Tolworth Broadway to become a Greenway
from RBK website:
Project gets the go ahead and exhibition dates are announced
Tolworth Broadway is set for an exciting new look and feel that puts pedestrians and shoppers at its centre. Particular attention is being paid to improving Tolworth Broadway as a high street and to balancing the priority between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic by creating a more inviting and friendly environment and reducing traffic speeds.
Kingston Council in partnership with Transport for London (TfL) is in the process of finalising detailed plans for the transformation of the area. The “Greenway” project, part of the Mayor’s Great Outdoors initiative, will deliver extensive public space improvements and address the key issues identified through previous consultation with the local community over the last few years. The project aims to revitalise the Broadway to become a thriving place for people to enjoy and use, safely and securely.
After two years of planning and consultation with residents and local groups, Transport for London (TfL) has pledged £1.6 million to build the scheme, with an additional £1 million coming from Kingston Council. ’Tolworth Times’ newsletters have been distributed to residents and businesses in the wider Tolworth area to inform and update them about the scheme. These can be seen at the bottom of this page.
The Greenway scheme will stretch along Tolworth Broadway from the junction with Ewell Road, across the A3 roundabout to Kingston Road, outside the Charrington Bowl.
A series of exhibitions are being held where people will be able to see more details about the scheme:
7 to 25 November: Hook Centre & Tolworth Library
15 November: Hook Centre staffed exhibition, 3.00pm to 7.30pm
17 November: Tolworth Recreation Centre staffed exhibition, 3.00pm to 7.30pm
22 November: Tolworth Library staffed exhibition, 3.00pm to 7.30pm
26 November: Super Subway Saturday, 10.00am to 1.00pm
15 December: Shared Neighbourhood Committee, Dysart School, Ewell Road 7.00pm
The main aims of the scheme are to:
•Strengthen the vitality of the Broadway so that it becomes a place people want to use and spend time in
•Reduce the barriers to walking and cycling and improve road safety through a reduction in general traffic speeds to 20mph along the Broadway
•Improve access to Tolworth Station and Tolworth Broadway
•Improve the general environment and feeling of safety
•Enhance the public space and improve links to community facilities such as schools, green spaces, shops and recreational opportunities
The plan is to remove the central barriers along Tolworth Broadway to allow pedestrians to cross the road at any point they choose. Formal pedestrian crossing points, both signalled and unsignalled, will be provided for those who wish to use them.
The central island (the ‘Greenway’) will be widened, have a low kerb and a vibrant resin bound gravel surface that will enable all users to travel safely from Ewell Road and Kingston Road. The Royal National Institute of Blind People, various interest groups, and the police have advised on the design to make sure it is suitable for everyone. The existing traffic signals at Tolworth Roundabout will be adjusted to allow the road to be crossed by pedestrians and cyclists so bypassing the subways which many people said they found intimidating.
The footways outside the shops on Tolworth Broadway will also be re-laid using concrete blocks to form a forecourt effect.
New paths will be provided within the roundabout to link the new crossing points with the existing pedestrian bridge over the A3. The bridge will be modified to allow cyclists to safely ride across it. A new signal controlled crossing will be provided in Kingston Road to allow access to both the Charrington Bowl and the Sunray Estate sides of the road.
The plans will be presented for approval to a special meeting of the Surbiton and South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committees on Thursday 15 December at Dysart School, Ewell Road, Tolworth. This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome to attend.
It is anticipated that the work will start in April 2012, following a tender process to appoint a Contractor. The aim is to complete the works before the start of the London Olympics in the summer.
Discussions will be held with residents and retailers to try to minimise the disruption during the construction period.
More detail about the Project
Further aspects of the Project include:
Speed Limits – The speed limit on Tolworth Broadway will be reduced to 20 mph, making it safer for pedestrians when crossing at any point;
Trees – there will be a number of additional trees planted both in the footway in front of the shops and on the central island;
Seating – extra benches will be provided in front of the shops. There will be no seating on the central island;
Cycles – The scheme provides a safe route for cyclist to cross the A3. Cyclists will also be able to use the central island and the roadway as at present. The aim is to encourage more shoppers and commuters to cycle, reduce car journeys and lower emissions;
Street lighting – new lamp columns will be installed to increase the levels of lighting in the Broadway and the centre of the roundabout. Extra lights will be installed to make sure the footways in front of shops are well lit;
Deliveries – loading bays will be provided on both sides of Tolworth Broadway;
Pedestrian Crossings – controlled crossing (with a green man) will be installed at either end of Tolworth Broadway with 3 uncontrolled crossing (no green man) in between;
Pedestrian Subways – The existing subways will still be available to use;
On-street Parking – The number of on-street parking spaces will not change;
Buses – Bus services will remain the same.
Further Information
If you have any questions about the Tolworth Project please contact us by email: tolworth.project@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Related Documents:
Get help accessing files or request files in alternative formats
- Tolworth Times Newsletter – November 2011
- Regeneration Strategy
- High Resolution Regeneration Strategy
- Tolworth Regeneration Strategy – Executive Minute – 31 March 2010
- Tolworth Regeneration Strategy – Executive Report – 31 March 2010
- Tolworth Times Newsletter – January 2010
- District Centre Parking Study – Parking Strategy – December 2009
- Surbiton and South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committees Report – 25 November 2009
- Tolworth Project Draft Strategy Document – November 2009
- District Centre Parking Study – Research Report – November 2009
- District Centre Parking Study – Car Parking Surveys – September 2009
- Tolworth Times Newsletter – September 2009
- Tolworth Freight Movement Study – June 2009
- Tolworth Project Questionnaire Analysis – May 2009
- Tolworth Project Summary of Questionnaire Analysis – May 2009
- Convenience and Comparison Catchment Statistics – March 2009
- Tolworth Newsletter February 2009
Self and that bench…….
I am afraid that last night, at EBRRA’s AGM, I got rather annoyed with Cllr. Self over his dilatory attitude to the re-installation of a bench at or about the wayside garden at the Ellerton Road/Ditton Road junction.
What really grated on me was the way he seemed to ascribe the non-appearance of this replacement to (a) the failure of officers to produce further work on the matter following a SNC meeting in February; (b) inccuracies in the Minutes both of that meeting and the earlier one in 2009, which originally decided on having the bench; (c) supposed anti-social behaviour there in the past – of which the Police have no record at all and of which I, who have been associated as resident and councillor with the area for 26 years, have never heard; and (d) the failure of the community to come together to sort the issue out.
The fact that he and his colleagues have done nothing to bring the community together since the February meeting did not seem to occur to him. In fact they have done nothing but obstruct the provision since the 2010 election, if not before!
I know from experience that, if the local councillors want something to happen which has been agreed upon and doesn’t cost much money, then RBK officers will make it happen. The unadmitted truth, then, seems to me to be that the current councillors don’t want this to happen for some reason I can only guess at, but they also don’t want to admit to EBRRA members that that is the case. Hence my exasperation with himSelf last night.
Cllr. Ayles maintained his habitual discreet silence throughout the meeting. Elmbridge resident Neil Houston maintained his habitual absence!
Latest news from Tony Arbour GLA
Tony ARBOUR
Assembly Member for
South West London
E-Newsletter – Autumn 2011
| No Rioting |
We were fortunate in Hounslow, Kingston and Richmond that there was none of the rioting which affected our near neighbours. This was no accident, every officer who could wear a uniform, from special constable to detective inspector, was on duty on the streets. Police attributed their mass public presence deterred prospective rioters. This event gives strength to my campaign for police officers to wear their uniform whilst on their way to and from work.
I welcome the new police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe who brings to London from Manchester a reputation for robust, no nonsense policing which I hope will reduce crime here in the Capital.Countdown
Transport for London (TfL) are introducing a new and improved Countdown system for all of London’s bus stops via text message and internet. A new generation of countdown signs will also be provided at key bus stops.
The new Countdown signs will provide real-time information at 2,500 key bus stops in London. Using the latest technology to ensure easy readability, the signs will also comply with disability guidelines on electronic signage.
As well as predicting bus arrival times, they will display service updates, disruption information and network-wide messages.
TfL are also investigating bus stop-specific audio options to help blind people and partially sighted people find their way around the network independently.
The roll out of the new signs began this year and will be completed by 2012. For further information go to www.tfl.gov.uk.
Disruptive Roadworks
Boris Johnson has recently announced a new online reporting tool that will allow Londoners to help spot, report and prevent unruly roadworks.
CCTV operators and traffic community police will use these reports to take immediate action. Boroughs are urged to introduce similar innovative measures and work with TfL to help reduce disruptive and unnecessary works in London. It is hoped this will be operating from Spring 2012.
Royal Parks
The Royal parks Agency which is responsible for Bushy and Richmond Park is to be advised by a board which for the first time will have members who have been bureaucratically elected including the Mayor as Chairman and three council leaders.
London in Bloom
Congratulations to Richmond upon Thames for winning Gold in the recent London in Bloom competition. Other winners were: Terrace Garden, Richmond, York House Gardens, Twickenham, Twickenham Town Centre, Manor Road Allotments, Ham Common and Eel Pie Pub, Twickenham
Olympics Test Race
Last month saw the Olympic test race come to Richmond and Kingston.
Over enthusiastic stewards kept roads closed for most of the day. I am urging that when the actual event takes place road closures will be lifted as soon as the riders have gone past.
Changing Station Zones
I have called for Surbiton and Kingston stations to be moved from transport Zone 6 into Zone 5, which could save commuters travelling from these stations hundreds of pounds a year. I believe these stations are in the wrong zone considering there are 23 stations in Zone 5 that are further out of central London than either Kingston or Surbiton stations. As a result, commuters into Zone 1 from these stations in Zone 6 have to pay £2,016 per year for an annual season ticket, which is £136 more than the Zone 1– 5 season ticket. These stations should be rezoned.
Mayor Boris Johnson said “I am more than happy to join you in making this point ( to the government)”.
Tony Arbour’s Advice Surgeries
Do you have an issue or a problem that you would like to talk to Tony about?
First Saturday of every month:
From 3.00-4pm in
Feltham Library
The Centre,
High Street
Feltham, TW13 4GU
and
From 4.30-5.30pm in
Heston Community Sports Hall,
Heston Road,
Middlesex TW5 0QZ
First Wednesday of every month:
From 5.00-6.00pm in
Hampton Wick Library
Bennet Close,
Hampton Wick,
Richmond KT1 4AT
Third Saturday of every month:
From 10.30-11.30pm in Chiswick Library,
Duke’s Avenue
Hounslow W4 2AB
Alternatively you can write to Tony at:
City Hall,
The Queen’s Walk
London SE1 2AA
or telephone him on:
0207 983 4116
Get In Touch - whether you’ve got something you want raised with the Mayor, or a view on how to improve services in London under the Mayor’s responsibilities – Tony would be happy to hear from you.
How to contact Tony: Email: tony.arbour@london.gov.uk Tel: 0207 983 4116 Address: Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, More London, London SE1 2AA
Last night’s SNC
A quarter of the expected councillors were missing from last night’s Neighbourhood meeting. To be fair only Surbiton Hill was fully represented, which was just as well since the ward dominated the agenda.
The most controversial issue was the question of the relocation of the bus stop on Ewell Road by the hospital site. It currently fronts the Casa Viva restaurant and the Londis store, where the pavement is very narrow, and TfL want to move it 60m north to outside Mellish Court, where the pavement is much wider. The ‘bus cage’ also needs to be long enough to take two double deckers simultaneously, and it appears that TfL are working on possible bus lengths of up to 29 metres. Now that’s 9 metres longer than a cricket pitch, but I didn’t get the chance to query it and none of the elected members bothered to.
The residents of Mellish Court are, understandably, highly upset at this possibility and spoke very eloquently on it. They cite anti-social behaviour by bus users, such as dropping litter and human detritus over the wall into their garden as well as attendant noise from the myriad of buses stopping and starting. The number of buses is likely to increase with the impending diversion of the K4 to pass the site on its way into Kingston – I suspect this will impact on Ditton Road as well. All of this is part of the ‘green travel plan’ which is an essential part of the planning permission granted for the health centre and 461-pupil primary school being built on the hospital site. Residents were also concerned about overlooking into their lounges and bedrooms from the upper decks of buses. I will just say in passing that the shelters that accompany bus stops are frequently used as assembly points by young people hanging out with nothing much to do and nowhere to go – something Nick Kilby commented on in his post on the ‘Youth Matters’ page two years ago, and a problem we had ideas on addressing, had we been re-elected in 2010. As it is I wonder if the Mellish Court residents have taken up their problem with the Police.
Mellish Court residents want the bus stop to stay where it is, outside the businesses and closer to the hospital site entrance. It was alleged that this would make life easier for disabled people, especially wheelchair users. In fact it won’t. Wheelchair users (especially powered ones) are likely to need the wider pavement to be able to manoeuvre on and off a bus and make a 90 degree turn immediately after alighting or while in the act of boarding. The businesses want it moved, partly for the same reason the MC residents don’t want it moved. TfL stated categorically in late material that they couldn’t support leaving the stop where it is because of lack of space between crossovers and the narrowness of the pavement.
All sides had their facts and their facts were true. In the end I wasn’t altogether surprised that the decision went in favour of the MC residents and against TfL by 5 votes to 2 with one apparent abstention.
Speaking to one of the officers afterwards we both agreed that it was a very difficult decision to have to make. However there was one moment of comic relief when Elmbridge resident Cllr. Neil Houston suggested having two bus stops not one, with one extra one somewhere south of the present one, probably outside Shan Pharmacy! There was no support for this suggestion.
Other issues were quickly despatched. The scheme for a CPZ east of Ewell Road was not proceeded with, though some street corner treatments should be introduced for safety reasons (see references to Mayfair Close in this blog).
Arlington Road residents will remain in parking zone S and not transfer to zone T. So Jane Smith and I got something right 10 or so years ago when we worked with Arlington Road residents to bring this about.
Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee 19th October
From Bridget:
I can see that most of the next meeting will be taken up with parking issues on the Ewell Road
Agenda item “Parking Issues east of Ewell Road….”
“Consultation ‘………..to identify measure to address the existing parking pressures on these roads which could intensify with the development of a new healthcare centre and primary school at the Surbiton hospital site……”
I am so mad, we had to sit and listen to such lies at the DC, there won’t be a parking problem etc etc. when they approved this development when anyone with half a brain cell knows there will be!
The other agenda item is the moving of the bus stop – why, it was never a problem before and is close to the entrance
I might attend on Wednesday if anyone can speak
So might I, if only to see how the ward’s outstanding councillors cope with this one!
This week at the cornerHOUSE
from Ian Davies:
This week at the cornerHOUSE community arts centre, 116 Douglas Road KT6 7SB
Saturday 15 October : doors open 7.00pm
The return of the fabulous three piece acoustic band Little Sister Blue. Multi-talented, multi-instrument playing minstrels Sarah-Louise, Beth and Storme feature a programme of inspiring, joyful, thought-provoking, and touching folk and acoustic music. If you have not yet heard Little Sister’s music there is a great taster here : http://vimeo.com/25661284 A beautiful song and some beautiful images. Little Sister has invited a couple of guests to play sets too. A great evening in prospect. Reserve tickets – call 020 8296 9012
The night before – Friday 14 October – is another cornerHOUSE social evening. Free entry, inexpensive bar, live music, book and DVD exchange and some great company.
Friends, relatives, neighbours, colleagues to add to the cornerHOUSE mailing list ? Just send their details to info@thecornerhouse.org
Boris and Hook Road?….well nearly!
A new series of initiatives against disruptive road works has been announced by Boris Johnson Mayor of London. Boris has set up a website to help people spot and report neglected road works.
A road work’s pledge, outlining standards which allow authorities to take swifter action, was also announced.
Boris said ‘Road works are a massive headache for Londoners. We are now putting in place better ways to empower Londoners to name and shame those who blight our city with disruptive or badly managed road works. These reports will be followed up by swift action by the relevant authority to help unclog roads suffering from unnecessary delays.’
The pledge also states road works should be tidy and safe, have clear signage and not take up too much space.
Surbiton neighbourhood matters…latest
From Gemma Gallant, RBK Communications Officer:
Please find attached a copy of the latest edition of Surbiton Neighbourhood Matters for your information. This and previous editions are also available on the Neighbourhood pages of the Council website; www.kingston.gov.uk/su
Please feel free to pass this on to any of your contacts. We hope you find the bulletin of interest and welcome your comments.
Kind Regards
Gemma Gallant
The last word…….maybe!
This comment from our correspondent Bridget deserves a wider audience than Comments usually get. We respectfully dedicate it to our old friend Pinocchio:
I for one have been incensed at reading the lies in Focus.
Why not state this?
We the LIBERALS on the council :
gave permission for a building of townscape merit to be demolished (contrary to policy)
gave permission for 43 trees to be destroyed, many with TPO’s (contrary to policy)
gave permission for a school to be built without enough amenity space (contrary to policy) so that it needs a rooftop play area
gave permission for a school which will only have 6 car parking spaces for teachers
gave permission for a “polyclinic” expecting 8 doctor’s surgeries to move into it before checking whether the doctor’s wanted to move
So when the traffic is at a standstill in the Oakhill area and the Ewell Road is gridlocked,
the Liberals can say WE GAVE PERMISSION FOR THAT TO HAPPEN
Polling District changes
Next Thursday the Policy and Resources Committee of RBK will discuss quite radical changes to the election arrangements in Surbiton Hill.
At present there are two polling districts, named M and MA, with the border between them running along the middle of Ditton Road, with the even numbers and everything north of them in M and the odd numbers and everything south of them in MA.
Under the new plans there will be three polling districts, M, MA and MB with more complicated boundaries, obviously. This link takes you to a map in PDF format.
Polling stations will be at M: St. Matthew’s School, MA: St. Matthew’s Church hall. and MB: The Corner House at the Douglas Road/Ravenscar Road junction.
News from the cornerHOUSE
Celia Harding writes:
News about the cornerHOUSE autumn season !
A great run of staged events :
- Club Roguesque offers mature music in a specially devised club setting. Sultry singers and a knowing MC make for a hot evening. The show runs from 21 to 24 September. A few tickets remain for some nights
- The Times described Barbara Nice as “ a hybrid between Victoria Wood and Mrs Merton “ and we are delighted to welcome Barbara in her show Hiya & Higher as a comedy special on Friday 30 September
- Bymoonlight is the company presenting East for one night only on Saturday 1 October. This particular production of Steven Berkoff’s famous play has already had acclaimed runs at Kingston’s Rose and the Wimbledon Theatre. Lots of familiar cornerHOUSE faces involved. This will be a n extremely important and popular night. [ Update – all tickets reserved; returns only ]
- Little Sister Blue is an acclaimed local musical force which has entranced audiences at the cornerHOUSE. They return on Saturday 15 October for a full evening, bringing with them friends to make for a very full programme of relaxed and enjoyable music.
- Jack The Ripper is the latest vehicle chosen by cornerHOUSE regulars Upstage for their own brand of drama. Running from 26 to 29 October the company will bring the macabre tale to life in Douglas Road.
For all information on these shows including how to book, go to www.thecornerhouse.org
Free events
We are holding a gala on 6 October for Ashley Richardson’s new exhibition at the cornerHOUSE. Come and meet the artist, see the works, have a drink and a chat. A free event, including a free drink. The exhibition will be up from 1st to 29th October and can be seen at any time that the cornerHOUSE is open.
The popular bar night series continues on 14 October with live music, the ever popular book exchange, inexpensive drinks and great company. You are very welcome.
Updates on two cornerHOUSE traditions :
- the annual canvas exhibition and competition will be culminating in January, so now is the time to get your artists smocks on and create a master-piece. As ever , canvases in the required size are available at any cH event.
- Scripts for the One Act Play festival, to be staged next April, are now being actively sought. The deadline is 30 October, so get writing now !
Situation Vacant
You’ll be aware that everything at the cornerHOUSE happens because a team of volunteers are working hard behind the scenes to make the place happen. We are approaching a serious gap in our volunteer strength as our treasurer, Anna MacCafferty, has to stand down to attend to a major project for another voluntary organisations. From 1st January we will have no one to manage our accounts, balance our books and supervise our cash. We are therefore very keen to hear from anyone who can offer us help in this area. Anna has said that she is very happy to sit alongside anyone who volunteers to show them the ropes and provide a comprehensive hand-over.
All correspondence to info@thecornerhouse.org
Victoria Road – urgent notice!
from RBK Highways
Due to predicted adverse weather conditions, the works programmed for Tuesday 20th September were CANCELLED.
These works have been re-programmed for tonight (Wednesday 21st September 2011) from 8.00pm till 6.00am. The predicted weather forecast is for dry weather and hence the contractor will be able to complete the resurfacing of carriageway tonight.
Surbiton festival on the 24th September 2011 will go ahead as planned.
So now what?
Are we disappointed about the by-election result? Yes, of course we are and for four reasons.
- Whatever Mr. Davey and his party may have said in the campaign, the voice of Surbiton Hill will be even more muted in the future than it has been since May last year. Anyone who saw Nick, Janet and myself in action knows that we were always determined fighters for our constituents. What one gets from the new councillors is a willingness to accept whatever answer officers palm them off with and/or handwringing about ‘Im not very experienced in these things!’
- Mr. Ayles, too, is ‘not very experienced in these things’ and has evidently done little in 25 years to rectify that state of affairs.
- The Lib Dem victory will be taken by them as validating the strategy of disinformation which characterised their campaign throughout.
- Nick Kilby’s election would have added strength to the Council as a whole. He was without doubt one of the ablest Councillors on either side of the Chamber during his four year stint, as honest Lib Dems would concede – and there are some!
So what now? We shall continue to do the best we can to help any residents of the ward who want our assistance – as we have since May 2010. We shall continue our constructive scrutiny of our opponents. We may even help them if they ask us to – but we will not go away!
On-line E petition: please support
from Cllr. Andrea Craig (Canbury Ward)
Last Friday was the ‘seven hour’ licensing hearing for the Old Gala Bingo Hall site “Kingston Arena”. We will know the outcome later this week and whoever loses will appeal through the courts. That very evening, an appalling attack occurred on the corner of Richmond Road and Canbury Park Road involving multiple youths who had left Oceana’s nightclub and a larger group followed 3 men and a fight broke out. The attack left one of the victims with serious head injuries and a broken jaw.
Our police force are being seriously stretched each weekend in the town centre and on that evening the officers who attended the scene were from Wimbledon and had been drafted in to help support the Kingston police officers.
I have been campaigning hard, alongside local residents, with the full backing of the police force here in Kingston for a Cumulative Impact Policy to be put in place in the town centre. The policy would strengthen the council’s licensing policies, which currently are not nearly robust enough. In Canbury, Tudor and several other wards we feel the direct effects of this lack of policy, with antisocial behaviour and violence spilling onto the streets after the night clubs shut, vandalism to vehicles but also many people tell me they don’t go out in Kingston late at night any more as it has become so unpleasant to do so. Even local students are saying that enough is enough.
This policy will give the council the ability to refuse a license application on the basis of its cumulative effect on the area rather than the four licensing objectives that currently are considered.
Please, please sign the residents petition below and forward this on to your family and friends in the area so we see a positive reduction in the Crime and Disorder in the town centre and to help protect ourselves, our friends and families and also other visitors to the town centre.
http://epetition.kingston.public-i.tv/epetition_core/community/petition/1586
This incident didn’t happen in Surbiton, however it could. So please support this initiative.
Bye-election result
In spite of the most hard fought campaign in the ward’s recent history, the turn out of voters in the bye-election was the lowest in its recent history, at 31.6%.
This undoubtedly helped the Liberal Democrat candidate secure election with a majority of 102.
The figures were
Lib Dem 997
Nick Kilby (Con) 895
Labour 349
CPA 171
Green 81
Ind 21
