Roupell Street Conservation Area
Lambeth Estate Residents Association
Residents
So you live in the Roupell Street Conservation Area?
Lucky you! It’s great to have you in these wonderful streets, and like everyone who lives here you’re automatically a member of LERA. Together our residents make LERA what it is. Around the website you’ll find lots of information about what we do but this page is just for you, our residents.
What’s happening?
If you’re not one of the 200 residents already on our mailing list, please subscribe. We can reach more people more quickly that way, though we sometimes drop printed versions through your letterbox too. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram, join LERA’s Neighbourhood Watch and our residents’ Facebook group – it’s a helpful place to ask questions neighbours might be able to answer, like recommendations for tradespeople.
How can I get to know neighbours?
For starters, bumping into them outside their homes! Our area has been nicknamed ‘a village on a street’ so don’t be shy… say hello. But also don’t miss our social events. LERA has put on dozens in recent years, ranging from street parties to screenings of films shot in the area, theatre shows, barbeques and a quiz. There’s usually at least one big bash in summer and early in the new year, and our public meetings and consultations often include drinks and chat. In between, you may find neighbours in the King’s Arms or White Hart, particularly at quieter times.
What is LERA and how does it run?
LERA is a voluntary association run by residents, for residents. Major decisions are made at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in or around October and occasional Special General Meetings (SGM) which all residents are encouraged to attend. Day-to-day, the association is run by a committee of up to 16 residents elected at each AGM. Any resident can stand for the committee, and it’s great to get more involved. The committee has a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and a number of subject representatives.
Who’s on the committee, and how do I contact them?
Chair George Lewzey
Vice Chair Maya Lester
Secretary/Communications David Kesby
Treasurer Kevin McNally
Elders Carole Milner
Filming Leslie Klingner/Jo Hughes
Good causes Tim Hollins
Neighbourhood Watch Chris Luitjens
Planning Joseph Penn
Street Care Mike Gerrish
Social Gerhard Jenne
Other committee members
Matthew Hearn, Olga Mazure, Janet Plumbridge, Emily Reid, Inder Sood
What does living in a conservation area mean?
We are each stewards of our home’s history for our time living here, and most buildings are Grade II listed so there are protections against inappropriate change. Original features, for example, cannot be removed without the council’s permission. But within the law it is possible to adapt them for living today, and in particular LERA is beginning to explore ways to make these historic structures more energy efficient, reducing environmental harm and saving money. If you’re thinking of doing work, feel free to have a word with our planning representative (see above). We don’t make the rules or decisions though; for the ultimate word, ask the council’s conservation team. Otherwise, please do your bit to keep the street looking its best – maybe tidy pavement outside your home, or water our plant troughs if you see they need it.
Need help against criminal or anti-social behaviour?
When is the refuse collected? And other local questions…
Early on Friday mornings; please leave your refuse on the pavement in front of your home as late as you can on Thursdays and seal everything unless you want to be woken by foxes and mess. Our homes aren’t suitable for wheelie bins, so the council supplies transparent recycling bags. On request you can also get a food recycling bin from them, and they sell green garden waste sacks. You need to buy your own black bags for landfill waste and the council charges an annual subscription for garden waste, but the rest is free.
Details about the council, other local organisations and much more are in Around us. And if it’s not on the website, you now know how to get in touch!