AGENDA ITEM 8 (1) Raynes Park Community Forum – 16 June 2008 Report of the Chair, Councillor Brian Lewis-Lavender

The Forum met at Raynes Park Library Hall, Aston Road, Raynes Park, and was chaired by Councillor Rod Scott (as the Chair, Councillor Brian Lewis-Lavender was unable to attend). Ward Councillors Margaret Brierly, Richard Chellew, Chris Edge and Corinna Edge; and Cabinet Members, Councillors Diane Neil Mills and Linda Scott, were present. About 52 residents attended. Various Council officers, including as Lead Officer, Paul Whiteman, Manager - ICT, Business Support, Project Management (CSF Dept.), attended in response to the various issues on the agenda.

1. Introduction to the Raynes Park Community Forum

The Chair outlined the reasons for introducing Community Forums based on town centres (in place of the previous Area Forums); and stressed that residents could attend whichever of the 5 new Community Forums they wished. The Chair referred to the Council’s aim of greater attendance and involvement from residents; and indicated that feedback from residents would be welcomed, especially regarding the topics they’d like to see discussed at future meetings.

2. Update on future proposals for Raynes Park

(a) The Chair referred to a plan produced by Groundwork outlining possible priorities for Raynes Park; the involvement of local residents associations with the plan; and the production of a further plan by local architects, “Place Design”. Sue Tanton, Regeneration Partnerships Team Manager, advised that officers were preparing a Draft Action Plan, based on Groundwork’s plan; including costing of items and looking at resource implementations; that a meeting with Councillors, to discuss possible priorities, had been arranged; and that some items were already being progressed such as the Raynes Park Cycle Path. (See also later section below.)

(b) Sue Tanton advised that the lead officers for the Draft Action Plan were Michael Owens (Head of Regeneration & Leisure) and Ged Lawrenson (Plans & Projects Manager), and she would also be involved; and undertook to check with the lead officers that the comments from the Residents Association of West Wimbledon and the Place Design’s report were being included.

(c) A resident expressed concern at the lack of progress since Groundwork’s plan was produced in late 2007 and that the Action Plan lead officers weren’t present. The Chair undertook that residents would be kept informed of progress and referred to possible use of contact/mailing lists and a possible meeting of Raynes Park Association.

(d) It was noted that any list of priorities included within an Action Plan would not override town planning requirements.

87 (e) A resident requested that the Groundwork report be made publicly available. The Chair undertook that officers would look at whether it was possible for the Groundwork report, the report from Place Design, and residents’ comments possibly to be all put on the web-site and also be available for inspection at Raynes Park Library.

3. Potential New Health Centre at 1-3 Lambton Road, Raynes Park

(i) The meeting received a presentation from the architects, Devereux Architects Ltd, for James Fenner, UK Properties & Land Ltd, the site owners, on the proposals for this new health centre to replace two existing GP practices in the area.

(ii) James Fenner indicated that 2B Worple Road (the ELF garage site), the previously proposed location for health centre had been sold.

The architects’ brief overview included that the Lambton Road site was immediately behind Raynes Park Tavern; the proposals had been discussed with the PCT and doctors; there were ongoing discussions with Merton’s town planners; the proposals were for a three storey L-shaped building with ground level parking at the rear under part of the first and second floors; this parking would be for staff only but with a drop off point at the front for private cars or ambulances plus two parking bays for disabled persons also at the front; the primary entrance would be from Lambton Road, which would allow vehicles to enter the site from the north without going around the Raynes Park one-way system; the building would be set round an internal courtyard/garden; in addition to usual GP services; other proposed facilities might include a pharmacy, dentist service and a café; and the building might be made available for meetings of local community groups.

Residents raised various issues, but perhaps the primary concern for residents at this stage was whether the dropping point at the front would be sufficient, especially having regard to the time needed to drop off or collect elderly or frail patients or persons with disabilities; and whether the car park at the rear should only be for staff. Other issues raised included security/access within the building, especially if there’s a pharmacy containing drugs and /or the building is used by outside community groups.

The architects noted the comments made at the meeting and will need to have further discussions with Merton’s planners prior to the submission of a formal town planning application, in due course, after at least 3 months. The architects indicated that their current plans would be made available for inspection in Raynes Park Library; and they would be willing to come to a public meeting with residents to discuss their plans further, perhaps just prior to the submission of any planning application.

Amity Grove premises: During discussions on the above, we were advised that the PCT envisages these premises closing, and health services currently housed there being re-allocated as appropriate to the new Lambton Road premises and the Nelson Hospital site.

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4. Raynes Park Cycle Path Consultation – Summary of current position

Pete Thomas, a Merton traffic engineer, outlined this scheme, full details of which could found on the agenda for the Street Management Advisory Committee, which was due to be consider the scheme the following night.

Pete Thomas explained that– (a) the Raynes Park Cycle Path scheme comprised the provision of a segregated two-way cycle track north of the railway from 15 Station Buildings, Coombe Lane (east of Raynes Park station) eastwards to the skew arch, which would provide a link to the existing cycle path in Kingston Road, south of the railway; (b) the scheme involved cutting back the railway embankment and the construction of a retaining wall, so as to provide sufficient width for the cycle path and footway to be segregated; (c) there would be new replacement east/west pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities, immediately north of the Raynes Park railway bridge; (d) the main benefits of the scheme would be to enable cyclists travelling to/from Kingston Road to avoid having to use (i) the “cattle arch” (adjacent to Raynes Park station) which was well used by pedestrians; and (ii) the traffic lights on the south side of Raynes Park railway bridge, which were difficult to access, and many cyclists felt were unsafe; (e) there would be gap (outside the Raynes Park Station entrance in Coombe Lane) between the existing Coombe Lane Cycle Path and the proposed Raynes Park Cycle Path scheme; and proposals to deal with this would be looked at in future; and (f) the proposed Raynes Park Cycle Path scheme would be part of the Raynes Park Cycle Path scheme proposed London Cycle Network (LCN) of about 900 km, of which 600/700km was already completed; most of the LCN cycle routes that remained to be implemented tended to be more difficult and expensive ones; and the cost of proposed Raynes Park Cycle Path scheme was estimated as about £600/700k.

Pete Thomas outlined the results of the consultation exercise on the scheme including 50% in favour of the proposed new cycle facilities, and 64% in favour of the proposed crossing facilities, immediately north of the Raynes Park railway bridge; and that the biggest issue for objectors was the loss of trees on the embankment. There was also recognition that the cyclists would need to be diverted on those days when the skew arch was used for a proposed farmers market.

The issue of possibly deferring the scheme, for various reasons was raised. Pete Thomas advised that funding for the cycle path came from TfL and there was no guarantee that funding for this would be available at a later date.

The concerns raised by residents at our meeting included (i) the loss of trees on the railway embankment; and the amenity value of these trees;

89 (ii) the loss of trees as an acoustic screen; and the inadequacy of the proposed replacement fencing and planting, including shrubs and possibly small trees; (iii) the small number of cyclists using the cycle-ways didn’t justify the cost or the loss of the trees; (iv) there would continue to cycle/pedestrian conflict outside the Raynes Park Station entrance in Coombe Lane as the scheme provided no solution to this; and (v) HGV’s possibly going on the pavement at the new pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities, immediately north of the Raynes Park railway bridge

A straw poll at the end of our discussions revealed the overwhelming majority of those present opposing the scheme, with only 4 in favour. The Chair undertook that he would try to ensure that the strength of feeling at this Forum meeting would be made known at the Street Management Advisory Committee.

5. Planning Matters

No planning officer was able to attend the meeting, but the Chair read out officer updates on the following planning issues:- (a) 213 Worple Road – Officers will seek a building that fully utilises this corner site and is of high standard of design. (b) Kings College Sports Ground (Kingsway, New Malden) – Proposed new pavilion and all-weather pitch. (c) Former Thames Water site (Coombe Lane) – No planning application yet submitted. (*)

(*) The Chair also advised Raynes Park Ward Councillors were requesting the applicants for the Former Thames Water site, to agree to a public meeting prior to the submission of any planning application.

(i) Applications for Conversions – Floor Size limit: A resident indicated that he had raised the issue of Planning Inspectors giving little weight to the requirement in the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Conversions, that properties proposed for conversion into flats, should be at least 120sq.m. in floor size, but not yet had a reply. Councillor Diane Neil Mills advised that the Council had sought a QC’s opinion who had indicated that the SPG could be given some weight, but that floor size was only one of a number matters that should be taken into consideration in dealing with applications.

(ii) Planning Applications – Capacity of local sewers: A resident referred to various large proposed developments in the Grand Drive area including the LESSA site, Former St Catherine’s School, and Sun Alliance site; indicated that Thames Water Engineering had advised that both local main sewers were over committed; and referred to the further strain on the sewerage system each time a house was converted into flats, and the tendency for flats to be occupied by working people, which generated hot-spots in sewerage flows at certain times of day.

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6. Policing Issues

Kate Martyn, the Acting Stronger Communities Manager, advised that there was no police representative present, but offered to pass on any concerns to the Sector Inspector Jim Cook.

A resident suggested that the policing issues be put early on the agenda, so as make it easier for the police to attend.

A resident advised that in Raynes Park Ward, there were 3 Community Police vacancies out the 6 posts in the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

7. Soapbox

(a) Lack of public conveniences in Raynes Park: A resident referred to the need for such facilities, especially as the public conveniences on Raynes Park Station were often smashed up. The Chair indicated that the Council were aware of the demand and the shortage of facilities in Raynes Park.

(b) Local Guardian newspaper – Lack of copies for Libraries – A resident advised that the local Guardian newspaper had again severely reduced the number of copies supplied to Merton Libraries; that this had been confirmed by staff at Raynes Park and Wimbledon Libraries; requested that Council ask the Guardian to restore the supply; and noted that the Council had managed to obtain further copies for Libraries when the Guardian had previously reduced copies in 2007.

In addition a resident complained about local Guardian not being delivered to all Merton residents. A resident also advised that residents in the KT3 postal area received the Kingston edition of the local Guardian (instead of the Merton edition).

(c) Publicity for Community Forum meetings - Use of Notice Boards – A resident (Iain Dysart) advised that a notice board in West Barnes Lane by Tesco’s was displaying an out of date notice detailing the April/May Area Forum meetings.

A resident advised that there had been no publicity notice for the Community Forum meetings on the notice board at West Barnes Lane Level Crossing beside the footbridge over the railway.

(d) Community Forums – Possible sub-meetings - A resident suggested that, in addition to the current Community Forum meetings, there be also sub-meetings for particular areas such as the KT3 postal area and other areas beside the A3. It was noted that residents from such areas were welcome to attend the Raynes Park Community Forum.

Kate Martyn, the Acting Stronger Communities Manager, also advised that at present, it was not proposed to hold additional local panels or sub-meetings;

91 pointed that this was the first ever round of 5 Community Forum meetings and there was need to see how they progressed over time; but indicated that, dependent on what residents wanted, consideration could be given to possibly meeting at different venues/times including holding day-time or weekend Community Forum meetings where appropriate.

(e) Foxes: A resident complained about the number of foxes in Raynes Park, and foxes destroying gardens and emptying dustbins. Various residents commented on the issue including suggesting the use of citrus on dustbins and rubbish bags to deter foxes; and looking at the London Wildlife Trust and LB Richmond web-sites for tips on how to discourage foxes.

(f) Recycling: Reference was made to the pilot scheme in some parts of the Borough for collecting all items recycling into one vehicle, and then separating them using a special machine based at Beddington. This was suggested as a possible item for the next meeting.

A resident referred to a report previously made to the Morden Area Forum on the pilot scheme and it was noted that past agenda/Chairs reports for that Forum could be found on the Council’s web-site

8. Items/Format for Future Meetings

The Chair asked for views on possible items/format for future meetings of the Raynes Park Community Forum; and suggested that possibly future meetings could include:- (i) Planning matters updates; (ii) Soapbox; and (iii) a presentation on a particular topic (suggested in advance).

Comments and suggestions from residents included the following:- (a) Need for Microphones at meetings (b) First item – Presentation; Second Item – Police issues. (c) Main focus of items should be for Raynes Park area (rather than Borough-wide items like refuse collection). (d) Further report on future proposals for Raynes Park – Lead Officers Michael Owens and Ged Lawrenson to be asked to attend, plus Tony Edwards from Architects, Place Design. (See also earlier discussions in Section 2 above.) (e) Items shouldn’t be exclusively just about Raynes Park Ward, but should also reflect other areas such as West Barnes covered by this Forum. (f) Flooding issues (especially in West Barnes area) (g) Fewer Councillors/officers to attend each meeting, but meetings to be more frequent and more informal. (It was commented that this suggestion was almost like a drop-in surgery with local Councillors.)

10. Other items Copies of the Chairs reports of the relevant last Area Forum meetings were circulated with the agenda, but were not discussed at our meeting.

92 Mitcham Community Forum held on 1July 2008 Agenda Item 8 (2) Report from Councillor Judy Saunders, Chair The Forum met at the New Horizon Centre at Pollards Hill and was well attended with 16 members of the public present. On this occasion the meeting was chaired by Councillor Judy Saunders. Councillors Richard Williams, Martin Whelton, Barbara Mansfield and Maurice Groves also attended and the Forum was pleased to welcome Richard Tracey, Greater London Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth. The police were represented by Inspector John Daley and TfL were represented by Belinda Danino and Maryann Jackson. Several council officers were present to speak to the items on the agenda and Sue Harris, Head of Street Scene and Waste, attended as the Lead Officer for the Forum. Kate Martyn, Acting Stronger Communities Manager, gave an explanation of the aims of the new Community Forums and emphasised the commitment to follow up all suggestions and queries raised at the meetings. Kate introduced Robert Roach as the support officer who will be following up issues in between meetings. Sue Harris provided a brief introduction to the Action in Merton (AIM) week commencing on 14 July when it is hoped that a concentrated effort by the council, police and other stakeholders will make a big difference to the selected small areas. Locally the focus will be on Sadlers Close and a small surrounding area. A map was available at the meeting, together with a full list of activities for the week. From the ensuing debate it was clear that drains and gully cleansing are a major cause of concern and it was agreed to include this as a topic for discussion at a future meeting. The next item was a presentation by Simon Deakin from the Children, Schools and Families department on plans to build an intergenerational centre near to Eastfields station. The working title for the project is “the Merton Exchange” and its aims will be to provide for the exchange of experiences, cultures, skills and faiths and will benefit young people, families and older people. Its themes will be family support, healthy lifestyles, mentoring and intergenerational mediation. The scheme will be mostly financed by the London Development Agency’s contribution of £1.5m and Children Centre capital funding of £900k. Merton is adding a further £300k capital. It is anticipated that most of the funding to operate the centre will come from the remodelling of existing services but it will also be necessary to look for external funding and commercial sponsorship. Hiring out rooms to generate income will also be considered. Residents voiced a number of concerns about the project which included the ability to fund it on a long term basis, the need for new build rather than the refurbishment of the old youth club, the wisdom of building a new centre when the Council struggled to finance existing services and scepticism about the likelihood of its achieving its aims. Belinda Danino and Maryann Jackson then presented the proposals for extending the 463 bus route which were warmly welcomed by residents who hoped that the scheduled introduction date of April 2009 could be brought forward. It was suggested however that the proposal would be improved either by reversing the loop part of the route along Recreation Way or by

93 providing a service in both directions. TfL acknowledged that the latter option had been preferred but rejected because of the lack of a standing place on the west side of South Lodge Avenue. The prospect of an additional route using the existing standing was a cause of concern for residents and the TfL representatives agreed to negotiate further with the Council to try to find a solution. It was confirmed that an extra bus will be added into the route so the regularity of the service should improve. Invited to comment by residents on safety issues at the bus stand Inspector John Daley said he was not aware of any incidents but would raise the issue with his team. The Forum accepted his offer to arrange for a talk on the Neighbourhood Watch scheme at a future meeting. Outlining current police activities the Inspector advised that the focus is on dealing with knife and other serious crime among young people. As part of this initiative a screening arch and wands are being used on the tram route to detect weapons. Work is also going on with schools and a cross borough youth panel comprising 27 young people, many of whom have been the subject of stop and search themselves, has been established. Residents were urged to contact the police if they had any information about perpetrators or the location of weapons. He acknowledged some teething problems with a new 999 reporting system and provided his own contact details for anyone unable to obtain a response from the Safer Neighbourhood team. Richard Tracey then addressed the meeting describing the responsibilities of the Greater London Assembly and its role in respect of the Metropolitan Police,TfL and the London Development Agency which will play a part in the regeneration proposals for both Mitcham and Morden. Mr Tracey invited residents wishing to contact him to write to London City Hall, SE21 2AA, telephone his office on 020 7983 4389 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. In addition to the concerns already raised about drains and gully cleansing there were also a number of complaints about street cleaning, particularly in Mitcham town centre, and it was agreed that this issue should also be discussed at the next meeting held in the Pollards Hill area, with individual complaints being investigated in the meantime. Linked to this was the effect of the MOAT clear up day, which had given rise to over 20 fly tips in one day, and officers agreed to invite a MOAT representative to contribute to the discussion, along with a representative of the street cleaning department. Residents also raised concerns about parking on pavements, and the particular difficulties this causes for disabled people, and the limitations of the out of hours noise nuisance service. At the close of the meeting Councillor Maurice Groves informed us of ceremonial events which will be taking place in the borough on 28 August and 17 and 26 September 2009 as part of the preparations for the 2012 Olympics. nb. Following the meeting the police advised that the Pollards Hill safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted on 020 8649 3604, e-mail [email protected].

94 Morden Community Forum – 2 July 2008 Agenda Item 8 (3) Report of the Chair, Councillor Karin Forbes

The Forum took place in Merton Civic Centre and was chaired by Councillor Karin Forbes. 24 residents attended the meeting.

Other councillors in attendance were Councillors Stephen Alambritis, Maxi Martin, Dennis Pearce, Barbara Mansfield, Peter Southgate, William Brierly, Philip Jones and Maurice Groves.

Ingrid Lackajis attended as the lead officer for the forum. Other officers also attended to present various items, as described in this report.

Welcome by the Chair

Councillor Karin Forbes welcomed attendees to the meeting and extended her thanks to Councillor Maxi Martin for having chaired the Morden Area Forum for the last three years.

Introduction to Morden Community Forum

Councillor Karin Forbes explained the purpose and format of the Morden Community Forum and encouraged members of the public to suggest agenda items for future meetings. She explained that the meetings are open to anyone with an interest in Morden, and that the aim is to ensure that that the content of the meeting is driven by the community rather than by council members and officers. Councillor Karin Forbes asked that people suggest agenda items and raise issues prior to meetings, so that they can be dealt with fully and feedback given at the meeting. Full contact details are given on the front page of the agenda.

Report of the meeting held on 8 May 2008

It was agreed that local flooding issues should be kept on the agenda for future meetings.

Councillor Karin Forbes confirmed that an Alleygates Co-ordinator will attend a future Forum meeting.

Inter-generational Centre

Simon Deakin, the Children’s Partnership Development Manager, delivered a presentation on the forthcoming Inter-generational Centre. The Centre will be built on the former youth centre site near to Eastfields Station and will be complete by June 2009.

Simon Deakin gave details of the aim and vision of the centre, the services to be provided, the financing of the scheme and the timetable for its construction. He also outlined how the community will be involved in the centre and asked for assistance from the public in choosing a new name for the centre, to

95 replace the working title of “Merton Exchange”. Simon Deakin welcomed questions and comments from attendees at the meeting.

Police Issues

Inspector Malcolm Cameron went through the crime figures as published with the agenda. He noted that there has been a 6.5% reduction in crime in the twelve months to April 2008.

Inspector Cameron gave details of the work being carried out by Police in the Merton area in order to combat youth and gang related crime.

Inspector Cameron welcomed questions and comments from attendees at the meeting.

Councillors’ Updates

Councillor Stephen Alambritis advised that he is continuing to apply pressure on TfL to install toilet facilities at Morden tube station. He also noted his pleasure at the opening of the Martial Arts Centre in Morden, which currently attracts around 200 young people.

Councillor Dennis Pearce gave an update on Morden Park Playing Fields. A meeting is soon to take place with Goals, and concerns raised by local residents will be discussed at that meeting.

Councillor Maxi Martin outlined the plans for a Centre of Excellence, to act as a high school for St Ann’s Special School, to be built. The application will be considered by the Planning Applications Committee in September 2008.

Councillor William Brierly advised that traffic calming measures have now been completed in Martin Way, and he is working with officers to make alterations to ensure the safety of cyclists.

Councillor Maurice Groves asked the meeting to note the list of events displayed in the council chamber. He also went through some of the events planned around the Cultural Olympiad. Full details of the events are shown on Merton’s website http://www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/sport/merton2012/merton2012-events.htm

Councillor Philip Jones asked that the regeneration of Morden Town Centre be an agenda item for a future meeting of this Forum.

Councillor Peter Southgate advised the meeting that Councillor Krysia Williams was attending a meeting at Wimbledon Chase Primary School regarding the addition of another form of entry, and a proposed catchment area for the school.

96 Soapbox

Items raised by residents in this item were as follows:

The phasing of the traffic lights at the junction of Links Avenue/Martin Way requires some alteration to let more cars through. The lights at Aberconway Road/London Road need to be policed as cars jump red lights here, endangering pedestrians. Councillor Karin Forbes advised that she has mentioned this to the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

A water fountain should be installed in Mostyn Gardens park. Councillor Karin Forbes undertook to raise this with council officers and the John Innes Society and report back to the young man who made the request.

A presentation on local democracy should be delivered at a future meeting of this Forum.

Some functions in Morden Park can cause disturbance to local residents. Is it possible for the council to ensure that an officer is on duty when events take place to monitor noise and disruption?

A resident asked for an update on plans for the fire damaged changing rooms in Morden Park Playing Fields, in particular if they are to be made safe or to be demolished.

An update was requested for the Wandle Road Surgery. Councillor Philip Jones advised that he had made enquiries about this recently and had been told that a bat survey must be undertaken.

A Morden resident advised that work to his home had been carried out very poorly, under the Better Homes Scheme. He asked who monitored such work, and if he could use the funding to employ contractors himself.

Councillor Karin Forbes undertook to take up the issue of the public right of way in Kenley Road, which is very overgrown.

A resident reported flooding in Lower Morden Lane, opposite the old library, in Bow Lane and in Morden Road, by the Surrey Arms Public House. Councillor Karin Forbes undertook to raise this with officers.

A resident raised the issue of front gardens being paved over and used as driveways for cars, and the safety risks caused by this. Councillor William Brierly gave some information on the law regarding this matter, and noted that this must be controlled at a local level.

Items for future meetings

It was agreed that the next meeting should focus on the plans for the regeneration of Morden Town Centre. There should be a presentation and residents’ views canvassed to feed into the consultation.

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98 Agenda Item 8 (4) COLLIERS WO0D COMMUNITY FORUM – 14 July 2008 Report of the Chair, Councillor Sheila Knight

The Forum met at Links Primary School, Frinton Road, Tooting, SW17 and was chaired by Councillor Sheila Knight. Ward Councillors John Dehaney, Nick Draper, Linda Kirby and Gregory Udeh; and Cabinet Member, Councillor Diane Neil Mills, were present. About 8 residents attended. Various Council officers, including as Lead Officer, Kim Brown, Manager / Deputy Head of Human Resources, attended in response to the various issues on the agenda.

1. Welcome by the Chair

The Chair welcomed those present to this first meeting of the new Colliers Wood Community Forum (in place of the previous Area Forums); and referred to the new format for meetings and the Council’s aim of greater numbers attending and better feedback to residents on issues raised.

2. Planning/Environmental Issues – Update

Eben van der Westhuizen from Development Control updated the Forum on numerous planning issues in the area. Some of these are highlighted below including –

(a) Merton Abbey Mills – Application received for 3rd storey above 1929 Shop; and applications also expected for 3-storey development adjacent to the Long Shop and for landscaping the whole site.

(b) Holiday Inn, High Street, Colliers Wood - Application received for 3-storey extension to front.

(c) Section 106 Agreements – If a planning application has an impact outside of the application site, the Council can seek a financial contribution from the applicant and ask the applicant to enter into a legal (Section 106) agreement for this. No planning permission is then issued until the Agreement is signed. The Council has no formal powers to withdraw an application if a Section 106 Agreement is not signed.

(d) Cavendish House, High Street, Colliers Wood – (i) Application for 8 flats approved in 2005 but planning permission not issued as applicant has not signed the Section 106 Agreement. (ii) Application for 2 additional floors for office space - Section 106 Agreement now signed

(e) Roan Industrial Estate, Mortimer Road – No planning permission issued, as applicant has not signed the Section 106 Agreement, as they consider its terms too onerous. There will now be a Public Inquiry for the application, following Applicant appealing on the grounds of non-determination (i.e. that no planning permission has been issued within the statutory 13 week period). The Council has since resolved that it would have refused the application if

99 there were no Section 106 Agreement and no conditions attached to any permission.

Local resident, Neil Malcolm, advised that the Planning Dept. had indicated that they couldn’t discuss a further application for the site whilst there was an appeal ongoing for the current application. Council officer, Eben van der Westhuizen, explained there was a proposal for the site at pre-application stage; at which time the discussions between the applicants and Council officers were confidential; and the applicants could pay a fee to receive a confidential professional advice on their proposals from Council officers.

(f) 26-28 Finborough Road – A notice had been issued by the Enforcement Team, but had not been complied with, and so possible prosecution would be considered. Councillor Nick Draper advised there had been previous court proceedings and fines paid, and that he had previously proposed that a Compulsory Purchase Order be put on the property. The Chair suggested that the CPO proposal be taken up elsewhere.

(g) Prince of Wales Public House, Western Road - Local resident, Neil Malcolm, advised that he was Chair of the residents association that originally objected to the proposed change of use, but he’d not been notified about the ongoing appeal. Eben van der Westhuizen undertook to check on this.

(h) Tandem Works Site, Colliers Wood - Vacant lot on site of old school, corner of Prince Georges Road/Church Road - Councillor Nick Draper requested to be advised whether there were any proposals for this site, if necessary at the next meeting.

3. London Assembly Member, Richard Tracey – Role at City Hall

Richard Tracey, the London Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, gave a short talk explaining his role at City Hall. He explained that the Mayor for London had all of the executive powers and the role of the 25 Member London Assembly (14 of which were elected like himself), was to scrutinise the work of the Mayor, now Boris Johnson, the Metropolitan Police Authority and Transport for London (TfL). He also circulated some copies of a leaflet explaining the London Assembly.

He outlined the wide range of services covered by TfL, including the Underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway, the orbital over-ground railway (including the former North London line), river transport, Croydon Tramlink, and liaison with main line rail services in London. He also referred to the Mayor seeking for Oyster Cards to be used on over-ground rail services in addition to on buses, the Underground and Tramlink.

He indicated his hope that more LDA (London Development Agency) monies would be spent in this part of London and noted that the LDA had contributed to the local Intergenerational Centre.

100 He confirmed that people were welcome to contact him, including on issues such as new bus services, at Richard Tracey, London Assembly, City Hall, London SE1 2AA (tel: 020-7983-4389; e-mail: [email protected]).

He then responded to queries on a number of issues including the following.

(i) Public Toilets – London Assembly’s powers – Mary Sinfield, Merton Seniors Forum, referred to the recent good inquiry by the London Assembly into public toilets and queried whether the London Assembly had sufficient powers to ensure that recommendations from such reviews were implemented. Richard Tracey indicated that he considered the London Assembly had no proper teeth, but should be more like the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee. (See also later Public Toilets item.)

(ii) Graffiti on Railway Bridges and trackside – Councillor Linda Kirby expressed concern that, whilst local authorities carried out wide ranging graffiti cleansing, Network Rail failed to clear graffiti off railway bridges and trackside, resulting in an appalling sight for local residents and passengers; and confirmed that ongoing representations had been made to local MP’s and Network Rail. Richard Tracey suggested that this was really a Central Government issue as it related to Network Rail, but undertook to try and assist. It was noted that the London Assembly was due to look at main line rail services, and possibly the graffiti issue could be raised at that time.

(iii) A24, High Street, Colliers Wood – Proposed Footway/Road Works – Councillor Nick Draper referred to proposals by TfL to remodel the High Street, Colliers Wood, particularly the footway; expressed concern about the lack of effective communication with local residents about the scheme; and queried whether it would be implemented. Richard Tracey indicated that he was unaware of the issue, but undertook to look into the matter.

Local resident, Neil Malcolm, referred to previous TfL proposals to temporarily close the High Street, Colliers Wood, and indicated that this had led to gridlock in the area on past occasions.

(iv) Merantun Way – Request for pavement – Mr Buckland, who operated Merton Abbey Mills, referred to the lack of pavement along Merantun Way and the difficulties this caused for visitors to Merton Abbey Mills. Richard Tracey requested Mr Buckland to send him details of the issue. (See also later Soapbox item.)

4. Public Toilets – Campaign presentation by Mary Sinfield, Merton Seniors Forum

Mary Sinfield from Merton Seniors Forum outlined the campaign that was being undertaken about the lack of public toilets in Merton’s town centres; and also a lack of signs to toilets and a lack of information of where there were toilets open to the public in Merton; gave examples of how old public toilet buildings could be reused to provide modern vandal-proof facilities; referred to the history of public toilets in the UK and particularly their provision on public

101 health grounds; expressed concern that refurbished toilets in parks were only open when staff were available; and referred to toilets available in libraries that weren’t publicised.

Mary Sinfield also referred to 1976 legislation ((S.20 of Miscellaneous Powers Act) which she maintained gave powers to local authorities to require that certain entertainment/food establishments make their toilet facilities open to the public; and expressed concern about the lack of use of this power in Merton. She advised that following a request for the provision of public toilets to be included in the Merton’s Local Development Framework (LDF), the Council’s response had opposed this and referred to the capital costs involved; but she stated that other local authorities had included such provision of public toilets in their LDF.

Mary Sinfield advised that the Government was proposing revised legislation but this didn’t appear to ensure proper public toilet provision by local authorities; a House of Commons Select Committee was looking nationally at the provision of public toilets and Merton Seniors Forum would be giving evidence; the Mayor for London earlier in the month had promised to get Boroughs together to look at better provision of public toilets across London; and various organisations were lobbying as part of a national campaign for better facilities across the UK.

There was then extensive debate on the issue, including regarding the availability or otherwise of toilets in stores to the public; LB Richmond’s scheme to pay certain shops/businesses to make their toilets available to the public; the closure of toilets at Tooting Station, the Cricket Green and Mitcham town centre; toilets in Mitcham being reopened but then being destroyed by vandals using sledgehammers; the refusal by TfL to have public toilets at Morden Underground Station; measures to stop toilets being used as sites for soliciting and drug use, such as blue lighting and restricted CCTV; the RADAR key system for access to toilets for people with disabilities; how best to campaign on the issue; the relevance of town planning law and the LDF; and the refusal of a development proposal on the P3 site in Wimbledon town centre on a number of grounds, including lack of public toilet provision.

5. Soapbox

(a) Merantun Way – Request for pavement – Mr Buckland, who operated Merton Abbey Mills, reiterated his concerns about the lack of pavement along Merantun Way (and also inadequate facilities for cyclists) and the difficulties this caused for visitors to Merton Abbey Mills, especially from South Wimbledon direction; and indicated that he considered that there was sufficient width to have a pavement, if necessary on just one side, without destroying the existing greenery beside the road. He explained that he would like to work with Merton Council in approaching TfL on the matter.

It was noted that the Chair’s report of this meeting would be submitted to a Council Meeting in due course; and that Cabinet Member, Diane Neil Mills, was aware of the issue.

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It was suggested that the matter be also raised at Wimbledon Community Forum (on 21/7/08).

(b) Redevelopment of bungalows - Councillor Linda Kirby expressed concern about the conversion/ redevelopment of many bungalows into larger properties, particularly in Graveney Ward; and that bungalows were suitable for people with mobility difficulties; and suggested that there should be a presumption against the redevelopment of bungalows. Mary Sinfield, Merton Seniors Forum, also supported the retention of bungalows, especially as they suited the needs of older people.

Eben van der Westhuizen from Development Control, explained that there were no current Central, Regional or Local Government policies supporting the retention or provision of bungalows; that current policies supported maximising the use of residential sites instead of building on open space; and so that Councillor Linda Kirby’s suggestion would require the Council to include a new town planning policy in Merton’s LDF (Local Development Framework).

(c) Congestion and TfL Traffic Proposals – Merantun Way, Christchurch Road, and Western Road; and Liberty Avenue - Local resident, Neil Malcolm, referred to the issues raised previously regarding the congestion in these roads, including at the Merantun Way/Christchurch Road and Christchurch Road/Western Road junctions and proposals for new traffic lights at Liberty Avenue/Christchurch Road junctions; referred to previous advice that studies on these matters were being undertaken (including by TfL); queried what progress had been made; and requested that an update be made to the next Community Forum meeting. The Chair undertook that the issue would be looked at.

Councillor Nick Draper advised that TfL were working on (but hadn’t yet finalised) their proposals relating to the increase in traffic at the Merantun Way/Christchurch Road junction arising from the opening of the new Marks & Spencer store on the SavaCentre site.

The Chair suggested that TfL be invited to the next Community Forum meeting to discuss these issues (and possible bus service along Lavender Avenue. (See also next item below).

(d) Lavender Avenue, Mitcham – (i) Use as a short cut; and (ii) Request for bus service - Neil Malcolm, Chair, Lavender Residents and Tenants Association referred to Lavender Avenue being used increasingly as a short cut by rat running traffic and development proposals for an extra 78 dwellings in Lavender Avenue; and reiterated a request for a bus service along Lavender Avenue.

Councillor Nick Draper advised that Colliers Wood Ward Councillors had submitted a request to TfL for a bus service from Mitcham Town Centre, along Lavender Avenue and Merantun Way, to Morden Town Centre, but that a

103 response from TfL was currently awaited. The Chair suggested that TfL be invited to the next Community Forum meeting to discuss this issue (See also previous item above).

(e) Local Guardian newspaper – Lack of Mitcham issues - Councillor Linda Kirby expressed concern about the failure of the Guardian to report local events in Mitcham such as the Mitcham Carnival and a local school competing for a Guinness Book pancake tossing record. It was suggested that this was an issue for the Council’s Communications Section; and also an issue that Ward Councillors could take up directly.

(f) Christian Care – Bert Hyde, Chair of Christian Care, gave an outline of the work of this charity, which only works in Merton and has done so for some time. He indicated the charity’s work included assisting residents with issues such as tax credit and Council Tax issues, by helping residents approach relevant agencies such as CAB or law centres; and running camps for teenagers and younger people; running a club for teenagers at All Saints Church, Mitcham; arranging holidays for families in need; and running parties and outings for children in need.

6. Future meetings

(i) Venues/Times for Future Meetings: The Chair indicated that suggestions for future venues were welcome and suggested various possible venues including Colliers Wood Community Centre, Colliers Wood Library, the Guardian Centre for the Blind, and the Sure Start Centre, London Road adjacent to Tamworth Recreation Ground (also known Lavender Children’s Centre).

A resident suggested the St Marks Family Centre in Mitcham Town Centre. There was some discussion of whether this was a suitable location for this Forum to meet, and whether the Forum’s name reflected the area it represented. It was noted this Forum’s purview included Figges Marsh Ward.

Mary Sinfield, Merton Seniors Forum, suggested that some meetings could possibly be held during the afternoon. This was proposal generally supported by those present, and the Chair suggested that the option of possibly one afternoon meeting a year could be looked at. (An alternative suggestion of possibly meeting occasionally on a Saturday was not supported.)

(ii) Items for future meetings: Kim Brown, the Lead Officer for this Forum, indicated that residents could suggest possible items for future meetings by completing the forms available at the meeting or contacting officers via the phone number or e-mail address on the agenda front page.

She also indicated that responses to issues raised at this meeting would be included on the new Community Forum web-site where possible.

104 (iii) Publicity for Forum Meetings: There was some discussion of publicity and it was noted that Councillor Linda Kirby had circulated 3,500 leaflets publicising this meeting date.

A resident suggested that more residents might be attracted to attend if publicity included details of topics to be discussed at a particular meeting as early as possible. We will be certainly considering this and other ways to improve publicity.

7. Other matters discussed

(a) Graveney Ward Councillors meeting on 24 July 2008.

(b) Scrutiny Review of Nursing Homes for Older People in Merton – The Chair highlighted this new Scrutiny Review which was looking into the standards of such homes in the Borough; and that anyone who had relations in such homes, and wished to provide information or comment, should contact the Scrutiny Panel Chair, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender, or the Council’s Scrutiny Section.

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106 Wimbledon Community Forum – 21 July 2008 Item 8 (5) Councillor Stephen Kerin in the Chair. Councillors David Williams, David Simpson, Diane Neill Mills, Rod Scott and Richard Chellew attended. Councillor Samantha George sent her apologies for absence. The meeting was held at the Wimbledon Community Centre, St Georges Road, Wimbledon. The lead officer was John Hill, Head of Public Protection and Development. Other officers were Robert Roach (Community Forum support officer), Kate Martyn (Acting Stronger Communities Manager), Christine Parsloe (Leisure and Culture Development Manager), John Smith (CCTV Manager) and Colin Millar (Democratic Services). London Assembly member Richard Tracey and Sergeant Neill Tyre from the Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Team also attended. There were 28 members of the public in attendance Richard Tracey introduced himself and gave some background on the structure and role of the London Assembly and the bodies which it scrutinised including the Mayor’s office, TfL the Metropolitan Police Authority and the London Development Agency. He discussed aspects of the assembly’s work and London wide issues with residents and councillors including: • Olympics – there were regular contacts with the Olympics organising bodies and concerns over issues such as financing and housing were being discussed. The assembly was trying to reduce the impact on Council Tax of this event. • Olympic tennis event – improvements at Southfields station to improve access for this event were planned. • Effectiveness of the assembly – better research support was needed to make the assembly more effective • London Development Agency – this body needed much closer monitoring than had been the case in the past. • Social Housing – targets had never been reached. It was proposed to revise targets in consultation with the boroughs. • Government Office for London – Richard Tracey explained how this body came about. He felt that it should be possible to transfer the functions to the GLA and/or the boroughs. Christine Parsloe made a presentation on leisure strategies in the borough, made available event guides, outlined forthcoming events for the Olympic handover and discussed various aspects of the councils cultural and leisure programmes with residents and members including: • AELTC activity outside of Wimbledon fortnight which included programmes working with all schools in the borough who wished to be involved.

107 • Benefits to the borough from the sale of the Cannizaro Hotel – Christine agreed to find out some more information and respond after the meeting. • Intergenerational Centre – Leisure and Cultural services are involved with this initiative • Fees for holiday activities at the Wimbledon Park watersports centre had to at least cover the cost of providing the activity. John Smith explained the work of the CCTV team and discussed this with residents and members. • Publication of pictures captured from CCTV was a police decision to make as part of any investigation • CCTV was involved in approximately 1350 incidents in 2007/08 (post- meeting correction: the figure was in fact 3,400) • The capital cost of installing a new fully functional camera was about £15,000 Sergeant Tyre introduced the work of the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and discussed this and other concerns with residents and members: • Knife Crime in Merton was occasional. Mitcham had a particular gang problem. • A resident referred to recent email correspondence with the police on the question of Stop and Search. Sergeant Tyre advised that the approach used by the police was decided at a corporate level and confirmed that the police were not obliged to inform people that they did not need to give a name and address for the report. People with concerns about this approach would need to raise this with their representatives. • Safer Neighbourhood Team hours varied from 08:00 am up to Midnight • People going through the no-entry sign at South Park Road should be raised with the Chief Superintendent • Crime statistics indicated that Abbey ward was up on overall crime but this was due to 3 additional pickpocketing incidents on a low base figure – Merton was still the third safest London Borough. John Hill updated the meeting on major planning applications in the area and responded to enquiries from residents and members: • Hatfield Road Car Park – permission had now been granted – this was subject to being referred to the Mayor of London. The outcome of this should be known by the next meeting of the forum. • Gladstone Road – Wetherspoons site – consultation would be undertaken by Planning on any proposal • Broadway house • Negotiations were ongoing over proposed satellite dishes on Ravensbury House.

108 • There were no plans to stop publicising planning applications in the press or to move to web-only provision of applications. • Pre-application meeting details would be available soon on the web site • There had been a problem recently with storage capacity on the web site but this had been resolved. A longer term solution was being sought to avoid this problem for the future. • Representations on applications would be accepted beyond the 21 day period • B&Q site – no formal application had been received. Any pre- application meeting details would be made available on the web site. Representatives of Southern Gas Networks explained what replacement works were planned in the near future. Phase 1 would start on Wednesday 23 July in Merton Road. Phase 2 would be the Broadway and Phase 3 would be North of the Bridge in the town. Further information on Phases 2 and 3 could be made available at the next meeting. In response to questions from residents and members the representatives of Southern Gas networks explained that the initial plans were not always accurate and that there were many services in the roads which could make routing the new pipes difficult. Fencing around work areas was subject to out- of hours damage. Contact numbers to have problems rectified would be made widely available. Soapbox A resident was concerned at the use of the benches in the park at the junction of Cardigan and Haydons' Roads – John Hill will follow up and report back. A resident expressed his support for 20 mph zones amongst other safety measures in residential areas. Andrew Wakefield said that there were some technical issues around 20 zones that needed addressing but this was a priority area for the partnership and the Council. Councillor David Williams said that there was money available in the capital programme and opportunities for zones were being considered. A resident raised concerns about parked cars blocking the road at Toynbee Road/Lower Downs. John Hill would raise with highways and report back. A resident reported that Wimbledon Park athletics club had received funding with the Council’s help for their clubhouse. This would provide a valuable resource for the club and the wider community. A resident asked that the crime statistics be provided for future meetings – Robert Roach to follow up. A resident asked that the traffic light sequence at Nursery Road/Border Road needed adjusting. John Hill will follow up and report back.

109 Contact details/further information Richard Tracey, London Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth: City Hall London SE1 2AA email: [email protected] tel: 020 7983 4389 Furher information about the GLA and the London Assembly can be found at www.london.gov.uk

Southern Gas Networks [email protected] 01293 818154 [email protected] 0845 0260015

The presentations made at this meeting on CCTV and Leisure strategies are available on the Council’s web site at: http://www.merton.gov.uk/council/committee.htm?view=event&event_id=2870 Or by contacting John Smith (CCTV Manager) 020 8545 4725 Christine Parsloe (Leisure Services) 020 8545 3669

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