Friends of Priory Gardens

10/06/2026

Bromley Council
ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES PORTFOLIO PLAN 2026/27
https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/documents/s50128586/Portfolio%20Plan%20Appendix%20Revised.pdf

Following the local elections and appointments of new portfolio holders for Environment and Transport, Highways & Road Safety, the first meeting of the Environment & Community Services Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee will be on Wednesday 17 June 2026, 7.00 pm, at the Civic Centre.

Included in the meeting agenda - https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=127&MId=8300 - is the Portfolio Plan for 2026-27 (link above) and Performance Overview for Q4: Jan-Mar 2026 -https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/documents/s50128496/ECS%20PO%20Appendix.pdf

Notable mentions in the Performance overview include the "net loss of 466 street trees", and "exceptionally high numbers of KSI road casualties" in the earlier part of last year.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The agenda states that "Questions specifically seeking clarification of reports on the agenda should be received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on 11th June 2026." Members of the public may ask one question each up to a maximum of 50 words. If you choose to ask your question in person at the meeting, a supplementary question will be allowed. Otherwise a written response will be given. Email questions to the Committee Clerk: [email protected]

03/06/2026

VAN DRIVERS CAUSE DAMAGE IN PRIORY GARDENS
Once again vans are being driven around the historic Grade II listed park damaging paths and creating trip hazards, according to a recent report sent to Bromley Council.

We too have raised this issue with Bromley Council and idverde on numerous occasions, yet the bad driving habit continues unabated.

If you see something that needs fixing in Priory Gardens please report it via Bromley Council's service - fix.bromley.gov.uk - or scan the QR code below.

It has been suggested that a simple solution would be for vans to no longer drive in the park.

Alternatively, revert to using a more appropriate utility vehicle in Priory Gardens such as the Club Car Turf2 Carryall (pictured) used by park keepers 15 years ago - clubcar.com

Meanwhile, since construction of a faceless archive warehouse started in Priory Gardens on 8 May, we have seen many more and considerably larger vehicles entering the park from the High Street.

We are calling on Bromley Council, idverde, Ward Security and others to show respect for our historic park, take proper care when visiting and put an end to their bad driving habits.

22/05/2026

NEW COMMUNITY POLICE CAR FOR ORPINGTON
A new community police car was officially launched on 19 May, funded jointly by the Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board and Orpington 1st Business Improvement District.

The investment strengthens the partnership approach to community safety across the borough, supporting local officers in their work to protect businesses, residents, and visitors. The new vehicle will be deployed for town‑centre patrols, business engagement, and rapid response within the Orpington area.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police, the Safer Neighbourhood Board, and Orpington 1st attended the launch, marking a shared commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well‑supported town centre.

Orpington 1st and the Safer Neighbourhood Board thanked Orpington SNT Sgt Luke Giles for his instrumental role in driving the project forward and ensuring the new vehicle could be delivered for the benefit of the community.

Sharon Baldwin, Chair of the Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board and former Chief Executive of Orpington 1st, said:
“Today’s launch demonstrates what can be achieved when local partners work together with a shared commitment to community safety. The Safer Neighbourhood Board is proud to support the funding of this new police vehicle, which will strengthen visibility, improve response times, and provide reassurance to residents and businesses across the borough. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on day‑to‑day policing in the town.”

A spokesperson for the Orpington 1st BID Board said:
“Ensuring Orpington remains a safe and welcoming place is central to the BID’s mission. This joint investment reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting local policing and strengthening the partnership approach that underpins a thriving town centre. We are pleased to play our part in delivering a resource that will benefit businesses, visitors, and the wider community.”

The vehicle will begin operational patrols immediately following the launch.

https://orpington1st.co.uk/news/a-new-community-police-car-was-officially-launched-funded-jointly-by-the-bromley-safer-neighbourhood-board-and-orpington-1st-bid-t

22/05/2026

Met Engage
WALK & TALK IN PRIORY GARDENS
with the Local Police Team
Saturday 23rd May 2026, 3.00 to 4.00 pm
Meet outside

Join a patrol of Priory Gardens with the Local Police Team and other like-minded people interested in the protection of wildlife in and around the park, with an opportunity to discuss any other concerns about antisocial behaviour that you may have.

Antisocial behaviour can come in many forms and can require support from more organisations than just the police. There are 13 different types of antisocial behaviour that the police may be able to help with, including abandoned vehicles, littering or drugs paraphernalia, and street drinking. A full list of what the police categorise as antisocial behaviour is available here - https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/what-is-antisocial-behaviour/

13/05/2026

PRIORY GARDENS IN BLOOM
The Arts & Crafts and Italianate style garden rooms in the historic heart of Orpington are carefully curated by our volunteer gardeners, who keep the spirit of the last private owners' Arts & Crafts and Italianate style garden rooms alive.

If fresh air, healthy exercise and good company appeals to you too, please consider joining our friendly gardening community which meets on Monday mornings from 10 am to 1 pm (except bank holidays) in the formal gardens next to The Priory.

13/05/2026

Channel 4 -
KEVIN MCCLOUD'S LISTED BRITAIN
New series starts Wednesday 13th May 2026, 9.00 pm
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/kevin-mcclouds-listed-britain

"Who rewrites our history? Who decides which bits of our heritage we keep, and which bits we demolish and destroy? And how do we, as communities and individuals, fight to champion and preserve the things we love in a world where, if we don’t, the likelihood is it will probably disappear?"



https://youtu.be/JVXUCpVqzlw?si=fqqHCCJGCiwnoR4H

Kevin McCloud uncovers the stories behind the buildings Britain has chosen to protect

12/05/2026

AND SO IT BEGINS ...
The dust has barely settled after the Local Elections, and the 55-week construction programme for the 640 sq.m. archive warehouse has started in Priory Gardens.

Heras fencing has been installed from the High Street entrance gates to the construction site, which is intended to shield visitors to Priory Gardens from construction traffic. The separate pedestrian gate will remain available to visitors.

To monitor progress, see page six of the Planning Application 25/05351/CON document 'CEMP Appendix 9 - Scope of Works (Condition 3)' - https://planningaccess.bromley.gov.uk/pr/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/068Tv00000cQLMKIA4

Meanwhile, the Priory Gardens park is well worth visiting. The formal gardens are at their best at this time of year with an abundance of flowering plants to see.

And if you see anything in or around Priory Gardens that needs fixing, please report it via FixMyStreet - https://www.fixmystreet.com/reports/Bromley/Orpington%7CPetts+Wood+and+Knoll%7CSt+Mary+Cray?zoom=10&lat=51.37982&lon=0.10724&status=open,closed,fixed&sort=updated-desc



Cc. Orpington Conservatives, Reform Orpington, Orpington Liberal Democrats, Bromley Green Party, Orpington Labour

10/05/2026

Orpington May Fair and Parade 2026

09/05/2026

BROMLEY LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026
The status quo remains for another four years as the Conservatives retain control of Bromley Council with a majority of 35, despite predictions of 'no overall control'. Turnout increased from 37% in 2022 to 50% in 2026, yet the Conservatives share of the vote fell 6% from 42% to 36%.

In Orpington ward, turnout increased from 37% in 2022 to 48% in 2026, however the Conservatives share of the vote fell 6% from 48% to 42%.

Now the local elections are over and construction of an inappropriate, unsightly and unwanted warehouse is set to start in Priory Gardens, precious Urban Open Space across the borough is at risk of potential development - https://planvu.co.uk/bromley/

Our thanks to re-elected Councillor Kim Botting, a lone voice amongst Conservative councillors, for speaking out against the warehouse development in Orpington's historic town-centre park.

Compare and contrast with The Regent's Park where a similar site has been re-imagined as The Queen Elizabeth II Garden - https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/regents-park-primrose-hill/queen-elizabeth-ii-garden

06/05/2026

PRIORY GARDENS IN BLOOM
A garden for the community in Orpington's historic town-centre, carefully curated by our volunteer gardening group keeping the spirit of the last private owners' Arts & Crafts and Italianate style garden rooms alive.

Our gardening group meets on Monday mornings from 10 am to 1 pm (except bank holidays) to look after the herbaceous beds and borders in the formal gardens. If you like what you see and would like to help, please email [email protected]