The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee met on 15 July 2025 to discuss community safety, funding opportunities, and the status of the former HG Wells pub site. The committee also planned to hear a presentation from the Royal British Legion Social Club Worcester Park about their services.

Crime and Community Safety

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on crime and community safety from local police officers. According to a Sutton Ward breakdown document, in the period up to 1 June 2025, Stonecot appeared to have a higher rate of reported crimes than either North Cheam or Worcester Park. The figures showed:

• Stonecot: 64 incidents
• North Cheam: 44 incidents
• Worcester Park: 41 incidents

The report also included data on specific types of crime across the whole of Sutton, including commercial burglary, theft from motor vehicles, and serious assaults.

Former HG Wells Pub Site

The committee was scheduled to discuss the former HG Wells pub at 101 Cheam Common Road. The council acknowledged residents' concerns regarding public nuisance, health and safety, and unauthorised activities at the site.

A joint inspection of the site had taken place on 3 June 2025, involving council officers from planning, building control, and environmental health. Although the police were scheduled to attend, they were unable to at short notice.

The report pack noted that a car wash was operating on the former pub car park under a one-year tenancy agreement. While the council did not view planning enforcement action to cease the business as expedient, the operator had been asked to submit a planning application for this temporary use. The report stated that noise, traffic and water run-off from the car wash were assessed as having very low level impacts.

The first floor of the pub was being used as residential accommodation by three tenants, which was consistent with its historical use. The ground floor and basement of the pub were secured and unoccupied. The inspection, however, did find several significant and serious concerns:

• Fire Safety Deficiencies
• No Safety Certification
• Poor Living Conditions
• External Issues, including an accumulation of soft furnishings

As a result, the property owner was served with a Preliminary Improvement Notice under the Housing Act 2004¹ and a warning of a Community Protection Notice.

The council had met with the planning agent and architect for a potential residential housing development on the site, stressing the importance of bringing the site into permanent productive use and ensuring any scheme is in keeping with the neighbouring housing.

The Council will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the actions are implemented as required by the Notices.

Funding Opportunities

The committee was scheduled to receive information about funding opportunities in Sutton and beyond. This included:

• The Neighbourhood Fund, which is open for applications until 17 August, and is looking for projects that help address environmental improvements, inclusivity, and local community improvements.
• The Sutton Community Fund, run by Community Action Sutton (CAS)², which Charity, Faith and Community groups with an income of less than £100,000 can apply to for up to £5,000 for a one year project and up to £10,000 for a multi-year project.
• Local Committee Funding, from which groups can apply for up to £1,400 for community events and projects.
• Public Realm funding, a rolling funding programme to improve local public spaces.

Community Showcase

The Royal British Legion Social Club Worcester Park was scheduled to talk about their services and how their popular Monday Club helps reduce loneliness.