Thanks to the many residents who came to the Local Committee meeting on 7 June and participated in the debates.  It was encouraging to see so many of you there.

Among the many issues discussed were:

• plans to consult residents around Greenshaw school about additional parking restrictions in the area. These are needed to manage the additional traffic expected, improve road safety and access problems when the extension to the school opens in September.  The Committee agreed to consult residents and the school on the proposals in the new few weeks.
• proposals to extend the period of ‘residents only’ parking near the new Sainsbury’s development. The Local Committee agreed an extension to 7am to 10pm subject to consultation with the residents concerned.  Ruth, Marlene and Steve will be in touch with residents in Vale Road, Bushey Road, Bushey Lane, Rectory Road, Vicarage Road and Deans Road about this in due course.
• plans for the Northern Gateway project which is looking to upgrade the High St between Marshalls Road and Greenford Road. It uses improved design to enliven the area and attract more families and young people, and there will be a programme of events over the summer.  The aim is to reverse the decline of this part of the High St and make it an area people will want to visit.
• the priority list for funding by TfL for 2017/18 to include:
  • accident reduction measures in Rose Hill
  • safety improvements to informal crossing in busy areas and near schools
  • cycle training and events to encourage cycling
  • review and promotion of School Travel plans to promote sustainable travel to school
• the local budget was used to fund two lockable noticeboards for Rosehill Park together with two litter bins
• progress with some existing approved schemes:
  • Three new pieces of outside gym equipment for Rosehill Park are expected to be in place for the summer
  • As is a new concrete table tennis table in Collingwood Rec. Both these initiatives will encourage fitness and provide recreation for the summer.
  • Hanging baskets, barrier baskets and planters will soon be in place in Sutton High St opposite Asda, by Crown Road and by Sutton Green.
  • Additional litter bins outside Greenshaw school will be installed subject to consultation with the school and local residents on their siting
  • Replacement of the bollards around the green by All Saints Church is taking much longer than expected, as officers are struggling to find replacement bollards that are affordable
• We heard that £20,000 would be needed as match funding to bring the unused toilets on Sutton Green into use as a café. This is subject to a bid by the Friends of Sutton Green to the Mayor of London, and is a priority for us.

Sutton Local Committee meets four times a year to discuss issues affecting our area.  Meetings are open to residents, who are invited to take part in the discussions, though only councillors can vote.  There is a public question time.  The next meeting is on Tues 6 September at 7pm at Sutton Grammar School, Manor Lane, when we will be discussing the feedback from the consultation on the Sutton Town Centre Master Plan and the Local Plan.