Councillors agree funding for David Idowu Nature Garden

The site is close to Becket Street where 14-year-old David suffered the knife attack which led to his death in 2008.

David's mother Grace Idowu was present at the Borough & Bankside Community Council meeting at Ability Media Centre to hear Cllr Tim McNally announce the £9,000 funding for the David Idowu Nature Garden. This award will be added to money already raised by friends and neighbours.

The garden will feature a memorial bench, magnolia trees, grasses and bulbs in spring as part of a year round flowering programme.

The grant was one of 19 projects to receive funding in Cathedrals and Chaucer Wards as part of the Cleaner Greener Safer allocation for 2010.

Grace Idowu last month received an 'Enough is Enough' award from the Safer Southwark Partnership. She was recently named Compassionate Mum of the Year in the Tesco Magazine awards.

Councillors stepping down

At the end of the meeting, the last before the local elctions, chairman Mackie Sheik announced that Cllr Lorraine Zuleta and Cllr Danny McCarthy would not be seeking reelection.

Cllr Zuleta thanked constituents for electing her for two terms. "I have had a great time and done a lot of hard work. I have learnt a lot. It's been a privilege to serve you all." She added that she needed time for herself but was not disappearing. "You never know where I shall turn up next."

A message was read from Cllr Danny McCarthy who is standing down in Cathedrals Ward after many years as a councillor and serving twice as mayor. "I was hoping to be present at the last Coummunity Council but alas I am unwell again. I wanted to say thank you for suporting me over the years."