The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee approved the expansion of a 20mph speed limit zone on Kingston Hill and allocated £160,000 of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding towards the refurbishment of public toilets on Queen's Promenade. The committee also approved two community grant applications, totalling £6,000.

20mph Extension on Kingston Hill Approved

The committee has approved the implementation of a 20mph speed limit zone on Kingston Hill, following consideration of objections received during the Traffic Management Order (TMO) consultation. The decision was made by the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee. Objections raised included concerns about potential congestion, pollution, and reduced traffic flow. However, the committee was informed that there was no evidence to support these claims. The implementation of the TMO for the expansion of the 20mph zone was approved with 7 votes in favour and 2 against.

Queen's Promenade Public Toilet Refurbishment Receives Funding

£160,000 of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding has been allocated to the Queen's Promenade – Public Toilet Refurbishment project. This decision was made unanimously by the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee. The project aims to reconfigure and refurbish the existing public toilet facilities to provide four gender-neutral WCs, a cleaner's closet, and a workroom for the Friends of Queen's Promenade group. The existing facilities are described as dilapidated and attracting anti-social behaviour. The refurbishment will also include a public drinking fountain and a water bib tap for the Friends of Queen's Promenade group and council contractors. The project is expected to support priorities within the Neighbourhood Community Plan and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, enhancing the quality of green spaces and promoting active travel.

Community Grants Approved

The committee unanimously approved two applications for Neighbourhood Community Grant (NCG) funding:

• Namaste Kingston CIC received £3,000 for their South Asian Heritage Month activities. The group plans to hold three events in July and August within the Kingston & North Kingston neighbourhood.
• Voices of Hope received £3,000 to continue their BRITE Box project for the 2024/25 school year. The BRITE Box project provides weekly meal kits to families identified as being at risk of food insecurity or other vulnerabilities. Councillor Emily Davey offered to cover a £159 shortfall in funding for this project using her Councillor Ward Funding.

Other Matters Discussed

• Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair: Councillor Olly Wehring was appointed Chair and Councillor Anne Owen was appointed Vice Chair of the committee and the Planning Sub-Committee until the first ordinary meeting of the 2025-2026 Municipal Year.
• Public Question Time: Residents raised questions regarding the Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) in place in Kings Road and New Road, and the process for its consideration at the September meeting. They were informed that all comments would be taken into account and included in the report for the September meeting.
• Petitions: Three petitions were submitted: one requesting a trial Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Manorgate Road and Wolverton Avenue; another requesting measures to stop through-traffic using Brunswick Road; and a third requesting Wolverton Avenue be closed for a trial period. These were received and will be dealt with in accordance with the Petition Scheme.
• Response to Petitions: The committee noted the response to a petition regarding the 'King's Road and New Road Proposed Traffic Scheme'. A resident expressed concerns about the handling of this petition and the prior consultation.
• Neighbourhood Manager Verbal Update: A verbal report detailed the activity of the Rangers for the first six months of 2024, including tasks completed in hotspot inspections, graffiti removal, and fly-tip removal.
• Waiting / Parking Restrictions: The committee considered objections to traffic management orders for Tudor Drive and Downhall Road. The objection for Tudor Drive was upheld, meaning the proposed changes there will not be implemented. The objections for Downhall Road were set aside, and the proposed waiting/parking restrictions for that location were approved.
• Decision Progress Update: The committee noted an update on decisions made at previous meetings.