Healthy, Active, Creative Lewisham
Today we expect to live longer and to have more say about the services that are provided for us. Young people have the right to be heard while elderly people have earned the right to be respected. All of us want opportunities to exercise our minds and our bodies in ways that suit us as individuals.
Young people across the borough took up my invitation to elect a young mayor to work with me and speak up for young people, and I will make this role permanent.
I intend to nominate a member of my Cabinet as an Elders Champion to work with and for older members of the community and ensure that all council proposals are tested to ensure that the implications for older residents have been properly taken into account.
I will continue to invest in our leisure facilities and, in particular, ensure that new pools are completed in Downham, Deptford and Lewisham Town centre and Forest Hill Pools are refurbished.
The 2012 Olympics will take place on our doorstep and presents us with a remarkable opportunity to unlock the potential of local residents in many ways. The games will need thousands of volunteers and we will do all we can enable you to play your part. Our young people will be given every encouragement to develop their skills and take part in Olympic related activities in the years running up top the Games. The Olympics will bring cultural as well as sporting opportunities and Lewisham will be well placed to contribute to these.
Lewisham has a reputation as place where creativity is cherished and encouraged, not only in excellent institutions like Goldsmiths College and the Laban Centre but in our schools, community centres and adult education centres. We must build on this and enhance opportunities for all while making sure that our reputation as "the Creative Borough" helps create employment and attracts investment.
