Before it closed for the winter we invited Simon Hughes MP, the Lib Dems’ Energy & Climate Change spokesman and MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey, to Frank’s Café to speak.Frank’s has been a sensational success story over the summer, and many people have come from all over London (and beyond!) to see it. I’m very pleased that Frank wants to return next year and I will be working to ensure the council gives all the help it can for next year’s return.Simon Hughes spoke about the future of Peckham, and how places such as Frank’s are crucial for the future success of the town centre. He thanked Frank publically for bringing so much energy and interest to Peckham. He also drew attention to two important campaigns – the Save the South London Line campaign, urging everyone to sign out petition against the cuts (see earlier blog posts for more info on the South London Line!), and also the Save The Pub campaign (blog post coming soon!).

We took a risk by interrupting everyone’s conversations in a packed bar and asking them to listen to us, but the crowd were fantastic. They listened intently and I know this is because people really care about the future of Peckham.

We were also joined by local campaigner Eileen Conn, who we are working closely with to improve Peckham. We spoke to people and explained the plans to redevelop Peckham Rye station (by creating a new public square and gateway to Peckham in front of it) and to also restore the historic Bussey Building. There is a huge wealth of untapped potential in Peckham town centre, which as a Councillor I will work to realise. See the link to Peckham Vision website in the local community links section for a mine of information about what could be done.

After Simon finished speaking we took the time to talk to everyone individually. It goes to show how well liked Simon is – everyone had a lot of time for him. He is the most locally dedicated MP I know of, and his standing in the community reflects this.

As we spoke to everyone though, we realised again just how diverse a crowd Frank had drawn to his bar. People from all over London had come – so many told us it was for the first time. The common reaction was “we had no idea there was cool stuff like this in Peckham!” The question now for local people is how do we recreate that effect and continue to build Peckham’s reputation. The Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan (PNAAP) needs to take account of this question.

The PNAAP has to ensure that sites are made available for all of the local artists, musicians and creative industries which are burgeoning. Peckham needs a lot of regeneration, but it’s crucial that we don’t just knock everything down and start again. There is a lot which should be kept and restored, most notably of which is the Bussey Building.

Peckham has a new-found confidence and it’s one that has been created by local people. We now have the opportunity over the next few years to make it one of the most exciting places in London.