The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met on Tuesday 26 March 2024, approving a new zebra crossing on Elm Road and awarding community grants. The committee also agreed to continue with existing Councillor Ward Funding arrangements and approved highway maintenance estimates for the Coombe Estate.

Elm Road Zebra Crossing Approved

The committee unanimously approved the proposal for a new zebra crossing on Elm Road, following a public consultation. St Luke's C of E Primary School and local residents had requested the crossing to improve safety for children and parents. While 48.45% of residents surveyed were unhappy with the current crossing, 78.35% supported the new zebra crossing. A petition with 47 signatures from Elm Road residents opposed the crossing, citing concerns about congestion during peak hours, loss of parking, and parking on zig-zag lines, suggesting better enforcement of existing rules was needed. One member of the public also raised concerns about the fairness of the consultation and the evidence presented for the current crossing being unsafe. The committee noted that most schools in the borough have zebra crossings and that installing one on Elm Road aligns with best practice. Councillor James Manthel declared an interest in this item as a school governor and parent, made a statement of support, and left the room before the debate and vote.

Community Grants Programme Approved

The committee unanimously agreed to continue with the current Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) arrangements for the 2024/25 municipal year, allowing individual councillors to allocate funds. They also unanimously approved three applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs):

• £3,000 for the Kingston Charitable Foundation to fund their Kingston & North Kingston Neighbourhood Grants Programme, which will provide supermarket vouchers of up to £200 to residents facing hardship during the cost of living crisis. Councillor Rowena Bass declared an interest in this application and left the room before the vote.
• £1,870 for the Kingston Carers Network to support their 2024 Young Carer's Conference, an event aimed at celebrating and supporting young carers in the community. Councillor Emily Davey declared an interest in this application, made a statement, and left the room before the vote.
• £2,170 for the Hogsmill Community Garden to repair fencing and replace damaged paving slabs, improving access for less mobile and wheelchair users.

Coombe Estate Highway Maintenance Estimates Approved

The committee unanimously approved the highway maintenance estimates for the Coombe Estate roads for 2024/25, totalling £139,700. This decision is in compliance with the Maldens and Coombe Urban District Council Act 1933, which obliges the council to maintain these roads and recover costs from property owners and occupiers within the estate. The estimate includes costs for carriageway works, footway and drainage maintenance, street sweeping, grounds maintenance, and a 10% contribution to a reserve fund. Discussions had taken place with representatives from the Malden and Coombe Residents' Association regarding the budget.

Traffic Management Orders Approved

The committee approved the implementation of a signal-controlled crossing at Coombe Road, Kingston. This will replace the existing zebra crossing. One objection was received during the statutory consultation period, citing concerns about the loss of parking spaces for local businesses. Officers noted that two new parking spaces would be created further down the road, and the objection was set aside.

Additionally, the committee approved the expansion of the Permit Parking Area (PPA) for roads east of Richmond Road, specifically Lancaster Gardens, Lancaster Close, and Grosvenor Gardens. This decision followed a previous approval in June 2023, subject to consultation. Five objections were received during the Traffic Management Order (TMO) consultation, raising concerns about the necessity of the scheme, the cost to residents, and potential displacement of parking. The committee noted that informal consultations had shown support for the scheme in Lancaster Gardens, and Lancaster Close was included due to potential parking displacement. The objections were set aside, and the implementation of the PPA was approved. Councillors Rowena Bass and Ian George abstained from the vote on this item.

No Advisory Members Appointed

The committee resolved not to appoint any standing Advisory Members for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of office. Instead, they will continue to invite relevant stakeholders to address the committee on specific issues as and when appropriate. This decision aligns with the general preference of Neighbourhood Committees to maintain flexibility and engage with local stakeholders through existing public participation arrangements, rather than co-opting permanent members.

Other Updates

A verbal update was received from the Neighbourhood Manager detailing 983 tasks undertaken by the Kingston & North Kingston Neighbourhood Rangers between January and March 2024, including graffiti removal, litter picks, and fly-tip removals. A verbal update was also provided on programmes within the Kingston Town Centre area, including plans for Eagle Brewery Wharf and Memorial Gardens, and the renewal of the Kingston First Business Improvement District (BID). The committee also noted the Decision Progress Update.