St Margaret's & N Twickenham: Comments and other news from 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006

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2010 News:

• From Comments Summer 2010: RESIDENTS' Station Development Fears: Your local Lib Dem councillors want to hear residents' views on the potential re-development of Twickenham station. Network Rail want to work with developers to re-develop the station. Although the plans include much needed improvements, such as longer platforms, the proposed development will also include 170 multi-storey flats.

Cllr Geoff Acton said : "Twickenham station is in desperate need of improvement but any development has to be appropriate to the area. " "We have concerns about the height and intensity of what is currently proposed. We want to hear local residents' views on the development so we can speak out for you at the Council. Please get in touch. "

• LOCAL Lib Dems say "Thank you" Ben, Geoff and Philip would like to thank everyone who supported them in the recent Council elections. "On Election Day you gave us your trust and we will be your voice on the Council for the next four years. We will continue to represent the interests of our community during the coming years and as your councillors be accountable and active on your behalf," said Cllrs Acton and Khosa.

Sadly Philip Morgan narrowly missed out by 46 votes. "Whilst disappointed at not joining my two elected Lib Dem colleagues, I intend to remain active in the community having lived in the ward for 30 years. I will continue to support my colleagues and remain available to help and advise residents. I am standing for chair of thePolice Liaison Group and will remain a school governor and continue to sit on theRFU consultative group," said Philip.

• CRIME Crackdown The local Liberal Democrat team are working with residents to tackle crime in our area. A list of nominated neighbours in our ward is now being collated by Operation Lockout to help elderly and vulnerable people in a new campaign to combat theft and distraction burglaries. Vulnerable residents will be invited to pair up with a nominated neighbour so cold callers can be directed straight to them. They will then deal with unwanted visitors and pass on details of bona fide service providers.

• ACTION on vandalism Following reports of newly planted young trees on the A316 being vandalised, Cllrs Khosa and Acton were quickly on the case with Richmond Council and Transport for London to get debris cleared. They are now asking TFL to replant larger trees and the police to keep an extra eye out along with vigilant local residents to report any vandalism appropriately.

• COLE Park Area Plans Following action from Cllr Geoff Acton, Transport for London have confirmed that they are no longer going to signal the London Road roundabout but are considering a pedestrian crossing in the north arm. Lack of funding continues to prevent closure of the southern end of Cole Park Road north. Residents continuing safety concerns mean we shall continue to push for this.

The requested keep clear box at the Twickenham Station end of Cole Park Road was considered but not progressed due to proximity to traffic lights and low traffic volumes turning right. We have asked for this to be further considered as part of the town centre traffic improvement programme.

• ST MARGARET'S Estate Conservation Area Extended! Following two years work, residents are now being consulted on an extension to the existing conservation area so that the whole of the north of the A316 is covered. It means the character, appearance and trees in the whole of the area will now be protected for the future. Results of the consultation will be available later on this summer.

• CAMPAIGN Victory! After a long campaign by residents, green groups and others against Heathrow expansion, the coalition government has announced that expansion will be scrapped. The Lib Dems have long campaigned against expansion. Cllr Ben Khosa said : "It has been Liberal Democrat policy to oppose expansion at Heathrow, and thanks to the coalition agreement we have been able to make good on our promise. This will be a great relief to local residents.

• [Feb 27] St John's Hospital site secured for primary school places

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• SCHOOL places: The Council is investing heavily in expanding primary schools across the borough to cope with a baby boom. To deal with the high demand the Council has now announced that it will be buying part of the St John's Hospital site in Strafford Road for a new primary school. It will also provide an extra form of entry at Orleans Infants school. These plans will provide us with places equal to a new two form entry school and should satisfy the demand for the foreseeable future.

We last had to provide extra places in the area in 2001 when the then Lib Dem Council expanded St Mary's primary school to two forms of entry. We are working very closely with the schools and Governors to deal with the problem, but as usual Government funding has been totally inadequate. The Council has already allocated £32 million which will provide 150 extra primary school places.

• ROUNDABOUT Round-up: The three large roundabouts that control traffic along the busy A316 Chertsey Rd have caused concern for many residents. We have been vigorously lobbying Transport for London for better and safer access at these junctions. Responsibility lies with Transport for London, part of the London Mayor's Office, and not Richmond Council. Ironically because accidents have been very few over the years there has been a reluctance to deal with the issues but after much perseverance by your present councillors the position is as follows:

Whitton Road Roundabout: 24 hour surveillance of traffic movements and consideration of replacement of the pelican crossing by road junction signals. Cllr Philip Morgan is also asking this to include a box junction

London Road Roundabout: Exploration at the junction in 2009 revealed underground difficulties preventing signalisation. However we have persisted to secure an agreed need for a pedestrian/cycle crossing and a joint Transport for London and Council feasibility study is now proposed.

St. Margaret's Roundabout: Plans have been drawn up to review the signals and their timings with a view to giving pedestrians more time and clearer road markings. We have also successfully lobbied for the replacement of the road bridge across the A316 outside St. Stephens Primary School.

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• THANKS to an active local Trader's Association working in partnership with Richmond Council there are now no empty shops in the Crown Road area. The first time in a long while! The reduced parking charges scheme is also now operating, enabling customers to do short stay parkingcheaply and even longer on Thursday afternoons. Other support includes money from the small grants fund towards street fairs and other promotions and a bid is in hand for the Government's Future Jobs Fund to provide a temporary post to help with the retail online work currently being undertaken.

• FIGHTING Crime: Some months ago traders and residents had alerted your Councillors that there seemed to have been a rise in burglaries and criminal behaviour in and around Crown Road. Very quickly an emergency street briefing was held at the top of Crown Road by your Cllrs and the Safer Neighbourhood Team to reassure residents and traders that extra resources were being employed to deal with the problem and thereby increase confidence in the area and reduce fear of crime.

We have also persuaded South West Trains to provide extra revenue inspectors to police St Margaret's station as it was felt that illegal fare evaders may have been committing the crime in the area "Thankfully we can now report that due to the joined up approach between the relevant agencies crime figures have now stabilised but we continue to monitor the situation," said policetrained community crime prevention rep, Cllr Ben Khosa.

• LET there be Light: Residents of Cole Park Road were dismayed last November when a street light was suddenly removed due to apparent cracking of the concrete column leaving a large proportion of pavement in the dark and potentially hazardous. Swift action from Cllr Geoff Acton with Council Officers and EDF Energy ensured that a replacement light was installed and was working by Christmas to the relief of immediate neighbours.

• CPZ Update: Arrangements are in hand for the "S" Zone to be expanded to include Moormead, Sidney, Kenley and Godstone roads. The implementation is as a result of the majority of those who voted in those individual roads doing so in favour. The extension will be reviewed in 3 months time when all residents in the originally consulted roads will have an opportunity to express their views for any changes thought necessary.

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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.

17 places in TWICKENHAM and ST MARGARET'S have joined the scheme: Alexander Pope; Arthur's on The Green; Barmy Arms; Bloomsbury; Cabbage Patch; Cambridge GardensCafé; Civic Centre; Cricket Pavilion; Crown; The George; Kentucky Fried Chicken;Orleans Garden Café (summer only); Orleans House Gallery; St Margarets Public House; Twickenham Library; Waitrose; and the York House Gardens urinals. Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Geoff Acton, says: "We are delighted with the success of the scheme which, we believe, signals the way forward for clean, safe, accessible toilet provision for the public. It would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and I applaud their commitment. The idea has certainly taken off. We have been inundated with enquiries from other boroughs and some have already introduced similar schemes in their own areas."

The Borough's 90 Community Toilets

• Page 2: Comments and news from 2008, 2007 & 2006

2009 News:

• [From Comments Winter 2009-10]: TWO recent PLANNING proposals in St. Margaret's have aroused much concern and opposition from residents. These were the proposed development for housing of the back land behind Orchard Road and the proposed conversion of the former doctor's surgery in Crown Road into a hostel. In both cases your Lib Dem councillors were against the plans; Cllr Philip Morgan, with strong support from residents, coordinated the opposition. Both were refused permission; the Crown Road scheme did not even come to the Committee [the house is now up for sale as a single residence].

Many planning applications are categorised as "permitted development" and decided by a planning officer. Only the large or controversial proposals are referred to the Council's Planning Committee, which will confirm, reject or defer a recommendation from a planning officer. "In the light of misleading information that has been circulating, it is important to point out that planning decisions have nothing to do with political party allegiance but everything to do with national and local planning policies. In the latter case the relevant policies happen to be those adopted by the Richmond Tory administration in the 2005 Unitary Development Plan," said Cllr Philip Morgan.

• St Margaret's POST OFFICE serves residents from a large area. Last year your three Lib Dem councillors and our MP Vince Cable campaigned vigorously to prevent this sub-office being added to the Post Office list for potential closure. Happily our campaigning paid off and not only has the sub-office been saved but it is being expanded to offer a wider range of services to residents. Of particular value will be the improved facility for paying for council services locally rather than having to trek to the council offices.

• Richmond Council is continuing to SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES with over 500 now having applied to the rate relief scheme including several in our area. We are working with local traders to promote shopping in St Margaret's in a number of ways: • Production of a branded shopping bag. • Money for Christmas lights and hanging baskets. • Supporting the Crown Road Christmas Fair on 6th December. • On street pay and display charges have been reduced, with max discounts, to 10p for 20 minutes. • Charges have also been slashed on Thursday afternoons in all open air council car parks to aid shoppers. • Planning application processes are also being made easier where possible and also help with promoting new businesses in empty shops.

• 1,000 business have taken up small business rate relief. "Helping small businesses start up and survive through the hard times is an important part of the Council's package to stimulate the borough's economy." said Cllr Geoff Acton, the Borough's Business Champion.

• HEATHAM House is the most successful youth club in the borough and provides a diverse range of services for young people. We work closely with the Police to ensure young people are usefully engaged and do not become a cause for concern to local residents. Cllr Ben Khosa is your rep on the Heatham House Advisory Committee.

• Going Green: Residents can also take advantage of our free initiative at libraries where they can borrow ENERGY MONITORS for their home for three weeks and purchase one later from the website if they wish for £25 once they realise how much money they can save!

• Thanks to pressure from Cllr Khosa there will be extra ticket inspectors at St Margaret's station to catch FARE DODGERS.

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• From Comments Summer 2009: PARKING Zones: Responding to many residents' requests, who live north of St. Margaret's station to join the successful S Zone that operates to the south, a consultation exercise was launched. The exercise was controversial and the scheme was extended only into two roads adjoining the S zone . In order to assess the success and impact of this extension a further opportunity has been provided for residents to comment in the recent review. At the TCG on the 20th May a decision was made to add Sidney Rd, Moormead Rd, the Grove and Cole Park View with the traffic order covering Godstone and Kenley Roads which will not be included at present but an early reassessment has been requested following many representations from those roads. The implementation will take 6-8 weeks.

• CAR Clubs have arrived in the Borough! 70 car parking bays have been provided across the Borough with 5 so far in our ward. These are in St Margarets, Northcote, London, and March Roads, and Broadway Ave. Full details are on the Council web site. These bays provide money from the operators to the Council to help hard pressed council taxpayers and early estimates in other boroughs suggest up to £3500 can be saved by resident users. Surveys also indicate that as many as 15 parking spaces can be saved in the vicinity of the car club bays, as residents dispense with a second car or an occasionally used single car. Our scheme will be reviewed in 6 months.

• GEOFF Acton, a former marketing director at car manufacturing giant SAAB, has been appointed the Borough's Business Champion. Together with Cllr Ben Khosa member of the newly established Small Business Task Group, they are helping local businesses get through these difficult times. " The Council want to help local businesses, like Joseph's Hairdressers get through the recession," said Cllr Acton.

• WHITTON Road Littering: The route between Twickenham station, Tesco's sandwich bar and the College in Egerton Rd has become a serious litter trail to the annoyance and distress of many residents. Working with local residents, Councillors Philip Morgan and Ben Khosa have persuaded the Council and College to provide more litter bins, ensure they are emptied promptly and undertake more frequent road sweeping. The way litterbugs behave, this will never be enough but things are improving in most roads.

• PHONE Masts: You may recall an application for a new Phone Mast at the corner of Egerton Rd and Chertsey Rd was successfully thwarted by your Lib Dem Team about 18 months ago when they enlisted the help of Vince Cable MP. The phone company came back again to haunt the area. Very quickly, working with popular resident Peter Mayers, Cllr Ben Khosa handed in a petition at full Council. Thankfully the application has again been rejected. We need to be ever vigilant and ready for action against such applications whilst health risks, particularly for children, are still largely unknown.

• THE Marriott Hotel at the Twickenham Stadium is now completed. Transport for London will be replacing the bus shelters and considering the implementation of a bus lane. Until all the developments at the RFU are complete it is not possible to judge the effect on traffic on adjacent roads. There will be consultation with residents as soon as possible. There will also be an opportunity to review parking arrangements [the "R" Zone ].

• LOWER parking charges: There will be low cost short term parking; 20p for 20 minutes (or 10p for 20 minutes if you own a low polluting car) in street bays, £1/£1.50 for three hours afternoon parking in car parks and free May Spring Bank Holiday Monday all day parking in car parks Practical help will also be given to small shops and businesses.

• ONCE again we will be at the St Margaret's Fair on Saturday 11th July in Moormead Park. Please come and say hello and discuss any issues you may have at this excellent event, details of which can be found on the St Margarets Community Website http://www.stmgrts.org.uk

• "WE live in one of the safest wards in the safest Borough in London, but you can help make it safer. Why not visit one of The Safer Neighborhood Team Drop in Surgeries at various places (visit http://www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods/) or attend the PLG meetings," says Ben Khosa, Vice Chair Police Liaison Group.

• BEN Khosa is your rep on the Heatham House Youth Club Advisory Committee. "Please do encourage your teenagers to come along - there is skateboarding, drop in sessions, band nights, Radio Heatham and street dance to name a few," said Ben.

• FINDING it difficult to park your bike in our Ward? Let us know where you would like to see more or new bike racks and we'll try and get them installed for you. Bike Racks

• NEW roles for St Margaret's councillors: Cllr Ben Khosa has succeeded Cllr Geoff Acton as Deputy Mayor for the coming year. He intends, as far as possible, to fulfil his public engagement by bicycle. Geoff Acton has been appointed Cabinet Member for Environment, taking over from Cllr Martin Elengorn [Teddington], who will become his Assistant.

His responsibilities include: allotments, building control, cemeteries, commercial environmental health, corporate property, development control (planning), licensing, parks and open spaces, planning policy and design, procurement, recycling, registrar's office, special projects (contaminated land, air pollution), street scene enforcement, sustainability, tourism, trading standards, and waste collection. He's going to be busy!

• ST MARGARET'S South CPZ Extension - Review: This seeks the views of the residents and businesses within the extended CPZ on how it has worked since its implementation, whether it should remain in operation and, if so, whether any changes to it should be taken forward. As part of the review, residents and businesses situated in roads outside the CPZ which were consulted in May 2008 are being consulted again to see whether they would wish to have the CPZ further extended to include their road.

The decision to re-consult this area follows requests made at the TCG meeting last June. The deadline for return of completed questionnaire and comments is Monday 20 April 2009. The results of the consultation will be reported to a meeting of the Transport Consultative Group (TCG) on Wednesday 20 May 2009 starting at 6.30pm at York House, Twickenham, following which a decision will be made on the way forward.

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• [From COMMENTS Winter 2008-9]: ACTION on Anti Social Behaviour in Moor Mead Park: Action has now been taken to tackle anti- social behaviour in Moor Mead Park after residents aired their views at a street briefing with local councillors. The local Lib Dem team pledged their support and action has now been taken - the council has installed a Rapid Deployment Camera overlooking the play area, the Safer Neighbourhood Team have changed their shift patterns to work around the problem and increased their patrols in this area.

A bench where youths tended to gather around was removed. "It is very important for all agencies to continue to work together to ensure that the work done contributes to a lasting improvement for the area. Youth outreach workers at Heatham House are also now on hand to help with the issue," said Cllr Philip Morgan. "These measures seem to have helped, although there may have been some displacement into neighbouring roads and we continue to work with the Police to tackle this. We recognise young people need a safe place to gather and are working to provide suitable facilities. However, anti social behaviour cannot be tolerated," added Cllr Ben Khosa.

Residents may report similar disturbances to the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 078 7943 2330 / 020 8721 2912 or StMargarets.NorthTwickenham.snt@met.police.uk or the non emergency number 020 8607 9199. Remember the team is not on duty all hours and in an emergency dial 999.

• SCHOOL Places: Although there remains considerable demand for primary school places in the Ward, particularly on the St Margaret's side, places were found for everyone in the 2008/9 intake. With selective school place expansion already agreed your Councillors are working with the Admissions officers to ensure that enough places are available for 09/10 and 10/11. There has been a very significant increase in the birth rate in the Borough over the last three years (12.4% ), and we will be having to expand a number of schools. This is a London wide problem.

• TACKLING Nuisance Parking: At the request of residents a CPZ has been installed in a small number of roads in St Margaret's, where the majority of residents who voted indicated they wanted these controls. No road has been included where the majority didn't want to be included. There will be a review, around the end of the first quarter and if there are problems you wish to be addressed please feed into this review or contact any of us at any time.

• Meals on Wheels: The Council now offers elderly people who need help a Self Directed Support plan. The idea is that services are planned around the person, the person is not just fitted into Council services. As part of this it was proposed by a cross-party working group to end the home hot meals service. The savings made will be invested- carers for those that rely on the hot meals service as their "daily call in", assistance for old people with shopping & cooking and providing meals at day centres, ending the social isolation that some elderly residents feel. "I understand residents' concerns, but this is actually about providing a tailor made service for our users. The microwavable meals will also be a far better quality," said Cllr Denise Carr, the Social Services Cabinet member.

• LOCAL Businesses: St Margaret's Councillor, Geoff Acton has been appointed the borough's Business Champion. Geoff will be acting as the link person between business and the Council. If you are in business and have suggestions about how the Council help, contact Geoff on 0208 891 3816.

• CAMPAIGN Success! St Margaret's train station will remain open on Sundays! The Department of Transport intervened to stop South West Trains proposed closures after a hard fought campaign by Vince Cable MP and your local Councillors. "This is great news," said Cllr Morgan.

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[Jul 17]: DRAFT minutes of the meeting of the Environment & Sustainability Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 17 July re the extension of the St Margaret's Controlled Parking Zone [CPZ]: 'Cllr Khosa [a member of the Committee] declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being a Ward Cllr. Cllr Hodgins informed the Committee that a large number of residents were aggrieved by the consultation process and the outcome which did not appear to give sufficient weight to the views expressed. Cllr Head raised a number of concerns and expressed the view that the second consultation was undemocratic and should be ignored. The Committee heard representations from 11 residents; most speakers opposed the extension to the St Margaret's South CPZ for a variety of reasons:

The majority of those surveyed had not wanted a CPZ in their road and had not been given an opportunity to say if they wanted a CPZ in the area. • Alternative options were not considered. Information, including the parking survey was withheld from residents. There were discrepancies in the data used leading to some properties being omitted from the consultation • The consultation document had not mentioned the proposed introduction of double yellow lines which would further reduce the number of available parking spaces. At 6 m, the stretches of double yellow lines were considerably longer than was necessary. • The CPZ did not address the problem of residents being unable to park near their homes at night. Whilst the area consulted was viable for a CPZ, the inclusion of two streets was not sustainable. The inclusion of Bridge and Winchester Roads in the CPZ would exacerbate the parking problems in neighbouring streets; this would inevitably lead to the extension of the CPZ to other streets in the area. • The decision should be made on an experimental basis. The formal advertisement of the proposals was premature and suggested that the decision had already been made.

A resident of Sidney Road expressed the view that the road should not have been excluded from the CPZ as a majority of residents, albeit marginal, voted in favour of the CPZ. A resident of Winchester Road spoke in support of the proposals and expressed the view that the decision as to whether a particular road should have a CPZ should be made by its residents and not by others who did not wish to be in the scheme themselves. Cllr Morgan addressed the Committee as a Ward Cllr. He outlined the history of the consultation following requests from residents for a CPZ in 2006. The Ward Cllrs had not expressed a preference for or against the CPZ but his personal opinion was that the discrepancies in data had not significantly affected the outcome of the consultation.

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The Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr Trigg and officers responded to the issues raised. Cllr Trigg stated that, following representations from St Margaret's residents about parking problems, it had been necessary to consult over a wider area to establish the extent of the problem; the consultation process had adhered to the Council's policy; although there were some errors in data these had been largely addressed in the second consultation and officers were satisfied that the outcome of the consultation had not been affected.

Cllr Trigg believed that the inclusion of Bridge Road and Winchester Road in the St Margaret's South CPZ was viable; however, if the results of the review after six months of operation revealed that residents of the two roads no longer wished to remain in the CPZ then these roads would be removed. With regard to the double yellow lines, Cllr Trigg reported that that these should be the minimum length compatible with safety requirements; he confirmed that the extent of the yellow lines would be included in the review. With regard to Sidney Road, Cllr Trigg stated that whether or not to include it in the CPZ extension was a marginal decision; however he was prepared to consider an early review of the decision not to include it in the CPZ. It was also agreed that the in future, CPZ consultation documents used in the review would include maps which detailed the yellow lines and parking layout proposals.

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Following further discussion, Committee members considered that errors in the previous consultation had been overcome by the latest returns, and that clear support had been shown in the 2 roads selected for inclusion in the adjacent St Margaret's South CPZ. Members also supported investigation of proposals made by residents to include echelon parking in Hillview Road to alleviate evening parking problems. The proposal to refer the decision back to the Cabinet Member for further consideration was put to the vote and lost. The Committee resolved:

(1) That the decision made by the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking be noted. (2) That the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking be requested to select include the whole second stage consultation area for the review of the new CPZ extension together with any other adjacent roads where particular issues have emerged. (3) That the proposed further consultation for The Mews and the service road off Bridge Road be noted and agreed. (4) That consideration be given to an early review of Sidney Road. (5) That provision of additional parking spaces on Hillview Road be investigated.'

The final minutes will be agreed at the Committee's next meeting on September 11. Your Councillors have asked that the Cabinet Member decision to include Bridge and Winchester Rds within the S zone be now proceeded with asap. There will be a review for the second consultation area no later than 6 months from implementation.

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[FROM COMMENTS 170 Summer 2008]: LIB Dem Richmond Council has continued its drive to improve school standards by earmarking two schools, Whitton School and Hampton Community College, for academy status. The academy plan could see significant improvements in standards and a multi million pound investment in new buildings for the schools. The preferred sponsor for the Whitton and HCC schools is Kunskapsskolan, the largest independent provider of schools in Sweden. Sweden has some of the best secondary education in Europe, and the council is bringing that expertise to Richmond. The schools will remain English, but use the most modern personalised learning techniques. The local authority intends to act as a co-sponsor.

Their potential arrival in the borough has been welcomed by local MP Vince Cable, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Nationally, the Conservatives have also heavily praised the Swedish model of education "This is good news for local parents. The academy programme will see millions of pounds made available for school refurbishment. Most importantly, local children could get the opportunity to benefit from an organisation who have a track record of delivering first rate education," said Vince Cable MP. A consultation process with the schools, local parents, and nearby primary schools is underway. In the autumn, if the council gives the go-ahead, and government approval is obtained, a full community consultation process begins.

A SAFER St Margarets: Residents in St Margaret's have become increasingly concerned with pedestrian safety issues outside the station following a decision, by previous Conservative council administration, to allow the nearby Tesco to increase the size of its loading bay. Now following meetings held by Lib Dem Ward Councillors with Tesco and residents, delivery schedules have been restricted to certain hours; new clearer parking signs in- stalled and parking enforcement enhanced using the previously installed camera outside the station. "I am delighted that these meetings have resulted in a safer environment for elderly residents and children, in particular, on this busy stretch of road," said Cllr Geoff Acton.

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COMMUNITY Safety: Since taking over in 2006, the Lib Dem led Council have been committed to ensuring local residents' safety is a top priority. Richmond is now the safest borough in London. In St Margarets there is a full complement of 6 Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers (SNT) whose job it is to ensure effective Policing solely in our ward. The SNT will work with local residents according to their particular policing needs at any given time and alter their shift patterns according to local issues as and when they arise. Adding to these measures, Community TV was launched on the 17th July. Community TV will be shown around the borough, and broadcast local information, community safety messages, and crime reduction initiatives.

WHITTON Road Gets a Makeover: Following action from your local Lib Dem team, a number of improvements have now been made to Whitton Road: New road surfacing; Retail forecourt surfacing and landscaping; Reinstatement of the zebra crossing; and Re-siting a bus stop. The measures are designed to improve the safety and visual appeal of one of the town's major thoroughfares. "This much needed makeover has led to a pleasanter environment on this major route to Twickenham Rugby Stadium for all local residents and college students," said Cllr Philip Morgan.

NETHERTON Road: Concerned residents of Netherton Road contacted Cllr Geoff Acton when characteristic flowering fruit trees were replaced with lime trees owing to a new policy. Following a street meeting with the chief Arboricultural Officer, new fruit trees will be planted again in replacement of the limes which will be redeployed elsewhere, guaranteeing future bright spring times!

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RECYCLING rate tops 40 %: The Council are now looking at ways to simplify the system in an effort to drive the recycling figure over the 50 % mark. When the Lib Dems took control of Richmond Council they promised to put the environment at heart of decision making. The Council have now won national praise for its green schemes. Action speaks louder than words!

ROYAL Mail Sorting Office: The Sorting Office opposite Twickenham Station is due to close in the not too distant future and relocate. Do you have any views on what you would like to see on that site? Please let us know . .

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• Back to St Margaret's & N Twickenham Main Page

2007 & previous years:

December 2007: IT was made clear to us at the local elections that a main issue for St. Margaret's was the quantity of vehicles and the difficulty of parking them in some roads, especially at night. Though it seemed unlikely that residents wanted parking controls after working hours, a controlled parking zone [CPZ] could ease the position during the day for some residents in some roads by excluding commuter parking. Richmond uses a two-stage consultation process to decide whether or not to implement a CPZ [See http://tinyurl.com/2sflgr]. Stage 1, which finds out who are these residents and which are the roads, was done in May/June; the results were published at http://www.stmgrts.org.uk/archives/2007/07/cpz_results_published.html and http://www.richmond.gov.uk/st_margarets_parking_study.pdf .

The next task is to determine how roads wishing to opt in can be clustered into workable zones. This is Stage 2 of the consultative process; it is in two parts: [a] traffic engineers, helped by a local representative working party, drawn at random from residents of all the roads [both opting in and out of the proposed zone], draw up proposals; a consultation document and questionnaire are sent to residents and businesses, who have 21 days to respond; [b] after the results have been analysed and discussed with ward councillors and the Transport Consultative Group, the the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking either approves or decides against the statutory consultation (formal advertisement); if this goes ahead, there is a further round of consultation on a formal plan. Then the Cabinet Member makes a final decision which is implemented.

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Some roads, which voted to opt out in Stage 1, have been included in Stage 2; this enables them to confirm or change their vote. It also allows for a change of mind in future years [unlikely as this seems now]: the appropriate Traffic Order ['a legal document made by a local authority, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, that enables the local authority to introduce parking restrictions, speed limits, one-way streets, . . . ' http://tinyurl.com/2kkufm] would be in place. If this were not so, these roads would have to go back to the beginning of the process and lose priority. This is NOT some means of coercing residents to join a scheme against their wishes; experience in other parts of the borough has shown that some residents do change their minds after a scheme has been operating for a while and welcome this opportunity.

A diagram setting out the stages is at http://tinyurl.com/yo4oyn; we are at the beginning of Stage 2. The CPZ is reviewed after 6 months; residents of all the roads, including those from opted out roads, have a further opportunity to make their views known before the scheme is finally confirmed. It remains your councillors' view that there is no intention to impose a CPZ on any road where there is a majority against it. See also: Expanded CPZ Moves to Next Stage 25/07/07 http://www.stmgrts.org.uk/archives/2007/07/expanded_cpz_moves_to_next_stage.html ; and CPZ Update 09/12/07 http://www.stmgrts.org.uk/archives/2007/12/cpz_update.html

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From COMMENTS 169 autumn 2007: New Recycling Service - Wednesday is St Margaret's day! WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7 is the start day in St Margaret's for the council's new doorstep plastic bottle and cardboard recycling service with same day collection for all refuse and recycling materials. The key points are: • You will have your recycling and waste collected on the same day. • You will be able to recycle plastic bottles [but not other plastic products [to find out why, go to: tinyurl.com/yqrdt9] and flattened cardboard from home - via the kerbside collection service. • You will be given a free canvas bag to store your extra recycling in.

Your recycling and waste will be collected at different times of the day by separate vehicles.Flats: blocks with 8 or fewer flats will continue to use the normal kerbside recycling collection scheme, so the changes to waste and recycling collections from 5th November will apply to you; however, if you live in a block of flats with over 8 flats or have communal recycling bins on site the November changes to collections will not apply to you. Some flats across the borough already have bins on-site to recycle plastic bottles and cardboard. If you have room for additional recycling bins and would like to start recycling these materials or join the flats recycling scheme, please contact recycling@richmond.gov.uk or 08456 122 660.

Though Richmond is already top of the league in recycling rates in London, further increases are planned towards 40 % over the next two years. Literature has been distributed and Waste Advisors are touring the Borough to help with queries. It is hoped any teething problems will be kept to a minimum but if you have any problems please contact: 08456 122660 or visit tinyurl.com/2c69ok .

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St Margarets Community Fair and town centre funding: HUNDREDS of people attended the event and it was a great success. Of particular recognition is the work put in by a local youth, James Oliver, who helped organise the event. Ward Councillors Acton, Khosa and Morgan all worked with the Trader's Association to secure matched funding from Richmond Council over the next three years, the amounts being from £3350 this year to £4000 in 2009/10. The money will be used to cover Community and Christmas Fair costs as well as hanging baskets and associated administration expenditure. This has come at a very welcome time as we are seeing new businesses opening up in St Margaret's including Armstrong's the butchers [tinyurl.com/2xm278], followed by Yellow Wedge, a new cheese shop [yellowwedge.com]; as we go to press the the future of the former Koblers premises remains uncertain; the developers have withdrawn their planning application.

School Places - Demand Increases: DEMAND across the Borough for reception class places increased by 20 % from 2006 to 2007 but with the extra class at Orleans Infants, all children were successfully placed. Demand is likely to increase again next year and the Council is currently reviewing all possibilities to avoid the situation we had last March with over 130 children still looking for a place. Richmond now has the best primary schools in the country and is a victim of its own success. The challenge is more acute in St Margaret's, so investment is being reviewed urgently to ensure future capacity is sufficient to meet future demand, which is difficult to forecast because it depends on changes in the 'take-up rate' [% of the cohort requesting a place] not changes in the birth rate.

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Traffic Issues: IN RESPONSE to residents demands at the election your three Lib Dem councillors, Acton, Khosa and Morgan tackled these as a first priority. There were concerns about illegal and dangerous parking outside Tesco's: at the request of residents and traders, a CCTV camera has been activated in St Margarets Road near the railway station with a new larger parking restriction sign and cctv enforcement signs. This enforces the parking arrangement outside Tesco's where car parking is prohibited in the loading bay and at the bus stop..This removes a major safety concern.

The financial consequences of the disruptive roadworks earlier this year in Crown Road has been pursued by our Lib Dem MP Dr Vincent Cable and it is likely some monies will be paid to the traders affected.

A MAIN issue for St Margarets as a whole is the quantity of vehicles and the difficulty of parking in some roads, especially at night. Overnight parking of residents' vehicles is outside the Council's control . However a controlled parking zone [CPZ ] could ease the position for part of the day for some residents in some roads. The question has been to find out who are these residents and which are the roads. A first consultation exercise was carried out and the results have been made available. The next stage is for this information to be assembled into some zoning by the traffic engineers and with the help of a local representative working party the proposals will be put to residents as a second consultation in the near future. It needs to be emphasised that there is no intention to impose a CPZ on any road where there is a majority against it.

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Rat-run Prevention Campaign Continues: DESPITE AGREEMENT three years ago to temporarily close the exit of Cole Park Road into Chertsey Road, Cllr Geoff Acton is still working hard with Council Officers to get the necessary funds from Transport for London; application has again been made but no success as yet. Traffic signalling of the London Road/Chertsey Road junction is also now being surveyed; this should be implemented, hopefully with closure of Cole Park Road, within the next two years.

Major Events At The Rugby Stadium: THE RFU Major Event Day Committee was set up as a condition of the stadium being used for concerts. Cllrs Geoff Acton and Philip Morgan are both members. While the police have the lead role, because of the main issue is safety, your councillors stand up robustly for the concerns of residents. Our main interest is to ensure that the residential area is returned to normal as soon as possible after events; we work hard to convince the other interested parties just how important this is.

As drinking allowed for two and a half hours hours at the stadium after games, the stadium is much enlarged and there may be 5 concerts a year in future, this is a hard task. Nevertheless the RFU report receiving only a handful of complaints; the main issue brought to councillors is the increasing number of major events for which special arrangements have to be made; we hear less of problems on the day. Residents can get event day information by calling 020 8831 6604 and parking information on 020 8744 0462.

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Grimwood Road Play Area Gets Upgrade: RESIDENTS reported antisocial behaviour by youths congregating and noise generated from rather inappropriate equipment for a play area that was originally intended for toddlers. Your local councillors swung into action and after carrying out a thorough consultation exercise have obtained agreement from the Cabinet Member and secured funding for substantial works to be carried out.

Cllr Ben Khosa says the works agreed are based on the results of the consultation and suggestions from local residents. The main objective is to make the area more inviting to families, particularly toddlers and less attractive as a place for unruly behaviour. So out goes the noisy netball and goal post contraption to make way for grassy landscaping with swings and picnic tables for peaceful family enjoyment. As previously reported the gates are now being locked from dawn to dusk and are due for replacement.

Phone Mast Foiled: EGERTON ROAD residents have been very concerned about a Planning Application to erect a G2 Phone Mast at the corner of the Road and the A316, not least out of concern for what they perceived as a danger to local children's health. Cllrs Ben Khosa and Philip Morgan and Dr Vincent Cable MP made the appropriate interventions, (a petition of about 250 signatures was collected by Peter Mayers, a resident of Egerton Road) and we are now happy to report that the Planning Department rejected the application. Should you have any concerns regarding this or any other issue please do not hesitate to contact any of us at any time.

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Cole Court Lodge's Extra Storey Must Comply: WARD CLLRS Acton, Khosa and Morgan all supported residents when developers applied for retrospective planning permission to incorporate changes to the already built third floor of Cole Court Lodge in London Road. Due to complete non-compliance creating overlooking and unsightly problems the planning committee ruled that the original plans must be adhered to and the developers now have until December to reinstate the original design before court action is instigated.

Stoop Stopped Up: RESIDENTS of the Heatham Estate and Whitton Road will be pleased that Cllr Philip Morgan has persuaded the Council to enforce the planning agreement for the exit of Langhorne Drive onto Craneford Way. It will now be "no entry" and "exit only " for members of the Cannon Health Club by means of a key code pad. The hundreds of vehicles which used the exit as a noisy and dangerous rat-run to Whitton Road are now stopped .

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Council and schools meet admissions challenge: Record demand for places in the borough's primary schools has been met: every child was offered a place by the start of the school term. The number of applications was 20 per cent higher than in 2006 - more than 400 extra applications. This meant that 136 children were not allocated places on the initial offer date in March.

Council officers and schools have since worked tirelessly to ensure that every parent who wanted a place for their child has received one. The Council's education chiefs are calling on the Government for help. Leader of the Council, Cllr Serge Lourie, has asked for a meeting with the Department for Children, Schools and Families to put the case for funding to expand popular and successful schools within the borough.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education on Richmond Council, said: "Our schools have deservedly earned a reputation of being among the very best in the country and in turn places in them are highly sought after. The result this year was an unprecedented rise in applications. While there has been much criticism of our admissions policy we always maintained that there would be enough places for every child and so it has proved. I congratulate and thank our officers and teachers who have worked so hard to make this possible. However, we cannot continue to provide sufficient places in the long term without significant government help. Richmond upon Thames does not get a fair deal when it comes to funding - we are used to this but it needs to change. We will continue to lobby for the money we need to expand our schools and continue providing outstanding education."Flawed criticism of Council transport policies: a commentary by Cllr Jerry Elloy

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Praying in aid one of the Sunday Times' less well-researched articles, Conservative Councillors Samuel, Seymour and Marlow have made a number of misleading and inaccurate claims about the Lib Dem Council's transport policies.They appear in a recent article on Twickenham Online ['National Press Exposes 'Anti-Motorist' Liberals' in the 'Borough-wide News' section, September 7; http://www.twickenham-online.co.uk/]. Responding to the piece, Councillor David Trigg, Richmond's Cabinet member with responsibility for Traffic, Transport and Parking, puts the record straight. "Not only are these comments alarmist and emotive" he says, " but they are designed to cause confusion by conjuring up a completely inaccurate picture. Our transport policies are designed to maximise the best use of all forms of transport. They encourage people to look, where possible, at alternative and greener forms of transport and, where this is either not possible or convenient, to use less polluting cars or indeed participate in car share schemes. This is a positive response to climate change and the obvious expansion of vehicle numbers in the borough."

He drew attention to the example cited in the Sunday Times' article of the Council's policy of 'penalizing little shops in St Margaret's and victimising motorists'. "Let us be quite clear on what has happened in this area," he said. "Motorists were regularly parking illegally, and this caused obstructions and danger on the road. The council acted to enforce the regulations, and at the request of residents and businesses. While the number of tickets issued rose initially, this has peaked and fewer are being issued, suggesting that inconsiderate parking is reducing. On a positive note the council is currently approving a Business Support fund for the 2007/08 year (one of the councils many initiatives) of around £3,500 for the St Margaret's Traders Association. This has the support of all three ward councillors, Geoff Acton, Ben Khosa and Philip Morgan who have been instrumental in its conception and approval."

"Our council is not driven by dogma," he concluded. "It is driven by a clear wish to make our borough and environment better for all who live and visit here. Global warming must be addressed. Our CO2 related parking scheme has already won plaudits nationwide and around the world. Many other local authorities are now following our lead as well as regional and central government." Referring to the Sunday Times article, he adds, " The Council co-operated fully when approached by the paper. They interviewed me for almost 30 minutes and clearly decided not to use anything I said, preferring to quote in a selective way. It certainly does not pass the test of objective journalism - a pity for a paper with the reputation of the Sunday Times"

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• RICHMOND LOCK [Brunel site] Appeal Dismissed. The Planning Inspector has dismissed Octagon's appeal against the Council's refusal of planning permission for [1] the replacement of basement parking by spaces for parking in front of the houses, [2] the omission of one of the two proposed water features and [3] the reduction in size of the other. The Decision is at: http://tinyurl.com/38lq6e . This is good news indeed, not only for residents of St Margaret's but for the Borough's planning system as a whole: it will encourage Council Officers and the Planning Committee to take a robust line in resisting overdevelopment and insisting that promises made before permissions are granted must be fulfilled. Your ward councillors fully supported residents on this and had several meetings with residents, Octagon and Council Officers.

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FROM COMMENTS 168 summer 2007: LIB DEM COUNCILLORS deliver their election promise: FULFILLING the promise made at last year's Council election, ward councillors have achieved, at last, an opinion survey on a Controlled Parking Zone [CPZ] for all or part of St Margaret's. This survey was planned to happen in 2002 but was scrapped by the incoming Conservative administration. The closing date for replies was June 15; the results will be reported to a meeting of the Transport Consultative Group on Wed July 18: 6.30 pm in the Council chamber [see: http://tinyurl.com/2d87nl] before the Cabinet member for Transport, Cllr David Trigg [Riverside ward], decides how to proceed.

It was always acknowledged this would be a difficult exercise as much depends upon personal circumstances and location. Council officers and ward councillors have been available to answer the variety of queries and two open evenings were held at the Winchester Hall. The number of vehicles and parking availability are obvious emotive issues and unless there proves to be a clear majority vote to leave things as they are, difficult decisions will have to be made on a street by street and area by area basis, bearing in mind the knock on effect of introducing a CPZ in one street on those nearby. After careful examination of the results a second consultation will take place taking forward possible solutions. Should any scheme be introduced as a result then it will be reviewed with residents after six months. The St Margaret's Community Website [http://www.stmgrts.org.uk] has a useful discussion on the CPZ at: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2xpfeq.

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EXTRA Class at Orleans Infants: ORLEANS Infant School has agreed to install a temporary classroom to accommodate an extra class of Reception children this autumn. The demand for places increased by 35, i.e. 22 %, from last year. This results from a sudden increase in the 'take up rate' [the % of the age group requesting a reception class place] in this area from its past low level [45 %] to 59 % this year. Smaller increases [c. 12 %] occurred elsewhere in the Borough, so that the Education Department was at one stage unable to offer a place to 43 in-borough children. It has been taken by surprise by these changes, whose causes are unknown; nor do we know whether or not they will persist.

The birth rate in this area is increasing, but less rapidly than in the rest of the Borough. The 30 extra places provided have gone a long way to resolve the shortfall; your Councillors are working closely with local parents, the school and the Department to ensure a satisfactory school place for every Reception class child in the ward. The St Margaret's Community Website [http://www.stmgrts.org.uk] has a useful discussion on this at: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yosefw . The Department's briefing paper is at: http://www.stmgrts.org.uk/Council_Orleans_Bulge.pdf

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SPORT and Safety for St Stephens Schoolchildren: YOUR Councillors became aware of several issues relating to the school. A petition signed by about 150 concerned parents protesting at a proposed increase in the fees charged for using Moormead was presented to full Council by Cllr Ben Khosa. Happily this issue has been resolved to the satisfaction of the school and governor Karen Mann, with whom we worked very closely. Appropriate interventions were made to ensure that the Safer Neighbourhood Team were on hand to offer advice as necessary.

Liaison with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Elengorn, and the Parks Department led to a reduction in pitch charges and action to ensure a safe and clean pitch for the children. On June 15, Councillor Elengorn approved a 2/3 discount for Partner schools which have restricted access to their own playing fields to use pitches and playing fields at their nearby park. In return for the discount, the Council will encourage local ownership of the park by the schools and will work with Partner Schools to hold fund raising activities to improve their local park. The background to this policy change is set out at http://preview.tinyurl.com/yv4du3 .

WE also hope to have installed, by the end of the summer, safety measures on Winchester Road, the main approach road to the School. Single yellow lines will replace the present non-enforceable 'advisory' white hatching at road junctions, prohibiting parking during business hours. This will improve the sight lines for children walking to and from the school.

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BRUNEL Site: CLLR Philip Morgan spoke in support of residents at the Planning Committee Meeting considering Octagon's revised planning application [to scrap the underground car park] . Success was achieved as the proposal was rejected. However Octagon has appealed. Your councillors have continued their opposition. A decision will be reached by a government inspector later in the summer. [Planning ref 06/4025/FUL at http://preview.tinyurl.com/2cv54s]

TAMING The Troubled Tory introduced Tesco Loading Bay: FOLLOWING prolonged concerns about parking in the loading bay (introduced by the previous administration) outside Tesco's, the CCTV camera outside St Margaret's station finally became active in May. Parking enforcement is being enhanced by the NCP Smart Car which is touring the borough's parking hotspots resulting in a much improved and safer situation outside Tesco. CCTV warning signs have been put up and Cllr Acton has requested a more prominent sign to be displayed near Tesco. A larger notice displaying times allowed has also been erected - illegal parkers beware!

STOOP Stopped Up: WELL not quite, but Councillor Philip Morgan on behalf of the residents of the so called Heatham Estate and supported by his fellow ward councillors has been successful in persuading the Council and the Planning Committee to take enforcement action so that the Craneford Way access to the Stoop/Harlequins site is properly controlled. Only authorised members of the Canon Health Club are permitted to use this access but it has been abused by students and other visitors to the area as an easy route to Whitton Road through residential roads. It has also been used as a rat run from Whitton Road to avoid the Whitton Road Roundabout. This new action will improve the safety of children at the playground and relieve residents of much noise, danger and inconvenience. We ask residents to monitor the enforcement and to inform councillors of any problems with it. Councillors continue to press for a right hand turn from Langhorne Drive onto the A316 and closure to vehicles of the Craneford Way entrance.

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Report for the Lib Dems' Branch meeting on 2 May 2007:

Working on resolving the shortage of Primary School places in St Margaret's schools for parents.

Progressing the St Margaret's CPZ Consultation process and stand development and event monitoring at the Rugby Union Stadium.

Advisory speed limit signs have been agreed for Whitton Road.

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Enforcement for Stoop access via Craneford Way agreed addressing a long standing problem.

Grimwood Park Recreation Ground improvements.

Supported residents:

In getting Cole Court Lodge retro planning refused.

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Re the Brunel site retrospective planning application [which was refused].

On the Parvinu wine bar licensing and planning issues.

On Tesco parking issues, now with active CCTV and 'spy car'.

In agreeing fees for Moormead for St Stephen's School and assessing play area for litter and detritus.

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Also gained agreement for double yellow lines on Winchester Road corners for children's safety.

With campaign, petition and street letters against new phone mast in Egerton Road.

Supported Traders in minimising disruption re gas and Thames Water works in Crown Road; continued support in next round of planned works.

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2006 news:

FROM COMMENTS 167 winter 2006/7: Tesco loading bay update: Following concerns about unauthorised use of the loading bay, a meeting was held with Cabinet Members, Council Officers, Councillors and senior Tesco management in early November to try and resolve these issues. Tesco have confirmed that they will operate legally regarding deliveries which will be restricted to twice per day wherever possible with drivers leaving as soon as they are finished. There will be a meeting with interested local residents and traders to review progress. Tesco have also submitted designs for a new shop-front more in keeping with the St Margaret's street scene. Tesco delivery trucks are also progressively going to be switched to more environmentally friendly fuels.Other activities have included replacing the previous parking restriction sign with a much bigger and clearer one to deter motorists. The Council is also applying to the Association of Local Government for permission to use the existing CCTV to prosecute unauthorised parking in the loading bay.

ROAD and safety concerns: Despite budget constraints from Transport for London for the agreed closure (2004) of Cole Park Road north with the A316 your ward Councillors are pursuing officers for implementation in 2007/8. · · · Napoleon Road Safety Concerns: Safety concerns prompted Cllr Geoff Acton to agree with Council Officers that the existing waiting restrictions (single yellow line) are adjusted to a double yellow line in the turning circle as soon as possible to enable enforcement 24/7.

ACTION on anti-social behaviour in Grimwood Road Park: Cllr Ben Khosa was contacted by residents about continuing anti social behaviour by older children gathering in this area late evenings and into the night. A site meeting was then held with residents, Council Officers, the Safer Neighbourhood Team and Cllrs Acton, Khosa and Morgan. Following wide consultation and working closely with the Safer Neighbourhood Team, your local Councillors have agreed proposals to make the area safer and quieter. A review will take place within six months.

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WHITTON Road safety: This vital link between Twickenham and the A316 [Chertsey Road] carries an enormous amount of pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular traffic. In the mornings and late afternoons it is very congested as it is the exit for most of the 4500 students at Richmond College. · · · Your Lib Dem councillors have initiated a much needed safety survey. As a first step and after wide consultation a new zebra crossing will be installed at the site of the existing bus stop towards Twickenham near Heatham House. The existing bus stop will be removed to the other side of the Court Way exit. This will ease congestion at the existing bus stop, where all the students now have to turn right and about which there have been so many complaints. Signage will also be improved. · · · The pavement is very narrow between the Heathfields and we are concerned about this issue as well as that of cyclists for whom there is no provision. The pavements also carry the brunt of the rugby traffic between the station and the RFU stadium. We are seeking improvements here.

CPZs for St Margaret's: After four years of inactivity by the previous administration, your new LibDem Councillors have secured, as a priority, a consultation exercise for the whole of St Margaret's not covered by an existing CPZ. · · · We recognise that there are areas of mixed feelings about CPZ's and for some roads in the evenings because of the number of residents' vehicles there may well be different solutions for different zones in the area. · · · It has been necessary and taken time to agree new consultation criteria and procedures but residents will be asked for their views early in the New Year. All residents are urged to respond.

TALKING Rubbish!: Refuse collection arrangements in many St Margaret's roads were not working as residents wanted them to, in particular, problems in Godstone Road. The necessary corrective action has now been taken by Cllrs Morgan and Khosa with Council Officers and residents have reported a big improvement.

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