About Us

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Moorings history
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Plans to evict us
What we're doing
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Fri 03/06/04 - Silent Movie Night
A screening of the 1934 L'atalante by Jean Vigo was enjoyed by a slightly chilly audience of 40.

Sat/Sun 12+13/06/04 - Gardens day
The award winning gardens are open again to the public on Saturday 26th June from 2pm to 6pm. Please come and have a look around and enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits in a unique London location. We’re hoping to repeat the live piano music that has been so well appreciated in the past.

Sat/Sun 12+13/06/04 - Open day
The gardens are open to the public for the weekend. Come and have a look around while enjoying live music on the piano. On Sunday we will also have poetry readings from local people.

27/05/04 - "Few such settlements could boast all-party political endorsements...",
The Guardian

07/05/04 - Further Mayorial Support
The mayor of London has reiterated his belief that the barge moorings near Tower Bridge contribute to the diversity of the Thames. Planning permission for the Downings Roads Moorings was refused a fortnight ago after Southwark officers concluded that the barges were "unacceptable in principle in this location". Ken Livingstone told local newspaper Southwark News that "I have made it clear that moorings are acceptable in principle at Downings Roads. I am still hopeful that the applicants can work constructively with the council to work out a scheme wich overcomes the councils concerns and achieves a vibrant community".
Source: Southwark Weekender, May 7, 2004

21/04/04 - Planning permission refused
In an emotional night in Bermondsey, Southwark council planning committee unexpectedly refused planning permission for the Moorings. Only 3 of 8 councillors attended the specially arranged meeting, and the casting vote of Chair David Hubbard saw planning permission refused by 2 votes to 1. This means that we are forced to return to Public Inquiry in July in order to decide our future.

15/04/04 - Planning Hearing
The planning hearing will take place at Millpond TRA Hall, 210 Jamaica Road, SE16 on 21st April at 7pm. Please come and give your support! Click here to see a map.

03/03/04 - Public Inquiry Suspended
The public inquiry has been suspended in order ot allow a planning application to be heard by Southwark council.

01/12/03 - Advent Boats Opening Night
The mooring's unique addition to London's Christmas lights are open!

Every night in the run up to Christmas day, a different boat will light up, culminating in a feast of colour on the 25th. The first boat to light up was the moorings' Thames Sailing Barge, the Ethel Ada - a boat that is also celebrating her 100th Birthday this year.

The switch was thrown by Deputy Mayor Jenny Jones who also spoke in support of the campaign. Other speakers included the artist Richard Wilson and Rotherhithe priest Father "Nick" who also blessed the moorings. The evening was rounded off by carol singing, mince pies, mulled wine and a tour of the boats. Visitors can see the lit up moorings from the quayside throughout December.

15/11/03 - Simon Hughes Initiative meetings
A series of meetings, organised by the Bermondsey MP and mayoral candidate Simon Hughes have now begun. Structured as "round-table" discussions, these meetings will involve the residents of the flats overlooking the moorings, the Port of London Authority, Southwark council and the moorings residents. Although nothing concrete has been agreed, there appears to be good will on all sides and it is hoped that a resolution can be found before the Public Inquiry in March.

04/11/03 - Public Inquiry date announced
The Public Inquiry is scheduled to begin on the 2nd March 2004.

20/10/03 - The Mayor of London offers his full support.
Ken Livingston, condemns Southwark Council's actions against Downings Roads Moorings in a press release on the GLA website and in a letter to Nick Stanton, leader of Southwark Council.

"I deplore the actions that Southwark Council is taking to evict these residents from the moorings at which they have long been established."

For more information, click here for our supporters page.

01/10/03 - Bermondsey Community Council Meeting
Downings Roads Residents delivered a presentation about the moorings at the October Community Meeting, it was well received by those who attended, and much support was given by the local Tenants Association Chairmen.

28/09/03 - PLA Enforcement Notices Suspended
The Notice served by the PLA has been suspended until the appeal has been heard.

14/09/03 - Mayor's Thames Festival
Downings Roads Residents joined the Mayor's Thames Festival this year as part of our campaign to save the moorings.

25/08/03 - Stormvogel wins barge match prize
Moorings residents David, Anna and their son Finn have won the Eastlings Cup at the Swale Barge Match for "Best Turned Out Historic Powered Vessel" for their dutch barge Stormvogel. Congratulations to them all!

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