The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met on Thursday 21 March 2024 and approved funding for four community projects totalling £110,958. The committee also deferred a decision on a fifth project due to a lack of detail.

Allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Funds

The committee approved funding for four projects from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds. NCIL is a charge applied to new developments to support infrastructure needs, with 15% of the levy collected in each neighbourhood allocated for smaller-scale projects. The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood had £773,163.69 available for allocation as of 20 October 2023.

The following applications were approved:

• Net Zero Business Outreach in Kingston and N. Kingston: £11,958.00 was approved for this project, which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses in the area reduce their carbon emissions and operational costs through advice on waste management, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport. Councillor Anne Owen did not vote on this application.
• Canbury Gardens Nature Trail: £23,000.00 was approved to protect and enhance the nature area within Canbury Gardens. The project will involve installing a fence, a gate, a nature trail, interpretative signage, and wildlife cameras to deter misuse and educate visitors about the park's natural heritage.
• Street Art Alleyway Project (King Henry's Road and Charter Road): £6,000.00 was approved for this project, which will commission a mural by local street artist Tom Ryall in the alleyway connecting King Henry's Road and Charter Road. The aim is to deter fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, making the area more welcoming.
• Latchmere Recreation Ground Sports Equipment Project: £60,000.00 was approved for this project at Latchmere Recreation Ground. The funding will be used to install a petanque court, outdoor table tennis tables, improve drainage near the cafe area, and add an outdoor gym rig.

The application for the Kingston 2025 - All Our Stories project, seeking £35,000.00, was deferred. The committee noted that there was insufficient detail and the results of public consultation were not yet available. This project aims to create an alternative history of Kingston town centre that reflects the borough's diversity as part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations.

Public Question Time

A resident raised concerns about dangerous road markings on London Road between Manorgate Road roundabout and the railway bridge, requesting information on when they would be fixed. A written response will be provided. Another resident inquired about the closed post office in the Bentall Centre, expressing a need for improved communication. It was noted that while the council was aware of the issue, it was the responsibility of the Post Office to resolve it.