Local residents say its time to give the unloved underpass that connects Bertrand Street to Lewisham Way a “bit of TLC”.
Hundreds of pedestrians and a few cyclists use the underpass each day on their way to the shopping centre and railway station.
But residents say it is one of the most neglected and untidy underpasses in the area.
It’s a magnet for flytipping with lots of rubbish left there daily. Refuse from the two of the Renaissance development blocks frequently spills onto the streets, say residents.
During weekly refuse collections up to 10 large council bins line the underpass often overflowing with rubbish.
Residents and user of the underpass point out that a school and a children’s playground are close by.
“It’s both unpleasant and hazardous to be around. I cycle through it daily on my way to work, trying to dodge the broken glass, piles of food waste, random household items and the apparently ubiquitous dog mess that blights so many walkways in the borough,” says Jennifer, a who regular user.
“Over the last few years I have reported fly tipping regularly, but nothing much seems to change,” she adds.
In the past there was a suggestion to brighten up the area with a mural but no progress was made. When the building at 87-89 Loampit Vale was approved in 2016, enhancing the “pedestrian environment under the railway bridge on Bertrand Street” was set as a condition for the development.
“If you report the fly tipping to the council someone cleans it up in a week or two, but it doesn’t take long for more rubbish to be dumped”, says Jennifer.
“We know money is tight at the council but surely there’s something the community and the council can do to improve this gateway from Ladywell to central Lewisham.”
