The Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee met on 8 February 2024 to discuss crime and community safety, local funding, and changes to planning notifications. The committee also received updates from the Highways team and heard from community groups.

Crime and Community Safety Update

Inspector Elizabeth Turner provided an update on crime and community safety, detailing recent staffing changes within the local police force, including the arrival of Sergeant Lee Dodgson and Inspector Tom Haji-Savva. Chief Inspector Ken Loyal had moved on, with a replacement yet to be announced. Inspector Turner acknowledged concerns about police abstractions and their impact on neighbourhood and response teams.

Several serious incidents were highlighted, including a stabbing of Ilyas Habibi, where the suspect had fled the country. There were also reports of a stabbing outside Sutton train station, resulting in an arrest and the suspect being released on bail, and another stabbing outside Sainsbury's in Wallington, where an arrest was made and the suspect is also on bail. A concerning incident near Cheam High School involved pupils being chased with a knife, leading to increased patrols and the establishment of a school workshop to address youth violence. A domestic incident on Benhill Avenue resulted in two arrests, and threats of criminal damage on Throwley Way led to resident evacuations.

Inspector Turner outlined ongoing work to review violence plans, with each ward having a proactive policing plan. A cross-border team focusing on youth robbery was established in December 2023. The police have conducted successful operations to reduce motor vehicle thefts in partnership with Surrey and Sussex forces, utilising covert and overt resources and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) databases. Local cadets are assisting in delivering faraday pouches to deter vehicle theft, and a third cadet unit has opened in the borough. A New Met for London event in March will focus on young people.

In response to questions about police abstractions, Inspector Turner explained that officers may be deployed to support operations in Central London, such as protests, or to assist other local response teams. Regarding motor vehicle theft operations, she noted that if successful, similar operations could be run in the future. A scheme requiring a minimum of two police officers to be present in the area between 3-5pm after school hours has been introduced to address incidents and public nuisance on Sutton High Street. The police aim to balance investigation needs with public disruption when road closures are necessary. Conversations are ongoing with Cheam High School leadership, and two Police Constables have been patrolling the area to provide a visible presence. Cyber resilience work is focused on establishing preventative measures against scam fraud.

Community Showcase

Steve Allen, Community Support Outreach Advice Caseworker at Age UK, spoke about his work supporting local residents over fifty with advice on housing access, blue badges, and pension credit, as well as casework support for benefit applications. Age UK representatives have attended meetings of the Sutton Hello Club and are working with Robin Hood surgery to increase their visibility.

Toni Massam discussed the upcoming Cheam Charter Fair on May 18th, with applications for local stalls now open, encouraging community and charity groups to participate.

Local Funding Update

The Community Engagement Officer provided an update on previously granted funding, including the Sutton Hello Christmas party to support those at risk of isolation and funding for the Friends of Seears Park and Perrett’s Field for gardening equipment. Updates were also given on recent community events such as coffee mornings at St Alban's for those at risk of isolation, singing sessions for people living with dementia, the Sutton Spring Festival fireworks display, and litter picking led by the Friends of Cheam Park. The formation of the Friends of Devonshire Avenue Nature Area was also noted, with a call for volunteers.

The committee agreed to a funding allocation of up to £3,000 from its public realm budget for a memorial bench and potentially a plaque for Ilyas Habibi, requesting ongoing updates on the project.

The Policy and Project Manager - Insight, Partnerships and Scrutiny discussed Public Realm projects, including the installation of a sign to prevent ball games near the Belmont war memorial, solar lighting in Overton Park, and a defibrillator in Cheam village. Ongoing projects include improvements within the Devonshire Nature Area, tree planting, fencing repairs, and the creation of Neighbourhood Watch signs.

The Head of Parks and Open Spaces discussed the proposed allocation of funds for floral displays. Members expressed concerns about a lack of prioritisation, suggesting priority for displays on Brighton Road and Mulgrave Road. While hanging basket displays will remain, floor planters on Brighton Road were recommended for removal due to higher costs. The possibility of local traders supporting the maintenance of hanging baskets was confirmed as feasible, though the project deadline was noted as a constraint. Members agreed to provide further information to officers regarding requested floral display types.

Changes to Planning Notifications

The Business Development Manager explained that from March 1, 2024, letters to residents regarding planning applications will cease and be replaced by an email notification sign-up scheme. Residents will be able to select the types of proposals they wish to receive updates on, including the development area and building type. A bespoke postal system will be available on an individual basis.

Concerns were raised about the reduction in services and the impact on residents without internet access. Officers are working with the Communications Team and Age UK to advertise the new opportunities. The possibility of placing site notices within the online planning portal was explored, with officers hesitant due to end dates affecting statutory decision dates. They will explore printing site notices without dates. The new email notification system has already seen eleven thousand sign-ups. Officers will provide printed information for councillors to distribute in their wards and will also place this information on local community noticeboards. Officers will work alongside the Communications Team to ensure leaseholders and those in supportive living are informed about potential development work.

Update from Highways Team

The Assistant Director of Highways, Transportation and Regulatory Services addressed a public question regarding drainage, stating that solutions are complex due to a lack of open space and issues with prioritisation and funding. Officers are aware of the issues but cannot provide a timeline for completion. The possibility of improving gullies in the area will be followed up. The Chair noted these concerns for future discussion.

Updates were provided on the Heavy Goods Vehicles zone, with data collection ongoing and a proposal to be presented to Councillors. Residents raised a question about road works on Malden Road, which are likely utility-based, with information available online.

Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 October 2023 were agreed as an accurate record.

Public Questions

One public question was received on the topic of drainage, with a written response published on the council's website. A supplementary question regarding the timeline for further investigations was addressed within the Highways update.

Community Representative Appointment

At the previous meeting on 5 October 2023, Christine Laidlaw was appointed as the Community Representative for the Cheam Chamber of Trade.