The New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 22 January 2026 was set to discuss significant highway improvements, community grant applications, and planned maintenance programmes. Key topics included potential upgrades to Fountain Roundabout, the introduction of pedestrian facilities at a busy junction, and the allocation of funds for community projects.

Fountain Roundabout Improvements

A major item on the agenda was the analysis of options for improving Fountain Roundabout in New Malden. The report presented options for enhancing safety, comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as regenerating green spaces around the roundabout. Two preferred options were put forward for further detailed traffic modelling and design development: Option 1D, a full CYCLOPS junction with full segregation, and Option 2B, a Dutch-style roundabout with enhanced segregation. Both options aim to significantly improve conditions for active travel, though Option 1D might require the relocation of the existing fountain. The report also addressed a petition and requisition received regarding the future of the roundabout, with concerns raised about previous proposals to remove it. The committee was asked to approve progressing with detailed modelling and design development for the two shortlisted options before public consultation.

Pedestrian Facilities at Galsworthy Road/Coombe Lane West Junction

The committee was scheduled to consider a request for a pedestrian facility at the junction of Galsworthy Road, Coombe Lane West, Gloucester Road, and Coombe Road. The report indicated that a dedicated pedestrian phase, a green man aspect, is considered viable and can be incorporated into the existing traffic signal cycle. This would involve all vehicular arms being at red when the pedestrian phase is active. While modelling suggested moderate impacts on traffic flow and queueing, the report noted that the accuracy of the traffic modelling was indicative rather than absolute for this specific junction. The decision on implementing this scheme was to be made by the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee, with this committee asked to note that decision, subject to funding being secured.

Planned Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Capital Programme 2026/27

The committee was asked to comment on the proposed carriageway and footway maintenance programme for 2026/27, relevant to the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood. This programme, which prioritises roads based on deterioration and usage levels, includes roads such as Acacia Grove, Arundel Road, Church Road, and Green Lane. Additionally, the committee was to consider a list of roads proposed for maintenance using Department for Transport (DfT) funding, including sections of Dickerage Road and Presburg Road. The report also provided an update on the street lighting column replacement programme, noting the commitment to converting lighting units to LED.

Community Grants Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs). Three applications were presented for consideration:

• Nanoom UK CIC: Applied for £3,000 to support their Mental Wellness project, which aims to organise events such as Kimchi Day, a Christmas Crafts event, and a Korean Lunar New Year celebration. These events are intended to foster community, reduce social isolation, and improve mental wellbeing, particularly for isolated Korean women and other marginalised groups.
• Rotary Club of New Malden: Applied for £3,000 to support the Santa Switch On event, which includes the Christmas lights on the New Malden High Street. This annual event is a traditional start to the Christmas period for the community, drawing hundreds of people and increasing footfall to the area.
• Kingston Carers' Network (KCN): Applied for £3,000 to support their Young Adult Carer (YAC) support group. This group, for carers aged 16-25, provides transition support, helps build social connections, reduces loneliness, and promotes wellbeing for young people navigating adult responsibilities alongside their caring duties.

The committee had £8,900 remaining in its Neighbourhood Community Grant funding for the 2025/26 financial year, with £9,000 pending in applications.

Other Scheduled Items

The agenda also included standard items such as Public Question Time, consideration of Petitions, Apologies for Absence, and Declarations of Interest. A Neighbourhood Manager's Report and a presentation from the Community Safety Team were also scheduled.