Press
Guardian Space, December 2000 (on East Dulwich)
UPSIt's learning to forge its own identity, away from Dulwich ' proper'. Nightlife (the Village doesn't do well on that front) and good local shops on Lordship Lane. The archetypal Victorian suburb, mostly undisturbed by subsequent developments. There's a strong community spirit - check out www.lordshiplane.co.uk"
Living South, September 2000
Travelling virtually through the web of south London, we found a site dedicated to everything about Lordship Lane. Maps of the area provide helpful navigation aids to the real traveller and you can zoom in on the exact spot you need. Useful area information includes lists of local businesses, opening times of libraries, swimming pools and council offices and information about transport, including night buses. Lists of doctors and dentists in the area are invaluable if you've just moved in and the site even lists Tessa Jowell's email address, making writing to your MP easier than ever before. On-line debates about issues lke the proposed new Homebase at Dulwich Hamlet Football Ground offer the space to spread your views on the net.
Peckham Views, January 2001
BY KESTER GOODWIN
As a design student, I am involved in web page design and Internet services. So when I heard about the Laneweb website I logged on and was immediately impressed with what I saw. I paid a visit to the creator, Steve French, to find out more. The Laneweb site was created in April by designer and co-ordinator Steve French who lives in East Dulwich and knows a lot about the local history. He started out using computers to produce music and then progressed to databases and Internet web sites.
Laneweb was created as a local business and community information site for people to find out about local news, events, history and services - generally to pull the community together. The site is mainly self-financed with some additional funding from local businesses. It is still fairly new but there has been a lot of positive interest from the community, local businesses and home-workers. The local press, societies, schools and e-mail sites supply information for the site which is constantly being updated. Community opinions are an important source of information so any comments or suggestions are always greatly appreciated.
Having visited the site for myself I would say that it is very up-to-date and easy to use. The layout is very straightforward so you won't get lost finding your way around. There are a lot of clever little touches including animated images and clickable maps so you can zoom in on specific areas of the various East Dulwich maps. There are masses of information on community news and events, places of interest, what's on and where, restaurants, cinemas, shops, parks, transport, libraries, schools and also lots of valuable information on the progression of East Dulwich throughout history. Future Laneweb projects will have valuable information on local history. Since October there has been a mail slot to local houses for feedback and a Peckham website is in the pipeline too.
Overall, I think the Laneweb site has a great future as it is an excellent creation and will be a great benefit to East Dulwich and its surrounding communities. But don't just take my word for it. See for yourself. Visit Laneweb at www.lordshiplane.co.uk"