Forum Topic

Positively Putney

The problem with PP is that they represent business interests only, ie the well heeled solicitors and big players behind the scene, and the residents don't get any say on what they are doing with the levy and grant money, although every decision  effects us on a daily basis

Penelope Becker ● 2142d43 Comments

Martine. I'd agree that all social services seem to be under pressure and inadequately funded. I had to deal with Thurrock social services 3-4 years ago concerning many elderly mother and although obviously under pressure (possibly partly from me!) they seem competent and reasonably efficient.

Michael Ixer ● 2126d

Can you tell me any Social Services at any Council that is well run?  Adult Social Care is in crisis everywhere, IMO.

Martine Guy ● 2126d

The rubbish collection works well but reports I've heard about their social services aren't too good. (I seem the remember that point being made at the Putney hustings last year to the Conservative candidate and his response being very inadequate.) 

Michael Ixer ● 2126d

"Wandsworth is the best run council in the UK"Nick, try telephoning it.

Alexander MacLeod ● 2126d

Come on forum - I’ve got to try and humour you all sometimes! I’m a true blue but think Fleur was a better candidate yes, gutted about Justine, really really liked and admired her. As long as we keep a Conservative council I am happy. I genuinely believe that as I’ve worked with all the Thamesfield councillors and Wandsworth is the best run council in the UK. My colleagues that move down to London for work and that have come and lived here are absolutely amazed at the efficiency and value for money on their council tax.

Nick Gulliford ● 2126d

Nick - good news on Business rates but 31 March 2021 is less than 7 months away!What will happen after March 2021 - surely at least 12 months certainty is needed.A hope the chancellor doesn't leave it till the last minute to extend. More benefit would be gained by extended the exemption early.

Ed Robinson ● 2127d

I agree with you Lucille.  The problem Putney Hill and the High Street have is that they are one of two exits of the A3 and, until a very clever idea as to how to divert this traffic (tunnel, bridge, any other?), the problem with traffic in Putney will persist for a long time.  This aspect is what helps Barnes a lot as it has been able to maintain the village atmosphere.  The downside for both Putney (I mean West Putney and include Queen Mary's hospital), as well as Barnes is that the tube does not get there. Nick G, the reason Labour won in Putney is because the dreadful BoJo, Cummings et al, withdrew the whip from Justine Greening + another 20 MPs on 3 September 2019.  I am sure if she had been the Conservative Party candidate for the December 2019 election, she would have won — perhaps not by an enormous margin, but won she would have.  From all the candidates for the last election put forward by all parties, Fleur Anderson was the strongest.  To paraphrase you, people who did not vote for her must have been drunk.  I think it was a very sober turnout by the way. Also, it was an anti BoJo et al vote.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2127d

Well said, Clifford. Fleur Anderson was the best thing to happen in Putney for ages. The way to promote Putney is not to rubbish everywhere else. Yes the residential areas, the riverside, good transport links and green open spaces are excellent but the high street is an eyesore and has definitely deteriorated over the last few years. I agree that we need more independent shops but we also need respected large chains like M and S Food to attract custom here in the fist place.

Jane Carter ● 2127d

While the South Circular may run through East Sheen neither East Sheen nor Barnes has the perennial problem of a high street clogged with traffic and Putney Bridge. The drawback for me for both these places is no tube line. Barnes has always been a more expensive location than Putney because of its village like atmosphere. I've lived here since 1980 and it's still a great place to live. FWIW I voted for Fleur because I thought she was the best candidate and I was not drunk at the time 😉

Lucille Grant ● 2127d

"...The only downside was when everyone got drunk one day in December and a few people ticked the wrong box in the elections. Labour got in and Putney became the second best place to live in the world..."Nick: What a load of rancid partisan tosh: what we got was a lier for PM, an incompetent government, abuse of the peerage system that would make Lloyd George seem a saint, and the distinct prospect of the breakup of the UK - well done the nasty party and all who sail with her.

Clifford Cowell ● 2127d

Business rates are exempt until April 2021 Martine for all businesses. East Sheen has good shops but worse parking than Putney and no real history focul/defining point/not such a community as Putney. Barnes is nice but can be boring with no nightlife.

Nick Gulliford ● 2127d

re: above comments about Barnes and Putney, I had never heard of either place until we moved to London at the end of 1980.  I love Putney and have been very happy living here.  We only found Barnes by chance when we were out in the car one day and decided to explore a bit of SW London.  I did wonder if we were in the countryside for a moment with the village pond.  I think Barnes is very pretty and has some fabulous houses, but why I prefer SW15 is because of its great transport links into central London. I am surprised no-one has mentioned East Sheen.  I always thought it a bit dull, but lately I think it’s looking really good and it seems to have an interesting variety of shops on its High Street compared to Putney.  Is this all down to the Rates?

Martine Guy ● 2127d

Nick. I'd agree with most of what you say about Putney and, although if has some great pubs, I doubt that it was the alcohol that determined the election result last December. If you went to the hustings, Fleur was by far the strongest candidate. (Ok, the Green candidate was good but even he admitted he wasn't going to win.) I'm not going to knock Brixton, it does have good veggie/vegan restaurants, which Putney doesn't. (Although Ma Goa, Kashmir, Foodilic, Yum Sa plus some chains such as Wagamama and Pizza Express do have good v/v options.) Can't comment on Harlesden, haven't been their in years. 

Michael Ixer ● 2127d

Dena,You’re bang on. I have little doubt that Putney is the greatest place on this planet. If people don’t want to live here they can move to Harlesden or Brixton and hang out at unlicensed music events every night.Putney is the place to live. Something for everyone. Vibrant and community based.The only downside was when everyone got drunk one day in December and a few people ticked the wrong box in the elections. Labour got in and Putney became the second best place to live in the world.

Nick Gulliford ● 2127d

Also Cluttons property by Vine Rd, don't have very nice back gardens and are overlooked by the flats behind. Do Developers not think of these things when building properties. Always thought the houses were an eyesore, 6 bedrooms as well and priced in the region of 1 million 3 hundred. What a waste, should have left us with the lovely open air swimming pool. Would have been great in this weather.

Barbara Stevens ● 2127d

Sorry not really Putney, but I put on a while ago about all the empty houses facing Vine Road Barnes and corner of Priory Lane. After I put this on the forum, seemed very strange but Cluttons Agents have put a sign out the front of everyone. But the silly thing is, they say sold, sold, sold, sold, sold, one left. They are obviously not sold just making it look like somebody want's to live there. Perhaps as they are next to Rosslyn Park Rugby ground they think might be too noisy or because directly on the main road.

Barbara Stevens ● 2127d

Agree 100 per cent, we have no say in theDecisions they make,for example all these kiddy paintings, I always put forward vinyls and garlands as per Kings Road work best to enhance empty retail  sites

Penelope Becker ● 2127d

Agree 100 per cent, we have no say in theDecisions they make,for example all these kiddy paintings, I always put forward vinyls and garlands as per Kings Road work best to enhance empty retail  sites

Penelope Becker ● 2127d

I have lived on-off in Putney since 9 years old and now at 38 live here with my husband and kids.  I went to school just up the hill and have shopped, eaten, drunk and partied at many of the different venues over the years.  I have seen a huge amount of change during that time, most of which evolved with the local demographic.  I understand to a certain extent the negativity around the state of the high street but i also think we have so much to celebrate.  I know nothing really about all of this other than being a great supporter of Putney and an avid shopper!  I simply can't understand it when people compare the area to Barnes.  I just don't get it. I would never choose to live there.  Yes they have the Olympic cinema but to be honest we could have something similar in Putney if someone chose to open such a venture.  I often wonder whether the biggest "problem" with Putney is that us locals just don't support it enough in the way we talk about it and where we choose to spend our money.  All i have are legal skills but i have a lot of enthusiasm and i would love to get more actively involved in helping our high street.

Dena Wixley ● 2128d

Charitable status provides a low-tax regime which in turn provides bursaries for assisted places and in the process a taxpayer subsidised elite education, does it not.

Clifford Cowell ● 2129d

Lucille, excellent to hear you're using Jacki, really appreciate that.The issue is that Putney High Street has multiple landlord ownerships aside from a few blocks with larger units.If you're a private landlord or institutional landlord and have own a shop in Putney. You're going to seek the highest rental you can unfortunately for obvious reasons.Whereas if you own a bigger block or a shopping centre, then you have control over tenant mix and ability to try and be more creative and entice new retailers in.For all the bad press it get's, Putney Exchange has offered ample opportunities to local retailers who have come and gone. There are still a number in occupation, Ben and Lola kids being one of my favourite, of course other gift shops as well. Morrows shirt retailer on the entrance. Then Lacy Road again offer independants at sensible rents and has a vibrant feel. An outstanding 'sporting feet' shoe shop, who's reviews are 5 star from every customer. The Brilliant pasta in Giuliano Deli served up by Isabella and Bepe at excellent prices. There are retailers around still.

Nick Gulliford ● 2129d

Nick I am glad to learn that the independents are doing  well as a result of more people working from home. But how can new independents be encouraged to open in Putney? Incidentally the independent I use most frequently is Jaki - For many years I've bought as many clothes from there as I have ever done online, especially as the range of  clothing shops is so limited now, as mentioned in my previous post.

Lucille Grant ● 2129d

I wasn't trying to suggest this was just a Putney problem and obviously school trustees, pension fund managers, etc have an obligation to seek the best financial deals they can for their beneficiaries. However, if rents are set at levels that mean retail businesses are unsustainable or businesses find working from home is more profitable then presumably market forces will drive those rents down, which may have consequences. So it's something that those trustees and managers should be reviewing and planning for with their lenders now - otherwise we're heading for another serious financial crisis - we may be anyway but better to face the realities now and start planning than go head first into another disaster? Or is another taxpayer bailout anticipated for property, pensions, etc?

Michael Ixer ● 2129d

Andrew, I know of only two retail premises on the High Street that have RPI yearly increases. Neither of them are owned by private schools. Sainsbury’s on Werter Road is also held on an RPI indexed lease and owned by a major institutional landlord. There is a well known retailer that has agreed terms on the space at the back of Putney Exchange. Likely to be a April 2021 opening. Thanks for everyone that continues supporting Putney retailers. Some of the independent retailers have had the best three months trading they’ve ever had, due to a lot more people working from home. If you think Putney is struggling , then a little trip into Central London and speaking to those retailers will do you some good.

Nick Gulliford ● 2129d

I completely agree with Jonathan and Mike - hence my question is how could we validate what was two separate conversations and form some constructive plan?Ps I deliberately didn’t name the school trust as 1. I’ve no primary evidence If this is true and 2. I wanted us to focus on finding out how to influence change and not get distracted with a debate on private schools..... or who the “other” are

Andrew Mccaffer ● 2130d

“ It seems invidious that any private school institution should be milking local assets at the expense of local vitality instead of charging a going rate to parents for their off-springs private education. Ones mind drifts to thoughts of robber barons. hope it's not the gdst just up the hill.”Perhaps they are using the income to provide bursaries for assisted places?  I believe many private schools provide for brighter or poorer children, in part in line with their commitments to maintain their charitable statement.  If there were less requirements put on them perhaps they wouldn’t need to try so hard to raise money?Love that on here any motive is so often assumed to be the worst without any proof.(Note I didn’t go to private school, but was lucky enough to go to a grammar school in the 80s, private was never an option, but I fail to see people’s need to sneer at them as oft-times done.)Having said that I think Jonathan’s post far more illuminating - it could well be that a lot of retail here is owned by landlords with debt covenants which would cause problems if the rental income is reduced too much.I see in the medium term only one likely solution, ie that these properties will either have their rental income fall where landlords can take the pragmatic view, or the landlords would default with the properties being taken over by the lenders and possibly resold and repurposed.  At that stage rents should increasingly normalise downwards, but it sounds like it could be a process that takes a while.For sure it would seem that retail values will reduce across the country (eg one large retail owner intu recently fell into administration https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/07/61-job-cuts-at-intu-hq-following-administration/  this would cause debt restructuring allowing what emerges to be more flexible in the current market).  Broadly lenders after a period would notice that there was zero rental income and take action one way or another.Retail not just owned by the “other” (in this case the rich and disapproved of) but also as Jonathan again mentions, by pension funds which often provide key income for people who are decidedly not richNot the time for anyone to be opening on the high street I would have thought, although glad to see/ hear we have the odd business trying (Nick G mentioned that Lidl will still go ahead and locally I see the Putney wine bar on its way and a new clinic on PHS)

Mike Warman ● 2130d

I have no idea about the specifics of freehold ownership in the High Street but the description of the way the commercial property market functions rings true. Valuations are based on committed rental income, lending will be at an agreed % of the valuation, hence the pressure to maintain rental income levels at all costs. If a shortfall is assessed the loan must be reduced or there is a risk of default. Many lenders will require 60% or more cover for their exposure and most loan agreements will contain triggers if the agreed % is not met. Most property investors will use debt to leverage their investment. Whether retail space or office blocks, this model must be under sustained pressure given the changes in working practices now taking place. Already evident trends towards flexible working have been accelerated by the lockdown. I have read that Canary Wharf offices are about 15-20% occupied at present - everyone else is working remotely. The future viability of these major property investments must be in doubt. This should concern us all given the number of pension funds who invest in commercial property.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2130d

That's very interesting Andrew. And if true it's no little wonder that our High Street continues to die faster than most others.

Lucille Grant ● 2130d

Hi Andrew - is the school trust named if so which is it? It seems invidious that any private school institution should be milking local assets at the expense of local vitality instead of charging a going rate to parents for their off-springs private education. Ones mind drifts to thoughts of robber barons. hope it's not the gdst just up the hill.

Clifford Cowell ● 2130d

Replying to Lucille’s point re commercial landlordsI spoke to  two owners of the businesses on the high street recently about rental rates, which have gone up every year on an agreed ratchet mechanism, irrespective of trading conditions. What I was told (in two separate conversations):- A large private school trust owned the freehold- the tenant/shop owners believe the trust had borrowed against the assets in order to fund development at the school- in order to avoid having the asset devalued (and therefore sustain the level of borrowing against the asset) it was important for them to have flat or increasing rental rates on the sites - therefore there was an incentive for them to keep the rent at the same or rising rates, and accept short term vacancies filled by the likes of the mobile phone unlocking stores- Finally, they believed there were many other properties on the high street in a similar ownership situation I think we/Positively Putney  need to investigate if this is a structural reason why the high street cannot sustain a critical mass of decent quality outlets when there is adequate foot fall, surrounded by an area with (relative to the rest of the UK) good rates of employment and general demand for local shops and services. If even M&S and Boots Opticians cannot make the commercial case to remain open, there is likely little hope for small local independent businesses.Given this is based on two conversations, I accept that it is not fully validated and that we should investigate fully before making any assertions. However, if it were found to be true, I believe the commercial interests of the school are potentially limiting/damaging the local community and, with a proper set of facts, we should raise this with the board of governors. How can we investigate if the above is true and/or a major factor in the state of Putney High Street?

Andrew Mccaffer ● 2130d

"traffic that isn't local?"Michael what happened to free movement?Not a serious question:)

Ed Robinson ● 2130d

While I agree that the retail space has extended in East Putney the retain units - Saintsbury, Coop, Waitrose - seem to be doing well, I guess we have to see how the coffee shops and restaurants get on after Covid. Not sure how much the high street traffic affects business. It's difficult for any passing traffic to stop and use any facilities. Perhaps the night street should be made more unattractive to through traffic - calming measures or tolls for traffic that isn't local?

Michael Ixer ● 2131d

While I agree that the retail space has extended in East Putney the retain units - Saintsbury, Coop, Waitrose - seem to be doing well, I guess we have to see how the coffee shops and restaurants get on after Covid. Not sure how much the high street traffic affects business. It's difficult for any passing traffic to stop and use any facilities. Perhaps the night street should be made more unattractive to through traffic - calming measures or tolls for traffic that isn't local?

Michael Ixer ● 2131d

We need to also take into account that additionally shop space has been added Putney when looking at the number of empty shops. Towards East Putney for example.Shop space overall appears to be growing while high demand overall  is falling.When you look at the overall area (upper Richmond road, lower Richmond road, putney bridge road, putney high st etc), Putney is huge in retail space and geographic area.

Ed Robinson ● 2131d

When one looks at some of the shops that have closed - take, for example, M&S - this is not just a Putney problem. These shops are part of chains which are in financial difficulties and closing a number of branches as part of financial restructuring.  With regard to independents, my wife and I, prior to lockdown, often travelled to Shoreditch, Dalston, etc to meet friends for dinner in independent veggie/vegan restaurants in what were thriving centres. As I understand it the reason chains close their branches in Putney and independent shops don't thrive in Putney is because rents are too high to sustain the cash flows and profits needed for these businesses to be successful, irrespective of whether they're chains or independents? I'm not sure that PP can do much about unrealistic rents set by landlords?

Michael Ixer ● 2131d

I agree with Lauren and Craig - it is  very sad to walk down the High Street and  also around the Exchange now to find so many shops closed and it isn't all due to shopping online. I miss all the  clothing shops that once proliferated Putney - Next, TopShop, M&S, Benetton and now Jigsaw. Surely one of the major problems retailers face is the cost of rent and business taxes? Perhaps commercial landlords need to wake up and realise  their charges will eventually mean they  get no rent at all?

Lucille Grant ● 2131d

I think PP are doing a great job in incredibly difficult circumstances.  As I always bang on about, Wandsworth borough has one of the youngest populations in the country - the average age of a resident is mid-30s (and getting younger) and the majority live in flats or shared accommodation.  We have to remember that this forum, whilst often entertaining, is not remotely representative of Putney at large.Of course our High St needs to try to reflect ALL residents, but simply equating Putney with Barnes  or other places with a vastly different demographic to ours won’t solve the current problems.  We have to build a High Street that appeals to a large majority or it will continue to decline....now sadly I’m no longer anywhere near my mid 30s and am officially an old fart, but I believe research shows that this demographic in London want places they can eat and drink (they lack space at home to entertain), green / outdoor space (few have a garden) and an environment safe for very young children (many have babies / toddlers but move away from the area at school age.) Car ownership is low, but internet shopping is high - although uniqueness is highly valued, so independent stores are popular.  I agree with Lauren, therefore, that we need a High Street that is a mix of independent stores and entertainment venues (restaurants, cafes, bars etc.) From what I’ve seen PP are trying to address all of these - but it’s undoubtedly hard.  The biggest challenge being that the main purpose of the High Street right now is to act as a major traffic thoroughfare.  If anyone has the balls to tackle that, then we could see something transformational, but I suspect it will be 20 years before it happens.

Craig Fordham ● 2131d

We need to start being proactive in enticing independent shops to our high street. We know big chains are suffering and I believe making Putney an exciting place to visit for its unique independent shops is the way forward. I recently visited Farnham I’m Surrey and was so impressed with the vibrant town centre. People appear to be attracted to the variety and non-chain shops which offer unique products that you can’t buy on the internet. Shops mixed with good independent cafes makes it a very attractive shopping destination. People actively venture there for the variety of quality shops. Putney and surrounding areas are very wealthy. I just can’t understand why we are not making the many units available to pop-ups/new independent retailers to get the high street buzzing again, bring back customers and make it a unique and different shopping experience!  We have to do something and quick! I would be happy to get involved with a campaign to promote Putney High street as a place to take retail space.

Lauren Fleet ● 2131d

Ollie Quinn and Boots Opticians having now joined the list of shops on Putney High street that have closed one is again struck by the inability of any of the bodies/organisations involved in attempts to galvanise a revival to make a difference in this tough economic climate. This evening I counted twenty empty premises as well as one shop that is due to close soon. Perhaps the more arithmetical resident can work out the percentage of closed premises against the total number of shops on the high Street?Overwhelming anecdotal evidence from local residents that Putney High street is a mess aligned to boredom with the number of jolly paintings on plate glass might help to facilitate    real positivity through the generation of sensible ideas. To begin with there needs to be far greater acknowledgement of the radical change that has occurred in shopping habits, a recognition that a strategic plan to lower rents must be implemented as soon as possible, the encouragement of pop up shops and perhaps funding for a drop in centre for homeless people (I hear controversy in the wings!). Wandsworth Councillors, representatives from Positively Putney and The Putney Society may even decide to live dangerously, walking into shops and introducing themselves before asking shop assistants and customers what they think about the situation and what steps they believe might make for an improvement...Anything, anything, but the feeling of ennui that has been induced through the local status quo suggesting that what is being done at the present time works, that it is in the interests of Putney High Street, the residents who live here and visitors who may for whatever reason encounter this thoroughfare.

Miles Thompson ● 2132d

Still don’t understand what PP does the High Street is in dire need of help & as PP has an influential board of directors that includes Councillors and businesses it would be interesting to know what future initiatives have been suggested to help current businesses especially retailers survive I know its a difficult time to put a spin on positivity when so many units are closing but something must come out of these meetings that residents could possibly help to support

Christine Bryan ● 2132d

Just to clarify - Positively Putney is fully funded by local businesses and we work on the priorities as identified by those businesses. We have a range of business representation on the Board of Directors, from small and large businesses covering all sectors. Both Wandsworth Council and Putney Society sit on the Board of Directors to ensure that we do have a residents view point. Many employees within Putney businesses also live in Putney. Of course we have to make sure those that fund us are happy with what we deliver, but we do appreciate that Putney town centre would be nothing without its users so we are always happy to hear residents views directly. Thanks Clifford for your comments - these last 5 months have been hard and it is nice to have positive feedback. We  love all our businesses and want to see them thrive. We have and will continue to lose some sadly but hopefully the resilient ones will survive and we will end up with a stronger town centre.

Nicola Grant ● 2136d

They are cheering up PHS no end - well done I say, and more of it too - and perhaps with wider pavements there might be a revival of our High Street as well which would be a good thing also.

Clifford Cowell ● 2142d

Out of interest what do they do that you don't agree with? In Covid times I'd want them to be paying more attention to business interests in Putney and not the general public tbh.

Gabrielle OMahony ● 2142d