The New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee met on Wednesday 9 September 2026, approving a permanent School Street Zone for Coombe Girls' School to proceed to public consultation, and a new zebra crossing on South Lane. The committee also allocated £8,590 in community grants to five local organisations.

New School Street Zone Scheme - Coombe Girls

The committee approved the proposal for a permanent School Street Zone for Coombe Girls' School in New Malden to proceed to local public consultation. This scheme aims to improve road safety and encourage active travel by restricting vehicle access to Darley Drive and surrounding roads during school drop-off and pick-up times. Following the consultation, the results will be presented to a future committee for a final decision on implementation. Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential traffic displacement to other streets, such as Clarence Avenue, and the impact on local businesses and access for tradespeople. Officers assured that exemptions would be available for residents and tradespeople, and that a trial period would allow for monitoring and adjustments. The scheme is intended to reduce congestion and improve the street environment, making it safer for children walking, cycling, or using other forms of active transport to school.

South Lane - New Zebra Crossing

A new zebra crossing on South Lane, outside house number 261, was approved for implementation. This decision followed a public consultation where 62% of respondents supported the scheme, despite some objections. The crossing is intended to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children and the elderly, and to act as a traffic calming measure to reduce vehicle speeds entering the 20 mph zone from the A3. Objections raised concerns about the location being dangerous due to proximity to the A3 slip road, potential for increased congestion and pollution, and a lack of perceived demand for a crossing at that specific point. Officers addressed these concerns by noting that the scheme incorporates high-visibility features, extended zig-zag markings, and has been redesigned to avoid cutting down a mature tree. Data on traffic speeds and collision analysis was presented to support the need for the crossing.

Community Grants

The committee approved five applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants, totalling £8,590:

• Disability Challengers: £3,000 to support their Kingston Youth Scheme, which provides play and activity opportunities for disabled children and young people aged 11-18.
• New Malden Town Centre Partnership: £3,000 towards the Santa Switch On event and the maintenance of Christmas tree lights on the High Street, aiming to enhance the town centre's attractiveness and safety.
• Malden, Coombe and Kingston Branch, Royal British Legion: £1,090 for the purchase of a National Standard and a Union Flag coffin drape to provide dignified ceremonial honours for veteran funerals.
• Learn English at Home: £3,000 for their project providing English language classes for parents at Burlington Infant School, aiming to reduce isolation and improve integration into the community.
• Achieving for Children: £1,500 for their after-school club at the Old Malden Family Hub, to provide substantial, nutritious meals for children aged 4-10, and to develop recipe cards for families to replicate at home.

Concerns were raised by some councillors regarding the financial sustainability of some applicants and the potential for the council's grant funding to become a regular source of income rather than a one-off support. However, all applications were ultimately approved.

Community Safety Update

Steph Royston Mitchell from the Kingston Community Safety Team provided an update on the Safer Kingston partnership's work over the past 12 months. The partnership, comprising the local authority, police, probation, health services, and London Fire Brigade, focuses on four key priorities: preventing and reducing violence and exploitation, tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting thriving neighbourhoods, and addressing online harm. Highlights included the Entrapreneur project, which supports individuals at risk of crime by fostering business ideas, and the co-produced Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. The team also launched a 24/7 helpline for hate crime victims and has been recognised for its innovative work in transitional safeguarding for young adults. Future priorities include addressing online harm and reducing re-offending.