RICHARD PRESENTS CERTIFICATES AT LOCAL AWARDS CEREMONY

synergy UK

On Friday 25 January Richard presented certificates to a number of young people who had completed training organised by a local company, Synergy Personnel Solution. The awards ceremony was held in The Ivory Lounge in Sutton town centre. 

Synergy Personnel Solutions are one of the few major businesses in Sutton South Ward and have premises just south of Sutton Station. They provide a number of services of value to the local economy. They provide training, to City and Guilds standards, towards the Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) and in Retail Knowledge. Many of their clients are unemployed, and this training helps them find their way into employment in the social care and retail distribution industries, both major local employers. Synergy UK arranges placements for their clients, and also operates a service to provide staff to local employers in these sectors.

Richard, as vice-chair of the Council’s Housing, Economy and Business Committee, has a major interest in the “Opportunity Sutton” programme, which includes a project on the theme of matching skills to jobs. 

Richard said “I think the work of this company is helping match skills to jobs, getting people trained, getting people out of unemployment and meeting the labour force needs of local employers. I was very pleased to be invited to present these certificates.”

MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN OUR CAMPAIGN TO OPEN SUTTON STATION SIDE ENTRANCE

sutton station entrance 2

Our long-running campaign to open the side entrance to Sutton station has taken a major step forward, with the acceptance of the Council’s submission to Transport for London of a bid for £740 000 worth of funding under the TfL Major Projects scheme.

The project, known as the Sutton Station Gateway Major Scheme bid, will need to be the subject of further negotiation, so is not finally home and dry, but we are hopeful that it will proceed next year following confirmation from Transport for London that the bid was successful. We have been awarded £740,000 for this scheme in the 2013/14 financial year.

Richard says “We have made this a major campaign since we were elected. Initial setbacks, such as the rejection of a bid by the Mayor under the Outer London Fund Scheme, have not deterred us. If this now goes ahead it will be good news for the residents of Sutton South Ward, particularly  who commute from Sutton station, giving easier access to the station and an improved frontage in The Quadrant.”

Sutton station is the 5th busiest in South London, and the 27th busiest in the whole of Greater London, with almost 6 million passenger movements every year. It is one of 18 stations in London identified by TfL as suffering significant congestion problems.

The main elements in the scheme not only include opening the side entrance but extensive landscaping to improve the appearance of what will in effect be a new entrance from The Quadrant. The main elements include:

* Opening up the side entrance to the station to improve station access and egress, improve the streetscape and improve pedestrian access to the station
 * Public realm and footway improvements in The Quadrant and at the front of the station
 * Bus stop improvements at the front of the station to improve passenger experience
 * “De-cluttering” and harmonisation of street furniture and materials
* Junction and crossing improvements on walking routes to the station
 * Road safety improvements
 * Additional cycle parking and cycle lanes, and
  * Improved street lighting.

Benefits of the scheme will include reduced pedestrian journey times between the station and The Quadrant, the station car park and the Langley Park Road area, as well as reduced congestion within the station main entrance and at the barriers.

Opening the side entrance at Sutton Station will cater for the considerable demand for direct access to the station from the Quadrant House office block, which houses Reed Business Information (with approximately 2,000 employees, about one third of whom travel to work by train) and a number of other expanding companies, together with the Tudor Court office block, which houses Synergy UK. The new entrance will also serve the large station car park (which Network Rail wish to expand), and the motorcycle and cycle parking areas, which generate considerable demand for access from that side of the station. There is also direct footpath access between The Quadrant and Langley Park Road and surrounding residential streets, well-used by rail passengers. These station users currently have to walk around the side to the front of the station on a convoluted route and negotiate busy footways, bus stops and the station entrance. Most of these passengers are likely to have season tickets, and opening up the side entrance will significantly reduce their journey times and congestion outside and in the entrance hall of the main station entrance.
 
While the Council has been lobbying for the opening up of the side entrance since the entrance was created with a retractable shutter ten years ago, the campaign took on new impetus when Richard and Heather were elected in 2010. The entrance is opened up when rail replacement buses are used during engineering work, as the buses stop in The Quadrant. This demonstrates that it is possible to open and use the entrance. Southern has supported the opening in principle, subject to funding being available to provide the barriers etc. Network Rail has also supported the scheme in principle and has assisted with business case work.
 
We will keep readers advised of further progress in the negotiations that are now underway. At the Council meeting on 14 January Richard sought re-assurance that elements such as lighting in the Quadrant and cycle parking will not be lost.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY TO FUND MAJOR FLOODING STUDY IN SUTTON SOUTH WARD

  copse hill trees

Flooding is a topical subject at the moment, so Richard has welcomed a proposed study of possible flooding risks in South Sutton Ward as providing re-assurance to residents. This is despite the fact that there have been no significant flooding incidents in the Ward in the recent past.

Following a report to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee about water management and flooding, the Environment Agency has approved funding to develop three flood alleviation schemes in Sutton, including a scheme in Sutton South Ward.

The funding is for schemes to reduce the likelihood of flooding in the Hackbridge (London Road) area, in Sandy Lane Cheam by the railway bridge, and in the Brighton Road/Overton Grange area in Sutton South. 

In total we have been awarded £123,500 to produce studies that identify the specific problems in each area, propose solutions and provide specifications, including costings, for necessary works. 

The Environment Agency has stated that it will look favourably on providing funding for construction of any works proposed by the studies, so this is an important step towards sorting these problems out. 

The Environment Agency’s modelling has suggested that there is an area of possible flood risk in South Sutton Ward, around Overton Grange school and the surrounding area. However, we have no known incidents of flooding in that specific area. Residents have advised us that some years ago there was a minor flooding incident at the foot of Copse Hill (pictured above), but changes to the drainage system at the foot of the hill (following discussions Richard held with relevant Council officers) is believed to have dealt with this issue.  There has also been a brief flooding incident under the Grange Vale bridge when leaf fall blocked the drains, before Richard himself removed the obstruction. 

Through discussion with the Environment Agency’s experts the Council has come to the conclusion that the surface water sewers in Brighton Road and adjoining streets, and the railway line, are probably affecting surface water flow, with the result that any actual flooding would be more likely to occur in Brighton Road and in the part of Cedar Road between the Brighton Road and Langley Park Road, this being the area that the sewers divert the water towards.

The proposal is to develop the scheme to protect these areas and to model the impact of proposed new arrangements.  This should help us understand where the water is actually flowing now and the benefits any new flood infrastructure will bring. 

Qualified consultants recommended by the Agency are about to start work on undertaking the investigations and design work.

 

SUTTON COUNCIL’S CUSTOMER CARE SERVICES AGAIN RATED EXCELLENT

Sutton Council’s Customer Services team have retained their “excellent” rating for the 15th year running.

The Customer Service Excellence standard, which is monitored by the Cabinet Office, checks that services meet the Five Es – efficient, effective, excellent, equitable and empowering – and always put residents’ needs first.

Research has shown that customers value timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude above all else and the assessor checks these as a priority while also looking at developing customer insight, understanding the user’s experience and robust measurement of service satisfaction.

The assessor highlighted several areas of good practice including:

·         Customer Services approach of offering interview space in reception to partner organisations is a successful response to the imminent increase in volume which changes to the national benefit system are likely to bring

·         Through the “Sutton Online” initiative the Borough is embracing the possibilities offered by new media channels. The Customer Services team is responsible for real time alerts about developing situations, as in the January inclement weather

·         The team supports other Borough services by ensuring consultations are appropriately structured and equalities issues are addressed. They check that all involved groups are identified and their needs are accommodated in the process.

Richard says “This independent assessment is good news but we cannot be complacent. I know how much a good customer care service matters. Most of the residents I deal with tell me they get a good service. I have sometimes had to deal with cases where the team could have done better, but this has been rare. We need to keep up the good standard.”

SNOW BULLETIN: AND THE “WARM ROOMS” PROJECT

 

Richard and Heather gritting

Richard and Heather gritting

 
Feedback from residents suggests that the Council did well in the recent snowy weather – with the roads being gritted, many residents having their own grit due to the “free grit” scheme and the many grit bins being regularly replenished.
 
On Monday 21 January most local school were closed but they had re-opened by Tuesday and all Sutton schools were open on Wednesday and thereafter.
 
We published on this website regular updates on the snow position, with links to sources for the latest information:
 
Schools

For regular school updates go to: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5419
 
Libraries
All Sutton’s libraries remained open.
 
Children’s Centres
Some of Sutton’s Children’s Centres closed early on Friday 18 January. For regular updates go to https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11718 or follow Sutton on Twitter @Suttononline.

Leisure Centres
All Sutton’s leisure centres were open as normal.
 
Bins
Bin collections operated as normal.
 
Gritting
 
Sutton Council’s gritters were operating through the night on Thursday 17 January and continued through the snow period. To check their progress, go to @SuttonGrit on Twitter. You can also see precautionary gritting routes here: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15772.
 
Will side streets be gritted? Sutton will grit side streets once main roads have been cleared and only when they are deemed a priority.
 
That road is meant to be gritted but it doesn’t look like it! When the salt goes down it’s hygroscopic which means that it attracts moisture and it only becomes activated when it’s ‘trafficked’. So it can look a bit underwhelming before this happens. When it’s driven over it grinds down and mixes with the moisture it attracts from around it to become brine, a salty water. That’s what you’re ideally looking for because brine is most effective.
 
Where is my nearest grit bin? You can find your nearest grit bin here https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15190. Grit bins will be checked by Sutton Council over the weekend, but if yours is empty then let us know and we will pass the information to Sutton Council.
 
Service Updates for Sutton
For the latest service updates for Sutton you can visit:
https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11718 for gritting and snow advice or follow Sutton on Twitter @Suttononline and @SuttonGrit.
 
Transport
Capital Connect have cancelled some trains and Southern ran an amended service, but you can check up-to-date travel information using the links below. 
 
National Rail: http://nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/indicator.html
TFL: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/tube/default.html
Live bus departures: http://countdown.tfl.gov.uk/
Live road information: http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/
 

Main roads in Sutton were all gritted and operating normally.

It’s always difficult when we’re hit by snow, but we hope the necessary steps to minimise inconvenience were taken, to minimise disruption.

Warm Rooms scheme is a Sutton lifesaver

When temperatures plummet and snow falling, a unique partnership between Sutton Council, community nurses, the Citizens Advice Bureaux and Ecolocal helps vulnerable people survive sub-zero conditions.

Sutton Council’s Warm Rooms project uses a £72,000 Department of Health grant to provide emergency assistance to sick, elderly and vulnerable residents living in properties that are poorly-prepared for winter weather.

And an innovative tie-in with community nurses now means that people in desperate need can be quickly identified and helped.

Heather , as Vice Chair of Sutton Council’s Adult Social Services and Health Committee, says: “Warm Rooms could be a real lifesaver.

“This unique project not only offers vital and timely help, but also provides real value-for-money for the borough as it is funded by a grant from the National Health Service.”

Once people in need are identified, through referrals from health workers or the council’s own meals on wheels service or by getting in touch themselves, an expert visits to assess their needs.

The CAB is informed so they can check that residents are claiming the right benefits and the home check flags up what needs to be done immediately to make people more comfortable.

The authority can then provide help including draught proofing, lined curtains, thermal clothing and warm bedding to help vulnerable people survive the worst of the cold weather.

Once the emergency help is in place, residents can then be referred to other council departments and agencies which can provide longer-term help and advice with issues such as insulation and boilers.

To access help call 020 8770 5070 or email warmroom@sutton.gov.uk

TACKLING THE SCOURGE OF EMPTY PROPERTIES

39a eaton rd

People rightly question why, when there is a shortage of accommodation, so many homes are left empty for long periods. Sutton Council has decided to remove the discount people can get on Council tax if a property is empty, and to charge a premium if it is empty for over two years. We think this rightly creates an incentive to keep homes in use rather than empty, and will help with the accommodation shortage in Sutton.

At the Sutton Council meeting on 14 January the Council agreed a package of reforms to Council tax arrangements that included this provision. Richard, in his capacity as Lead Councillor on Revenues and Benefits, has been closely involved in work on these proposals, and was specifically thanked for his contribution when the Strategy and Resources Committee agreed to forward his proposals to Council.

Richard says “When there is such a shortage of homes it is wrong that the system creates an incentive to keep a property empty by giving a discount on Council tax. This change makes the incentives work in the right direction.”

PROMOTING CHOICE IN TRAVEL

car club

These “car club” cars have made an appearance on the streets of Sutton. They initially caused a stir as so many were in a few roads around Sutton station, but now they are more dispersed.

They offer an alternative to car clubs such as Zipcar, where the car has to be returned to a specified point, as they can be used and then left where the user ends the journey. They can be parked anywhere legal, though not in “Residents Only” parking bays. The company, Car2go, pays Sutton Council the cost if they are parked in a pay and dispay bay, the movements of each car being monitored by sophisticated GPS technology.

Residents who use car clubs tell us they are an attractive and economic alternative to private car ownership for anyone who is an irregular or occasional car user, but who sometimes wants to use a car for a complex series of journeys (visiting relatives or shops, for example) where a minicab or taxi does not offer sufficient flexibility. They thus offer an alternative that is a step in the direction of more environmentally sustainable transport patterns. That said, car club and car hire users are advised to shop around, as there is quite a spread of charges between different companies.

KINGS LANE BRIDGE WORK ABOUT TO START

 

kings lane inspection 10.1.12

On the morning of 10 January Richard and Heather met some local residents and the Council’s traffic engineers at the Kings Lane bridge to inspect the proposed works and discuss the practicalities of implementation.

Following discussions wth residents, the original proposal to build out the kerb on both sides at the Hillcroome Road end (shown above) has been reduced, with a bollard and kerb build out on the left hand side in the above picture. However, there will be hatching on the road which will have the effect of moving traffic to a more central position. The overall effect will be to make the traffic coming from the Hillcroome Road end more visible to pedestrians on the bridge, and motorists will see pedestrians earlier. The signage will be replaced and improved.

Work will commence during January and there will be a traffic light system on the bridge during the period of the works.

We see this as a small but useful safety improvement.

RICHARD WELCOMES BANDSTAND PROPOSAL

 

banstand - canbury gardens

At the Development Control Committee meeting on 9 January Richard welcomed the proposal to erect a bandstand in the gardens next to the library in Wallington.

Richard – who plays the trumpet with a number of local bands such as the Phoenix Concert Band (one of the SCOLA family of bands) – pointed out that he has played on many of the bandstands in south London, including those at Battersea Park, Canbury Gardens in Kingston (pictured above) and Clapham Common. He welcomed the proposal, even though the proposed bandstand was too small to take the type of 30 piece brass band or concert band he is used to playing with.

Richard said “This bandstand will be an advance in the cultural life of Sutton. Perhaps in the future we can find funding for a larger bandstand as well.”