HILLSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Archived Newsletter Autumn 2003

Contents: (click on a topic to jump to it)

Campaign for Traffic Reduction in Crowborough Road

Residents Parking Permits From November 03

Campaign for Traffic Reduction in Crowborough Road

In autumn 2002, many of you completed our survey/petition forms about the amount and speed of traffic using our section of Crowborough Road. This resulted in a petition to Wandsworth Council asking for this section of Crowborough Road to have a 20mph speed limit and be made a one-way street (to prevent damage to our vehicles because the road isn't wide enough for 2 way traffic in-between parked cars).

In his response in May 2003, Wandsworth Council’s Engineer stated that traffic volumes were too low for consideration for traffic calming, but that "the 85th Percentile traffic speeds" (that's the speed below which 85% of traffic travels - a design criteria) were above the 30mph speed limit, so he recommended that Police take action to enforce the speed limit. He also said that although he cannot justify calming measures based on initial findings, as the speeds are higher than he would like, he would begin a more detailed traffic investigation encompassing a wider area to determine what can be done to improve the situation for residents. So far I have had no further news from the Engineer, but am told by Councillors that the decision has been taken that no measures will be introduced. I will update you if I hear more.

Residents Parking Permits from November 03

Following a petition from a resident of Crowborough Road, Wandsworth Council wrote to residents in our road and surrounding roads to canvass opinion on the introduction of controlled parking here. In our section of Crowborough Road, 73% of responses were in favour of the introduction of extending the Furzedown Controlled Parking Zone into our road.

The Council proposes to introduce measures whereby either a resident parking permit, one day visitor permit, or a pay and display ticket will be necessary to park between 11am and midday Monday to Friday. This is specifically designed to discourage people parking their cars in our street all day and walking to tube/train to go to work. The controlled parking will cover ALL of Crowborough Road, Idlecombe Road, Gorse Rise, Welham Road (between Rectory Lane and Salterford Road only) and Ramsdale Road (between Rectory Lane and Gorse Rise only).

I hope that these controls will relieve the problems in our section of the street - particularly cars parked too close to junctions and there being no space when residents return with shopping etc. It may also mean that there are free spaces which would help traffic pass between parked cars.

How much will it cost? This wasn't specified in the Council's letter, but looking at their website (http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/EnvironmentandTransport/Parking/Permits/default.htm) it seems that an annual resident's permit costs £60 per car (shorter periods are available but work out proportionately more expensive). One day visitor permits are £1 each (and must be bought in advance) but we will be entitled to 10 of these free of charge each year - discounts apply for pensioners or disabled residents purchasing visitor permits.

To purchase permits you can download forms from the Council website, or visit a "Parking Shop" - the nearest being Garrett Lane near Tooting Broadway Underground Station but note that proof of vehicle ownership (eg vehicle registration document - V5) and proof of residency (eg driving licence) will be required. PERMITS FOR OUR ROAD ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE - the council will write to us again nearer the time when they are.

Any questions? Call June Agyeman at the Council on 020 8871 8050 or try the Council's parking helpline 020 8871 8871. Or have a look at the Council Parking Website at the link above.

Furzedown Ward Working Group Meeting

This group is in fact a panel of local Councillors, Police and Council officials who hold a public meeting every few months at the Furzedown Project on Moyser Road. Residents raise issues which the panel take forward or investigate on their behalf. I currently chair the meetings.

The most recent meeting was on Thursday evening 18th September. Councillors Farebrother and Halford were there along with our Sector Officer, PC Melanie Box, Al Busa from the Council's Community Safety Department and our new Tooting & Balham Police Sector Inspector, Terry Mullings.

The meeting discussed problems with traffic in the Mitcham Lane/Eardley Road/Westcote Road area, fly tipping and graffiti in the same area and towards Streatham Common rail station. There was also good news about the opening of the Furzedown Youth Club in the basement of St James' Church (Welham Rd) this autumn and discussion of Police resources (although the numbers of reported crimes is lower this summer than last - except for burglaries which rose in June/July - probably due to open windows in warmer weather). The new owners/landlords of the Dr Samuel Johnson pub (formerly the Park Tavern) were there to tell locals about their plans for the pub which is due to open early October 2003, and answer any questions.

The next meeting is Thursday 8th January 2004 at 7.30pm in the Furzedown Project on Moyser Road.

Evenings Getting Darker Again

It seems like it's been such a long summer with all the good weather we've had, but now the days are getting shorter again, the crime prevention emphasis changes.

In the summer months open windows are a temptation for opportunist burglars. With longer hours of darkness, criminals have more opportunity to operate unseen... unless you have installed security lights which switch on automatically when someone approaches your property. Operating in the glare of a light is decidely uncomfortable for burglars!

Why not consider a simple and cheap option like a timer switch for interior lights too? These devices make your home appear occupied by turning lights on (and off!) while you're out.

"Dusk till dawn" sensors can be plugged into light fittings just like a bulb and keep lights burning whenever it's dark outside. With an energy saving bulb they cost next to nothing to run - why not consider one for your porch? You'd never have to hunt for keys in the gloom again!

Finally when it's dark, do be especially vigilant and aware of who is around you on the street. Mobile phone snatching is the most frequent crime locally (especially around tube/train/bus stops), so best to make that call when you're indoors or stop in a shop doorway where it's well lit, there's no-one behind you and you can see who's passing.

News From The Watch Co-Ordinator

A warm welcome to new neighbours who have moved in since our last newsletter — do get in touch if you need anything or have any questions, and let's all make an effort to get to know our neighbours if we don't already. It's great when you do, because then you have people nearby who will keep an eye on your home/car when you're not around and more importantly it makes the place feel friendlier and safer (and less attractive for burglars and muggers).

Controlled parking will be interesting - so long as it means we can park more easily when we return with shopping, and creates some extra space for cars to pass, then I'm in favour. It won't hurt to have a uniformed Parking Attendant patrolling during the day either....

Finally good luck and best wishes to those friends and neighbours moving away.

Best Wishes
Andy
Watch Coordinator.