The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 26 March 2024, approving the installation of a zebra crossing on Elm Road and allocating community grants. The committee also approved highway maintenance estimates for the Coombe Estate and agreed to proceed with traffic management orders for Coombe Road and roads east of Richmond Road.

Elm Road Zebra Crossing

The committee unanimously approved the proposal for a zebra crossing on Elm Road, following a public consultation. St Luke's C of E Primary School and local residents had requested the crossing to improve safety for children and parents. While 48.45% of residents surveyed were unhappy with the current crossing, 78.35% supported the new zebra crossing. However, a petition signed by approximately 47 residents of Elm Road opposed the zebra crossing, citing concerns about congestion during peak hours, loss of parking, and parking on zig-zag lines, arguing the current situation was adequate with better enforcement. A member of the public also raised concerns about the fairness of the consultation and the evidence presented for the current crossing's unsafety. The committee noted that most schools in the borough have zebra crossings, considering it best practice. Councillor James Manthel declared an interest as a school governor and parent, made a statement of support, and left the room before the debate and vote.

Community Grants Programme

The committee unanimously agreed to continue with individual Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) arrangements for the 2024/25 municipal year. They also approved three applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs):

• Kingston Charitable Foundation (KCF): £3,000 was approved to fund KCF's Kingston & North Kingston Neighbourhood Grants Programme, which will provide hardship grants of up to £200 in supermarket vouchers to residents facing the cost of living crisis. Councillor Rowena Bass declared an interest as a fellow Chamber of Commerce Board Member and left the room before the debate and vote on this application.
• Kingston Carers Network (KCN): £1,870 was approved to support the 2024 Young Carer's Conference, an event aimed at celebrating young carers and raising awareness of their challenges. Councillor Emily Davey declared a non-registrable interest due to her daughter being a young carer and left the room before the debate and vote.
• Hogsmill Community Garden: £2,170 was approved to repair fencing and replace damaged paving slabs, improving access for less mobile individuals and wheelchair users.

Coombe Estate Highway Maintenance Estimates 2024/25

The committee unanimously approved the maintenance estimates for the Coombe Estate Roads for 2024/25, totalling £139,700. These estimates are required under the Maldens and Coombe Urban District Council Act 1933, which obliges the council to maintain these roads and recover costs from property owners and occupiers within the estate. The figures include a 5.5% contractual uplift on most services, with scheduled sweeping at 2.5%. Discussions had taken place with the Malden and Coombe Residents' Association regarding the estimates.

Traffic Management Orders

Coombe Road - Signal Controlled Crossing: The committee unanimously approved the implementation of a signal-controlled crossing at Coombe Road, replacing the existing zebra crossing. One objection was received during the statutory consultation period, citing concerns about the loss of parking spaces for customers of local businesses. Officers noted that while some spaces would be lost, two new spaces would be created nearby, and this was considered an acceptable compromise. The implementation is scheduled for summer 2024.

Roads East of Richmond Road PPA Expansion: The committee approved the implementation of a Traffic Management Order (TMO) to expand the Permit Parking Area (PPA) in Lancaster Gardens, Lancaster Close, and Grosvenor Gardens. This decision was made despite five objections received during the TMO consultation, which raised concerns about the lack of need for the scheme, the cost to residents, and potential displacement of parking. The committee noted that an earlier informal consultation had shown support for the scheme in Lancaster Gardens, and Lancaster Close was included due to potential parking displacement. The scheme, estimated to cost £12,000, is programmed for implementation in mid-2024. Councillors Rowena Bass and Ian George abstained from the vote.

Other Matters

Elm Road Zebra Crossing - Results of Consultation: The committee considered a report on the public consultation for a zebra crossing on Elm Road. St Luke's C of E Primary School and local residents had requested the crossing for safety reasons. While a majority of respondents supported the crossing, a petition from Elm Road residents opposed it, citing concerns about congestion, parking loss, and parking on zig-zag lines. The committee noted that most schools have zebra crossings and that this was considered best practice. Councillor James Manthel declared an interest and left the room before the discussion. The committee unanimously resolved to note the consultation results and approve the zebra crossing for implementation.

Community Grants Programme: In addition to approving the NCG applications, the committee unanimously agreed to continue with individual Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) arrangements for the 2024/25 municipal year. This allows individual councillors to allocate their £2,000 CWF budget directly to local initiatives. Councillor Roger Hayes did not vote on this resolution.

Neighbourhood Manager Verbal Update: The Neighbourhood Manager provided an update on the work of the Kingston & North Kingston Neighbourhood Rangers between January and March 2024, detailing 983 tasks completed, including graffiti removal, litter picks, and fly-tip removals.

Verbal Update on Programmes within Kingston Town Centre Area: An update was given on projects in the Kingston Town Centre area, including Eagle Brewery Wharf and Memorial Gardens. Plans for Eagle Brewery Wharf have been submitted, with construction anticipated for autumn to winter 2024. Design plans for Memorial Gardens are also progressing, with a planning application expected in April 2024. The committee discussed pigeon deterrents at Eagle Brewery Wharf and the relocation of gravestones at Memorial Gardens. An update on the Kingston First BID renewal was also provided.

Advisory Members: The committee resolved not to appoint any standing Advisory Members for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term. Instead, they will continue to invite relevant stakeholders to address the committee on specific issues as and when appropriate. This decision aligns with the general preference of Neighbourhood Committees to maintain flexibility in engaging with local stakeholders. Councillor Roger Hayes did not vote on this resolution.

Decision Progress Update: The committee noted the update on the progress of previous decisions.

Public Question Time: A resident raised concerns about the road markings on London Road, describing them as dangerous. A Highways officer confirmed that resurfacing works were planned for mid-May, pending the completion of gas works. The officer stated that an assessment of the road had not identified any safety warnings. This issue had also been raised at the previous committee meeting.