Good morning
A quiet few days on the Heath, but one story matters more than the rest: the builder behind Greenwich's council housing push has gone bust, and nobody's saying exactly what that means for the homes planned on the old Brooklands Park playground. Kite flyers and Lee historians both have their moment this weekend.
The big story
Blackheath council homes in doubt as builder goes under
Helix Construct Ltd, the contractor building new council housing at Richmount Gardens on the Brooklands Park Estate, collapsed into administration last month. The scheme traded away the estate's community hall and most of its playground for eight new homes, and Greenwich Council says work has now halted on six housing schemes as a result - though it has only confirmed one other site, Lemonwell Drive in Eltham, by name. The council has not said when or how building at Richmount Gardens will resume, which leaves the estate short a playground and a hall with nothing yet built in their place. READ →
In brief
Greenwich warns Lime and Forest over tunnel bikes
The council has told both hire bike operators their right to work in the borough is at risk if customers keep dumping bikes in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, the walkway between Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens. Both firms already ban bikes in the tunnel under their council agreements; the problem has been made worse by lifts that keep breaking down. READ →
Greenwich backs 430 children raised by relatives
The council has launched a three-year kinship care strategy, with events running 5 to 10 October including an advice surgery and a family celebration day. Over 430 children in the borough are currently raised by relatives or close family friends rather than parents, a number the council says is rising. READ →
Lee Road designer named on national list of favourite businesses
Maria Ruseva's label Moda de la Maria, run from a by-appointment showroom on Lee Road, has made Small Business Saturday UK's new Nation's Favourite Businesses list for 2026 - one of nineteen London names chosen. She has worked in British wool, tweed, silk and cashmere since founding the business in 2013. READ →
Getting around
Lane restrictions on Lewisham High Street until 27 October
Southbound lane restrictions are in place on the A21 Lewisham High Street between Ladywell Road and Longbridge Way, running from 1 to 27 October to allow junction works. TfL rates the current impact as minimal, but allow extra time if you're heading that way. SOURCE →
What's on
Walking tour of Lee 'New Town'
Local historian Paul Wright leads a two-hour guided walk on 10 October at 9.30am around the historic streets north of Lee High Road, including Kingswood Place, Dacre Park and Quentin Road. Starts at St Margaret's Churchyard on Lee Terrace; registration required. SOURCE →
Blackheath Kite Day
Kent Kite Flyers bring large and unusual kites to the Heath on 11 October from 11am, with a pop-up shop for anyone who fancies buying one on the day. SOURCE →