Apologies were received from Councillor Keys.

The Chair on behalf of the Committee welcomed Julie Young who had taken over from Sam Barker as Lead Locality Officer.  He thanked Sam Barker for his dedication and hard work.

That the minutes for the meeting held on 12 July 2011 be agreed and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2011 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A. Beddington Park Café

Bill Wyatt, Assistant Parks Manager reports:-

“The advertisement for this was due to be placed w/b 26 September 2011 in Sutton Guardian to invite interest. The particulars are being prepared for the interested parties to provide bids on at the moment.

B. Hackbridge Station Access

C. Boating Lake, Beddington Park

Bill Wyatt, Assistant Parks Manager reports:-

“ Mark Dalzell, Parks and Highways Manager presented as report to the Executive on 12 September 2011 on the subject “ Changing Parks Passive Security Arrangements and Providing for the Needs of Service Tenants”. The report was agreed by The Executive and is available on the Council’s website via the link below:

http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=19620

D. Dredging of the Grange Lake

E. Re-painting of lines at Woodcote Road/Sandy Lane South/The Drive. Junction at Southern end

F. Question at 12 July meeting, from Juliana Walton, resident

Is Clouston Close no longer one of LB Sutton estates? Why is it not mentioned in many of its surveys, literature etc. (Homefront – Housing)

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive, Sutton Housing Partnership Ltd reports:-

“The surveys that might have taken place are those that went to all the Sutton Housing Partnership residents in the borough eg Status last year or this year the rolling satisfaction survey. Feedback on these takes place through the Homefront newsletter.

More recently a letter drop was sent to residents in the area inviting them to the Silver Surfers’ event, but no responses were received.

As regards major works, Spooner Walk, Clouston Close and Sandy Lane North are all down for new windows, doors and external decorations in this financial year.

As regards other contact, a request has been received very recently from a resident of Spooner Walk, which adjoins Clouston Close, suggesting we renew the residents parking signs and put some kind of restriction in place. There has also been a request from a resident in Clouston Close to extend the external lighting to the end of the close. This is being looked at under the estate improvement budget.”

A.Beddington Park Café

Members noted the briefing note from Bill Wyatt, Assistant Parks Manager and were advised there had been a lot of interest.

B. Hackbridge Station Access

Councillor Hall advised an application had been made by Southern Rail for funding and a decision was expected by the Department for Transport shortly.

C.Boating Lake, Beddington Park

Members noted the briefing note from Bill Wyatt, Assistant Parks Manager.

D.Dredging of the Grange Lake

Councillor Hall advised the costs of this project would be substantial.  There could be Section 106 funds available from the Hackbridge project.

E.Repainting of Lines at Woodcote Road/Sandy Lane South/The Drive Junction at Southern End

Members noted this had been chased and was to be completed.

F.Question at 12 July Meeting, from Julian Walton, Resident: Is Clouston Close no longer one of LB Sutton estates? Why is it not mentioned in any of its surveys, literature etc. (HomeFront – Housing)

Members noted the reply from Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive Sutton Housing Partnership Ltd.

G.Canon House S106

Councillor Theed advised he had figures for the Section 106 funds from Canon House.

H. Funding for Repairs to Lindberg Play Centre Building

 Jim Simms advised no reply had been received from the Executive Member.

Resolved: That Officers and Local Councillors investigate the response in relation to the funding for repairs to the Lindberg Play Centre building.

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}

Pat Bridgeman, resident asked for new benches, picnic tables and BBQs to be added to Roundshaw Park.  Julie Young advised this had been raised with officers at the ward visit. Quotes were awaited for picnic tables and benches.

Anne Hammad, resident advised of the petition relating to the withdrawal of the 50% reduced fares for the elderly on the National Express service.

Mr Dodwell, resident asked how many tickets and warnings had been issued to those parking illegally in the loading and disabled bays and how many people had used the free parking.

Mr Quemby, resident enquired if Wallington Square was pedestrian only or was for shared pedestrian/cyclists. There were 2 conflicting signs at the east and west ends.  He also asked for the Old Town Hall clock to be correctly set as it was 3 minutes slow.

Resolved: (i) That Julie Young follow up picnic tables, benches and BBQs for Roundshaw Park and investigate the issues relating to parking and cycling in Wallington.

(ii) That residents sign the petition relating to the National Express fares, if they wished.

(iii) To note Councillor Hall undertook to speak to Carolyn Allen in relation to correcting the Old Town Hall clock.

Report from Iqbal Husain, Cultural Services Manager on the opportunities to dress local areas with 2012 branded items, be introduced to the troch relay and hear about local plans to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and Olympics and Paralympics.

Iqbal Husain, Cultural Services Manager advised that in London, the Greater London Authority (GLA), had produced the ‘Look Book’ to help create a London 2012 “Look” to the Olympics and Paralympics. The GLA had granted each London Borough £50,000 to purchase items from this catalogue. Each Local Committee had been allocated a sum of £7000. Purchases needed to be made by 15 December 2011.

In addition The Olympic Torch Relay would be visiting Sutton on 23 July 2012 (provisional date) and would pass through this Local Committee area.

Councillor Hall explained the “One Planet Experience” at BedZed, Hackbridge would be part moved to the Olympic site.

Resolved: (i) That a small group of Members and Representatives, including Councillors Ali and Gordon, Jim Simms and Sandy Goodwin work with delegated authority with relevant officers, to agree how the allocation of the GLA grant (£7K) should be spent, which must be in line with Look and Feel guidance.

(ii) To note the report and the proposed date for the Torch Relay route and to alert the schools in the area.

(iii) To note the celebrations linked to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee taking place next year including “The Big Lunch” and “The Queen’s Jubilee Beacons”.

Report on the consultation from Fran Massiah, Housing Strategy Officer.

http://www.opinionsuite.com/sutton/adult-social-services-and-housing/housing_allocations_review_and_tenancy_strategy

Members noted that the consultation could be found on http://bit.ly/r8P19K.

Councillor McCoy, Executive Member gave an overview of the proposals.  It was noted that the Sutton Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (SFTRA) was also looking at the proposals.

Comments included:

·         Bring back to next Committee meeting.

·         Keen to adjust to LB Sutton’s way.

·         2 Year tenancies were too short. Perhaps 5 year tenancies with trial tenancies for a year.

·         Keen to look at the age of any children to ensure children of school age were able to stay in same school.

·         Issues around the amount of officer time taken to re-allocate residents.

Resolved: To note the consultation, table and comments above.

The meeting was adjourned at 8.20 p.m. and reconvened at 8.35 p.m.

Joe Mutter, Project & Services Officer, Safer Sutton Partnership Service would like to show a brief video showcasing some of the work that has been in Sutton over the last year and what has been learnt. 

Locality lead officers will prompt discussions on the appetite for involvement in the Beddington and Wallington area, how easy people find it to get involved and the sort of things they would like to be involved in.

Members received a film which captured some of the things that have happened in Sutton since it became one of the 3 vanguard authorities for the Big Society.  The film focused on the innovative work that had been done to help people take part and take pride in the borough.  It promoted the work on building active citizenship in Sutton and growing capacity at the entry level of volunteering upwards and the challenges that needed to be overcome to achieve that. 

Members noted that the VegVan was intended to be self financing.  Talks were on-going with BioRegional.

Comments included:

·         Need to involve all groups/organisations.

·         Could be simple things, such as picking up litter.

·         How is the message sent to hard to reach groups.

·         The film did not show libraries, Honeywood Museum or the Ecology Centre.

·         A lot of people do not understand the Big Society idea.

·         There needs to be “bridges” between organisations/groups.

·         The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was a very good example of the Big Society.

·         Some young people who worked and had children were not able to afford as much time to volunteer as some retired people.

Resolved: To note the report and that Julie Young would advise  Councillor Ali on hard to reach groups and Colin Wadeson on attendance figures for the Life Centre.

Verbal report from Inspector Colin Baker.

Inspector Colin Baker outlined the priorities and issues of each of the 4 wards:

Beddington South -  Road Safety in Mollison Drive and Foresters Drive, HGVs in Sandy Lane South, motor vehicle crime in Buckingham Way, responsible dog owners.

Beddington North –  Motor vehicle crime, anti social behaviour in Beddington Park; road safety at Highview Primary school.

Wallington South –  Burglary in Park Hill Road, anti social behaviour at Shotfield.

Wallington North –   Issues in Parkgate Road, burglaries, speeding.

Inspector Baker updated on the serious incident on Stafford Road near the junction of Milton Road. A 29 year old man had been arrested and charged.  He reassured the public that these incidents were rare.

Pat Bridgeman expressed concern how the expansion of St Elpheges School could lead to increased problems with parents already parking across residents' drives especially in Roe Way.  Inspector Baker advised this was a problem through-out the borough and they were working with the school to ask parents to park responsibly.  Letters had been sent to parents.

Members noted work was on-going on HGVs in Beddignton Lane. Councillor Ali, Chair of the Beddington Farmlands (New) Liaison Group advised there were many issues being discussed in relation to this area.

Councillor Hall advised of the good partnership working between the police, council and other bodies which assisted in the recent riots.

Resolved: (i) To note that the film on public disorder be deferred.

(ii) To note the leaflet circulated on Neighbourhood Link, a free messaging service.

(iii) To note the request for the smart car to visit St Elpheges school.

Andrew Grimes, Project Manager Better Healthcare Closer to Home, NHS South West London will be giving a presentation on the Wallington Local Care Centre (Shotfield Health Centre Redevelopment) to update on progress, opening dates and proposals for the reinstatement of Jubilee Gardens.

Andrew Grimes, Project Manager Better Healthcare Closer to Home, NHS South West London gave an interesting and informative presentation on the Wallington Local Care Centre redevelopment.  He updated on progress, opening dates and the reinstatement of Jubilee Gardens.

He advised that it would be open until 8pm and would have meeting rooms available to book. 

The drawings of Jubilee Gardens would be displayed in Wallington Library before being sent to Planning.  Keith Knight advised there were no before and after plans.

Resolved: (i) To note that Andrew Grimes would investigate if there would be a foot clinic.

(ii) To note that Anne Hammad would contact Andrew Grimes in relation to volunteering to be part of the residents’ group.

(iii) That Andrew Grimes note the suggestion to investigate bus routes to Sutton Train Station.

(iv) To note the circulated slides and presentation.

Report from Hendryk Jurk, Biodiversity Manager

Hendryk Jurk,  Biodiversity Manager outlined the results of the consultation on the introduction of conservation grazing as a site management tool for Roundshaw Downs Local Nature Reserve (LNR).  Members noted that conservation grazing was a well documented method of improving biodiversity and was widely used by organisations such as RSPB and National Trust as preferred site management. The proposals aimed to ensure long-term improvements to the chalk grassland habitat at Roundshaw Downs. Chalk grassland is a local, regional and national Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat. Improving the Borough’s biodiversity is part of Sutton’s commitment to become London’s most sustainable suburb.

The introduction of conservation grazing required the installation of an accessible permanent enclosure. This would impact on a number of site uses currently carried out on the LNR. The current funding stream secured through the partnership with the Old Surrey Downs Project would require implementation in 2011.

The consultation sought site users’ views as to whether a grazing project would be supported and what issues would need addressing to minimise the impact on current uses. In a first consultation, 128 responses were received. 75 (58%) of respondents were in favour of the principle of conservation grazing, 47 (37%) against and 6 (5%) undecided. This result warranted further work to modify the proposals and carry out additional public engagement work.  The second consultation received 45 responses with 26 (57%) in favour, 15 (33%) against and 4 (9%) undecided. The modified proposals include two options: a larger grazing area separated in two compartments to rotate livestock or a single smaller area of compartment 2 only.

Members noted that if there were any animal welfare issues, the project could be abandoned if necessary.  Cattle would be moved between the two compartments but would only be in one of the compartments at any one time.

Lindy Margach congratulated the team on the extent of the consultation and taking into account differing views.

          Resolved: (i) To note the report on the consultation results.

(ii)  To support the introduction of conservation grazing on Roundshaw Downs in 2011 using the currently available funding.

(iii) To unanimously agree the preferred option of using both compartments to introduce conservation grazing for implementation.

(iv) To note the suggestion that the ongoing safety of the animals be monitored.

Update report from Julie Young, Lead Locality Officer.

Julie Young, Lead Locality Officer updated members on the public realm projects. She advised of a proposal to replace the bench and plant pot in the sensory gardens, with an anti vandal bench and pot for £689 plus VAT.  She also advised the Wheels and Ramps required £600 extra funding.

Councillor Ali requested the remaining Transport for London funding be used for The Meads.

Resolved: (i) That the public realm spending up to October 2011, the potential projects for 2011/12 and the feedback on the progress made to date on the outstanding public realm and TfL funded projects, be confirmed.

(ii) Unanimously to not spend up to £1,000 on getting a quote for the redevelopment of the dried pond next to Manor’s Cottage, Wallington North, to be funded from revenue, but instead plant a tree in its place with associated drainage.

(iii) Unanimously to fund the completion of Beddington Park cycle path which would be funded from public realm resources for which only option 3 was affordable within the balance remaining in 2011/12, subject to legal implications.

(iv) Unanimously to release an additional £300 required to remove the old Beddington Notice Board and replace it with a new board.

(v) Unanimously to release £689 plus VAT to fund the anti vandal bench and pot at the Sensory Gardens, Wallington and £699 extra funding needed for the wheels and ramps.

(vi) To note the progress on current public realm projects.

(vii) To note to add The Meads and Onslow Gardens yellow lines to Peter Ashley’s list and that Julie Young obtain a breakdown of costs.

(viii) That an update on the heritage plaques be provided at the next meeting.

(iv) That an update on the Festoon lights be sent to Councillor Hall before the next meeting.

(x) To investigate Wallington Public Hall for public realm funding, in particular the kitchens and frontage.

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 wish to raise an item.

[Indicative time 15 minutes]

Travellers at Roundshaw

Paul Lane advised of the costs implications of prevention and clearing up and that he was working closely with the Ward Councillors and Chair. Lindy Margach advised of the illegal dumping of waste on public footpaths and biohazards of human excrement. Councillor Melican advised on the proposed solutions.

Rights of Way – East Side of Manor Road, opposite Dukes Head Hotel

Jim Simms asked for an update on the proposed compulsory purchase.

Double Yellow Lines – North End of Onslow Gardens

David Duncan advised OGRES supported double yellow lines for 20 metres from the corner on one side to assist vehicles getting round the corner.  Councillor McCoy asked the Committee to prioritise for public realm funding.  The Chair suggested that Councillor McCoy add it to Peter Ashley’s list of yellow line requests.

Resolved: (i) To note that Paul Lane would copy Lindy Margach into his emails in relation to the travellers at Roundshaw.

(ii) That an update be provided on the rights of way on the east side of Manor Road, opposite the Dukes Head Hotel and compulsory purchase options.

(iii) To note the suggestion that Councillor McCoy add the double yellow line request on the corner on one side of Onslow Gardens to Peter Ashley’s list of yellow line requests.

A.Free Grit

Members noted the 3 weekends when grit could be collected from sites around the borough, including Woodcote Green Nurseries. Pat Bridgeman, Chair of the FlightPath Residents’ Association asked if Ward Councillors could investigate increasing the number of grit bins on Roundshaw  Eamonn Daly asked in particular to address the area between the Eastern side of Roundshaw and the Purley Way.

B.Boundary Commission Consultation

The Chair had distributed boundary commission consultation maps.  Comments needed to be in by 5 December 2011. Further information could be found on www.consultation.boundarycommissionforEngland.independent.gov.uk

C.Petition from Woodcote Green Residents’ Association

Jim Simms presented a petition from approximately 250 residents in relation to Woodcote Green Traffic.  The prayer to the petition stated:

We urge our local councillors to press the relevant council departments, Transport for London (TfL) and Metropolitan Police as follows:

1.    To improve the traffic calming measures around Woodcote Green.

2.     To introduce long term traffic speed monitoring on Woodcote Road and Sandy Lane South around Woodcote Green.

3.    To enforce the current weight restriction for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on Sandy Lane South.

Jim Simms advised there had been 2 recent fatalities in the area with minor and major accidents happening regularly.  There were many solutions and differing opinions but something needed to be done. 2 relatively cheap options included enforcing speed and weight restrictions. He asked if this could be remembered in the next round of LIP funding. 

The Chair advised a solution was needed and that he had asked Ward Councillors to take up the matter with officers.  Councillor Melican would be happy to investigate. Councillor Joyce advised other stakeholders in the area should be contacted.

Lindy Margach advised to consult LB Croydon councillors as alternative routes ran through their borough.

Councillor Hall advised that work could be done in partnership with London Camera Safety Partnership to slow down and charge speeders and also with VoSA with weight axles and emissions. He undertook to speak with Ward Councillors and the Executive Member, Councillor Simon Wales.

Resolved: (i) 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.

(ii) To note the comments and actions mentioned in relation to the petition.

(iii) To note that Councillor Melican undertook to investigate increasing the number of grit bins in Roundshaw and would speak to Tony O’Connell.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 6 December 2011 at Bandon Hill Primary School, Sandy Lane South, Wallington at 7 pm.

To note the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 6 December 2011 at 7pm at Bandon Hill Primary School.