The Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee met on 3 April 2025, discussing crime and community safety, the London Cancer Hub development, and the council's budget. The committee also received an update on the Sutton United Foundation's community activities.

Crime and Community Safety

Sergeant James Carvey provided an update on crime and community safety, with a particular focus on issues related to e-bikes on the High Street. Concerns were raised by councillors about a minority of e-bike users causing problems, including the use of illegally modified e-bikes and fires caused by charging them. Sergeant Carvey stated that the police are planning targeted operations to address the issue of illegally modified bikes and are working with local businesses to resolve e-bike-related problems on the high street. A total ban on e-bikes was discouraged, with a distinction made between e-bikes and pedal bikes, although both fall under the same legislative category. Issues concerning e-scooters, cycle lanes, and the identification of illegal e-bikes/e-scooters were also discussed, with a timed ban being suggested. Residents proposed that mandatory insurance for all electric vehicles could help address problems associated with e-bike usage. Sergeant Carvey highlighted challenges with testing and legislation not keeping pace with advancements in e-bike technology.

London Cancer Hub

Socius provided an update on the London Cancer Hub development proposals, emphasising its global potential for science and cancer research. The Head of the London Cancer Hub Capital Programme introduced the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Programme and its timescales, noting increased services from Belmont Station. Discussions also covered solutions to flooding issues and the placement of a bus stop near Cotsweld Road. The Programme Manager for the Walking and Cycling Route on the Belmont LUF Project gave an update on public engagement for improving walking routes from Belmont Station to the London Cancer Hub site. Councillors raised questions regarding signage, resident parking, and input into decisions following the LUF consultation. The Head of the London Cancer Hub Capital Programme acknowledged previous consultations and engagement with the design team, with further consultations planned. Socius addressed design feedback, layout, and the balance of parking between commercial and residential needs, stating they are working with authorities and Transport for London (TfL) on solutions. Residents raised questions about the current phase of roadworks, the road leading to the London Cancer Hub, and nearby allotments. Socius indicated that the entrance to the station might be included in later phases. The Director of Highways, Transportation and Regulatory Services suggested that a meeting could be arranged with officers and ward councillors to discuss the site issues.

Budget Update

The Director for Finance introduced the budget update, providing an overview of how local government is funded, the restrictions on the use of different funding types, and how the council allocates its financial resources. A question was raised regarding the council's support for rough sleepers. Officers responded that some rough sleepers are known to them and are regularly approached, and that emergency protocols can be used. Residents were invited to approach the Civic Centre reception if they were aware of anyone at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Community Showcase - Sutton United Foundation

The committee received an update from Bobby Childs, Head of the Sutton United Foundation. The foundation currently operates three football teams with a total of 50 players. In addition to a schools outreach programme, they provide special educational needs coaching at Carew Manor. Four months prior to the meeting, the foundation launched a Parkinson's walking football group, which meets every Wednesday morning at 11:30 am at the Goals facility in Cheam. This group is open to individuals with mobility or neurological conditions. Bobby Childs also discussed other opportunities offered by the Foundation, including boxing sessions, girls' sessions, and general activities and games. An attendee of the Parkinson's walking football group shared positive experiences. Members enquired about engaging 18 to 25-year-olds with the foundation, maintaining their connection, the process for joining (new members can simply drop in), and the locations of football games.

Crime and Community Safety from Local Police Officers (Previous Meeting Reference)

In a previous meeting on 6 February 2025, Inspector Paolo Resteghini provided an update on ward priorities and community safety issues. Questions from the committee at that time related to contacting the police informally, knife crime levels in Sutton compared to other London boroughs, knife bins, mobile phone theft, burglaries, and antisemitic graffiti. A resident had asked about early intervention for knife-related crimes in schools and colleges, with Inspector Resteghini explaining that schools have dedicated officers and use methods like knife arches. Sergeant John Sewell had advised that 999 is the appropriate number for emergencies and provided the contact number for the Cheam Safer Neighbourhood Team for non-emergencies, emphasising the importance of residents reporting suspicious activity. Sergeant Sewell also provided an update on police staffing levels. Inspector Resteghini had advised that data from the previous year was being used to plan increased patrols during periods with higher crime spikes to prevent offences. Sergeant Sewell had indicated that police were open to hosting Safer Neighbourhood Team meetings online and in person to facilitate engagement.

Public Questions (Previous Meeting Reference)

During the 6 February 2025 meeting, the committee received six public questions, which received written responses. Christine Laidlaw asked a supplementary question about the Christmas lights in Cheam, noting that 7 out of 14 lights were not working. The Chair requested that Christmas lights be added to the agenda for the next meeting. James Spray asked a supplementary question regarding Aviva Capital proceeding with a planning application for residential building as part of the London Cancer Hub, despite the Local Plan not supporting it. Councillors advised that a design review meeting would provide more information. They explained that the London Cancer Hub is part of the Oxford Cambridge link and requires residential accommodation for visiting staff, and that Mr Spray's feedback would be considered. The Assistant Director for Asset Management and Capital Delivery noted a minimum requirement for life sciences and lab space that Aviva Capital must develop, with the residential element supporting existing life science. Regarding roads and allotments, officers stated that the final decision was pending, dependent on factors including the new hospital and traffic modelling. The Chair requested an update on the London Cancer Hub for the next meeting. Wendy Spink asked about restoring or enhancing the privately owned derelict building at 43 The Broadway. Councillors indicated they had been in contact with relevant parties and would share correspondence. Christine Laidlaw also asked about attracting larger shops to Sutton High Street, which was addressed as part of the Sutton High Street update.

Highways Update (Previous Meeting Reference)

In the 6 February 2025 meeting, the Principal Engineer presented slides on the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) 2025-2028 and proposed schemes. They also presented current highway schemes. Regarding a proposed Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) ban on Lumley Road, officers explained its purpose was to prevent lorries from travelling through residential areas, and that formal consultation began on 6 February 2025. Plans for proposed schemes were available online. For Chiltern Road Area parking improvements, officers confirmed that road markings and signs were complete, with enforcement to begin on 1 March 2025. Regarding councillor consultation for two Levelling Up Fund projects – increasing train frequency to Belmont Station and traffic interventions for the London Cancer Hub expansion – the Assistant Director of Assets and Capital Delivery explained that public consultations and engagement with ward councillors had occurred, and feedback was welcomed. An update on the Levelling Up Fund was agreed for the next meeting. Officers advised they would investigate issues raised regarding automatic acknowledgement of online consultation responses and the possibility of attaching documents to comments on the 'Citizen Space' platform.

Update on Sutton High Street (Previous Meeting Reference)

During the 6 February 2025 meeting, officers advised that Sutton Council had been informed by Morrisons that the store was closed until further notice. Questions were addressed regarding competing bids for 137-145 High Street and ways to encourage footfall to the High Street following the loss of free parking at Morrisons and B&Q. The possibility of Oru having a presence on the High Street and Times Square was also discussed. The committee endorsed the installation of a new bench at the junction of Corpse Hill and Blackbush Close, which would be followed up outside the meeting. An update on a replacement bench at the junction of Mayfield Road and The Ridgeway was to be provided to the Highfields Residents' Association.

Christmas Lights Update

The update on the provision of Christmas lights for 2024 and proposals for 2025 was deferred to a future meeting of the Local Committee.