The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee met on 16 January 2024, discussing crime and community safety, updates from Sutton Housing Partnership, and local news. Key decisions included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Old Rectory site.

Crime and Community Safety

Police Sergeant Paul James provided an update on crime and community safety, highlighting joint work between the Safer Neighbourhood and Robbery Squad partnerships, which has yielded positive results. He detailed recent successful drug warrants and an upcoming operation with Trading Standards concerning the alleged sale of vapes to underage individuals. Inspector Haji-Savva acknowledged the public's desire to hear about positive police work and confirmed that the Metropolitan Police are developing a regular newsletter and improving social media promotion to share such stories. He also agreed to explore direct communication channels between the police and community representatives.

In response to concerns about a recent stabbing in the borough, Inspector Haji-Savva emphasised that the case is an ongoing investigation and that the police are actively working to apprehend the individual involved. Residents also raised concerns about the use of cannabis and hazardous parking in the local area. Police officers stated they would be available after the meeting to discuss these concerns further and pass them to the local Police Community Support Officer.

Community Showcase

Lee Byatt from Coulsdon Athletic Football Club presented the club's history and its efforts to make sport accessible, particularly by reducing costs. He highlighted the recent introduction of a girls' team, which has been oversubscribed due to high demand, and a walking football club. Following this presentation, residents raised the possibility of reviewing the local parking infrastructure, a query Councillor Andrew Jenner, Chair of the committee, stated he would raise with relevant officers.

The Community Engagement Officer presented the findings of the recent Women & Girl's Safety Conference, emphasizing the need for grassroots action and promoting the use of the StreetSafe app. Susan Calthorpe from Sutton Women's Centre elaborated on the centre's work, which engages with approximately 600 women weekly. She highlighted a survey on women and girls' safety in the borough, noting that measures to improve safety for women and girls benefit the entire community. The centre offers bystander and domestic abuse training and is focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion. The Community Engagement Officer also mentioned local committee funding recipients, including Friends of Honeywood, Attic Theatre Company, and EcoLocal.

Local News

Councillor Andrew Jenner provided an update on local projects, including the refurbishment of local tennis courts and the introduction of weekly free sessions across the borough. He also informed the committee that Central Government expects councils to increase council tax by 4.9%, acknowledging that this will lead to some service cuts due to existing spending challenges. Councillor Jenner shared positive news regarding the Ofsted inspection of Willow Rise Children's Home, which received a 'good' rating, with its leadership team recognised for outstanding effectiveness. He also highlighted an upcoming Tamil cultural showcase at the central library and confirmed the availability of further sessions for Sutton Steams Ahead cultural events.

Update from Sutton Housing Partnership

Vincent Roche from Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) provided an update on estate projects. He discussed remedial works at Hillcrest Parade to address damp and mould, including roof and window replacements, and stated that following statutory leaseholder consultation, residents would be informed about the commencement of works. Regarding Unity Build Properties, Mr. Roche explained that energy efficiency works had been completed in 15 homes and that a survey was conducted to gather resident feedback on satisfaction and concerns. He acknowledged that these non-traditional builds can be cold and require substantial work, and that the survey results and resident feedback would inform an investment plan.

Members and residents expressed concerns about damp and mould in properties, with some detailing previous issues and dissatisfaction with past repairs. SHP representatives reiterated the need for significant work and committed to establishing meetings between SHP, council officers, and affected residents. Discussions also covered the status of the Information Hub, with SHP confirming that rental agreement discussions were ongoing. Residents raised concerns about the maintenance of community centres and halls, and SHP representatives offered to discuss assistance for their upkeep. The possibility of creating a Food Hub was also raised, with SHP noting the existence of community food shops and cupboards.

Public Questions

Susan Kelsall, representing the Carshalton Old Rectory Association and Friends of Honeywood, inquired about the future of the Old Rectory. The Assistant Director for Asset Management and Capital Delivery confirmed that discussions were ongoing and that officers were developing a range of options for the site. Ms. Kelsall expressed the desire for her organisations to be involved in these discussions, to which the Assistant Director agreed, acknowledging the building's local importance.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 October 2023 were agreed as an accurate record. There were no declarations of interest or urgent business raised. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 9 July 2024.