Save The Spike Surplus Scheme

The Spike Surplus Scheme is a community-led initiative in Peckham that has been operating on a voluntary basis for a decade. It was reclaimed from an abandoned fly-tipped site and the land opened up for community activities. In a borough where nearly half the population is poor or borderline poor (according to Southwark Council website), the Scheme is dedicated to providing affordable and free-where-possible services to the local community. The Scheme incorporates a rehearsal/recording studio, a martial arts/meditation/ health space, community garden and much more. It has been largely self-sustaining, relying on donations from local users, albeit mostly in terms of time and skills rather than cash in such a poor neighbourhood. It is truly a vibrant example of community in action. It has thrived thanks to a supportive council attitude and modest grants.

"There are many local people and community and faith organisations that are actively involved in making their neighbourhood a better place. We aim to widen the number of people, especially young people, involved in community affairs as well as make the council and its partners more responsive to them when they do get involved." (Southwark Council website)

This is all about to change.

On April 8 2008 the Council Executive decided to auction off the 39B Consort Road (the Spike Surplus Scheme), unless it can raise a minimum of 500,000 within three months.

With less than four hours notice of their intended decision, we pleaded (in our five allotted minutes) for an affordable lease or some more time, but to no avail.

We then appealed to the Scrutiny and Review Committee, again with no success. Please give us your support and sign the petition.

We, the undersigned, demand that the council:

Stop the auction of Spike Surplus Scheme.

Do not declare the Spike Surplus Scheme as surplus to requirements (as recommended in the deputy chief executive's report to the executive councils meeting on April 8 2008).

Support this and other community-led regeneration projects to make Southwark a better place to live.