The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee met on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to discuss product safety and scams, and to receive an overview of highways and transport plans. The committee also received an update on the Neighbourhood Fund and addressed various public questions on local issues.

Trading Standards: Counterfeit Products and Scams

Environmental Protection Officers from Trading Standards delivered a presentation on product safety and scams. They highlighted the difficulty in identifying modified e-bikes designed to exceed the legal motor-assisted speed limit of 15.5mph, noting that modifications often involve adding a small part to the seat. Joint operations with the police are underway to tackle these illegal modifications. Officers advised residents to look for traceability marks on goods when purchasing, as counterfeit items typically lack these. In discussion, Councillors agreed that through their networks and contacts with schools, they would help spread messages about product safety, particularly concerning popular Christmas toys. Residents with significant social media or community group contacts also agreed to support spreading these messages. The officers also explained that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and are employing targeted approaches.

Highways and Transport Overview and TfL Programme for 2027/28

The Director of Highways, Transportation and Regulatory Services presented an overview of highways and transport matters, including the Transport for London (TfL) programme for 2027/28. Residents were reminded that potholes and other highway issues can be reported via the council's website. The council is exploring new and innovative methods and materials for road repairs to manage costs and environmental impact. While there is no definitive evidence that electric buses cause additional road damage, this remains a topic of discussion with TfL. The use of speed cameras was discussed as a means of controlling road speeds, though officers clarified that these are implemented by the police and TfL, with the council lobbying as appropriate. Speed limits, including 20mph zones, are enforced by the police, with community groups also conducting checks and the council monitoring speed-restricted areas. The Director of Highways, Transportation and Regulatory Services agreed to relay resident concerns about bus stop closures to TfL, to ensure that bus stop closures are included on TfL information, and that temporary bus stops are provided when necessary. The Local Implementation Fund (LIP) timelines for the current three-year programme and the upcoming 2028/29 programme were outlined, with budget allocation based on data and priority. The street light column replacement project has been completed, with concrete columns replaced by those fitted with LED bulbs, which are now monitored via the CMS system. Work is ongoing to replace life-expired steel columns.

Neighbourhood Fund

The Community Engagement Officer provided an update on the Neighbourhood Fund, encouraging residents to participate by voting for projects. Information on local projects and borough-wide schemes was shared. It was noted that any unused funds in the area could be rolled over to future years, creating a larger pot for more significant projects. Attendees were urged to vote and share the information within their networks.

Public Questions

A series of public questions were addressed during the meeting. Michael Freter raised concerns about traffic and parking related to the development on the former Motspur Park gasholder site, with officers explaining that a detailed construction logistics plan would be developed and that Sutton had raised traffic movement concerns with Kingston, the planning authority. Mr Freter also expressed concerns about the vitality of Worcester Park High Street, suggesting that recent business closures meant the provided data was out of date. Officers acknowledged this and suggested a stakeholder group could be beneficial for the council's High Street strategy.

Mike Dwyer asked supplementary questions regarding insurance arrangements for contracted e-bikes, particularly concerning third parties. Officers explained that a procurement working group was meeting ahead of a new contract, and insurance arrangements would be considered. Mr Dwyer also enquired about the registration of children's homes with Ofsted, and officers agreed to provide a response outside of the meeting.

Richard Johnson raised ongoing concerns about Planning Enforcement, with officers acknowledging the process can be lengthy. Mr Johnson also questioned the intensification of town centres and the use of car park sites for building, with officers explaining that the emerging Local Plan identifies potential development sites, and individual site transport assessments would be required.

Bernice Lobo enquired about informing residents about Planning applications, and it was suggested that residents could sign up for notifications via the council's planning portal. Ms Lobo also asked about the Buttner Road site, and it was discussed that no planning application had been received, with current works being internal and not requiring permission.

Alan Plant raised a question about plants overhanging pathways at Wrayfield Road. Officers explained that the pipe in question was not council property and that Thames Water, the owner, had been contacted to urge them to carry out the necessary work.

Previous Meeting Minutes

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 July 2026 be agreed as an accurate record.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Rob Beck (Chair), Councillor Cumar Sahathevan (Vice-Chair), and Councillors James Appleby, Jo Elgarf, Jenna Hartley-Smith, and Naveen Samrat. Councillors Israel Owoade, Luni Sabharwal, and Jason Stone were absent. The meeting concluded at 8.56 pm.