Love Lewisham

We’ve been really listening to what you’ve told us and know you’re as fed up with fly-tipping as we are. It feels rubbish when the borough we live in and love isn’t being looked after. 

Fly-tipping is a major issue in Lewisham, with around 43,000 incidents reported annually. It costs the Council over a million pounds a year to clear up, money which could be spent on vital services. 

That’s not good enough. And it’s not where we want to be. 

So we’ve launched Love Lewisham. This is a borough-wide campaign bringing residents, businesses and the Council together to tackle fly-tipping and waste issues, starting with the areas that need it most. We’re improving streets, supporting communities and making it easier to do the right thing - while taking action against illegal dumping. 

What we’re doing 

• blitzing the borough's fly-tipping hotspots with targeted clean-ups and increased CCTV 
• hiring new crews to respond swiftly to bulky waste bookings and fly-tipping reports 
• exploring time banding for flats above shops - whether set times for putting bins and bags out could help reduce clutter and litter on the street 
• launching a micro grants programme to enable community groups to take action in their local areas
• taking enforcement action where rules are broken, especially against those who treat our borough like a dump  

This is just the start - building cleaner streets and pride in Lewisham for the long term.  

Get involved

Most of us care about our neighbourhood and want to do the right thing. 

We’re making it simpler to dispose of waste properly, report problems and access services, removing barriers so all of us can play our part.  

Case Study

Community action on Hengrave Road and Boveney Road 

Residents on Hengrave Road and Boveney Road (known locally as HenBo) are a great example of what Love Lewisham is all about, people coming together to take pride in their neighbourhood and make a real, visible difference. 

The challenge 

Like many areas across the borough, these streets faced challenges with clutter, parking pressure and fly-tipping. Residents also wanted to do more to protect newly planted trees and improve how their neighbourhood looked and felt day to day. There was a strong sense that the area had potential - but needed local action to bring it to life. 

Taking action together 

Driven by community spirit, residents stepped up to make positive change. Together, they raised funds to plant 15 new trees along the streets, helping to create a greener, healthier environment. These trees are cared for by the community, with residents repairing damage and working with the Council to replace any that are lost. 

To build on this, residents designed and installed a series of small wooden planters, using a mix of new and reclaimed materials. 

These planters help to: 

• brighten up the street with flowers and greenery 
• support pollinators and biodiversity 
• protect young trees from damage caused by parking 

Importantly, the community made sure everyone could get involved. Plans were shared with neighbours through a local email group, and feedback was actively encouraged. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with residents saying the planters made the street feel more welcoming and cared for. 

The group also transformed a neglected patch of land that had become a dumping spot. By clearing rubbish and planting a mix of flowers and plants, they created a small, shared garden space. This space is now looked after by volunteers and enjoyed by everyone who passes by, with many saying it brings a welcome “lift” to their day. 

The impact 

The difference across Hengrave Road and Boveney Road is clear to see. The streets are greener, cleaner and more inviting. Small, practical changes have helped create a stronger sense of pride and ownership among residents. 

Just as importantly, the work has brought neighbours together. By working side by side, residents have built stronger relationships and shown how collective action can lead to lasting improvements. 

Why we love it 

This is exactly the kind of community-led action that Love Lewisham is here to support. Across the borough, residents are stepping up to improve their local areas, and with the right backing, these efforts can go even further. 

From planting trees to creating shared spaces, small changes can have a big impact. By working together, communities and the Council can keep Lewisham clean, green and welcoming. 

Love Lewisham celebrates these efforts and helps more communities take action, because together, we can create streets we’re all proud of.