Local news
Raynes Park Community Forum - 18 June 2014
Notes from the Raynes Park Community Forum - 18 June 2014
The meeting was chaired by Councillor David Dean assisted by Chris Larkman, of the Raynes Park Association.
Priorities for Merton Council
The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis set out the priorities for the Council over the next four years. These include:
- A continuing freeze of Council Tax
- Continuing to increase school places – a further 2000 primary school places will be added and a strategy for increasing secondary school places will be put in place
- Regeneration of our town centres and working with the private sector
- Engaging with our residents and supporting community events
Questions and Answers arising from the statement
Dog Control Orders Councillor Andrew Judge said that a consultation in 2012 had not shown any clear consensus on how to deal with the small minority of dog owners spoiling our parks and open spaces. Councillor Judge said a decision on the Orders would be taken shortly.
Litter Councillor Alambritis confirmed that all residential streets are cleaned weekly or more frequently if needed. Fly tips should be cleared within 24 hours of being reported. The council has moved to a more responsive approach, made it easier for residents to report issues and is trialling increased enforcement action. Councillor David Dean suggested that residents should report on going litter issues to their ward councillors.
Future Plans for Raynes Park
Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability and Regeneration, and Paul McGarry, from the Future Merton team, provided a presentation on the future plans for Raynes Park. Councillor Judge emphasised the success of Raynes Park was down to the joint work of local residents, businesses and the Council to identify the improvements needed and then follow up on them. A series of relatively small improvements have had a substantial accumulative effect, transforming the public space into inviting, attractive areas. Councillor Judge also highlighted progress in improving Morley Park. Working in conjunction with LUNG, Ursuline School and Berkley Homes will result in reinstated playing fields and a new pavilion likely to open in 2015/2016.
The Council is also ambitious to see an increase in cycling and expects to receive between £10-20million from Transport for London to invest in local infrastructure. This work is likely to include separation of cyclists on main roads and ‘home zone’ approaches on residential roads to reduce traffic speeds.
Paul McGarry updated the meeting on some of the local developments and planning applications. Paul also explained that under the new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 15% of the funds received would be available to spend on improvements suggested by local communities, like the Enhancement Plan. Further suggestions for improvement will be considered with the Raynes Park Association and brought to the next meeting. The presentation can be found at http://www.merton.gov.uk/community-living/communityforums/raynesparkcommunityforum.htm
Councillor Judge confirmed that all opportunities to fund resources to complete works on the south side of the railway would be explored. This would include the development on the Rainbow estate, the CIL and other sources.
Crossrail 2
Councillor Judge encouraged residents to get involved in the current consultation. TfL now prefer the regional approach, which would benefit Raynes Park, but are consulting on other aspects of the route. The consultation can be found at http://crossrail2.co.uk/ and is open until 25 July.
Health
Dr Gibby said that the work on the Nelson site was still on schedule for a spring 2015 opening. External works are nearing completion and work has begun on internal fittings. The process for commissioning services is underway and four short listed providers are preparing their final bids. A final decision will be made in September. In response to questions Dr Gibby added that the Nelson would include two GP practices, some walk-in service, 63 car park spaces and cycle parking. Merton Clinical Commissioning Group is now working to develop a business case for a similar facility in the east of the borough.
Dr Gibby also updated the forum on the integrated care project taking place under the Better Care Fund. This involves improving links between Health and Social Care services. Dr Gibby explained that the Better Care Fund is a national programme that Merton has bid too and is different from the South West London Collaborative Commissioning project. This project brings together six CCGs to plan for the future of specialist and primary care.
The 25 GP practices have been given a share of around £1million to invest in improved services for over 75s. This includes services like extra ‘MOTs’ and a Dementia Strategy.
Bal Chohan-Rai reported that Kingston Hospital will be bidding to take on the services at the Nelson. They want to incorporate the views of local residents into their bid so would be holding a listening event on 25 June at the Raynes Park Health Centre. Alternatively residents were welcome to send their views directly to
Bal via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open Forum
Travelodge have submitted a planning application for several large illuminated signs. To have your say on these plans please go to the Councils planning explorer and search for application number 14/P1750 http://www.merton.gov.uk/environment/planning.htm
A resident asked about the town centre parking scheme that was previously consulted upon. In response Councillor Judge said that there was no clear consensus on the scheme the council had put forward so it would not go to the next stage of consultation. Instead local businesses will be approached in the autumn to see if a consensus could be found. Without a clear consensus no changes are likely to put forward.
Dates of future meetingsall at 7.15pm, in the Library Hall:
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Wednesday 25 March 2015
