I see good businesses opening up and surviving (Dartmouth Arms, the Hob, Honor Hoak, Lemon Grove, Bunka, Mayo Maker, Provender, Laurel's Florist, Cafe La, Yune to name a few). I see shops closing down who didn't look at the market they were in and alter the way they did business, ie utilise the internet to sell speciality goods (Silk Route) or change opening hours or change the product they sold in order to cater for a changing market (the grocery/newsagent opposite the station). I see scaffolding and renovations (certainly on the sainsbury's side of FH) and major new residential developments. I see a major superstore on a high street which many communities would kill for. I see major investment in transport infrastructure meaning that FH will benefit from those wishing to work in Canary Wharf but live in a greener space and bring money to the area. I see a fantastic renovated museum, gardens, and soon-to-be reopened grade II listed library with film club, and period victorian pools. I'm not sure which part of FH you live, and your experiences sound horrible, but that's not my experience. Far from it. There's no way I can provide you with crime figures that you'll believe so I won't try. As for the Big Issue seller, clearly enough people give enough money to make her pitch there worthwhile, otherwise she wouldn't be there, so clearly enough people aren't worried about the way she acts. There are good and bad sellers, just as there are good and bad in all walks off life. Personally, aggressive chuggers on Oxford Street annoy me *much* more. As for the homeless person who's appeared on the doosteps of forest hill, maybe a quick ring to our neighbourhood policing team might be fruitful so they can find him a bed. I'm not saying FH is affluent. It's just not that poor. And things are improving and, in my opinon, will continue to improve. That's what I think. Apologies, too, frosty, if I went over the top in my previous email.