“Stakeholder” meetings to discuss the Sutton Gateway project are now underway, with local organisations, including the Highfields’ Residents Association and the South Sutton Neighbourhood Association. This stage will be followed by wider public consultation including an exhibition.

The project is designed to improve the “Gateway to Sutton” from the south, along the Brighton Road and around Sutton station. The main elements, subject to consultation, include:

– opening the side entrance to the station

– re-development of the Cedar Road / Brighton Road junction to include a “countdown” crossing to tell pedestrians how long they have to cross

– further development of the facilities for cyclists  

– re-design of the steep steps up to the side entrance so they are at an acceptable angle

– better landscaping, street furniture and paving around this area, the station entrance area and the area around Sutherland House. The redundant cycle path outside Sutherland House will be removed to make more room for landscaping.

 The station manager has confirmed that the side entrance would be manned from 7am to 7pm and at other times open but monitored on screens at the front entrance.

Since they were elected Richard and Heather have campaigned for the opening of the side entrance to Sutton station. We are now reasonably certain that this ambition will be realised by next February.