Agenda and minutes
PDF 226 KBVenue: Horizon Church, Assembly Walk, Carshalton SM5 1JH
Contact: Cathy Hayward Email: committee.services@sutton.gov.uk
Media
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Welcome and introductions Minutes: The Chair, Councillor Patrick Ogbonna, welcomed those present. |
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Apologies for absence Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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Declarations of interest Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Any urgent business To consider any items which, in the view of the Chair, should be dealt with as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances (in accordance with S100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972). Minutes: There was no urgent business. |
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Election of the Vice Chair Minutes: Councillor Colin Stears was proposed as Vice Chair by Councillor Patrick Ogbonna, and Councillor Wendy Clark was proposed as Vice Chair by Councillor Dave Tchil.
In accordance with procedure rules a vote was held. The result of the vote was five votes cast for Councillor Colin Stears and five votes cast for Councillor Wendy Clark. The Chair therefore used a second, casting vote to break the deadlock.
Resolved:
1. Councillor Colin Stears be elected as the Vice Chair of the Hackbridge, St Helier and the Wrythe Local Committee. |
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Community Showcase: Culvers Retreat Residents Association Minutes: The representatives of the Culvers Retreat Tenants and Residents Association briefly explained the work of the group and how the group aimed to improve the lives of the residents in their road and the environment where they lived, to create a pleasant place to live. The representatives described some of the events and projects the group had carried out. The representatives also showed the Sutton Community Award in 2024 trophy which they had won.
The group welcome new members, the Culvers Retreat Tenants and Residents Association can be contacted: CulversRetreatRA@gmail.com
The representatives drew attention to some of the other local community groups who work to help make the local area a more pleasant place which included, Horizon Church, Friends of Poulters Park, Plant Up Hackbridge, Hackbridge Litter Pickers, Bishop Andrewes Church, Bed Zed Cafe and Dale Park Friends. Councillors and residents commended the variety of hard work the residents who are members of these groups carry out, which results in the local area becoming a more pleasant place to live. |
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Update on crime and community safety from local police officers An update on the four ward priorities in the area and community safety issues. Supporting documents:
Minutes: Inspector Tom Haji-Savva provided an update about crime and crime prevention in the local area. Firstly an update was provided about a recent incident in Marlowe Way, Wallington, explaining that the incident was being investigated at this stage. The police were able to provide reassurance to residents, including that a suspect had been arrested.
The Inspector explained that the issue of abstraction from the local area was now being managed, and levels of abstraction to support events in Central London by local officers had reduced recently. An update about staffing issues was provided, it was explained that bringing together ward teams created resilience in the local area and across the Sutton borough.
Officers explained that foot patrols helped create reassurance to residents and provided police with understanding of local communities. Residents could approach police should they wish, to ask questions and seek reassurance.
Officers outlined some recent successes and arrests which had been made locally.
Residents suggested that ward panel meetings could be better advertised as residents were not aware of the dates and locations of these meetings. Officers explained that the satellite police building in the St Helier area had been closed for repairs, but had now reopened.
Councillors and residents raised concerns about increased levels of car theft in the area, and of groups wearing face coverings riding escooters and bikes, adding that these people could be intimidating to residents. The Inspector explained he was aware of these issues, and they did have tactics and powers which aimed to address these issues. Councillors also expressed concern that parks were used as off road routes by people on e-scooters to evade police. The Inspector acknowledged the challenge of this issue.
Attendees discussed crime prevention measures which residents could use, such as remaining vigilant when using cash points, and encouraged when out walking to use a pre planned route, walking in areas covered by CCTV, not wearing headphones to help remain aware of surroundings, keeping valuables out of sight and to consider walking towards traffic (to reduce the chance of being approached from behind). With regard to burglary it was suggested that front hedges and fences should be low, although rear hedges and fences higher, making access more difficult, more costly deterrents could include use of lighting, alarms and CCTV.
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Parks and Public Realm update An update on the public realm expressions of interest from the previous meeting. Supporting documents:
Minutes: The Community Engagement Officer explained that there was £36,372.05 capital Public Realm funding available. Residents who had any ideas for new projects could contact their ward councillor or email publicrealm@sutton.gov.uk
The Park, Contract Officer provided an update on the possible Public Realm projects viewed by residents at the previous meeting of the Local Committee.
Residents and Councillors expressed concerns about the delays with the Wrythe Green lighting project, acknowledging that there had been some complexities relating to landownership, however expressing the delays were very frustrating. Officers agreed to provide an update on the project.
A resident asked about options for improvements to the area in front of Saxon House, Hackbridge. Ward Councillors explained this was an area that they were aware of, however areas around the building including the pavement were privately owned. |
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Public questions This item is an opportunity for members of the public to raise questions about local issues. Questions must be submitted using the form available on the council’s website. Questions can be submitted from the day the meeting agenda is published (ordinarily ten days before the meeting) until 10:00am on the fifth working day before the meeting. Where possible, written responses will be provided before the meeting.
The Chair has also allocated time during the meeting to hear supplementary questions. Your question will be published, along with your name and any organisation you are representing (if applicable) and will also be included in the minutes of the meeting. Supporting documents: Minutes: Question 1, Christine Armour, local resident, had received a written response to a question on the topic recycling provision and asked a supplementary question about difficulty of recycling for those who do not have a car. Officers agreed to provide a response to the supplementary question outside of the meeting.
Residents expressed concerns about clothes banks which were not emptied regularly as the content overflowed creating unsightly areas.
Question 2, Pam Marsh, local resident, had received a written response to a question about the councillor location.
Question 3, Christine Armour, local resident, had received a written response to a question on the topic of the future of the Council’s former offices in Denmark Road. Officers explained that the sale of the building was expected shortly.
Residents asked about repairs to the Rotunda building opposite St Helier Hospital, Officers agreed to investigate further information. |