peckham town centre 04.jpg|thumb|right|170px]]
===Social researcher team to look into waste management December 2015===
Rye Lane Traders’ Association has joined with Peckham Vision and Copeland Park in a ‘Cleaner Peckham’ initiative to tackle the growing problem of waste management in Peckham town centre. This has been supported by Southwark Council in the High Street Challenge scheme. A small grant was awarded to fund a 5 month social research project led by a partnership between [http://www.peckhamvision.org Peckham Vision], [http://copelandpark.com/ Copeland Park] and Rye Lane Traders’ Association. Cleaner Peckham appointed independent social scientists Luna Glucksberg and Francisco Calafate-Faria, who have carried out the Cleaner Peckham Research project. They have specialist expertise in cities and worked in and around Peckham town centre from December 2015 to February 2016, talking to traders and residents alike. For further information about the appointments, please '''[[Media:Waste + recycling contract app release 27.12.15.pdf|see attached document]].''' The report thas now been published. It is being launched on '''[[Peckham_Town_Centre_Forum/meetings#25th_May_2016_Town_Centre_waste_.26_recycling|Tuesday 19th July at an exhibition from 3pm - 8pm, and a meeting and discussion at 6.30pm-7.30pm, at 128 Rye Lane.]]'''

==Social Networking event Wednesday 3rd June 2015==
The RLTA meeting was a very successful social networking event, on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 6pm - 8pm, for businesses and organisations operating in the town centre. It was hosted by Peckham Vision in their studio in the Bussey Building. This was a liveley event with refeshments provided from some members - sample sandwich slices from Aya's cafe in Holdron's Arcade, spicy chicken from Maria in Atwell Road, and an assortment of sweet pastry biscuits and refreshments from Khan's Bargain store. There were a few minutes of introductions from Neil Kirby Council officer for Regeneration in Peckham, David Swaby on licensing controls, Sergeant Richard Warren, PC Jamie Keate, and PCSO Sean Murphy from the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, Julie Mallett Council officer for the THI project to restore some of the old historic buidlings in and near Peckham High St, Cemal Ezel from Old Spike Roastery in Peckham Rye a new social enterpise for jobs for homeless people. Then everyone mingled and introduced themsleves and discussed everything they wanted about the town centre until well past the end at 8.30pm!
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[[Image:IMG_6371 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
[[Image:IMG_6376 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
[[Image:IMG_6380 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
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[[Image:IMG_6385 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
[[Image:IMG_6392 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
[[Image:IMG_6400 RLTA social networking event.jpg|250px|Rye Lane Trader's networking event]]
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[[Media:RLTA_networking3_June_leaflet_final.pdf|Event leaflet PDF here...]]
[[Image:RLTA Social Net event 2015.jpg|thumb|left|300px|RLTA June 3rd 2015 networking event leaflet]]
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=RLTA founded 2012=
==Introduction==
[[Image:IMG 5757 04-10-2012 - RLTA Inaugural meeting.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Rye Lane Traders' Association, inaugural meeting 4th October 2012]]

The Rye Lane Traders' Association was established at a meeting on 4th October 2012 with the provisional aims:

* To encourage communication between members of the association and to identify common concerns or interests and take appropriate action.
* To establish good liaison with community groups representing the interests of residents and shoppers.
* To establish good liaison with the Council, the Police and other organisations and agencies with a role in the town centre.
* To help in promoting the business and commercial interests of members of the Association.
* To contribute to actions that will promote the town centre as a commercial shopping and leisure area.

It was agreed that membership will be open to all traders in or near Rye Lane and Peckham High Street, and there will be a small subscription when the Association is set up. To join the current provisional members list please print and complete a [[media:RLTA Membership brochure Final.pdf|members form]] and return it to: RLTA, care of Peckham Vision shop, 135A RYE LANE, SE15 4ST. If you have any queries please email: ryelanetraders @ gmail.com. The Development Committee is seeking some small funding to pay for the support for taking the RLTA to the next stage.

==Development Committee==
[[Image:RLTA mem brochure back+front.jpg|right|thumb|150px|RLTA membership brochure image]]
[[Media:2015-10 RLTA Dev Cttee working arrangements.pdf|Development Committee]] meetings were held monthly, but are now ad hoc and informal. This had been a  a working committee developing the RLTA organisation, constitution and membership arrangements, to put to the larger traders membership for discussion and agreement. The Committee aimed to arrange two main meetings a year for all traders,  one dealing with formal traders business and one social event where traders can meet and get to know each other better. Through pressure of business, it has not been possible to arrange the all member meetings. Progress was made in the projects about traders training and how to improve the management of trade waste. Since 2016, the small Development Committee has continued to work with some individual trader's issues in Central Rye Lane, including those affected by the station redevelopment, but has no capacity to take up wider issues or develop the RLTA formally.

==Emerging issues==
In discussions between traders, issues that have been identified as benefitting from collaboration in the Association include:
====Safer Rye Lane====
* Safer shops: support, guidance and training for traders and staff on how to handle the difficult situation when someone is seen to be shoplifting and leaving the store. Training for shop staff, on what to do while waiting for police to arrive after the incident is reported, is included in the pilot training being carried out in Autumn 2014.
* Safer streets: identifying places where street lighting needs to be improved, and where any places need other action to make them safer for pedestrians. 
* Safer premises: improving the police reports back on reported burglaries.

====Loading in Rye Lane====
The traders’ and customers parking and loading arrangements are not clearly explained in the parking signs, and there are no satisfactory arrangements for customers’ loading.

[[Image:IMG_3973 - rubbish in Rye Lane.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Rubbish in Rye Lane]]

[[Image:IMG_4201 - rubbish in Rye Lane.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Rubbish in Blenheim Grove]]

====Refuse collection====
This is not working well. Traders are encouraged to take photos of any problems, including unauthorised dumping of waste, and send to the council. This is now being investigated through the Cleaner Peckham project. The RLTA has joined in a 6 month project led by Copeland Park and Peckham Vision funded by a small grant of £8,000 from the Council's High St Challenge fund for a joint initiative to review waste management, collection, disposal and recycling. See further information above.

====Traders' training====
Peckham Vision developed a proposal with the RLTA and Pecan for tailor made training for small traders in Rye Lane to be piloted. Total funding of £7,500 was received from the Council's Cleaner Greener Safer Scheme, and from the High Street Challenge. The first training was carried out by Pecan in September and October 2014. This was independently evaluated in the early New Year 2015, and confirmed the main priority issues that RLTA had already identified which need to be addressed. These are: improving relations between some customers and some traders, compliance with trading standards, and deterring and restraining shoplifters. A project is being developed for further work and dedicated tailor made training.

====Work Experience====
The Traders’ Association agreed in early 2013 with the Council a new scheme to give local young people paid work experience in Rye Lane shops. Six businesses agreed to offer one or two work places for 3-4 months.  The Council would manage the recruitment and placement of the young people, working with the potential employers. Each young person would have a mentor to support them, and there would be very close liaison with the employer. The scheme would be a real opportunity for local young people and for local businesses at minimal cost, and it would improve relationships and links at a community level. The Traders’ Association was  encouraging other traders to take an interest in how this works so they could join the scheme. This scheme has not been developed yet because the Council did not continue its support.

====Public Toilets====
Over the summer of 2013, the Rye Lane Traders' Association joined forces with Peckham Vision to petition Southwark Council and Network Rail to provide public toilets as part of the work to improve the areas around historic Peckham Rye station. The petition was supported by a number of local businesses and raised over 4,270 signatures. It was finally presented to the Peckham & Nunhead Community Council on Monday 30th September 2013, where local ward councillors unanimously agreed with the joint deputation's request. '''[http://www.peckhamvision.org/wiki/Toilets_petition See Rye Lane public toilets campaign]'''. Public toilets are [http://peckhamcodesign.org/peckham-rye-station-square-co-design-workshop-02-results/ '''firmly on the agenda'''] as an issue to be solved in the redesign of the area in front of the station. Public toilets are now designed into the plans for the arches between the station and Holly Grove as part of the construction of the new square. This work is scheduled to be completed by 2019.
<br>
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[[Image:IMG 0334 - Public toilets petition.jpg|220px|Over 4270 signatures on the joint Peckham Vision & Rye Lane Traders' petition]]
[[Image:IMG 0338 - Public toilets petition.jpg|220px|Members of the joint Peckham Vision & Rye Lane Traders' deputation introduce themselves]]
[[Image:IMG_0341 - PandN Community Council meeting.jpg|220px|Community Council listens to the deputation]]
[[Image:IMG_9080 - sign Rye Lane public toilet petition.jpg|220px|Petition ready to sign at Rye Lane market stall]]

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==Collaboration and Solutions==
[[Image:IMG_0467 RLTA meeting 23-10-2013.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Rye Lane Traders' Association, meeting 23rd October 2013]]
[[Image:IMG_0468 RLTA meeting 23-10-2013.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Rye Lane Traders' Association, meeting 23rd October 2013]]
* The Traders' Association is developing links with the Council and the local Police to explore the way forward on these and other issues. 
* Peckham Vision is working closely with the traders on the development of the Association and collaborating closely in the work of improving the town centre for everyone.
* The traders came together for three large open meetings in 2012 and 2013. At these meetings a number of issues were tabled that have been the focus of subsequent work.
* A series of traders' social networking events have been started. The first in June 2015. 
* The active traders set up a Development Committee which met frequently over the last three years.
* The Development Committee arranged in early 2013 in Rye Lane a meeting with Harriet Harman MP, and a meeting with Southwark Councillors, to explain some of the issues in Rye Lane and discuss solutions. 
* Members of the Development Committee visit and keep in touch with traders in their shops and give support in resolving issues with the local authority. 
* Pressures of business prevent the production of formal newsletters. News is provided when necessary by email to the RLTA mailing list. To join the list please email < ryelanetraders@gmail.com >

==Newsletters==
* [[media:RLTA newsletter no1  v4.pdf|24 October 2012  Newsletter No 1.]]
* [[media:RLTA newsletter no2 v2.pdf|29 November 2012 Newsletter No 2.]]