The New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee met to discuss pedestrian safety improvements, community grants, and petitions relating to local services. The committee approved the implementation of new zebra crossings on Clarence Avenue and Coombe Lane West, and also approved three neighbourhood community grants for local organisations. The committee also considered petitions regarding the PureGym swimming pool and the Springfield Disabled Resource Centre.

Zebra Crossings

The committee voted to approve the implementation of new zebra crossings on Clarence Avenue and Coombe Lane West.

Clarence Avenue Zebra Crossing

Following a public consultation, the committee approved the implementation of a new zebra crossing on Clarence Avenue outside number 74. According to the Clarence Avenue Zebra Crossing report, 67% of respondents supported the introduction of the crossing.

Arguments against the crossing included concerns about traffic congestion, the necessity of the scheme, and its potential impact on the visual aesthetic of the street. Some objectors suggested alternative traffic calming measures such as chicanes¹, speed humps, or speed cameras. However, the report noted that Clarence Avenue is subject to a 20mph speed limit, and the proposed zebra crossing would serve as a traffic calming measure, effectively reducing vehicle speeds and increasing driver awareness. The proposed location was selected based on the road layout and has been road safety audited.

Coombe Lane West Zebra Crossing

The committee also approved the implementation of a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West outside house numbers 54/56, as detailed in the Coombe Lane West Zebra Crossing consultation results report. As Coombe Lane West forms the boundary between two neighbourhoods, a similar decision will be sought from the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee in January 2026.

According to the report, 60% of respondents supported the introduction of the new zebra crossing. Concerns were raised about potential traffic congestion and pollution, safety near driveways, site suitability and flooding, and the lack of need for a crossing at the proposed location. Some residents suggested alternative locations.

The report noted that Coombe Lane West is subject to a 20mph speed limit, but traffic speeds often exceed 23mph. The scheme aims to mitigate this issue by encouraging lower speeds. The final design details will specifically address concerns about safety near driveways and the potential for flooding. The current location was chosen based on the geometric layout of the road, which is suitable for this type of crossing.

Community Grants

The committee approved three applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs), as outlined in the Community Grants report:

• Kingston Tamil Heritage Group: £1,100 to support the Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival, which will take place on Sunday 25 January 2026 at Richard Challoner School. The festival will celebrate the harvest season and Tamil culture and heritage.
• Kingston Giving: £3,000 to support its Catalyst Grants programme, which provides small grants to local people on low incomes to support their mental health and wellbeing.
• Oxygen: £3,000 to support their mentoring programme for marginalised, disadvantaged, and isolated young people in New and Old Malden.

Petitions

The committee considered two petitions submitted to the council: one regarding the swimming pool at the PureGym site on Blagdon Road in New Malden, and another concerning the Springfield Disabled Resource Centre (Hft) in New Malden.

Petition on 'Save New Malden's Fitness4Less / PureGym swimming pool'

The petition requested that the swimming pool at the PureGym site remains open following the change of ownership. The officer response within the Petition on retention of swimming pool report noted that the council does not have a direct regulatory role in the operation or management of private leisure facilities.

However, there is a live planning application (ref: 25/02369/FUL) relating to the site, which is for a variation of condition application to remove a restriction on floor space. The submission does not include reference to the removal of a swimming pool. If the removal of the pool was to be proposed, this would be considered as part of the assessment of the planning application in line with the National Planning Policy Framework 2024², the London Plan 2021³, and the boroughs Core Strategy 2012. The report also noted that the Malden Centre provides additional swimming pool provision, with ample capacity for adult swimming and swimming lessons. A PoolPod is due to be installed in December 2026 to provide an accessibility enhancement to enable independent, dignified, and comfortable access to the pool for people with disabilities or limited mobility, as well as older adults and pregnant women.

Petition on 'Save the Springfield Disabled Resource Centre (HFT) in New Malden!'

The petition called on Hft (Home Farm Trust) and Kingston Council to halt the planned closure of the Springfield Disabled Resource Centre in New Malden, explore alternatives, and hold a public meeting before any final decision.

The Springfield DRC update report provided an update on the situation. Hft had notified the council on 14 July 2025 that they planned to sell Springfield Resource Centre as part of their wider efforts to reduce its financial deficit. Since then, the council has been working with Hft and other local authorities to explore all options to ensure the provision of high-quality services that meet the needs of people who attend Springfield Resource Centre.

The preferred option from the outset was that services continue at Springfield Resource Centre. Hft explored options to sell the property and lease it back, so the service could continue to be provided in the building. In August 2025, an agreement in principle was reached between Hft and a buyer of the property, and Hft removed the termination notice for the contract. The council has been working closely with Hft to agree on any changes to the contract and ensure the sustainability of the service moving forward. In September 2025, a financial agreement was reached with Hft to continue to fund the service for the remainder of the Day Opportunities & Meaningful Occupations Framework. The sale is anticipated to be complete in December 2025, with a lease term of 10 years.