Meet People for Portland Road's Voluntary Officers

PPR has a team of voluntary Officers and committee members who are committed to the improvement of the Portland Road area. We asked them a few questions to find out a little about their involvement with PPR.

Paul Scott: Chair

How long have you lived in South Norwood? Originally from Norwich, I moved to South Norwood in 1990 via Brighton, where I had been studying architecture.

What's your day job? I’m an Architect, but since May 2002 I have also been a Labour Councillor representing the people of Woodside Ward which includes most of Portland Road.

How and why did you become involved in PPR? A few years ago I was working with a group of local residents and business people looking at how the local community could get together to improve this neighbourhood. This group developed into People for Portland Road. Wanting to regenerate Portland Road was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a councillor. I've always felt that the sadly run down and neglected Portland Road lets it down what is otherwise a great area and yet it has huge potential to be restored and improved. As a councillor and with PPR I’ve been working hard to highlight the problems Portland Road faces, develop solutions to overcome them and then to make sure they are delivered.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? To help to bring together a great team of people who all really care about their neighbourhood and want to do something to help improve it. Working together we've established a really ambitious 'Regeneration Strategy' and have already delivered important things like more parking for shoppers. We have a lot to do though and a long way to go, but with perseverance we'll get there!

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? Without hesitating I'd say I'd reverse the appalling act of betrayal of local residents by the Conservative Council in scrapping our new leisure centre. It would have been fantastic for the whole community and it would also have signalled the start of a new beginning for Portland Road - a sort of beacon of regeneration for the whole area. The patch up of the old pool simply will not do that, nor will it bring lots more people to the area to help support our local shops. The other thing I'd do is encourage many more local people to get involved with PPR and help us to really turn around Portland Road.

Tom Hurcombe: Vice Chair

How long have you lived in South Norwood? Since October 1998

What's your day job? I am the vicar at St. Mark's of South Norwood

How and why did you become involved in PPR? To supprt the local community. I've taken out active interest in the local communities throughout my career. I was heavily involved in the Waterfront regeneration around the Millenium Dome.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Integrating the church with the local community and engaging people in local issues and initiatives.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? I would make it a more economically viable business place in the context of the rest of the community in which it is set.

Adam Kline: Vice Chair

How long have you lived in South Norwood? 7 years

What's your day job? I'm an Azlheimer's Disease research scientist for the Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai

How and why did you become involved in PPR? I picked up a brochure for the 2007 Portland Arts festival and was so impressed that it was taking place in South Norwood that I just had to help out for the 2008 event.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Organising sponsorhsip and support for the 2008 Arts festival photography competition.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? An increase in the occupancy rate of the business premises on Portland Road and the High Street. Hopefully, appropriate regulation of parking and the planned business incubator will support this.

William Quagraine: Treasurer

How long have you lived in South Norwood? Over 3 years.

What's your day job? Business Executive

How and why did you become involved in PPR? How: Through Paul Scott. Why: I believe in improving, contributing and developing any area in which I live, work and/or operate.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Being able to convince harsh critics to partake in PPR activities.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? Safety

Liz Ismail: Communications Officer

How long have you lived in South Norwood? All my life, except for time spent away at university or a short spell living in France.

What's your day job? I'm Operations Manager for an on board service company.

How and why did you become involved in PPR? A couple of years ago I was at a Neighbourhood Partnership meeting and we got talking about the particular issues which the Portland Road area faces. From that meeting People for Portland Road was eventually formed and we have grown from there. I think it is important to work towards aims for the area and to look for positive outcomes - I would dread for us to be seen as a bunch of 'antis'!

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? I've really noticed that there is a lot of local recognition now for People for Portland Road, even when we are standing in the freezing cold giving out leaflets, or asking for advertising in our newsletters. I suppose that shows that persistence pays off and that there is a lot of support for our aims.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? I would like more people to use the local services we have available on Portland Road. There are a lot of businesses which are right on our doorstep which deserve our support and if we don't use them they might fade away. It's up to all of us to spend locally to help revitalise the area and encourage new businesses to set up here.

Christina Peskett: Secretary

How long have you lived in South Norwood? Since 1974, I feel an attachment to the area as my father was born & brought up here.

What's your day job? I run energy efficiency schemes for EDF Energy.

How and why did you become involved in PPR? I went along to one of the public meetings & found that I felt the same as other local people & wanted to do my bit to improve our local environment. It's no good just grumbling about what you don't like, you have to make an effort to do something positive.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? I'm not sure that you'd call it a big achievement but PPR has changed my attitude to the area. I now try to shop locally when I can & I feel I'm much more a part of the community in which I live.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? I'd love to see local people taking more pride in the area & keeping it cleaner & tidier.

Heather Hardie: Membership Secretary

How long have you lived in South Norwood? 22 years.

What's your day job? I run my own company, the Adult Dyslexia Consultancy.

How and why did you become involved in PPR? Through my ex-neighbour and friend Cllr Paul Scott Because Portland Rd is shabby and unattractive. It is out of keeping with a neighbourhood of attractive tree-lined streets of neat houses, and wonderful green spaces like the Country Park and Woodside Green. It also makes for a poor community spirit among the large number of interesting and friendly residents. I wanted to do something to improve the environment and encourage community spirit.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? I keep communications flowing by maintaining the membership database. I hope I have done many small things, like staffing events and attending meetings, that have to happen for us to achieve our aims.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? Tough one! A new leisure centre would have been wonderful, as I am a keen and regular swimmer. It's a real disappointment that the old pool will be staying, as it's an eyesore and its facilities are poor. I'd really like to see Portland Road greener, with trees, other plants and flowers, to make the physical environment more attractive.

Ken Baker: Chair of Planning Watch

How long have you lived in South Norwood? I was born in South Norwood and have been resident for 55 years.

What's your day job? I am a Chartered Designer and have just celebrated 40 years in my own practice.

How and why did you become involved in PPR? Through the inaugural meeting at Stanley Hall and because I believe in 'horses for courses'.

What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Producing a recognisable symbol of our purpose and determination - the PPR logo.

If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? The apathetic or downright negative attitude of the majority of local residents.