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Hampton: Comments and other news from 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006

  • HAMPTON Lib Dems have once again called on local Conservatives to stop playing politics with the education of our children. Since it was first suggested that the academy should be sponsored by Swedish education company Kunskapsskolan the Conservatives have been relentless in their attacks. The consultation process has shown that parents and pupils favour the change to academy status under the joint sponsorship of Richmond Council and Kunskapsskolan.
 The staff and governors of Hampton Community College favour the change to academy status under the joint sponsorship of Richmond Council and Kunskapsskolan. The Principal Designate of Hampton Academy and current Principal of HCC, Doctor Sue Demont, favours the change to academy status under the joint sponsorship of Richmond Council and Kunskapsskolan. People whom we have been speaking to on the doorstep favour the change to academy status under the joint sponsorship of Richmond Council and Kunskapsskolan. The Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Michael Gove MP, favours the personalised form of education which will form the basis of the academy education the joint sponsorship of Richmond Council and Kunskapsskolan. He even used a video of his visit to Kunskapsskolan schools in Sweden at the Conservative's party conference. In fact the ONLY people who, as a body, continue to snipe and complain about the academy plans are Hampton and Hampton North Conservatives.
Hampton Lib Dem campaigner, Gareth Roberts, said "I was astonished to read in a recent Conservative publication the same tired scaremongering which has been the hallmark of the Tory position on academies for the last few years; it really is time for them to realize that their relentlessly negative campaign is not working. This year, the first since it was announced that Kunskapsskolan would be the joint sponsor of Hampton Academy, we have seen a 10% increase in the number of parents and students placing HCC/Hampton Academy as their first choice of school. This is terrific news and proof that people are choosing the positive vision being put forward by the Lib Dems and rejecting the negative posturing of the Conservatives." Cllr Malcolm Eady, the cabinet member for Children's services added "Cllr Samuel is now trying to infer unwarranted secrecy about the appointment process of the Academy's Principal Designate, Dr Sue Demont. He was given the criteria by which the candidate would be measured, was told that there was a joint panel of of DCSF, Kunskapsskolan and the local authority and who was on the panel. Dr Sue Demont was interviewed as the sole candidate, in recognition of the improvements that she had made to the performance and public perception of the school. The school will be run by the Learning Skills Trust, which is a charity and not a profit making company. My hope is that now we have sorted out most of the details about the Academy, we can take it out of the local political battle and let it develop into a fine local school."
  • CLEANING up the river: Hampton's Lib Dem team took to the water this week to get to grips with the problem of rubbish that accumulates near Bell Hill Quay. Over recent months areas of the Thames near Hampton have become clogged with assorted rubbish which has floated down from further upstream.
 Cllr Suzette Nicholson said, "This problem was bought to our attention by a local resident and we were delighted to be able to help. We looked into tackling the problem through official channels but soon realized that it was going to be quicker and easier to roll our sleeves up and clear it ourselves" In the course of an afternoon's work volunteers were able to clear enough bottles, carrier bags, bread liners, beer cans, black bin liners, old shoes and various clothing items to fill 10 large black bin liners. They even fished out a builder's helmet. Fellow volunteer Janet Langhorne said "This has been an incredibly useful exercise. The river is such a vital part of our local community that we really do need to spare the time to look after it more". Janet's comments were echoed by another volunteer, Gareth Roberts who said "We're hope to make this a regular event. Hampton is a real gem of a village and if we look after it properly then hopefully it will stay that way for years to come".
  • [From Comments Spring 2010]: AFTER a lengthy and full consultation process Hampton Community College has finally been proposed for Academy Status with the internationally respected educational body Kunskapsskolan being named as joint sponsor. Kunskapsskolan, the sponsor, is Sweden's largest secondary education provider. It operates 30 secondary schools in Sweden, educating over 9,000 students from the age of 12 to 18 years old. The Kunskapsskolan model works- in Sweden, students in Kunskapsskolan schools results are above the national average.
 Carol Stratton, local Lib Dem Councillor and governor of HCC, said: "Under the headship of Dr Demont, Hampton Community College has made massive strides and her continued presence as Principal along with the huge additional funding and exciting, new teaching methods will ensure that Hampton Academy becomes a great secondary school. I understand the concerns that some residents have expressed, but I think HCC is about to enter a new golden era. " Hampton campaigner, Gareth Roberts added. "As a parent of three young children and a governor of a HCC feeder primary, I have first hand experience of the excellence of the primary schools that we have in Hampton. We have the best Primary schools in the country in the borough and I know many parents want to send their children to a Secondary school of the same standard. I am convinced Hampton Academy will become the standard bearer for secondary education, not just in Hampton but across the borough". For info on the new sponsor see: http://www.kunskapsskolan.co.uk
  • TACKLING Anti-Social Behaviour in Hampton: Your local Lib Dem team has been working closely with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team, Richmond Housing Partnership and local residents' groups to address the problem of anti-social behaviour in the area close to Hampton Station. Oldfield Road resident and local Hampton campaigner, Janet Langhorne, commented: "Many people have been speaking to me about this issue and I'm pleased to say that recently the problem appears to have died down, but we must not rest there. I've been in talks with our local Liberal Democrat councillors and MP, Vince Cable, about pushing for a proper playground or skateboard area so that there is something for young people to do with their spare time."
 Cllr Suzette Nicholson added, "We do appreciate that some of this problem stems from boredom, that's why we've always been keen to support the excellent work of the Hampton Youth Project at Tangley Park which offers a range of activities for 11-19 year olds locally. For more details, either call the project on 020 8288 0864 or look at the website: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/ home/education_and_learning/youth_support/youth_hampton.html
  • SAVE Kingston Hospital: Senior NHS staff have revealed that there are proposals to close Accident and Emergency services and Maternity services at Kingston Hospital. Neighbouring Lib Dem MPs have been told this information by 5 senior NHS staff, including four chief executives and one senior clinician. You can now read the SW London Strategic Plan which was due to be published in December, but was pulled at the last moment at : http://www.savekingstonhopsital.org.uk. You can also sign the petition online at the same website address.
  • HAMPTON Lib Dems successfully spoke out on residents' behalf at a recent planning meeting regarding the controversial 'Towering Houseboats' on Taggs Island. Cllr Suzette Nicholson, who was approached by local residents to speak out for them, at the planning appeal, said, "What was disappointing was that a local Conservative spoke in favour of retaining these boats. It would appear that they are out of step with the majority view of residents who want to see these beautiful river views protected and not spoiled by over-development."
  • NEW PAVEMENT FOR STATION ROAD: Hampton Lib Dem councillors have warmly welcomed the completion of the stretch of pavement at the junction of Station Road and Percy Road. Residents may recall that the original pavement rather inexplicably stopped short of the corner of the junction adjacent to the level crossing; the new pavement will ensure that pedestrians have a greater sense of safety when turning right from Station Road and crossing the level crossing.
 Liberal Democrat Councillor, Suzette NICHOLSON, said "It has been four years since we first requested that this issue was addressed and I am very pleased to see it finally come to fruition. The reason why it took so long was that the land was owned by Network Rail and the process by which ownership of the land transferred from Network Rail to the local authority was a drawn out one." Cllr Nicholson went on to add "I'm convinced that this will make this corner safer for pedestrians in general and pensioners and parents with buggies in particular, indeed I have already received phone calls and e-mails from residents saying what an improvement this has made to the area" Cllr Carol STRATTON added "We are always keen to hear from residents if they feel there is an issue such as this that needs addressing. If we can help we certainly will."
  • COMMUNITY toilet scheme: One of the popular initiatives started by the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council has been the Community Toilet Scheme. 90 toilets in pubs, cafés, and offices around the borough are now open to the public. The Council pays the venue £600 a year to allow unrestricted access to the toilets. This is very much cheaper, and offers many more toilets, than the traditional public toilets, which are very expensive to maintain. Just look for the Community Toilet sign outside.
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2009 News:

  • From Comments Summer 2009: • YELLOW Lines One of the most regular comments we hear when we're out and about in Hampton is about parking and yellow lines. Contrary to what you might read and hear we're no fans of yellow lines but in certain locations within Hampton they are necessary in order to improve safety and traffic flow. We have been working closely with local residents to ensure that where parking restrictions are required to improve safety they are introduced as quickly as possible. One example is at the junction with Station Road and High Street where a tragic fatality occurred. We have also been listening to the views of local residents to ensure that where yellow lines are either inappropriate or unnecessary they are removed.
  • Another regular complaint is about the 'SPY CAR'. Again this is a problem that we have been addressing with our colleagues at York House. While we appreciate that there is the need to ensure that parking restrictions are enforced we fully appreciate that some drivers, particularly those displaying Blue Badges are unfairly and wrongly targeted by the 'Spy Car'. We have asked that more foot patrols are restored to Hampton and that the activities of the car are scaled back as far as possible. If you feel you have been wrongly targeted contact your local Lib Dem Team.
  • ACADEMY Consultation: The process has now ended. It has been very successful. Over the last few months parents have fed in their views on topics such as post 16 education, curriculum, and subject specialisms for the schools, and as a result the original proposals have been modified. Cllr Eady, the Cabinet member for Children's Services said "I am extremely excited by the new vision for the school. The support for the new Academy has been very strong, from the staff, the governors and very many parents. This has been because they have seen the great opportunities this programme will bring to the school. If the proposal is approved at the Council's Cabinet meeting on the 23rd of November, the new school will open in September 2010. £18m will be available for new and refurbished buildings at the school
  • We are very pleased that HATHEROP PARK has been awarded a 'Green Flag' Award this year. This Award acknowledges high standards of park facilities and maintenance. The Council works with the 'Friends of Hatherop Park' a group formed in December 2003 to discuss ideas and keep improving the park for local residents. There are plans for a new pavilion to be constructed. Work has been delayed because of unsuitable ground conditions but will begin again as soon as these are sorted out. The new pavilion will include a public toilet and a refreshment kiosk as well as new changing facilities
  • AN awkward turn: At the end of the summer Suzette Nicholson and residents became concerned about the overhanging greenery on the bridge across the railway in Tudor Road. It covered most of the pathway at one point and obstructed easy access. Network Rail, when asked, cut this back but unfortunately they have left the rubbish behind.
  • TOO much greenery: Councillors have recently heard that the small piece of rough ground near the level crossing could soon be a pavement. The council is waiting for Network Rail to give permission for the work to be done We're delighted that this issue, which has been a long standing matter of concern to residents and councillors, will soon be rectified.
  • LINDEN Hall, social centre for older people, remains closed for extensive works to the building and interior refurbishment, which is taking longer than we first anticipated. Your local councillors fully support Linden Hall as a much needed place for older people to meet, have lunch and participate in activities and we look forward to re-opening in the New Year.
  • ON the Watch: Your councillors report any wrongly dumped rubbish they see. A particularly bad spot is Oldfield Road next to the Thames Water land. The Council number to contact if you see any is 08456 122 660or you can complete an online report form or email envprotection@richmond.gov.uk.
  • Crossing in Hampton High Street: Responding to residents' concerns about safety on this busy street, your councillors have supported the improvement to the crossing from Manor Gardens to Hampton swimming pool. It has been upgraded to a raised toucan crossing, which should reduce traffic speed and provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.
From Comments Summer 2009: • PARKING around Hampton Station - Is Re-Zoning the answer? Commuters parking in streets surrounding the station has long been an issue that has annoyed Hampton residents. Commuters travelling in from Sunbury and beyond have traditionally received the blame for this as Hampton is a cheaper option, being located at the end of Zone 6. Carol Stratton and Suzette Nicholson, your local Lib Dem Councillors, decided to do a survey in the morning peak travel time to gain a snap shot of train travellers' behaviour and to see whether there were real grounds to suggest that Zone 6 should be extended to stations beyond Hampton. The survey took place over four days, from 6.30 am to 9 am. The results of the survey, first of all, were impressive with the overwhelming majority of commuters walking to the station. Approximately 300 commuters were interviewed each day and though there were a substantial number of people who drove to the station and parked in the surrounding roads, there was no real evidence to suggest that we were looking at a massive influx of Sunbury commuters. What was surprising was that a significant number of drivers came from Hampton and Hampton North some traveling relatively short distances.
  • WE need to encourage all Hampton commuters to walk, cycle or catch the bus rather then park the car near the station and we will be looking at how this can be achieved, either through talks with the bus companies to improve the service in the morning or by encouraging more cycling. Local campaigner, Gareth Roberts, having seen rail users struggle to park their bikes during the survey period, is campaigning for more cycle stands at the front of the station to make this easier. We have also asked South-West Trains local manager to meet us at the site and discuss our concerns including whether there could be parking for a few cars using the small grass site near the crossing. Whatever happens we will keep you fully informed of our progress and if you have any suggestions we'd be really pleased to hear from you.
  • AS a result of Cllr Carol Stratton's persistent efforts on behalf of older people in Hampton, council funding has been made available to refurbish Linden Hall. Your Liberal Democrat Council is making sure that this Social Day Centre for the Over 60s is fit for purpose, with a programme of repairs, roof insulation, external decoration and a new central heating system. At the same time, the trustees of Linden Hall have raised money for internal decoration. While the work is being done the centre will be closed for a few months in the summer but members will not be left without a service. At a meeting in Linden Hall on May 7th members were informed that membership of Linden Hall includes membership of Elleray Hall in Teddington and they are kindly invited to use Elleray Hall while the work goes ahead.
  • DOING Not Saying: At a recent meeting of the Liberal Democrat group Hampton ward councillors voted in favour of a motion to freeze councillors' allowances at their 2008/2009 levels and not to accept any increase for the year 2009/2010. The motion was carried enthusiastically. The freeze will apply to all basic allowances and to all special responsibility allowances. "Given the current harsh economic climate when we are all being asked to tighten our belts it would be wholly inappropriate for councillors to accept even the smallest rise in their allowances", writes Cllr Suzette Nicholson. "We have a duty to ensure that if we are being entrusted with public money then that money is spent on maintaining and delivering services to the residents of the borough."
  • AFTER being approached by local businesses, Suzette is working to make parking in Station Approach as shopper friendly as possible. She has also had short-term parking bays placed outside certain shops in Station Road allowing a turn-over of local shoppers to visit them.
  • BY the light of the moon: Walkers along the Thames in Hampton will soon be able to see a new side of the Moon . . Permission has been granted by Richmond Council's planning committee for the owners of the 'Back of the Moon' houseboat moored at Taggs Island to reduce the size of their home, allowing them to avoid having to demolish it altogether.The three storey houseboat currently has a pitched roof at the north west end, leading to concerns it had become too large for the area. In February the owners were issued with an enforcement notice because the Council was concerned about the size, design and prominent position of the houseboat.
 When the committee first discussed the houseboat in November last year it felt the vessel would be out of keeping with the Hampton Village Conservation Area. The owners had appealed against the enforcement notice, but at last Thursday's planning meeting said they would withdraw the appeal if permission for the changes was granted. The applicants, Ms Leyland and Ms Merrell had submitted plans to remove the majority of the third storey, to reduce the majority of the boat's height from 8.1 metres to 5.9 metres, although the central section will be 7.1 metres, in a bid to make it less overbearing and more neighbourly. Richmond Council's planning committee agreed the application was finely balanced, but decided to grant the application. The committee told members of the public the Council's new Local Development Framework would in future give more guidance on what would and would not be acceptable development in areas like Taggs Island.
  • [From COMMENTS Winter 2008-9]: CAMPAIGNING to Stop Oldfield Road Lorry expansion: Your three Hampton councillors have all made representation to the Traffic Commissioner's office asking for refusal of an application for a haulage operator's licence. A firm has applied to have 10 more lorries and a trailer on their site in Oldfield Road. Oldfield Road is primarily residential and the volume of goods vehicles using it to access Kempton Gate business park has been a problem since this industrial estate was redeveloped. Most industrial estates have separate access roads but Oldfield Road was designated as the access road under the previous Conservative council administration. Lorries from the business park often block the traffic, especially at rush hour, and damage the pavements by parking on them. An area of the roadway has also subsided as a result of the heavy traffic. Last year, Cllr Nicholson presented a residents' petition to the Council asking for an alternative access road to be built. However this was costed at £3 million and currently cannot be afforded. "The Traffic Commissioner's office is an independent body, based in Leeds, and is not answerable to the council. We hope that our representations result in rejection of this application," said Cllr Nicholson
  • MEALS on Wheels: Everyone receiving the service is being contacted by social services staff and offered a frozen meal service, delivered fortnightly, or a complete assessment of their needs. Some people may need support from a home carer to prepare food or may choose to attend a day centre for their lunch and enjoy the social contact. If daily contact is needed it will be included in the support plan. Care-line and Telecare are also available for vulnerable people living alone and carers or relatives wishing to be involved in the assessment and support plans are welcomed. Customers who choose the frozen meals can heat them up in a domestic oven or a microwave. A specially designed Servotherm heater and a small freezer are supplied to those who do not have their own and the labelling on the meals is designed to help people with visual impairment. Councillor Carol Stratton, vice- chair of the overview and scrutiny committee for health, social care and housing, said "I recognise that changes in services for older people can cause anxiety but our aim is to offer more independence, more choice and less social isolation for vulnerable elderly people. The new Self Directed Support scheme is a service tailored for each individual".
  • THERE is a restored and new road layout at the end of the bridge with Tudor Road. This junction with Station Road was a small area of Hampton where your Ward Councillors had asked for change. The altered road layout with new surfaces and kerb stones has made it safer for road traffic and pedestrians.
  • ST ALBAN'S: Residents and Councillors are pleased to see that St. Alban's Shelter along by the riverside in Hampton has a new roof. Ward Councillors pressed the council to replace it after the old roof was stolen two years ago. The new roofing looks splendid although it is not made of lead. Also concerning the river, the Flood Defence Committee at Reading met in January and had an interesting vote. The Tory/Labour majority voted not to increase the local levy to invest in more flood defence schemes.

2008 & previous years:

  • THE restoration of a riverside feature commemorating a prolific romantic novelist has been completed. St Albans Shelter on Hampton riverside has been handed back into Richmond Council's care by the contractor. The brick shelter, topped by a copper-finished cupola, stands downstream from Garrick's House, between St Albans Lodge and the river. It stands in gardens formerly the site of a large mansion, St Albans, which was the home of novelist Winifred Graham in the early part of the 20th century. Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "The restoration of this modest structure underlines our commitment to protecting and maintaining the borough's heritage and environment. St Albans Shelter now looks better than ever; being so close to both river and road means everyone passing by can appreciate it."
  • [Comments July 2008] TRANSFORMATION for Hampton Community College Hampton Community College is one of three schools earmarked for Academy status, as the Liberal Democrat Council try to improve local secondary schools across Richmond upon Thames. The preferred sponsor chosen for this school and Whitton is a Swedish organisation called Kunskapsskolan. Both schools are starting to make good progress, and this change will help them develop into outstanding schools. Cllr Suzette Nicholson said, "I'm delighted HCC has been chosen for academy status. Not only will the programme make millions of pounds available for a refurbishment, it will also benefit from the expertise of an academy sponsor who has some of the most valuable and modern skills in the field of education. They believe in tailoring education to the needs of the individual student, so that everyone gets the help they need."
 The Council has decided to be a co-sponsor of the Academies, so that they can retain a stake in the new school. Both HCC and Whitton will keep the same admissions policy and stay within the family of Richmond schools Consulting with parents and local schools Cllr Carol Stratton added, "The next stage is to consult with the schools, local parents, and the nearby primary schools. During the next few weeks, the sponsor will set out its vision for the school in a consultation paper. Local parents will be able to feed into this process and give their views". In the autumn, if the council gives the go-ahead, and government approval is obtained, a full community consultation process will be organised. Cllr Suzette Nicholson added, "When we were elected we promised we would take action to improve our secondary schools across the borough. By bringing Kunskapsskolan to the borough we intend to make HCC one of the best schools in Richmond".
  • LIGHT dawns on Station Road parking: Pressure from local councillors has brought improvement and order to parking outside the shops in Station Road. Councillor Suzette Nicholson spoke out to improve the present parking arrangements outside the shops on Station Road, Hampton, at the recent meeting of the Council's Transport Consultative Group. "Following strong pressure on the council," said Councillor Nicholson, "the majority view has prevailed, and we will return to unrestricted parking here, except between 11 am and 12 noon, which will ensure that the road is not swamped with cars left by commuters." "Residents and businesses will be informed of this decision shortly," she continued, "and in the meantime parking will be eased by the removal of the present restrictions, pending letters going out to residents and businesses and the new signage being erected." The 20-minute parking bays outside the shops adjacent to Warfield Court, (which includes the post office) will remain as they are."
  • CUTTING carbon emissions: Your Lib Dem Council is concerned with slashing the carbon consumption of council buildings. Our council has pledged to put the environment at the centre of everything we do. Cllr Suzette Nicholson said, "Our buildings and the borough's street lighting are now powered by green electricity from renewable sources including wind power. The council is also working closely with residents, schools and partners to help them find their own energy savings. Although there is more that the council may be able to do the Lib Dems have made significant progress towards reducing our carbon footprint". Cllr Ray Ball said, "The Liberal Democrats continue to set the green standard that other parties need to meet. We are streets ahead of the Tories. While the other parties may talk green, only the Lib Dems mean it". Local residents are able to recycle because the Lib Dem Council has increased recycling measures. It is also not complacent in that we are always looking at new ways to improve the service.
  • CLLR Stratton has met with residents in the High Street who are concerned with vehicles speeding in this road. They brought it to her attention and she has taken this up with council officers. As a result, the crossing by Hampton Pool will be upgraded and a mobile speed camera introduced to the High Street. It will also be used in Hampton Court Road and the Upper Sunbury Road. The camera will be used about once a month in each location. Signs that the speed camera is in action with a 30 mph roundel will be put in each area.
  • PLANNING: Your Liberal Democrat Councillors have been making representations about planning applications in Hampton. These include development of 75 - 79 Percy Road, Huck's Boatyard, Hampton Court Road, 4 Chestnut Avenue and Warfield Court, Station Road. The Conservative Council Group refused to discuss the Local Development Planning Document (LDF Core Strategy) at the proper time so they could claim to have been excluded from the process! This political stunt will affect future planning applications and shows the Conservatives are either seriously incompetent or not interested in representing local people.
  • CARLISLE Park: The Council has been renovating Carlisle Park. Old-fashioned roses have been planted at the entrance of the park to provide good colour and scent as you enter. There were early problems with the watering but once they are established they should improve the park entrance. There have also been some new benches added and the path newly covered with tarmac.
  • JUNCTION of Ormond Avenue/Tudor Road/Station Road: After your ward councillors made representations to the Council this junction now has been redesigned. There is still some final finishing to be done but the works will make this corner easier for pedestrians crossing. It will also make it easier for cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians to know who has right of way.

2007 & previous years:

FROM COMMENTS Autumn 2007:
  • Bell Hill Restored: The local Council have now restored the Bell Hill part of the Hampton Riverside thanks to pressure from Hampton Riverside Trust, and local Liberal Democrat Councillors. There are still a few finishing touches to be made but now residents can walk there without fear of falling or becoming covered in mud. It had been hoped to use resin bonded gravel but the Environment Agency's flood policy would not allow for this to happen. "I am pleased for the residents of Hampton that this part of the riverside has now been restored. It has been in a poor state for many years." says local Cllr Carol Stratton.
  • ANOTHER Green Promise Met: Richmond Borough goes even greener from November with the introduction of cardboard and plastic bottle recycling. The new scheme will see rubbish and recycling collected on the same day. In Hampton waste collection day is Thursday. The new scheme means that all plastic bottles including milk cartons and even bottles that contained household cleaning products can be recycled. Your recycling and waste will be collected by different vehicles at different times of the day. At the beginning of the new service we also expect collections to take place up until 5pm. If you think your recycling has been missed please report it at www.richmond.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling online or by phoning 08456 122 660 after 3pm on the day of your collection. Hampton Cllr Carol Stratton said : "Recycling cardboard and plastic bottles is vitally important if we are to protect the environment. Central Government is also going to increase charges on landfill waste so it makes good financial as well as environmental sense to recycle more."
  • Broad Lane Resurfaced ! After representations by your Lib Dem Councillors Broad Lane has now been resurfaced. The surface of Broad Lane has been deteriorating for several years. "Transport for London (TfL) does not consider this a priority road so we have not been able to use any funding from them. However we are delighted that the council has found some funding for this new road surface." said Cllr Ray Ball
  • TRANSPORT for London has now allocated 18 Police Community Officers (PCSO's) for the Borough. They started work on the 20th June and they will be patrolling the buses and trains in the Borough. The emphasis will be on certain target school routes at the end of school days. If you know any routes that you think should be of particular concern to the the PCSOs please contact the Hampton Neighbourhood Team on 020 7161 9156 Earlier this year the Liberal Democrats launched the" We Can Cut Crime Campaign". One of the main campaign pledges is for more police on patrol particularly at night. This would be paid for by scrapping Labour's plans for an expensive and unworkable ID card scheme.
  • NEW Playground on Gander Green The new council playground on Gander Green is open and the beautiful new equipment is attracting many local children to enjoy playing safely there. There are no plans to place paths across this area and even with the new playground there is still plenty of room to play football or other games.
  • TIME up for Dirty Dog Owners: The Council has now got improved powers to fine dog owners who don't clear up after their dogs. Whilst most dog owners behave responsibly and clean up the mess, we now have powers to tackle the few persistent offenders who allow their animals to foul the borough. They risk an £80 fixed penalty notice or a maximum of £1000 fine if they do not pay and the matter goes to court. If anyone knows of areas plagued by dog fouling, please contact the Enforcement Team on 0845 612 2660
  • NEW Traffic Measures Coming Soon: Short term parking spaces will soon be introduced in parts of Station and Ashley Roads so that shoppers who have to make the journey by car can visit the shops but commuters cannot park there and stay all day. The measures will be trialed for six months to see how they work out. 20 mph zones have to be self-enforcing by means of speed humps so we have been advised by council traffic officers that the 20 mph speed limit in Thames Street is not enforceable. Because of this officers are considering raising the limit to 30 mph so that speeding cars and lorries can be penalised. This would involve the use of a mobile C.C.T.V. camera in Thames Street to monitor the speed of traffic.
  • 30 YEARS and Still Going!: Congratulations to the White House Community Centre who are celebrating 30 years since they first opened.
  • HAMPTON Youth Project has been newly refurbished and now has extended opening hours. The refurbishment includes a new music production studio which has been recently created in the old shower blocks. This half term the Youth Project were running music and streetdance workshops, with the help of Groove Academy and our own music production and dance worker. There have also had visits from young people Shooting Stars Hospice who have been taking part in the workshops, and hopefully this will lead to more work in the future with them.
  • August 2007: A new playground at Hampton village green is proving a magnet for youngsters. It was opened this month as part of a £2m playground modernisation scheme launched by the Council four years ago to improve play facilities borough-wide. The Council invested £500,000 per annum into improving the equipment, safety and signage of the sites. The new playground in Station Road, Hampton, boasts modern play equipment for use by both disabled and able-bodied children. Under the programme, 32 playgrounds have been upgraded and six brand new play areas, including the one in Hampton, provided.
 At the start of the programme the Council's target was to have at least 77 per cent of the borough's play areas meeting the Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) criteria. Currently, 85 per cent meet the national LEAP standard. Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said: "Playgrounds are a very high priority for the Council and this borough now boasts some of the best play areas in London, which reflects our determination to improve facilities. As well as being huge fun, they must also be safe and this has been a key design factor with rubber surfacing throughout. The popularity of the Hampton play area was a delight to see when I visited it last week. Like all the others provided under the programme, it is proving a great attraction."
  • FROM COMMENTS winter 2006/7: the Liberal Democrats will introduce the doorstep collection of plastic bottles and cardboard later this year, whilst retaining the weekly waste collection. Despite scare-mongering and lies by the Tory opposition, the plastics and cardboard pilot scheme which had been in operation in some of the streets of Hampton will be extended across Hampton and the Borough in November. There will be a massive education exercise to let residents know how and when their waste will be collected and importantly extra investment in new street collection vehicles which will be purchased later this year. The Tories have been claiming that the Lib Dem council was planning to collect residual household waste fortnightly rather than weekly. This simply isn't true. Residents in Hampton were concerned to see a vehicle mixing recyclable materials together, however this was just part of an experiment to understand which was the best method to collect recycled materials. The Council still wants residents to separate materials as this is the most environmental and cost effective way to recycle.
 Cllr Suzette Nicholson said "We aim to have the best and greenest waste collection in London. Doorstep collection of plastic bottles and cardboard was a key election promise, which we will be delivering later this year. This will increase the recycling rate in Hampton and across the Borough". Cllr Carol Stratton added "Recycling all recyclable waste is vitally important to protect our environment. Central government intends to impose increasing charges on waste going to land fill, especially organic waste, as landfill space is running out". Carol continued "Boroughs who do not meet recycling targets will be heavily penalised. More charges from central government mean more Council Tax so it makes financial as well as environmental sense for all of us to do all we can". The Council is hoping to encourage more residents to make use of the current food waste collection or for residents to compost their own organic waste. For more information contact one of your local councillors. Organic landfill is being particularly discouraged because it creates methane which is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2.
  • TACKLING climate change: The Lib Dems are tackling climate change locally. They have led the way including a policy to charge parking per- mits based on carbon emissions or engine sizes for cars older than 2001. Cllr Nicholson said "We hope people will change their behaviour and the next time they buy a car they will buy a less polluting car". As well as this national first the Council have also employed a Sustainability Manager to help the council and the borough's residents become even greener. Cllr Stratton (pictured above) added "As well as signing up to a climate change strategy we have also reduced the amount of energy the Council used in its first hundred days".
  • YOUR local Councillors are eager to hear about any crime or anti-social behaviour problems in your area. Cllr's Ball, Nicholson and Stratton are eager to tackle these issues to help make Hampton as safe as possible. Cllr Ray Ball said "We hope residents will come along to the next police meeting to discuss these issues with your local police team as well as your councillors". Residents who are interested in the policing of their local area are being invited to Police Liaison Group meeting at Hampton Junior School on Monday 19th March at 7.30pm.
  • HAMPTON Community College has received the Investor in Careers (IiC) accreditation. Awarded by Connexions, the accolade followed a rigorous inspection and covered all aspects of careers work. It was structured around four key elements relating to the management of careers education and guidance; commitment; organisation; delivery and evaluation.
  • BUCKINGHAM Fence has been dismantled. This was put up by the last Conservative administration without consultation and has been taken down because of opposition by the residents. Consultation has already been a mark of the new Liberal Democrat Council, and following representation about the open land; the Council has agreed to award Buckingham Fields Village Green Status. This should ensure that it remains safe and open for community use well into the future.
  • CARLISLE Park: We are very pleased to welcome our new tenant who has taken up residence in the flat on the top floor of the pavilion. We hope that our park keeper will be very happy in his new home. Residents can feel reassured that although he may not be working in the park all the time he will be present when the rest of us have gone home! This is something that Cllr. Suzette Nicholson has been pressing for since she was first elected in October 2004.
  • THE future. The Council and other key groups are responsible for producing a Community Plan that sets out some key objectives for the next ten years. Residents were asked to register their views. The themes in the consultation included: Safer and stronger communities Greener and cleaner Healthier Communities Children and young people Business and culture As well as being able to make your views known online, some of you have been visited and asked to complete paper versions. By doing these two things we hope that more people would be able to contribute than a traditional consultation meeting. The results will be analysed and feedback given.
  • PARKING in Station Road: Cllrs. Ray Ball and Carol Stratton are particularly taking the lead in changing the present restrictions. They are discussing the change of this area's parking to include 20 minute parking slots so that car drivers can make quick visits to the Post Office and other shops in this road.
  • HORSE Chestnut Trees: You may have noticed that leaf miner moth has affected the Horse Chestnut Trees in Bushy Park and elsewhere. This caused their leaves to brown earlier than usual. If the tree becomes weakened it is also likely to be affected by the more serious 'bleeding canker'.
  • BUS stops Work will be taking place in the Hampton area in the coming months on a number of the local bus stops in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995. Consultation to minimise any possible major inconvenience has taken place, but it is necessary that access to buses by disabled people does comply with the act.

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