Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hall, Keys and Leach and Dee Hyatt.

Minutes of the Beddington and Wallington Local Committee held on 14 September 2010 to be agreed and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2010 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chair.

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.

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

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

Mr John Dodwell, resident posed the following question (taken from submitted question):

Illegal Pavement Parking in Westcroft Road

Will this Committee request Parking Services to enforce the law by issuing PCNs to drivers parking on the pavement at the West end of Westcroft Road (opposite house numbers 38-48)? 

There are no marked bays at this location and because of the narrowness of the road, such vehicles are causing an obstruction to pedestrians and residents and would prevent access by emergency vehicles.

Officers have accepted there is a problem and double yellow lines had been promised a year ago and confirmed after a meeting in March this year.  These promises have not been fulfilled and there now seems little prospect that any action will be taken in the foreseeable future.  I have raised this with Councillor Glithero and am asking Parking Services to do their job.

Councillor Glithero replied that Councillor Theed had resolved a similar issue at Clifton Road so Councillor Theed and himself would take on the issue.  There was a difficulty with budgets but he apologised for the length of time the matter was taking.

Mr Jim Simms, resident posed the following question (taken from notes):

Wallington Town Centre Improvements

In relation to the Wallington Town Centre Improvements, in view of the problems in Sutton Town Centre, what lessons have been learnt and procedures revised so there is a true representation of the majority, that it would provide value for money, be delivered on time and within budget. I am not against it though.

Councillor McCoy replied that the Council did not want the same problems to happen again in Wallington.  There was a different approach to Wallington which included a better working relationship between officers, Councillors, the deliverers and JMP. There had been discussions with residents, SCOLA, and Wallington Library which had introduced many changes to proposals.  She advised of the Steering Group to which all Community Representatives had been invited but only Mr Sammons had attended.  It was hoped that there would be greater trust between JMP and officers so that the project timescales would not overrun and that it would be delivered on budget.  She acknowledged there were many differing opinions but everyone was trying to be as open and transparent as possible.

Resolved: To note that Councillors Glithero and Theed undertook to take up the issue of illegal pavement parking in Westcroft Road.

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.

Please note David Duncan has replaced Lisette Scott, Onslow Gardens Residents’ Association.

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

There were no issues.

There was no feedback.

Briefing note from Inspector Colin Baker.

Inspector Colin Baker outlined the current ward priorities. He expanded on Operation Astral which targeted the rise in anti social behaviour (ASB) that historically occurred at this time of year. There had been a 44% drop in ASB over the two week period.  He also outlined Operation Santa which encompassed police operations round Christmas time.

Inspector Baker answered queries on speeding, ASB of Dog Owners in Beddington Park, issues relating to Roundshaw and checking off-licence shop keepers in the Wallington North area.

Community Representatives and the public requested that the issue of speeding in Plough Lane from The Plough Public House to the Bridge and back and Foresters Drive at the junction of Apeldoorn Estate, be investigated. 

Resolved:  (i) That after discussions with traffic officers, the matter of speeding in Foresters Drive and Plough Lane, be brought to the next meeting. in particular the following issues:

·        Could both areas’ speed limits be reduced.

·        Is traffic calming no longer needed if want less than 30mph areas,

·        there is no sign saying left turn into Apeldoorn Estate so could it be re-instated.

·        Speed traps in Foresters Drive were always at the allotments not near the junction. 

·        Light up 30 mph signs at the school in The Chase and by the Cemetery often were lit up by speeding lorries.

·        It could be that there was a perception of speeding at this part of Plough Lane as the road was narrow here.

·        Issues around road safety on the footpath at Hackbridge Bridge.

·        That Foresters Drive be monitored to assess speeds.

(ii) To note that Inspector Baker undertook to look at both areas including the positions of the speed traps.

(iii) That Ward Councillors speak to the residents after the meeting.

(iv) To note the thanks to the Police for their assistance at the Carshalton Fireworks Display.

(v) To note the report.

Briefing from John Rawlinson, Area Planning Manager. (to follow)

Andrew Grimes, NHS Sutton and Merton gave an interesting presentation on the new Wallington Local Care Centre (LCC).  It was hoped that full occupancy would be attained by April 2012 although the doctors surgeries would be in there in February 2012.  He advised how the Better Healthcare Close to Home Programme will re-shape health services in Sutton and Merton and how the Wallington LCC would provide Wallington and Beddington residents with a wide range of better healthcare services closer to home.  There would be close links with the Police.

Mr Grimes answered queries.

Councillor Gordon enquired about parking.  Mr Grimes advised there were good transport links and parking available and he was investigating the locked gates.

Resolved: (i) To note the thanks given to Mr Grimes on his interesting presentation and good consultation.

(ii) That Mr Grimes pass to Mr Sammons, Tim Wilkins’ details to answer Mr Sammons’ question about funding for the new wing at St Helier Hospital to replace Ferguson House.

(iii) That Ward Councillors ask Mr John Rawlinson to contact Mr Dodwell in relation to Canons House.

Update from Annette Madden, Executive Head of Street Scene Services.

The Chair advised that although the weekend free grit collection had finished, if there was further severe weather, this may be reviewed. He suggested a query be raised on this matter.

Other comments included:

·        Could a weekday be suggested for any future free grit collection as some people work weekends.

·        Could the map of the new bin locations be placed on the website as soon as possible.

·        Were the weekends advertised? No leaflets were circulated.

Resolved: (i) To note the report and leaflet.

(ii) That the Chair pass the comments to Annette Madden and the matter be brought back to the next meeting.

Update report from Sam Barker, Lead Locality Officer.

Sam Barker, Lead Locality Officer outlined the report and advised that the young people would present at the next meeting, proposals for the skate park at Roundshaw however, proposals for the mosaics were not yet ready to be presented.  Members noted the gratitude expressed to the young people working on these projects.

In relation to the Festoon Lights, Wallington Square, it was hoped these would be up by Christmas as the freeholder had now given their approval.

It was noted that in relation to Elms Pond, the water colour was due to the addition of an anti-fungal agent. The Chair advised why the water fountain was a jet rather than a spray.

Resolved: (i) To note the report and:

(a) The current and anticipated public realm spend for 2010 / 2011.

(b)   Additional projects to be considered for public realm funding.

(c) Feedback on the progress made to date on the outstanding public realm projects.

(ii) That the £3,000 set aside for the Mosaics at Wallington Library be not released at this stage.

(iii) That Members consider any additional projects for the remaining public realm funding.

Mr Steve O’Connell, Member of the Greater London Assembly (GLA), Croydon and Sutton Constituency requested an opportunity to introduce himself and answer queries. 

He advised residents and members to write to him in relation to questions on the X26 bus route from Croydon to Heathrow and Butter Hill.

Resolved: (i) To note the leaflet circulated at the meeting relating to the Sutton 1948 Exhibition from 10 November to 4 December in the Europa Gallery, Sutton Library.

(ii) To note Mr O’Connell’s contact details: 07760 310686 steve.o’connell@london.gov.uk

(iii) To agree Mr O’Connell’s request to attend the next meeting.

(iv) To note that these items were brought forward, at the direction of the Chair, as matter of urgency to enable timely consideration of matters therein.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 January 2011 at 7pm at Bandon Hill Primary School.

That the next meeting be held on Tuesday 18 January 2011 at 7pm, Bandon Hill Primary School, Sandy Lane South, Wallington.