Apologies were received from Councillors Joan Hartfield and Colin Hall, and Robert Brown (Community Representative).

Minutes of the Local Committee meeting held on 17 July 2008 to be agreed and signed.

The minutes of the 17^th July 2008 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

 

Councillor Slark reported that the CCTV at The Broadway in Beddington was making steady progress and she was in regular contact with the Safer Sutton Partnership who were undertaking costing for a camera. Residents were being kept informed.

There will be 15 minutes allocated for the public to ask questions on non-agenda items.  Please submit these in writing to the Area Co-ordinator at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting.

 

There is in addition the opportunity to ask questions or make contributions on each item as it arises.

Mr Bill Bidwell of Leechcroft Road asked the following question:

 

I am concerned about the development of the offices previously know as Credit Solution as I am aware of a proposal to build a three storey block of flats. I would like to know if any parking provisions are to be included in the proposal and what do you plan to do about the extra cars coming into Butter Hill?

 

The Chair informed Mr Bidwell that this was a planning issue and would be passed onto planning officers for a written response and that congestion in Butter Hill would be discussed later on the agenda.

 

Mr Keith Knight of Springboard Residents Association asked the question:

 

Can you please fill me in on when you will be asking residents the types of garden refuse bags they require as time is running out?

 

The Chair thanked Mr Knight for his question and advised him that the information will be passed onto the relevant officer to clear up any confusion and provide a written response.

 

Resolved: (i) To request that the Area Co-ordinator pass Mr Bidwell’s question to the planning department for a full written response.

 

 (ii) To request that the Area Co-ordinator pass Mr knight’s question to the relevant officer for a full written response.

A member of Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust will give a presentation on proposed changes to health care in the Borough, with an emphasis on the Beddington and Wallington area.

Steven Waring, Programme Director for Better Health Care Closer to Home, Bill Gillespie, Chief Executive of Sutton & Merton Primary Care Trust and Angela Grimes, Clinical Nurse Manager, attended for this item.

 

Stephen Waring tabled a slide presentation and discussed Better Health Care Closer to Home and upgrading services which involved three main components.

 

·        Upgrading St Helier Hospital to improve services

·        Developing four new health centres – two in Sutton and two in Merton

·        Increasing intermediate care to reduce hospitalisation.

 

It was reported that there would be £250 Million invested in St Helier Hospital’s development including an urgent care centre dealing with minor injuries, intermediate and post operative care. One of the four new health centres would be based at Shotfield Health Centre. A temporary clinic would be set up in Mint House, to provide services whilst Shotfield was being decanted. 

 

The new health centre at Shotfield would be the first centre to be completed and would deal with minor injuries, minor operations and also provide facilities for blood tests, ECGS, X-rays, community therapists and dentistry.  The centre would be open for 12 hours per day and five days a week.  Work on this facility should be complete in 2 years time.

 

There would be voluntary and mental health care available at the new health clinics, which would deal with up to 50% of outpatients services and would be more accessible which would be a great improvement for the residents.

 

There was a proposal to demolish Ferguson House at St Helier Hospital to provide a new facility, which would house services such as coronary care, physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy, pharmacy and the League of Friends.  Currently Ferguson House holds two floors of nurse’s accommodation, one floor of offices and one floor of services to patients.  These would all be re-sited but Mr Waring was unable to say where to as the details had not been worked out.

 

Mr Donwall, a local resident, asked what would be happening to Carshalton War Memorial hospital?

 

Mr Waring explained that the Carshalton War Memorial Hospital was originally considered for intermediate care services.  However, new evidence showed that only half of the originally expected number of beds was needed.  It would not be cost effective to provide two sites for these services, plus it was clinically appropriate that Intermediate Care be provided at the Wilson Hospital. There were plans to rebuild learning disabilities at the Carshalton War Memorial Hospital and to dispose of the rest, which may be used for housing.

 

The general feeling from members and residents was that the Carshalton War Memorial hospital was given to the public and had restrictive covenants on the site and therefore the health trust would be unable to sell it for any other use than health services. There was also the suggestion that the site should be used for affordable housing.

 

There was general disappointment expressed by members that the site may be sold.

 

Resolved: That Steven Waring would provide further information on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 827.

Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager, will provide a verbal update on the problems associated with this area.

Faran Forghani. Traffic and Highway Works Manager gave a verbal report on the proposed traffic management schemes for Butter Hill.

 

It was proposed to trial the following two options:

 

1):Introduction of a 'Priority System' located within the vicinity of the junctions with Leechcroft Road and Caledon Road. Eastbound drivers would be obliged to give way to westbound drivers at a location just west of the junction with Leechcroft Road. This would help alleviate any congestion between that point and the A237 London Road. This proposal would be relatively inexpensive to introduce and would not require a statutory consultation. However, it would rely on driver discipline, as it is unlikely that the police would be able to give the facility adequate enforcement.

 

2):To introduce three-way signals at the same location, allowing one flow of traffic with each phase. Drivers are more likely to abide by the traffic signal. However, a statutory consultation would be required, some flexibility would be lost and the scheme would be relatively expensive.

 

The ‘intergreen phase’, a period of time allocated between conflicting vehicular movements, to avoid collisions, would reduce the capacity of the road.

 

The general feeling from residents and members was that it was good that something was finally being done in this area and many felt that the three way traffic signals would be the best way forward. However one resident raised the point that no feedback had been given on the traffic calming measure from a previous meeting in March 2007.

 

The Chair asked how resident feedback would be monitored, to which Faran Forghani responded that a questionnaire would be circulated to residents and the information received would be circulated to Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police.  In response to questions regarding the size of the consultation area it was agreed that officers should consult with ward members on which roads to include.

 

Resolved (i) To introduce a trial 'Priority System' located within the vicinity of the junctions with Leechcroft Road and Caledon Road.

 

(ii) To introduce a trial scheme of three-way signals at the same location, allowing one flow of traffic with each phase.

 

(iii) To request that traffic officers consult with ward councillors on which roads to include on the consultation.

 

Councillor John Keys declared a personal interest in that he lived in Butter Hill.

Report from Mark Dalzell, Head of Highways and Parks

Mark Dalzell, Head of Highways and Parks, gave a brief overview of the

results of the voluntary no smoking ban in Beddington Park playground.  The Results were that, of the 1750 consultation letters delivered 493 (28%) were returned. There was strong support from 69% of respondents, and15% in support of making permanent the voluntary no smoking and in Beddington Park playground.  The Committee considered the following three options:

a)     To make the trial scheme permanent in Beddington Park playground with the erection of permanent signage. 

b)     To extend the scheme to all playgrounds within the Beddington & Wallington Local Committee Area.

c)     To request that this scheme be applied borough-wide.

 

Inspector Colin Baker reported that he had received no negative comments regarding this scheme.

 

Members and Community Representatives discussed the size and wording that should be applied to the permanent signs, as they were disappointed with the temporary ones.  Members requested to see the design of the new signs before they were agreed.  

 

Members were against suggesting this scheme should be applied to the whole borough and considered it was the responsibility of each local committee to decide for their own areas.

 

Mark Dalzell re-iterated that this was a voluntary No Smoking scheme therefore the wording of the signs had to reflect this, as there was no legislation to enforce the ban or to make by-laws.

 

Resolved: (i) That the voluntary no smoking ban in Beddington Park playground be made permanent.

 

(ii) That the scheme would be extended to all playgrounds within the Beddington & Wallington local committee area.

 

(iii) That £3,200 be allocated from Public Realm money to fund the signs needed for all four parks within the Beddington and Wallington area.

 

(iv) To request that members are consulted on the design of the new signage before it is agreed.

• Eco- Local Bicycle Scheme – Summary report 
• St Mary’s Field Playground – Report by Malcolm Barker, Locality Lead Officer
• Air Raid Shelters – Report by John Phillips, Heritage Manager

The chair noted that the barbeques in Beddington Park were in place and were being used. The Friends of Beddington Park and The Grange commented that the barbeques had been a huge success. Malcolm Barker reported that all projects were ongoing with the exception of the consultation for the Roundshaw skate park, which was not completed and therefore would give an update at the next meeting of this committee on 2 December.

 

Eco-Local Bicycle Scheme

Further to Minute 332/08 and 695/08 it was requested that the Committee agree to commit £30,000 match funding from Public Realm money to assist in completion of this scheme.  Larger bids were being applied for by Eco-local and the £30,000 would only need to be released once the larger bids were successful.

 

In response to questions regarding bike storage and maintenance of the sheds it was reported where the storage units would be located within the park and that screening would be included in the cost.  Dee Hyatt stated that the Friends had wanted to make use of the proposed location of the sheds and it was requested that Eco-local consult with the Friends outside of the meeting.

 

St Mary’s Field Playground

Malcolm Barker informed the committee that St Mary’s Field had been successful in their bid for Land Fill funding.  The money had been released and works could be carried out. There was a request for further Public Realm funding of £6500 to provide bins and picnic tables/benches.

 

There were concerns from some members regarding potential vandalism and anti social behaviour and asked whether the gates would be locked.  Inspector Colin Baker stated that if there was a history of vandalism in this area, and the gates were lockable, that the police could assist.  It was stated that it was Sutton’s policy not to lock park gates due to the costs involved and suggested that the Friends Group should consider locking the park on a rota basis.  It was also suggested that the Designing Out Crime Officer should be consulted.

 

Air Raid Shelters

A report was given by John Phillips, Heritage Manager on the Second World War air raid shelters that had survived in Mellows Park and on Woodcote Green. There were five options for their future for the local committee to consider:

a)     Do nothing

b)     Carry out minor repairs and add signs to explain the structures to park visitors

c)      Restore access and open the shelters for educational visits by schools etc

d)     Demolish the entrances leaving the underground spaces undisturbed

e)     Demolish and fill the entrances and the underground spaces

 

It was reported that it would cost £5,000 per shelter for the investigation needed to give a full report of the works that would be needed to restore them.

 

The feeling amongst most members and public was that the Air Raid shelters were of great historical significance and should, if possible, be preserved. It was also suggested that local schools were contacted to find out if they would be interested in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 830.

The Chair wished to congratulate Jo Bryant, Area Co-ordinator, on the birth of her daughter.

 

Alan Carroll, Consultant, gave a brief update on the London Road access bridge in Hackbridge and informed the committee that the land had been purchased from Network Rail for the bridge, but work is unlikely to be completed before October 2009 due to hurdles with Network rail.  There would be a 14-month construction period.

 

Resolved: To note.

Community Representatives are invited to raise issues for future agendas or for discussion at the meeting if the Chair deems the matter urgent.  Please inform the Area Co-ordinator if you would like to raise an issue.

 

There will be a time limit of 3 minutes per Community Representative with a total time limit of 15 minutes.

Carew Manor Gates

The Friends of Beddington Park had tried, for many years, to get the gates of Carew Manor painted. The gates are in desperate need of restoration and there was some confusion over who was responsible for the gates. John Phillips informed the committee that the school is responsible for the gates but unfortunately it is not a priority due to other educational needs being met. He also felt that it would be very expensive to restore the gates, as they need a complete overhaul with a listed buildings repair survey needing to be carried out. Malcolm Barker said that due to the heritage of the gates they would qualify for Public Realm funding however it could not be used to carry out the initial investigations. The Chair mentioned that she was aware of  £500 of Section 106 money that could be contributed towards the investigation be carried out and the school could be contacted about match funding this.  Members were of the mind that they required more information before agreeing to release funds for this.

 

Resolved:  To request that full report be brought to the next meeting of this committee.

MATTERS FOR NOTING

The Chair had agreed to accept a deputation from local residents concerning Mallinson Road.

 

Mr Gregory, who submitted the deputation, gave a brief overview of the problems in Mallinson Road and asked that the committee consider installing some traffic calming measures in this road. Faran Forhani reported that:

 

Ÿ         The Council has received several complaints in the past regarding the speed of traffic on the roads in the area around and near Beddington Park Primary School. There have been several requests by the residents and some parents for traffic calming measures and introduction of 20mph speed limits.

Ÿ         The Council had submitted a bid in 2007 and has secured funding from TfL to carryout feasibility studies during 2008/09 in STEPS Zone 40 for local safety measure.

Ÿ         The Council has also submitted a further bid to TfL for 2009/10 to investigate, consult and implement a 20mph Zone in an area encompassing Beddington Park Primary School, if found appropriate to improve the existing environment and supported by the residents and the Ward Councillors.

Ÿ         The Council proposes to commence the feasibility studies and the informal consultation with the residents for a 20mph zone and investigate its possibilities.

 

Resolved: (i) To note that a bid has already been submitted to TfL in 2008 to consult, design and implement a 20mph zone within an area, which also incorporates Crispin Crescent, Mallinson Road, Derry Road and Mellor Close. If the bid is successful it would be implemented in the 2009/10 financial year.

 

(ii) To note that funding is available to carry out feasibility studies in STEPS Zone 40 in 2008/09 financial year.

 

(iii) To agree that officers commence feasibility studies in the area around the three local schools; Beddington Park Primary School, Carew Manor School and Sherwood Park School and carry out initial informal public consultation with the residents as applicable.

 

(iv) To request that officers report back to the Ward Councillors the results of the feasibility studies and the informal public consultation for further consideration

Enabling Smarter Travel Choices: Consultation 25 August - 17 November 2008

 

Sutton Council is putting in place the infrastructure to make walking, cycling and public transport the preferred way to travel around the borough.  We would like to know about the issues in your local area and how you want to be involved in the design process.

 

Copies of a leaflet and questionnaire will be available at the meeting, and information and an on-line questionnaire can also be found at www.smartertravelsutton.org.uk and www.sutton.gov.uk/currentconsultations.

Copies of the leaflet and questionnaire were available at the meeting and circulated to residents. 

 

Resolved: To note

This was a request for members to volunteer to assist Councillor Pamela Picknett with the production of the tree trail leaflet.

 

Resolved: To note

The date of the next meeting is scheduled for TUESDAY 2 December 2008 at Bandon Hill Primary School, Sandy Lane South, Wallington.

 

 

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The date of the next meeting is on Tuesday 2 December 2008 at Bandon Hill Primary School, Sandy Lane South, Wallington