Dates for your diary, Local Issues, Events & more

Richmond Park – Parking charges update

Despite a public consultation which showed that 86% were against car parking charges in Richmond Park, the Parks Ministers, Margaret Hodge MP has nevertheless agreed to the introduction.

Her comments that the majority of the responders were apparently within the A and B socio-economic groupings and therefore they could afford the charges, missed the point completely. The true figures are that 40% of cars using the park are more than seven years old.

The charges are due to come into force in the early summer and the exact level of charge and how long motorists will be allowed to stay has yet to be announced. We will update readers when these are made public.

A public rally was organised for 30 th January and more than 1000 local people turned out on a cold morning to show their objections.

Planning application for Post Office on Upper Richmond Road 2009/2149

A planning application has been received for the redevelopment of the Costcutters Store and Post Office at 214 Upper Richmond Road. The proposals are for a three/five storey block with a shop unit and post office at ground floor with fourteen flats above, all with front or rear balconies.

We have asked the Post Office to specify plans for the future of counter services in the town centre if the current site is redeveloped during which time the ground floor premises out of which the PO operates would be out of action. What we don’t want is for such an important service to be shoe-horned into temporary accommodation only to find that the PO decides not to provide the modern facilities that Putney needs on the existing site. Having already lost popular local branches on Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road we need to see a modern town centre facility capable of meeting the expectations of local people and businesses.

The issues that can be addressed by the Planners are limited, therefore the Putney Partnership Board is making representations direct to the PO on the impact of the proposals on local businesses and residents so far as the provision of the service itself is concerned. Since the decision by the Local Government Authority to use post offices to issue Freedom Passes we have made additional representations to seek increased manning to deal with the long queues resulting from the LGA decision.

Further information on the proposals can be obtained from the planning officer, Richard Evans 8871 6644. Any comments on the application should be sent to planningapplications@wandsworth.gov.uk. The consultation period ended on 27 January.

IMA House, 20 Northfields, SW18
(office overlooking Wandsworth Park)
2010/0271

A planning application has been received from Point Pleasant Investments Ltd to demolish the existing 1960s office block and to replace it with an 8-storey plus basement lock to provide commercial floor space together with 29 flats (including 8 affordable) with 36 car parking spaces, cycle spaces and associated landscaping.

Much of the elevation facing the park will be glazed with balconies overlooking the park. The current office block is unattractive so improvements to this highly visible site are to be welcomed. Cllrs Maddan and Torrington attended the public exhibition in August 2009 and asked the developer to consider making a contribution to improvements in Wandsworth Park. Various suggestions have been put forward and we are hoping that the developer will take them up.

Further details available from the planning officer, Mr Richard Evans on 8871 6632. The consultation period runs until 17 February.

1a Merivale Road, SW15
2010/0083

We have received a number of representations from residents in response to an application by a builder to retain a materials store recently constructed at first floor level without authorisation and refused permission in 2009 (2009/2678). There have been concerns about privacy and the appearance of the 29.4 sq meter shed constructed on top of an existing building surrounded by residential homes.

Further details available from the planning officer, Mr Brandon Wilkinson on 8871 8410. The consultation period runs until 8 February.

Please feel free to copy us into any comments on any of the above planning applications.

Freedom Pass renewal until 13 February
for those aged 60 and over

The Freedom Pass is provided by the Council and gives older and disabled residents free travel on almost all public transport in London. Freedom Pass renewals are now underway and continue until 13 February. On 31 March all current Freedom Passes will cease to work. The new passes will be valid until 2015. For full details of how to apply and the paperwork needed please go to www.freedompass.org. Information hotlines: 0845 275 7054 or 020 7934 9633 (9am-5pm). The form can also be downloaded from www.wandsworth.gov.uk/freedompass.

There have been issues throughout London with post offices running out of forms. We have been assured that enough forms will be available to ensure that everybody who needs to renew their Freedom Pass will be able to do so.

For holders of the older persons pass you can fill out the form and take it to any London Post Office branch or pick up a printed version from your local post office. For Thamesfield residents this is the post office at 214 Upper Richmond Road. The following dates in February have been allocated alphabetically by surname,

P-Z (inc): 1-6 February
If you missed your allocated week in January or February, please apply 8-13 February.

If you have a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass and have not yet received a renewal form please contact the Concessionary Travel Team on 020 8871 8871.

Road safety around Brandlehow School

Following one of our e-bulletins in 2009 a local resident contacted us to express concerns about road safety around Brandlehow Primary School. We took this up and are pleased to report that capital funding of £46,000 has been allocated to Brandlehow School to allow them to implement a travel plan. This is likely to include measures to reduce the impact of traffic and improve road safety around the school. Investigative work is taking place in February following which there will be a public consultation to ascertain local views. The funding comes out of the Council’s Local Implementation Plan, a 5 year transport plan (2006-2011) which, during 2010/11, has allocated a budget of £2.1 million to transport improvements.

Further details can be found in the report made to the Planning and Transport Committee at their meeting on 13 January 2010 (paper 2010/52)

Highway works: Putney Common and potholes

Bus stand on Putney Common : Following the consultation in July 2009 works will start to improve conditions for pedestrians, buses and bus users on Putney Common. These include changes to the yellow line waiting restrictions on Putney Common and Lower Richmond Road and the bus stand and resurfacing of the carriageway and footway by the bus stand. The resurfacing of the footway by the bus stand is scheduled to start on 1 February. From Saturday 13 February Putney Common will be closed to traffic for up to five days to allow for the resurfacing of the carriageway. Access to properties will be maintained wherever possible although it could be limited for short periods of time. During the works buses will use the former hospital site for turning.

London Buses will alight and board passengers at the two nearest available bus stops on Lower Richmond Road from 1 to 18 February.

For general enquiries and matters concerning resurfacing please contact Jonathan Sanders on 8871 6538. For information about carriageway resurfacing and road closures please contact Simon Wood 8871 8294. London Buses (TfL) can be reached on 0845 3007000.

Potholes: The freezing weather conditions have resulted in an increase in potholes. Over the next few months the Council will be undertaking the task of repairing the potholes throughout the borough. Engineering crews are tackling the worst affected spots and residents are urged to report roads in urgent need of attention. To report a pothole to the council call 8871 6708 or email highways@wandsworth.gov.uk. Please include the nearest house number or business premises to identify the location. We have reported the pothole on Lower Richmond Rd at the junction with Ruvigny Gardens by the Russell Gallery, and on the crossing in Putney Bridge Road outside The Real Greek.

Bendemeer Road has been resurfaced. The footways in Florian and Merivale Roads have been relaid.

TPOs and Trees in Conservation areas

One of the attractions of our local environment is the number of established trees in gardens and parks and the street trees. In addition to softening a harsh urban environment trees provide a home for wild life, release oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and they filter noise and dirt. The Council has a comprehensive Tree Strategy which can be downloaded from the website. http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/734/our_tree_strategy

Some well established attractive specimens are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) because of their benefit to the wider community. The list of trees protected in this way was revised in October 2009 and can also be found on the Council’s website.

Works to trees protected by a TPO requires planning permission which will normally be granted if the work is necessary and reasonable.

Conservation areas make up around 45% of the borough. Following concerns raised with us recently it was apparent that something less well-known is that work to trees in conservation areas requires Council consent. If you live in a conservation area and propose to prune or fell a tree you must give the Council six weeks’ notice.

You can find out whether your house is in a conservation area by following this link

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/site/files/planning/conservation/index.htm

For information on TPOs or a conservation area tree notice please call 8871 6631. For queries about Council-owned trees, street trees, and trees in parks and open spaces please call 8871 6371/6372. The trees on Putney Lower Common are the responsibility of the Wimbledon & Putney Common conservators (http://www.wpcc.org.uk)

Street trees

The council still plant Lime trees since their roots are not actually any more problematic than other trees in respect of damage to pavement and walls. Obviously they can cause problems, but that is true of any species and the only way to guarantee the absence of problems with the footway is not to have trees of any kind in the pavement. (Not a viable option if the number of requests we get for more street trees is anything to go by).

However, they don’t necessarily plant the same species of Lime (ie Common Lime) as were planted in the past. Common Lime is particularly problematic in respect of the amount of shoots which sprout from the base of the tree, and with the honeydew which drips onto pavements & cars. The council can now plant Lime trees which are free of these problems, and generally do - but it is still sometimes appropriate to plant a common lime (but not often in streets).

Local Development Framework: consultation ends 5 February

There is an ongoing consultation until 5 February conducted by the Council on Site Specific Allocations in Putney and the Development Management Policies. Specific sites have been identified with potential for improvement in the long term with the opportunity to shape and improve the townscape of Putney. The policy will establish guidelines for future developments of significant sites in Putney and throughout the borough. In Putney sites include Jubilee House and the cinema, the corner site currently occupied by TKMaxx and Halfords, the corner site currently occupied by Real Greek round to Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Putney Hospital, Putney Place, Tileman House, 113 Upper Richmond Road, Tote House, Carlton Tower and 85-99 Upper Richmond Road, Sainsbury’s Supermarket, former South Thames College on Putney Hill.

Matters covered include matters such as urban design principles, public space, new routes, new shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, residential use, landscaping, height, relationship to existing buildings, views, etc.

Both documents can be viewed by following the following links and comments can be made on line via the Council’s website.

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/2379/development_management_policies_document

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/2380/site_specific_allocations_document_part_1

The Council’s Core Strategy was submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2009. It is being examined by an independent Planning Inspector during February. Public hearings will take place on 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th and 16th February.

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/601/core_strategy-submission_version_mar_2009

Air Quality control unit

The Environment & Leisure committee considered a report on air quality at its January meeting. The High Street is situated on a busy bus route and forms the main access to the A3 attracting heavy traffic, particularly at rush hour. To monitor more accurately and scientifically the air quality in the High Street, a temporary air monitoring unit is currently located outside Vodafone. From July 2010 a permanent air monitoring unit will be installed on the corner or Weimar Street and Felsham Road behind Roseland House at the back of TKMaxx. There are concerns that the levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particles are much higher than they should be. Councillors are pressing for measures to address this worrying emerging trend. The air monitoring unit will make it possible to capture real time data rather than averaged data. In conjunction with air monitoring research is to be carried out into vehicles using the High Street to identify the types of vehicle using the High Street at times of high emissions. It will look at buses, vans, HGVs, diesel vehicles and check engine capacities and other details to identify which vehicles are contributing to the higher emissions so that something can be done to counter the problem. There is concern that the high number of buses idling in the vicinity of the High Street could be a factor.

Details of the report (2010/4) can be downloaded from the Council’s website

Data from the air quality monitoring units in Wandsworth is co-ordinated across London by the Environmental Research Group of King’s College, London. Details of readings can be found at www.londonair.org.uk

Residents can register free to receive air pollution alerts by mobile phone, home phone or email at www.airtext.info.

Online archive catalogue for Wandsworth Heritage Service

An online catalogue is now available at www.calmview.eu/wandsworth/calmview. It includes records relation to all areas of the borough from the 16 th to the 21 st centuries. Further information is also available by emailing heritage@wandsworth.gov.uk or calling 8871 7753.

Police meetings in February

The police and SNT will be holding drop-in surgeries at Sally’s@St Mary’s from 1100 to 1300 on 5 February and on 24 February at Putney Library, Disraeli Rd from 1800-1900.

More information about Thamesfield SNT from www.met.police.uk/teams/wandsworth (Thamesfield). Their current priorities reflect our high street surroundings – anti-social behaviour related to alcohol, shoplifting and theft of pedal cycles.

Events and activities for February

For The Half Moon’s February programme please go to www.halfmoon.co.uk.

The Star & Garter on the Embankment is holding two of their wine tasting evenings this month. On 10 February the sommelier will cover classic French wines and on 24 February the topic is English wines. For more information http://www.thestarandgarter.com/events.asp

The Duke’s Head on Lower Richmond Road is offering standup comedy on Wednesdays. Doors open at 8pm, tickets £7 or £5 for concessions. Reservations 07966176049 or dukesheadlines@gmail.com.

A photography exhibition of the best works by local photographers takes place at Putney Library from 14 February to 6 March www.photographymeetups.com

WWT London Wetlands Centre, hosts an introduction to bird watching on 7 and 27 February from 9.30-11am. Suitable for children over 11 up to adults. Bring your own binoculars. £20, plus admission, booking is essential. Call 8409 4400. There are several events organised over half term including an Animal Magic weekend on 13 and 14 February from noon to 4pm featuring farm animals. http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london/events

Eddie Catz, 68-70 Putney High Street hosts Artybobs on 18 February for children aged 1-4 and 4-12 including free play and lunch. Booking essential sonal@artybobs.co.uk or 07737 830529. Further half term events can be found at http://www.eddiecatz.com/eddie-catz.html.

The Putney Leisure Centre in Dryburgh Rd provides swimming and a full range of activities http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/644/sports_facilities/391/putney_leisure_centre

The Putney Theatre Company’s programme can be downloaded via www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk. From 23 to 27 February the Putney Theatre Company will be performing The Love of the Nightingale by Timberlake Wertenbaker. The box office can be reached on 020 8286 0229.

Putney Music has organised meetings 1 February and 15 February in The Dryburgh Hall, Putney Leisure Centre starting at 8pm. On 1 February David Mellor will discuss the music of Chopin and on 15 February Piers Lane will appear with his guest Noriko Ogawa, the renowned Japanese pianist.

The Putney Senior Social Group meets every Monday at All Saints’ Church, Putney Common between 10 and 11.30am. They offer tea and coffee and homemade cakes for the over 60s. The group started with four members a year ago and now regularly has up to 16 people in attendance. To join the group call Carolyn Biddick on 07964 593879 on any weekday mornings for more details.

Regenerate-RISE provides lunches, activities, outings and spport for the over 60s, particularly those who are isolated. It operates from The Platt Christian Centre in Felsham Road. They also have a hairdresser open three days a week to anyone over the age of 60 at very reasonable prices.  They hold a cafe once a month on a Saturday open to anyone. For more information please email Mo Smith, Chair of Trustees, Regenerate-RISE at mosmith@regenerate-rise.co.uk

The Project Grants Fund helps groups and organisations to provide cultural projects, particularly those that engage new audiences, help create long-lasting artistic partnerships and develop new skills. The Small Grants Fund supports new art initiatives and extensions of existing projects. A grant workshop runs at Putney Library, Disraeli Road on 1 March from 6-8pm if you would like to find out about making an application for either. www.wandsworth.gov.uk/arts.

The Putney Society has organised a Members’ meeting on the evening of 25 February in the Brewer Building. The topic will be open spaces and Wandsworth Friends of the Earth. www.putneysociety.org.uk

There is a permanent exhibition about The Putney Debates 1647 in St Mary’s Church by Putney Bridge open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm www.putneydebates.com .

Details about the Putney Sculpture Trail located along the river from Leaders Gardens to Wandsworth Riverside Quarter can be found on a map on the sculptor’s website at www.alanthornhill.co.uk/Putney

Putney Town Centre

WALLACE & CO , 146 Upper Richmond Road has opened in the former Reds premises. It operates as a restaurant, bistro, café, bar and is open daily 8am to 11pm (Sunday 9am to 10.30pm). Run by Greg Wallace of the Masterchef TV series. Fresh vegetables are sold at the front of the shop.

TKMAXX has just undergone a substantial refurbishment and re-opens on 6 February.

BUCKLEYS at 88 Lower Richmond Road is now offering butchery classes with their Master Butchers including sausage making courses and courses showing you how to butcher a free range lamb or pig. To book a place, please call 7736 4492. They are open on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Weekday opening times are Wednesday 8am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 7.30am to 5.30pm. http://www.parsonsnose.co.uk/buckleys/index.html

THE IDLE HOUR has been taken over and will open as The Rump House in the near future.

PUTNEY CYCLES has taken premises on the High Street and will be moving from Putney Bridge Road in early 2010. www.putneycycles.com

BEST-ONE, a convenience store, has opened in former Parchment premises (near the station)

BANGER BROS is opening next to the station selling a range of hot sausages

THE BOATHOUSE is offering special meal deals every day of the week www.boathouseputney.co.uk. In addition to this, they are continuing their wine and dine offer for £20 Sunday 5pm through to Thursday covering a 2 course meal and a bottle of house wine. Bookings can be made on 020 8789 0476 or boathouse@youngs.co.uk

ROCKET A new lease has been granted to Wetherspoons, who are planning a new style of business, which is totally different to their existing business format. It aims to re-open in time for the Boat Race on Easter weekend.

SLUG & LETTUCE They are applying to extend their opening hours and the hearing will take place on 10 th February. The last date for representations has passed, but the applicants recently held a meeting with local residents to listen to their concerns. We hope that they were listening.

Markets: There are weekly Friday (11am – 8pm) and Saturday (9am-4pm) market stalls in Church Square hosted by Portland Scallops selling fresh wet fish and shell fish now joined by a specialist cheese stall and a stall selling fresh flowers.

Useful Numbers:

Details of the Minor Injuries Unit at Queen Mary’s Hospital can be found online www.wandsworth.nhs.uk/pdf/MIU/minor%20injuries%20leaflet%2010-06.pdf

or call 020 8487 6499/6999. Evening smear test clinics now available for women who find it difficult to get to their doctor during the day held at the Minor Injuries Unit every Tuesday from 5.30-7.30pm. The clinics are by appointment only to women registered with a Wandsworth GP. To make an appointment call 0845 6026292.

Do help us keep Thamesfield ward in good shape by reporting instances of fly tipping and graffiti as well as broken pavements and pot holes.

Waste services – including fly tipping, street cleansing, missed collections, recycling.

Tel 020 8871 8558 Email wasteservices@wandsworth.gov.uk

Tel 020 8871 7479 for recycling hotline.

Graffiti removal

Tel 020 8871 7049 Email graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk

Broken pavements, potholes etc

Tel 020 8871 6708 Email highways@wandsworth.gov.uk

Noise hotline Email esd@wandsworth.gov.uk

Tel 020 8871 6170 (during office hours)

Tel 020 8871 7869 (outside office hours)

Future Thamesfield E-bulletins
As your local councillors we send out regular e-bulletins to update you on local news, information on our work and things of interest in our local community. To join, simply email rtorrington@wandsworth.gov.uk and type SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time by emailing the address below with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ Tel. 020 8944 0378 heretohelp@wandsworthconservatives.com, www.wandsworthconservatives.com
Promoted by Robert Morritt on behalf of Putney Conservatives, both of 3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ