Follow up on actions arising (if any)

The issue previously raised regarding Albany Passage has now been referred to the Transport Consultative Group of the Council for discussion.

Officers from the Police Safer Neighbourhood team will be in attendance to address any police issues residents may have.

Both Sgt. Dave George of South Richmond Police SNT and Sgt. Robin Edwards of the North Richmond SNT were in attendance to brief the meeting about activities of their respective teams.  Sgt. George reported that the level of crimes had fallen compared to the previous year while there had been a slight rise in motor vehicle crimes over the same period. 

An attendee asked why there had been little evidence of police action in tackling the problem of ‘cycling on pavements’.  Sgt. George explained that the issue was one of the four main priorities of his team.  14 people were given tickets for cycling on pavements in the first quarter of 2009.  There were however outstanding issues with enforcement in areas like Albany Passage and other alleyways.  It was hoped that the issues would be discussed at the next Borough’s Transport Consultative Group’s public meeting.  A combination of education and enforcement actions were being taken to resolve these issues.

In the North Richmond area, Sgt Robin told the meeting that there had been a year-on-year crime reduction of 10% and that the problem of ‘cycling on pavement’ remained an issue.  A total of 113 penalty notices for road safety issues in general had been issued in the last year.   The team also carried out, youth engagement programmes and education on road safety issues.

This matter was raised for discussion following complaints by residents that the works had been going on for too long.  TfL officials had responded that they

"are currently expecting the footway works along the Lower Mortlake Road to be completed by the end of May, however some snagging may be required after that date and the planting within the new planters may be delayed until the Autumn, as this will be a more suitable time for planting."

An attendee also raised a concern about the kerb by the turning point at Chalkers Corner which was considered to be dangerous.  This is one of the issues that were being resolved by TfL presently.

The meeting was informed that works in the Quadrant were due for completion by the end of August and that works requiring road closures would be completed in mid May.  However the work on Kew road would not commence until the TfL works at Richmond Circus were completed around January 2010.

Town Centre Enhancements completion have been planned for 2011 while Kew Road and the Quadrant have been programmed to follow on after Richmond Circus works being carried out by TfL. 

Some residents of Eton Street have complained about works being carried out on Sundays.  It was explained that the Contractor had been trying to complete the work to deadline.  There have been indications that Eton Street would re-open as normal by the end of May.  Attendees were assured that both the traffic light and the pedestrian crossing at the Quadrant would be restored.

The concern of residents about speed of vehices across the pedestrian crossing in Paradise Road was discussed.   Borough officers have reported that they were aware of the problem and that subject to adequate funding, the proposed 20mph zone with associated traffic calming in Richmond Town Centre should overcome the concerns. There were no proposals to relocate the facility at the present time.

Attendees expressed dissatisfaction with officers’ response on this matter.  Amongst the suggested solutions were the use of speed humps and installation of safety railings by the crossing.  Councillors agreed to take the matter further with Borough officers and report back at the next ACM.

There were discussions on the proposed work by TfL to reduce the size of the central island to provide another traffic lane into Richmond town centre.  It was hoped that the work would have beneficial effects on capacity at that junction.

In the absence of TfL officials, Councillor Fleming gave a brief update on the project as follows:

·         The roundabout would be made smaller

·         There would be separate cycle lane along the north side of the roundabout

·         The work would lead to up to 7.3 seconds reduction in traffic congestion

·         Planting of additional trees would add to the greenery of the area

·         The various gas works on the road would be completed before the work could commence

·         There would be liaison with potential contractors to ensure that residents’ concerns are taken into account

·         Working hours would be limited to 7am and 7pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.  The Saturday work was being negotiated to between 7am and 11am.

·         Businesses have requested that there should be no roadwork on weekends, which request would be discussed further with the contractors

·         There have also been request for proper signage to direct people to the local shops

·         The Roundabout work had been scheduled to commence in early July

·         It was anticipated that work would finish at the end of October.

Attendees were advised that TfL would be present at the May Fair on 9^th May to answer questions.

It was reported that the new crossing on Upper Richmond Rd by Gramedyke Ave was being installed by TfL at the request of local residents in the area.  This would also be of help to pupils and parents during the school runs.

The issue of the uneven paving in Hill Street was discussed.  The problem was attributed to the recent use of reclaimed York stone with uneven surface in comparison with the existing paving.  It was hoped that the paving in question will wear down in time to the desired level.

The issue of improvements to the Holy Trinity Primary School footpath had been tabled for discussion at the request of the school.  Clarifications have been sought from Council officers regarding whose responsibilities it was, to maintain the footpath.  It was understood that the Highways Department would be responsible if the footpath was located outside the school entrance and responsibility of the Education Department if it was inside the school.  Officers of the Council have indicated that a land search would be conducted soon in order to provide a definitive answer.

Some residents have expressed concern about the length of time it was taking to complete work on the two building sites.  Officer’s response to queries in respect of the Big Yellow Storage site was that the building was substantially complete and that only minor works, such as landscaping were outstanding.  The meeting learnt that the requirement that some of the old materials and art deco be re-used was partly responsible for the delay.

The proposal by BAA to operate a permanent rail link from Heathrow Airport to Waterloo and the wider South West of England was discussed.  The proposed service would run on the existing rail tracks from north of Staines through to Waterloo.

The negative impact of longer barrier downtimes particularly in North Sheen was discussed in detail and serious reservations about the proposals were expressed by attendees and Councillors.  Cllr Bennett informed the meeting about his recent visits to a signalling centre of the project at Wimbledon and did not believe the proposals could be introduced without a significant increased level-crossing downtime.

Council officers’ response to enquiries on the proposal was read to the meeting.  These include that:

·         They were working closely with BAA to develop and commission an ‘Origin and Destination’ study for road traffic using the ‘north-south’ crossing routes.

·         The study, to be funded by BAA, will also take account of the effects of increased level crossing closure times on pedestrian and cycle traffic. Unfortunately this study has had to be delayed as a result of the significant road works being undertaken in the area by various utility companies.

·         There is a plan for the study to take place in September once the utility works have been completed and the schools have returned from the summer holidays.

The recent introduction and marking of Car Club bays was discussed.  The meeting was informed of the locations of the car club parking bays as follows:

North Richmond

Manor Park                              - North Richmond, Streetcar

Selwyn Avenue                        - North Richmond, City Car Club

South Richmond

Paradise Road                         - South Richmond, Streetcar

Queen’s Crescent                    - South Richmond, Streetcar

Sheen Road                             - South Richmond, City Car Club

The Green                                - South Richmond, City Car Club, Streetcar, Zipcar (2)              

Mount Ararat Road                   - South Richmond, Streetcar

Park Hill                                    - South Richmond, Streetcar

Cambrian Road                        - South Richmond, Streetcar existing on private driveway

Greville Road                            - South Richmond, Streetcar existing in private car park

Richmond NCP car park          - South Richmond, Streetcar existing in NCP car park                        

While the parking bays have been mostly well received without complaints, Councillor Bouchier highlighted some of the complaints that have been received in respect of some of the bays in South Richmond Ward.  These include

·         Complaints about inadequate consultation on the project

·         The idea appears to be those of Car Clubs rather than the Council’s

·         More parking spaces have been taken up at Richmond Green than necessary as there are no blocks of flats on The Green                        

All the concerns raised would now be taken up with Council Officers and the Car Clubs as feedback on the project to allow for appropriate corrective measures.                                                                                                          

Discussion on the need for greater awareness of Legible London was led by Cllr Fleming.  The meeting learnt that Legible London was a way-finding initiative designed to provide better information for people who wants to walk. One of the pilot schemes being funded by TfL, focused around Richmond and Twickenham town centres, and map based information would include surrounding areas and key destinations. One of the main objectives of the initiative was to inform visitors about the wealth of retail, business and leisure opportunities available in the locality. It was believed that if visitors have this knowledge they were more likely to linger or return for further visits.

The design and colour of the signage were however still under discussion as well as the positioning.  Some attendees cautioned against undue cluttering of signs especially in the town centre and that existing landmarks should be used rather than local shops that may cease to exist or change name.

There were discussions on phased closure of public toilets in Richmond, the last of which took place on 1^st April 2009.  These include the ones at the Princes Street (under Waitrose) (male, female and disabled) and the disabled unit on Victoria Place (behind WH Smith).  The male and female toilets under the Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue had also been closed.  However, the disabled toilets inside the disabled entrance of the Old Town Hall have been made available for all members of the public during opening hours.

Opinions were expressed that the community toilet scheme that involves access to toilets of participating stores and businesses by members of the public, had not been given adequate publicity.   While members of the public have the right to complain if refused the use of the toilets, participating businesses may also opt out of the scheme if they become uncomfortable with it.

All toilets are now known as Community Toilets and are indicated on signage on the closed sites.  A new leaflet on the scheme was being produced by the Council and would be available for distribution around the Borough in May 2009.  The Council’s website also has a full list of participating members.  This can be accessed via www.richmond.gov.uk/community_toilet_scheme

In her contributions, Susan Kramer, MP expressed that she had raised the issue for discussion in parliament. It was important for London Boroughs to agree a common logo for the scheme rather than separate individual logos.

A limitation of the scheme that was identified was public and bank holidays when many of the participating businesses and shops are closed.

This is a new item introduced to Area Consultation Meetings.  Councillors will be consulting attendees to identify the three most important issues in your ward.

In view of the low turnout at the meeting, it was agreed that discussions on community priorities be deferred till the autumn meeting.  Examples of community priorities to be discussed are:

·        Open Spaces 

·        Local transport improvements

·        Youth and Community facilities

·        Local services

·        Local streetscene

5a        Announcement of Summer Events

5b       Information on sources of help for residents during period of economic downtown

Announcements by Councillors

• Ann Summers in George Street had now closed for business and the store taken over by Carphone Warehouse.  Cllr Bennett would be writing to the new occupier about the need to put the clock in the town centre in a working order

• Cllr Bouchier recently attended a meeting on how to curtail the spread of swine flu.  Attendees were urged to visit www.nhs.uk and Health Protection Agency websites for information on the symptoms of the virus and protective measures

• Cllr Fleming informed the meeting about a May Fair planned for 9^th May at Richmond Green. 

• The environment and public safety concerns relating to the large heaters outside of Pitcher & Piano were now being resolved following the intervention of both the Police and Fire Safety authorities

• Youth activities - The free swimming lessons for 13-16 year olds was still on-going and many of the available spaces were yet to be taken.

• Cllr Celia Hodges would become the Mayor of Richmond Council with effect from 19^th May 2009.  Her fellow Councillors and the meeting wished her well for her term of office.

• The outdoor pool would be opening on 18^th May, while the indoor pool in the park would be closing for essential maintenance work during the summer.

• On Monday 25 May bank holiday, there would be free car parking in Richmond

The next North Richmond and South Richmond ACM is scheduled for 17 December at The Vestry Hall.

17 December 2009 at The Vestry Hall.

** Update (Not part of original minutes): Please note the next scheduled meeting for North and South Richmond has now been re-arranged for 2 November 2009**