Ways we can make Lewisham a better place to live, work and learn - Part 2

Delivering for our young people
 
I have given priority to education and young people throughout my first term and made it clear that I am prepared to take tough decisions to secure the quality of educational provision that is needed for the future.  This work must go on:-
 
·         The relentless drive to improve standards in schools will continue - our target is 53% of students to achieve 5 A*-C at GCSE by 2008.  I want more of our young people to stay in education after 16 and ultimately go on to University. I will set a target of a post 16 staying on rate of 85% by 2008.
 
·         Provision for the under 5s will continue to expand providing high quality childcare places. I will support our successful Sure Start programmes and the development of six new Children's Centres providing practical advice and support to parents.
 
·         New leisure facilities will open in Downham and in Bellingham and I will ensure there is a wide range of activities for young people during school holidays.
 
·         I will introduce Young People's Opportunity cards' providing discounts on local activities and 'topped' up in return for a young person volunteering in the community.
 
·         I will extend the Children's Information Service to cover services for children up to 18 giving families one stop access to up to date information. 
 
·         My target is to providing child care from 8 am until 6 pm by 2008.  To achieve this after school activities will be expanded.
 
·         I promise to continue to give Lewisham's young people the opportunity to elect a Young Mayor.
 
·         I will make sure young people's voices are heard by involving the Young mayor and young advisors in our decision-making
 
Building a better Lewisham
 
London has a growing population and here in Lewisham we will have a vital part to play in meeting future housing, transport and employment needs of the city - particularly as we approach the 2012 Olympics.  To do this I will aim to achieve the following: -
 
·         Raise all of the Council's housing stock to a decent standard by 2010.
 
·         Regenerate the Milford Towers and the Heathside and Lethbridge estates.
 
·         Put tenants and residents in the driving seat to lead the transformation of their neighbourhoods: in Downham, Whitefoot and Bellingham through the Phoenix  Community Gateway; in Grove Park, New Cross, Lewisham Park and Excalibur via tenant-led stock transfers; and across the borough by establishing a new arms-length housing management organisation meeting tenants' expectations for services of the highest standard.
 
·         Strengthen our partnership with other local authorities, social landlords and housing developers across southeast London to tackle homelessness and provide for key workers.
 
·         Hold Transport for London and the public transport providers, including the rail operators, to account. For the quality and safety of the services they provide in Lewisham
 
·         Build a sustainable Lewisham by investing in efficient heating and insulation systems in council homes, increasing the use of green fuel in the Council's vehicle fleet and purchasing energy from renewable sources wherever possible.
 
·         There will be major investment in Deptford High Street bringing better transport links, new homes and improved community safety. In turn this will link up to the new Convoys Wharf development of 3,500 homes, job opportunities and over £100 million in community benefits for Deptford.
 
·         In Catford partners will be found to transform the shopping centre and the Milford Towers estates, improving transport connections and shopping.
 
·         I will be pressing for the redirection of the South Circular through Catford to facilitate regeneration, as well as the development of an effective transport interchange based on the railway stations.