A monthly update from your local ward Councillors
Welcome to this edition of our e-bulletin which we hope you find helpful and informative. Please feel free to forward this e-bulletin to friends and neighbours in the area who might be interested.
Putney High Street
The council is planning improvements in the High Street in the stretch between Norroy Road/Disraeli Road and Upper Richmond Road, including widening the pavement outside Putney mainline station and having more cycle parking near Norroy Road and in Disraeli Road. They want to amend the layout of the traffic lanes, taxi rank and bus stops to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The plans are on display in Putney Library until October 10, and residents can pick up and complete consultation letters about the proposed changes.
New location for Putney Post Office
The current main Post Office in Upper Richmond Road is planned to move in November, subject to consultations, to 254 Upper Richmond Road, almost opposite Ravenna Road. The new branch (150 yards from the current one) will have six counters, plus retail shopping. The hours will be 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm on Saturdays. An “out of hours” Post Office service will be offered at the retail till from 7am- 7pm weekdays, and from 8am-4pm on Saturdays. The nearest Red Route disabled parking bay is opposite the new office, just east of Ravenna Road. Any observations on the proposed move should be sent, by September 27, to National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, PO Box 1138, St Albans, Herts AL1 9UN.
Thames Tunnel update
The long awaited second stage consultation promised by Thames Water for September has been delayed until the end of October or early November. When it comes, we are hoping that the hard work and campaigning of all involved to prevent the decimation of Barn Elms will have been successful, and that they will have opted for the brownfield site in Fulham.
We also await their proposals for the connection of the Putney Foreshore CSO to the main tunnel and early indications are that they have listened to the views of local residents, councillors and the MP for Putney, Justine Greening.
Whatever the outcomes, we will be campaigning to ensure that the Local Impact Report which Wandsworth Council will have to submit, adequately addresses all the issues that have been raised. The removal of spoil, the hours of working, noise restrictions etc are all things that the LIR will have to address.
Former Putney Hospital site
Wandsworth Council has just exchanged contracts to buy the long-disused Putney Hospital site, beside Putney Common. It plans to build a new primary school there with 420 primary places and up to 50 full-time nursery places. The school, which should begin admitting pupils in September 2015, will be run as a free school or an academy, meaning it is part of the state sector but has greater freedom to manage its own affairs. There will also be a residential development of 24 flats on the site, with proceeds helping to pay for the new school. The council will consult local residents about its proposed designs before Christmas, and then submit a planning application in the New Year. Councillor Kathy Tracey, the council's Cabinet member for education, said the new school "will be hugely welcomed by parents in this part of the borough."
Putney station – platform extensions
For some time we have been campaigning to increase the capacity of the trains from Putney to Waterloo. So many residents in Putney depend on this service to commute to and from work. Those who travel to work in Putney such as employees in shops, restaurants and offices also rely on the train service. We have responded to the consultations for the last three large scale applications for developments on Upper Richmond Road to say that increased capacity on public transport is needed to support any further high density developments.
Network Rail is about to embark on work to extend the platforms at Putney station to cater for ten car trains. The date for the introduction of the ten car trains is not certain and we continue to raise this as does Justine Greening MP and Richard Tracey, our London Assembly member.
The platform extension presents a further opportunity for a station entrance at the eastern end of the platforms. For far too long the main entrance has been too congested and it lacks step-free access. It is a long walk from the entrance on the High Street for residents living in Oxford Road and beyond. There are two potential entrances – one running up from platform 4 to the rear of one of the office blocks through which there is a large arch onto Upper Richmond Road. The other is to provide steps from the end of the extended platform 4 up to Oxford Road. In both cases a meccano bridge would connect platforms 1, 2 and 3 to platform 4.
Artists’ Open House
11am to 6pm, Sat and Sun 1st and 2nd and 8th and 9th October
The Council is again coordinating and publicising the annual Open House for Wandsworth artists. In Thamesfield alone 18 studios and artists’ houses will be open to allow people to view and purchase art work direct from the artist.
To download the brochure go to http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/884/arts_team/924/artists_open_house_weekends_2011 and to find out more about the artists taking part www.wandsworthart.com or www.facebook.com/WandsworthArtsTeam.
Osiers Road development
Taylor Wimpey have been holding public consultation meetings with local residents to present their plans for development on the Service Graphics site in Osiers Road, adjoining Riverside Quarter. They will be seeking detailed planning permission, probably in April, for 162 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in blocks ranging from 7 to 8 storeys high, with commercial units on the ground floors. Nearly 30 per cent of the development will be affordable housing. They will be including 173 secure cycle parking spaces in the underground car park.
Wellington House and the Virgin Active gym
Residents in the nine flats above the Virgin Active gym in Wellington House, Upper Richmond Road, have protested to the council about alleged noisy gym classes between 6.30am and 8am. The gym has now applied for planning permission to allow activities at that time – they are currently not supposed to have music or group fitness classes before 8am. A meeting is now being planned between residents, council officers and gym representatives.
Gas supply works in Fawe Park Road/Disraeli Road
Gas pipe work in Disraeli Road between the Bective Road and Oxford Road junctions has now proceeded again after the council stepped in to fill a large sunken void which appeared in the excavations (this is believed to have been caused by the underlying sewers). The gas contractors expect to complete their work in that part of Disraeli Road by the end of September, and will then start on the one-way section of Disraeli Road. This section is due to be completed by February 15, 2012. But all residents affected by the gas pipe relaying in Thamesfield will be interested to hear that Wandsworth Council is campaigning to be the first local authority allowed to charge utility companies like gas and water firms a daily fee for digging up busy roads, to encourage them to complete work as speedily as possible. The charge could be as much as £2,500 a day.
Car Club bays – expansion of the car club scheme
Car club bays are set to increase from 31 to 150 in the next four months across the borough. For more information on car clubs go to http://tinyurl.com/3fp8auw
and http://ww3.wandsworth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=12852
New on-street car club bays are to be installed in Thamesfield as follows:
Existing car club bays:
All these bays are in Thamesfield. There are bays in adjoining wards which would be convenient too so check the Council’s website for these http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200083/roads_highways_and_pavements/289/car_club/2
Boris Bikes
In 2013 Barclays London Cycle hire scheme will be introduced into the borough starting with Putney, east of the High Street. More news to follow later.
Better safety in Church Square/Odeon alleyway
Funding has been approved to make the alleyway alongside the Odeon cinema, connecting Putney Wharf and Church Square, safer by installing lighting and reducing the size of the air vents. We will report with further news as this progresses.
Putneymead Group Medical Practice is now operational at 266 Upper Richmond Rd.
On the shopping front…
The Images beauty salon has opened in the High Street (with services including tiny fish which nibble dead skin off your feet!). The Velosport bike shop in Upper Richmond Road has received funds from the Putney Town Centre Improvement Scheme for refurbishment. Other new shops and restaurants include Putney Pies (replacing the former Chakalaka) and the Beer Boutique, both in Upper Richmond Road. Poundland has opened in the former HMV shop on the High Street. TKMaxx now sell men’s clothes.
Along the riverside at Embankment….
The Star and Garter on the Embankment is seeking planning permission to install tables and chairs outside (where there are currently two parking bays), so more residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the river. In the longer term, there are proposals to explore the pedestrianisation of most of the stretch of the Embankment parallel to the Lower Richmond Road, to increase enjoyment of this unique riverside area. Proposals by Thames Water to create additional public space beside the draw dock by Watermans’ Green would further enhance this area.
Police meetings and associated matters
The next meetings in Thamesfield Ward can be found at http://www.met.police.uk/teams/wandsworth/thamesfield/index.php
There will be a public meeting on 15 th November at 7pm at St Marys Church
The Thamesfield Ward SNT Panel sets the priorities for the policing team to follow in addition to the standard police force priorities of robbery and burglary. The panel have recently changed the priorities to reflect the high level of criminal behaviour in the town centre:
To contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team - thamesfieldsnt@met.police.uk . 020 8721 2434 or on 07920 233924. In an emergency always dial 999. For all other calls to the Metropolitan police please dial 0300 123 1212. Register bikes and other valuables on www.immobilise.com to enable police to return it to you if it is stolen.
There are presently 41 Neighbourhood watches in Thamesfield covering 2,340 homes.
An independent review is currently being undertaken into the causes and after effects of the civil unrest in the borough on 8th August. Putney escaped relatively lightly with four mobile phone shops being looted.
The crime statistics suggest that the police are winning the battle against the criminal and things have greatly improved this year. We must still be alert and be on the look out for our neighbours particularly around Halloween and Fireworks Night, the season for Trick or Treat & Penny for the Guy.
Christmas Market – 2 December
This year’s Putney Christmas Market and lights switch-on takes place on 2 December. In addition to stalls selling food and presents there will be a lantern procession involving local schools, carols, a carrousel, bouncy castle and for those returning from work later on, live music.
Affordable housing – 20 October 2-8pm, Civic Suite at the Town Hall
The Council is running its annual open day providing information about affordable housing in the borough. This will be of particular interest to first time buyers and key workers who live in the borough and whose household income is £60,000 or less. The home ownership team and local housing associations will be on hand to answer questions. The options include scheme such as shared ownership (part buy/part rent) and intermediate rent (discounted rent). Independent financial advisors and legal advisors will also be present to offer relevant advice. A 30 minute presentation will take place at 3pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
London Underground works
Beware of track renewal works at Fulham Railway Bridge on the District Line. The District Line will be closed on 15 and 16 October between Parsons Green and Wimbledon and on 8 and 9 October between Edgware Road and Wimbledon. A replacement bus service will operate. Works begin on Friday night before each closure after the last train and will reopen in time for the first train on Monday morning. Any problems call 0845 257 7878 (24 hours).
Events, activities and exhibitions
Putney Ale Trail 2011 : The Pubs and Publicans of Putney are proud to announce the first ever Putney Ale trail between Thursday 6 th – Sunday 9 th October 2011. To celebrate National Cask Ale Week, seven of the best pubs in Putney have joined forces to offer ale drinking in an eclectic range of pubs, (The Star & Garter, The Railway, The Rocket, Duke’s Head, The Whistle & Flute, Spotted Horse, The Coat & Badge). Once you have visited all seven pubs and collected a stamp for each one return to The Whistle and Flute where you’ll be given a limited edition, souvenir Ale Trail pint glass. Check out the blackboards in each pub for the special events taking place over the week and beyond.
Black History month : Throughout October events will be run all over the borough celebrating black culture in many different forms. Events take place in Putney library on 6 and 19 October between 6.30 and 8pm. To download the programme and obtain booking details go to http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/4961/brochure_of_events/200062
Celebrate National Poetry Day with Putney Verse Workshop group at Putney Library, Disraeli Road on Thursday 6 October 2011 at 5.00pm Beginning with a line
Write a poem on the spot. Everyone takes turns to write a line.
Putney Verse Workshop aims to promote an interest in and appreciation of poetry among the general public and to give local poets opportunities to meet, encourage one another, discuss each other's work and poetry in general, and find an audience. It is not aligned to any particular 'school'. You need not write your own poems to take part, but hopefully the Workshop will inspire you to do so.
Meetings: 4.00pm - 6.00pm Last Sunday of the month.
Star and Garter, 4 Lower Richmond Rd
Oct 16: Translations
Nov 20: For the Dead
Dec 18: Dream Poems
Ring Connaire Kensit for details 020 8788 8647
Local events are published in the listings pages of Brightside which can be downloaded at http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/brightside . Regular local events in Putney are given below.
Eddie Catz, above Halfords, has a good schedule of classes and activities for young children throughout the year with special events during half-terms and holidays plus mum’s networking events. http://www.eddiecatz.com/events.php
Putney School of Art and Design runs regular art courses, family learning classes and a certificate and diploma in art and design. Details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/6durnxd
Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra performs several times a year in St Mary’s Church. Details of their programme at http://londonswso.org.uk/concert_dates.html
Fibonacci give regular lunch-time concerts in St Mary’s Church. Programme details at www.fibsonline.co.uk .
Putney Theatre Company and Group 64 Youth Theatre at Ravenna Road have a regular schedule of performances. For details http://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/
Putney Music Society meets at 8pm in Dryburgh Hall. Their programme of lectures is available at http://putneymusic.org.uk/whatson.php
The Putney Society, the amenity society for Putney and Roehampton, organises speakers and debates on topics of local relevance to the environment. Forthcoming meetings at http://www.putneysociety.org.uk/tags.html?tag=members%27+meeting
The Half Moon run a regular programme or music – to joint their mailing list go to http://www.halfmoon.co.uk. There is jazz every Sunday lunchtime from 1pm and families are welcome. Every Tuesday you can join the Half Moon pub quiz in the main bar with six people per team.
The Duke’s Head on Lower Richmond Road is offering stand-up comedy on Wednesdays. Doors open at 8pm, tickets £7 or £5 for concessions. There is a regular quiz night on Tuesdays at 8pm. http://www.dukesheadputney.com/
The sommelier at the Star & Garter on Lower Richmond Road hosts regular wine tastings and other seasonal events. http://www.thestarandgarter.com/events.asp
Cakes4Fun on Lower Richmond Road run regular cake-making courses, baking master classes, chocolate truffle-making and many other courses including evening classes.
http://www.cakes4funshop.co.uk/courses.irc?cName=courses&pg=1
Parsons Nose (formerly Buckleys) on Lower Richmond Road run butchering courses (half a free range lamb or pig) and sausage making classes. http://parsonsnose.co.uk/putney/classes.html
Wills Art Warehouse on Putney Common, (Lower Richmond Rd) exhibits and sells affordable contemporary art. http://www.wills-art.com/thistext.cgi?doc=dates
The Russell Gallery on Lower Richmond Rd, exhibits and sells modern British art. http://www.russell-gallery.com/welcome.htm
Regular daily guided tours and “feed the birds with the wardens” take place at the WWT London Wetlands Centre. Details from http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london/events.
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
Details about the Putney Sculpture Trail located along the river from Leaders Gardens to Wandsworth Riverside Quarter can be found via the link below together with places to eat and drink en route http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200097/town_centre_management/398/putney/4
If you would like to do some gardening but lack a garden consider the Garden Partners scheme run by the Council in conjunction with Age Concern. Volunteers enter into partnership with a homeowner of 60 or more to cultivate their garden and share the produce with them. http://www.acwandsworth.org.uk/index.cfm?id=4705 or call Sarah Jackson on 8877 8946.
The Putney Senior Social Group for over 60s meets every Monday at All Saints’ Church, Putney Common between 10 and 11.30am. They offer tea and coffee and homemade cakes. If you know of friends or neighbours you think may be interested in joining call Jo Warren on 07970 280172.
Regenerate-RISE provides lunches, activities, outings and support 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
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 .
Felsham Road recycling bank you can now recycle cardboard, food and drink cans, mixed glass, plastic bottles, food & drink cartons and newspapers & magazines behind TK Maxx . Any residents, and particularly those who live in a flat with limited space to store orange sacks, can deposit the above items in the recycling facility throughout the week. As it is a residential area the recycling bank should be used ONLY BETWEEN 8AM AND 8PM.
Please don’t dump your old clothes outside the charity shops in the High Street when they are closed or dispose of them in orange sacks – they can be recycled in Scope banks at Putney Leisure Centre, Leader’s Gardens or Telegraph Road. All textiles including curtains, bedding, towels, handbags, cloths, rugs and mats can be recycled here.
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.
If you suffer from asthma or heart or breathing difficulties, you can sign up for the free airTEXT service to alert you to high pollution levels – eiteam@wandsworth.gov.uk.
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.
Tel 020 8871 8558 Email wasteservices@wandsworth.gov.uk
Tel 020 8871 7479 for recycling hotline.
Tel 020 8871 7049 Email graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk
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)
3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ Tel. 020 8944 0378 heretohelp@wandsworthconservatives.com, www.wandsworthconservatives.com
Promoted by Kevin Fulcher on behalf of Putney Conservatives, both of 3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ
Jim Maddan, Mike Ryder and Rosemary Torrington Councillors,
Thamesfield Ward, Putney, Wandsworth Borough Council.
September 21, 2011
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