Apologies for absence were received from Keith Knight (Springboard Residents’ Association).

Minutes of the Beddington and Wallington Local Committee held on 5 January 2010 to be agreed and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 January 2010 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chair, subject to:

Minute 4A. Public Realm Projects

The addition of “(vii) To note that any further suggestions for projects and comments on existing suggestions may be passed to Malcolm Barker at any time.”

Substitution of sewage “pipes” with sewage “vents”.

Minute 9. Questions from the Public

Delete “and I know homes at the other roads.”

Information and discussion led by Adam French, Project and Services Officer.  The presentation will explain why this is a priority for the Borough and give an outline of the services available and the ways in which a number of agencies are working together to address this issue.

[Indicative time 25 minutes]

Adam French, Domestic Violence (DV) and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Co-ordinator, Safer Sutton Partnership gave an interesting and informative presentation on why domestic violence was a priority for Sutton. He outlined the services available and the ways in which a number of agencies were working together to address this issue.

Mr French advised that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men would experience DV in their lifetime. In Sutton, approximately 6000 victims, 6000 perpetrators and 5000 children were affected (roughly 10% of the population). DV had a huge financial cost to society, estimated at £97m/year in Sutton.

Fay Washington, Referral Officer, Metropolitan Police CSU was also available to answer questions.

Resolved: (i) To note the thanks to Mr French and Ms Washington for their interesting and informative presentation.

(ii) To note the handouts, cards and leaflets circulated at the meeting and that Ward Councillors ensure they are available in their surgeries.

(iii) To note that Adam French would follow up the request from Robert Brown, Roundshaw Community Board relating to feeding back to Housing Associations/Anti Social Behaviour (ASB), with the ASB Unit.

Audio visual presentation and discussion led by Traffic and Highways officers.

[Indicative time 1 hour]

John Dales, Urban Design Initiatives gave a useful and interesting presentation on Better Streets-Shared Space. He outlined why better streets mattered, “Link and Place”, advised on the guiding principles, how to take a staged approach and how to enable better balanced streets.  It was noted that shared space did not necessarily mean equally apportioned between the different users, it should be balanced according to the function of the road.

He advised on the various stages of addressing the issues, from a simple tidy up and de-cluttering and requiring “safety measures” to be fully justified, to working on rebalancing the street to better account for types of users, to a full scale reworking of an area.

He noted that some groups were against the idea of shared space and that they were investigating, for example, the use of kerbs to assist partially sighted and blind people. Mr Dales explained that the groups were actually referring to the “shared surface” concept which is different to the “shared space” concept (also referred to as “Better Streets”).  He agreed that the similarity in the names had caused some confusion.

It was noted that different streets had different purposes and this should be taken into account rather than using the “one size fits all” approach.

Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager advised that the idea was being used in Sutton High Street and could be incorporated into the Wallington Integrated Transport Package if residents would like it to be considered by the design team.

There was much interest and support from residents with this concept and it was expressed that this concept be shared amongst a wider audience. Lindy Margach, Apeldoorn Residents’ Association agreed with the concept and asked that the STEPS Zone at Stanley Park Road be re-thought in line with this.  Mr Dodwell, asked for the Entry/Exit signs at Westcroft to be removed.

Resolved: (i) To note the thanks to Mr Dales for a useful and interesting presentation.

(ii) To note the requests from Mrs Margach and Mr Dodwell.

(iii) To note the Chair’s encouragement for this to be presented to other Local Committees.

Decision on which items to investigate further for 2010/11 allocation.

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

Malcolm Barker, Lead Locality Officer presented a report to the Committee which advised that the committee had already been allocated £111,000 public realm funding for 2010/11. It was noted that members had agreed to release £17,000 of this allocation for the Elms Pond project and residents had been invited to put forward their suggestions about how to spend the remaining £94,000, at the last meeting.

Members noted that since the last meeting the Council had agreed to increase the public realm funding being made available to the six local committees for 2010/11 by a total of £150,000 and to make an additional £100,000 available for transport related projects. How much of the increase to be allocated to this committee was yet to be confirmed but would be reported back to the next meeting.

The Council was also planning to make a further £500,000 public realm funding and £100,000 for transport related projects available across the six local committees in 2011/12.

The Chair advised that feedback on suggested projects had been brought forward to enable this Committee to have a steer in what would be going ahead.  Each Ward had been asked to champion a project.  Ward Councillors advised as follows:

Wallington North        – Flint Wall on the closed churchyard in Church Road.

Beddington South      – Mellows Park Pavilion and replace infant playground                      equipment.

Wallington South       – Open up the Stage area at Orchard Hill College.

Beddington North      – Flint Wall and to take out the benches at Plough Lane.

Councillor Bailey advised that whilst the report on the flint wall noted the presence of a Rusty back Fern, it did not highlight that it was rare for this plant to be found in a location to the East of England, although it was more common in regions in Western England.

Councillor Leach suggested that the Rusty Back Fern be transplanted to a more suitable site as it was damaging the wall. Councillor Bailey said that it was the Ivy, not the Fern damaging the wall and it should be preserved in situ, as it required the lime in the wall to survive.

Councillor Wallis enquired how the flint wall had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair as it was the responsibility of the LB Sutton to maintain it.

Resolved: (i) To note the report, the feedback provided on suggested projects, the information on the flint wall on the closed churchyard in Church Road and the list of projects from Friends of Beddington and Grange Parks.

(ii) To note the additional funding made available for 2010/11 and 2011/12.

(iii) To note the projects each ward had suggested, which left £39,000 for other projects, and that Malcolm Barker investigate costs for these projects and bring them back to a future meeting for final decision.

(iv) That £20,000 be made available for repairing the flint wall on the closed churchyard in Church Road, Beddington Park to attract match funding from Virador.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 210.

The public are invited to ask questions on non-agenda items.  Please submit these to the Area Co-ordinator at least 10 minutes before the meeting.

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

You may also ask questions or make contributions on each item on the agenda as it arises.

Mrs Monica Coleman, resident posed the following 2 questions:

Can I have some information on what is happening at Wallington railway Station forecourt?

The Chair read out the response on behalf of Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager:

“The objective of the scheme is to improve the operation of the Wallington Transport node by improving access for buses and improving pedestrian links between trains, buses and the local town centre.

Works involve:

• Realignment of kerb lines;
• Re-surfacing of the carriageway;
• Re-paving the footway, including the footway along Manor Road to Grosvenor Road;
• Improvements to the existing drainage infrastructure;
• Replacing street lighting columns; and
• Removing planter boxes and re-landscaping.

Works commenced 1^st March and are programmed for completion in 12 weeks (21/5/10) – subject to weather conditions etc.

Existing bus stops have been suspended within Railway Approach and information for bus and rail passengers regarding temporary bus stops and diversions has been provided by both Southern Rail and London Buses.

Works are to be phased such that vehicular access to existing car parks is maintained throughout the works and all businesses in the immediate vicinity have been kept fully informed by the Contractor.”

What action is being taken to stop delivery lorries obstructing the bus stop at Woodcote Road near TESCO?

The Chair read out the response on behalf of Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager:

“Works have started to construct a loading bay outside Barclays Bank. When this is completed, large vans and HGVs will be banned from loading in the bus stop outside Tesco. The parking bays outside Boots the Chemists have been extended to compensate for the loss of parking outside Barclays, but the road markings have yet to be implemented. 

We are awaiting the disconnection of power supplies by EDF to two telephone boxes, an advertising panel and an existing illuminated bollard, prior to being able to move/ relocated them. Programming these companies to fit in with our contractor’s works schedule is proving to be difficult. Disconnection of power supplies to the advertising panels and the illuminated bollard is scheduled to be carried out today, but we have not received a date for moving the phone boxes yet. We anticipate the bay to be fully constructed at the end of March 2010.”

Resolved:  (i)To note that the Chair would pass the replies to Mrs Monica Coleman.

(ii) To note that Councillor Glithero would take up the issue of the street light switching on and off raised by Mrs Anne Hammond, resident.

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

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

Recycling Bins in Roundshaw

Robert Brown enquired about the recycling bins at Roundshaw.

Lych Gate

Dee Hyatt enquired on the progress of the Lych Gate. Councillor Slark was concerned as they had been told it would be repaired by end of January. 

Speeding Traffic, Foresters Drive

Lindy Margach asked what plans the Police and Highways Section had for reducing speeds on Foresters Drive. Councillor Faulds advised there was a regular speed trap in this area but effective enforcement was necessary.

Resolved: (i) That Robert Brown pass a copy of his question to Councillor Faulds who would investigate and reply to Mr Brown.

(ii) To note that Councillor Slark would ask Bill Wyatt, Assistant Parks Manager about progress on the Lych Gate.

(iii) That the Chair investigate what plans the Police and Highways Section had for reducing speeds on Foresters Drive.

Traffic Lights at Woodmansterne Lane.

Briefing note for information from Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager in response to a request from Mr Simms, Woodcote Green Residents’ Association.

[Indicative time 5 minutes]

Traffic Lights at Woodmansterne Road

Members received a briefing note on the proposed signalisation of the Woodmansterne Lane/Woodcote Road junction from Faran Forghani, Acting Traffic and Highway Works Manager in response to a request from Mr Simms, Woodcote Green Residents’ Association.

Members noted the scheme did not receive any funding for 2010/11 but

officers had completed the feasibility and preliminary design stages and had continued to progress the detailed design as far as they could with the intention of progressing the scheme when funding became available.

Transport for London – Signals had not progressed their design due to no guarantee of future funding.  Therefore the scheme could no longer be progressed and had been abandoned until funding could be found.

Update from Councillor Glithero

Councillor Glithero advised that works had started on Elms Pond and the fish had been relocated.  Works had also progressed on Hackbridge Bridge.  He further advised that he had met with Parking Services and Traffic and Westcroft Road was to have yellow lines.

Resolved: To note the briefing note and feedback.

Briefing note from Marcus Edwards, Planning Officer is attached for information only.

[Indicative time 5 minutes]

Members received a briefing note from Marcus Edwards, Planning Case Officer in response to a question raised by Dee Hyatt, Friends of Beddington and Grange Parks at the Local Committee meeting held on 3 November 2009.

The note outlined the planning history and updated on the activities taking place on the Beddington Farmlands Landfill site.

Mrs Hyatt appreciated the update and had enquired as to when the first phase was to be complete and when the land could be used.

Resolved: To note the briefing note and queries from Mrs Hyatt.

Briefing note from David Ayres, Interim Head of Capital and Planning CYPLS is attached.

This is for information only.

[Indicative time 5 minutes]

The Committee received a briefing note on the primary schools expansion programme consultation.  The consultation was about the possible expansion of 7 primary schools of which Beddington Park Primary School was in the local committee’s area.

The note outlined the wards in which pupils attending Beddington Park Primary School lived, the estimated costs and planned timescales, pupil number projections, potential issues to consider and how to respond to the consultation.  The consultation period ran from 1 March to 30 April 2010.

Resolved: To note the briefing note and the consultation paper circulated at the meeting.

A. Requesting Additional Grit Bins

Annette Madden, Executive Head of Street Scene Services advised that following the bout of severe weather, gritting arrangements were being reviewed. This included increasing the grit stock, providing 10kg of free grit to residents and providing more grit bins.  Currently bins were provided in areas of most need such as hilly areas.

Members noted that approximately 20 bins would be allocated per Local Committee. Further bins could be provided through public realm funding or sponsorship.

Bins were being provided at the shops and medical centre at Roundshaw.

A meeting would be held with a representative of each Ward and the Chair and they would feedback to Mrs Madden who would then review the requests.

Members noted that as long as residents acted reasonably, there was no risk of them being sued by anyone falling over due to poor spreading of grit.

Resolved: (i) To note this item was brought forward, at the direction of the Chair, as an urgent item, to enable officers to hear from the Committee and public where they would like to see more grit bins in order for improvements to be implemented in the autumn.

(ii) To note the briefing note circulated and display maps showing existing bins at the meeting.

(iii) To note the comments and requests for bins in the following areas:

·        Apeldoorn Estate. Close to the first houses, not at the junction with Foresters Drive.

·        Wallington North.

·        Manor Road and Sandy Lane North.

·        East side of Mollison Drive/Cul de Sacs in Roundshaw (new build).

·        The Broadway, Beddington.

·        That bins be allocated per ward, not Local Committee.

·        Why should the elderly spread grit? Save the money to employ a person to do it instead.

·        Some elderly are more than happy to spread grit. Welcome initiative.

·        That more than 20 bins be provided due to the size of the Local Committee population.

(iv) That residents advise their Ward Councillor of their requests and Ward Councillors canvas their residents.

B. Thanks

Resolved: (i) To note the thanks to Malcolm Barker, Jo Bryant and Shilpa Amin for their commitment, experience and enthusiasm working for the Local Committee.

(ii) To note the thanks from the Chair to all Committee members and in particular those Councillors who were not re-standing for the elections namely Councillors Ali, Bailey, Hartfield and Slark and Councillor Faulds who was standing for another ward.  The Chair on behalf of the Committee thanked them for their commitment to young people and residents and for their wise guidance.  She thanked Councillor Bailey in particular for his hard work and guidance as Vice Chair.

(iii) To note the thanks to the Community Representatives for their commitment and enthusiasm and advised the successes were due to them and their groups. 

(iv) To note the appreciation expressed by Dee Hyatt for being able to participate and respond and for the assistance given to her.  

(v) To note the thanks to Inspector Colin Baker for his commitment and hard work on behalf of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 216.

All meetings will be on at 7pm in Bandon Hill Primary School.

The dates for future meetings are:

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Resolved: To note the dates for future meetings. Meetings will start at 7pm in Bandon Hill Primary School.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Tuesday 17 May 2011