The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee met on Wednesday 5 November 2025, approving grants for three local organisations. The committee also received updates on community policing and noted the progress of previous decisions and the ongoing work programme.

Community Grants Programme

The committee approved Neighbourhood Community Grants for three organisations, allocating the remaining funds proportionally between them.

• Man & Boy received £2,230.00 to support their Stronger Families South of the Borough project. This project aims to provide focused support to six referred beneficiaries from the South of the Borough wards who face challenges such as family separation and difficulties in building positive relationships. The funding will contribute to enrichment activities and mentoring programmes designed to strengthen family relationships, build confidence, and develop new skills. The organisation is a local charitable entity established to support vulnerable children and families in Kingston upon Thames.

• Oxygen was awarded £2,230.00 for their mentoring programme. Oxygen is a registered charity in Kingston that supports marginalised, disadvantaged, and isolated young people. The grant will enable them to employ and sustain qualified staff and volunteers to address the growing mental health needs of vulnerable young people in the South of the Borough. The programme also aims to increase opportunities for young people to contribute to their community through social action.

• The Kingston Tamil Heritage Group received £825.00 to support their Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival, scheduled for Sunday 25 January 2026 at Richard Challoner School in New Malden. This festival will celebrate Tamil culture and heritage through traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine, offering the local community an opportunity to experience Tamil traditions. The group comprises four prominent Tamil organisations: the Centre for Community Development, Tamil Information Centre, ITC Kingston Tamil School, and Surrey Tamil School.

The committee noted that the total requested amount for these grants exceeded the remaining funds in the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Community Grant fund (£5,285.00). The approved allocations resulted in the fund being in deficit by £1,815.00.

Community Police Update

A representative from the Metropolitan Police provided an update on recent crime trends. They reported an increase in burglaries and motor vehicle theft during October, with their team actively visiting victims and seeking witnesses or CCTV footage. While the burglary spike had subsided, arrests had been made for residential burglary and vehicle theft. A priority for the police is tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly that caused by vehicles. They have been working with Citizen Zoo at Tolworth Court Farm to reduce access for individuals on two wheels, which has reportedly decreased anti-social behaviour in the King George's and Sunray ward. The police also reported a successful drug warrant in Chessington South, resulting in the recovery of a significant quantity of cannabis, Class A drugs, and weapons. A stabbing incident outside the KFC on Bridge Road in October was also mentioned, with the victim recovering well.

Decisions Progress Update

The committee received and noted the Decisions Progress Update, which provides information on the status of previously made decisions. This included updates on the completion of work at Tolworth Court Farm, the deferral of a decision regarding waiting/parking restrictions on Somerset Avenue, the implementation of a 3.5-tonne weight restriction on Rhodrons Avenue, and proposals for raised tables at pedestrian crossings on Bridge Road and Moor Lane.

Work Programme

The committee received and noted the Work Programme, outlining upcoming agenda items for future meetings. This included standing items on the Community Grants Programme and Community Safety, as well as planned discussions on Neighbourhood Manager's reports and the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Community Plan.