Dates for your diary, Local Issues, Events & more

Welcome to this edition of our e-bulletin which we hope you find helpful and informative. We plan to continue to publish a regular ebulletin covering Council news and issues during 2011. Many constituents already receive this direct by email and we are happy to add new subscribers. Thamesfield residents can also contact us direct by email to raise any case work matters – elister@wandsworth.gov.uk; jmaddan@wandsworth.gov.uk; rtorrington@wandsworth.gov.uk. Due to time pressures we cannot monitor local websites and or guarantee therefore to be familiar with issues raised in this way.

Ashlone Wharf by Beverley Brook – flood defences

The Environment Agency has announced plans to refurbish Ashlone Wharf - an important flood defence structure which manages the flow of water between Beverley Brook and the River Thames which is tidal.The project is expected to start in April this year, lasting until December.

The wharf, which is located to the south of Barn Elms Playing Fields and on Beverley Brook is in a  poor condition and requires urgent repairs. Engineers anticipate the gates would completely fail within the next few years if no action were taken, exposing the surrounding area to the risk of tidal flooding from the River Thames.

The Environment Agency confirm the flood defence project is unrelated to Thames Water's proposals upon which they recently consulted to use Barn Elms as a tunnelling site.

A secure construction site will be created around the wharf for the duration of the works and a temporary road will run along the edge of the sports pitches to provide vehicle access to the site from Queen Elizabeth Walk. A small compound will also be set up in the southern corner of the playing fields.
http://tinyurl.com/4fct52h

Some tree thinning works and the removal of overgrown shrubs along Beverly Brook are being undertaken now in preparation for the main engineering works. This has to be done in advance to avoid the birds' nesting season. Removing overhanging branches and shrubs will allow more sunlight to reach the brook, helping reeds growing in the shallow water to thrive. A healthier reed bed is important to stabilising the brook's silt levels and will improve the environment for fish and other river wildlife. Further landscaping and reed bed planting will take place later in the project.

The Environment Agency does not need planning permission to carry out works to flood defence structures like Ashlone Wharf and has a right of access to the site through the playing fields. The council is working with the project team to ensure they cause a minimum of disruption to the sports facilities at Barn Elms' and residents living close to the site.

Environment Agency officials are writing to homes in the surrounding area to explain the project and has agreed to hold site visits later in the year to further explain the nature and purpose of the works. Their newsletter is also available via the following link. For more information, and to register your interest in attending a site visit, contact the Environment Agency's project manager David Blythin on 01276 454705 or email david.blythin@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Boat Race

This year’s Boat Race takes place on 26 th March starting at 1700. Full details of the crews can be found at http://www.theboatrace.org. There are suggestions of good vantage points from which to view the race and watch it live on a big screen, many of which are in Putney and would benefit from local support. http://www.theboatrace.org/article/watchingtherace/hostelries - There will be a market in Church Square and live music in many of the pubs and restaurants.

Time Banding – collection of commercial waste in Putney

Time banding restricts the times and manner that trade waste can be left on public pavements and footways in town centres. The aim is for businesses to liaise with their waste collection service to ensure that their waste is collected within a specified time band so that refuse sacks are not left on our pavements for long periods of time making the town centre look untidy and narrowing the already limited pavement space. This scheme has been introduced successfully in Tooting, Battersea and Balham and is now coming to Putney. The banding collection times affects only those business premises within the defined area where their waste is collected from the public footway, and not inside the premises.

These planned improvements to the street scene come into effect on 14th March. Businesses will only be able to leave waste on the pavement between 9am and 11am and between 9pm and 11pm. Waste remaining on the street outside these banks will result in a £300 fine.

Properties effected include 1-178 Putney High Street, 200-230 and 265-339 Putney Bridge Road, 1-9 and 2-18 Putney Hill, 1-29 and No 8 Lacy Road, 75-231 and 100-326 Upper Richmond Road and Keswick Broadway.

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/1924/putney_town_centre

Business Rates is a national tax collected by local councils and passed on to the government. It does not cover the costs of the collection of waste produced by businesses. This is paid for by local businesses and not out of residents’ Council Tax.

The Census

The Census 2011 is coming. Sunday 27 th March is Census Day. Census questionnaires will shortly be delivered to each household by the Royal Mail and these can be returned in the envelope provided or the information can be provided on-line. The information provided in the census, which is kept secret for 100 years, is vitally important and will be used by the Government and local authorities to calculate the number of schools that will be required in the years ahead, as well as the number and location of hospitals, GP surgeries, and other community facilities. It is also used to prioritize the public transport requirements as well as housing needs.

The census is compulsory and there are legal sanctions available against those who refuse to complete the questionnaire. For further information go to http://2011.census.gov.uk/

Olympic Road Race

The Olympic cycling road races will go through Putney on 28 and 29 July 2012. The route will come over Putney Bridge, up the High Street, right along Upper Richmond Road and then along Priory Lane into Richmond Park and on to the Surrey hills. The cyclist will then return through Putney along the same route.

The men’s race takes place on 28 July and the women’s race on 29 July with a gold medal for each race. 145 men will cycle 156 miles and 67 women will cycle 87 miles.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for local people to watch an Olympic event free of charge. A practice run takes place on 14 August. http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/article/10289/wandsworth_hosts_olympic_event

Highways and transport matters  

Point Pleasant: Junction treatment works were carried out in February to improve visibility at the junction of Point Pleasant and Putney Bridge Road. The raised junction helps to slow speeds and facilitate ease of crossing for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The footways in Point Pleasant have also been improved.

Gas mains replacement work is ongoing on Putney Bridge Road until 29 July

Streetscape in front of Putney station
Consultation will shortly take place on plans to improve the area in front of Putney station. This will involve decluttering the footway, upgrading the streetscape, improving the layout of the traffic lanes, taxi rank and bus stops to improve traffic flow and improving accessibility at bus stops, and install additional cycle parking on Disraeli Road and a new disabled bay in Norroy Road. http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=12831

Works on Rocks Lane
The south bound lane of Rocks Lane is closed between Upper Richmond Road and Mill Hill Road for major improvement works on Barnes railway station. The diversion route is as follows; turn left into Mill Hill Road, and right into Lower Richmond Road, turn right at Queens Ride roundabout to the Upper Richmond Road. An alternative diversion route suitable for vehicles LESS THAN 7.5 Tonnes is via Erpingham Road and Dryburgh Road. All enquiries should be addressed to Mr Ansar Hanif at the borough of Richmond Upon Thames on 020 8891 7084. The works are scheduled for completion on 20 March

Bus Routes affected by this closure will be diverted as follows:
Routes 33 and 72: from Rock Lane, via Mill Hill Road, ahead Lower Richmond Road, Putney Common, back into Lower Richmond Road and Queens Ride to the line of route at Upper Richmond Road / Roehampton Lane.
Route 265: from Lower Richmond Road via Queen’s Ride to line of route at Upper Richmond Road / Roehampton Lane.

LUL track renewal on District Line of the tube will take place on 12 and 13 March when there will be no District line between Parsons Green and Wimbledon. Work will commence after the last train on Friday night and continue until the first train on Monday morning.

Putney Bridge the western footway is closed at the junction with Lower Richmond Road for essential Thames Water works. Carriageway lanes are restricted north bound from Putney High Street to the approach of Putney Bridge and east bound on the Lower Richmond Road. Works will commence continue until 18 March.

Woodlands Way footbridge Network Rail has closed the footbridge to pedestrian traffic for essential maintenance. The programme is scheduled for 9 weeks, ie until towards the beginning of May.

Further information on roadworks can be obtained from Don Ogunyemi on 8871 6712 or email dogunyemi@wandsworth.gov.uk .

Recent planning news

Units 38-43 Putney Exchange, Lacy Road ( Application No 2011/0109)
http://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=2011/0109 The Planning Applications Committee will shortly consider an application (2011/0109) by Waitrose to expand their Putney store. The new store will incorporate three of the existing units in Lacy Road and the side entrance to the Putney Exchange. A new emergency exit from the store will be created. The expansion will enable the store to provide additional stock and wider choice.

Capsticks site, 77-83 Upper Richmond Road (Application No 2010/0054) http://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=2011/0054 This scheme involves the demolition of all existing buildings and the erection of a new building comprising 3 blocks 12-13 storeys high (up to 41m), 4-9 storeys (up to 29m) and 1-2 storeys (up to 5.5m) to provide 104 residential units, office accommodation, retail, cafe/restaurant uses, together with a new public piazza, vehicular access, and basement car and cycle parking. The planning officer is Richard Evans on 8871 6644.

Putney Place, 84-88 Upper Richmond Road (Application No 2010/5483) http://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=2010/5483 A public consultation newsletter is available at http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/4102/84-88_upper_richmond_road_sw15 The scheme involves the demolition of existing office buildings (class B1a) and redevelopment of the site to comprise of the erection of 3 buildings ranging in height from 15-storeys (up to 53m), 6-12 storeys (up to 45m) and 8-10 storeys (up to 38m) to provide a mixed-use scheme comprising 197 residential units; 2734sq.m offices (class B1a); 1216 sq m flexible retail/financial and professional services/restaurant/café/offices/non-residential institutions/assembly and leisure (A1/A2/A3/B1a/D1/D2); 134 basement car parking spaces; 3 car club spaces at ground floor; 236 cycle parking spaces; landscaping including a new pedestrian route from Woodlands Way to Upper Richmond Road; play area; allotments; communal gardens; ancillary plant and associated works. The planning officers are Richard Evans (8871 6644) and Rosalynn Claxton (8871 8410). Developer’s visuals: http://eastputneyproposals.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/81501_urr_public-exhibition-_11th-13th-nov-20101.pdf

Tileman House, Upper Richmond Road (2010/3019)
http://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=2010/3019 This application is for renewal of the original planning permission granted in September 2005. A new application has subsequently been received for this site (2010/4520). http://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=2010/4520 The proposal is of a similar form to the scheme that was previously refused and dismissed on appeal (2009/1773). The application is for the demolition of the existing building and construction of new building between 6 and 12 storeys (refused scheme was 8-15 storeys) to provide 69 flats (refused scheme had 89 units), roof terraces and balconies. 780 sq.m. ground floor commercial floorspace flexible use for Class A1 (shops)/A2 (financial and professional services)/A3 (cafe/restaurant use) or B1 (office use); 1500 sq.m. office floorspace (Class B1) at first floor; basement car park of 73 spaces (2 at surface level for car club). The case officer is Elma Vreken 8871 841.

Police meetings

Thamesfield Safer Neighbourhood Team has regular meetings in the Ward. The next public meeting is on Tuesday 8 th March at 7pm at St Mary’s Church. There are regular drop-in sessions. During March there are drop in sessins on 19 March from 1600-1730 at Eddie Katz, 68 Putney High Street and on 30 March from 1800 to 1900 at Putney Library. http://www.met.police.uk/teams/wandsworth/thamesfield/index.php

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:

• Burglary
• Theft and handling stolen goods
• Theft and/or taking of pedal cycles

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 currently 41 Neighbourhood watches in Thamesfield covering 2,340 homes.

Putney Town Centre

On 26 March, Trinity Hospice will be unveiling the latest addition to its highly successful retail network. A large new furniture and interiors shop will be opening on Putney Bridge Road (in former Sofa Workshop), close to the High Street. Customers exploring the store will be able to browse for furniture and soft furnishings in a relaxed and fun environment, knowing that money raised from sales enables Trinity to provide specialist end of life care to the local community.

As with all Trinity shops, success depends on the generosity and support of the local community. For those interested in volunteering for Trinity, even for a few hours, you can email volunteering@trinityhospice.org.uk . If you have furniture that you would like to donate please contact furniturestore@trinityhospice.org.uk or call 020 7787 1058, to arrange a collection.

This is a great opportunity for local residents to dispose of unwanted furniture and to help a good cause at the same time.

Malcolm John Fish and Grill will open in the former Cafe Rouge premises on Putney Bridge Road in early March. www.fishandgrill.co.uk 

Costa Coffee has opened a coffee shop in the foyer of the Odeon cinema.

You can report any concerns or complaints about a licensed premises via the following
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/forms/form/173/report_licensing_matters or email us direct if you have concerns.

Events, activities and exhibitions

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.

On 7 March between 5 and 7pm the Council is holding an arts grants workshop to discuss with individuals and organisations the process for applying from a grant for an arts project. It’s a drop in session at Putney Library www.wandsworth.gov.uk/artsgrants.

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://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200004/adult_and_community_education/219/putney_school_of_art_and_design/2

Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra perform 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 masterclasses, 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.

Putney Verse workshop takes place on some Sundays at 4pm at The Cats Back pub on Point Pleasant. Information from Connaire Kensit 8788 8647.

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/200172/putney_town_centre/1066/putney_sculpture_trail/1

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 spport 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 c ardboard, 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
http://www.queenmarysroehampton.nhs.uk/Services/Pages/MinorInjuriesUnit.aspx

or call 020 8487 6499/6999. Evening smear test clinics now available for women who find it difficult to get to their doctor during the day held at the Minor Injuries Unit every Tuesday from 5.30-7.30pm. The clinics are by appointment only to women registered with a Wandsworth GP. To make an appointment call 0845 6026292.

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.

Waste services – including fly tipping, street cleansing, missed collections, recycling.

Tel 020 8871 8558 Email wasteservices@wandsworth.gov.uk

Tel 020 8871 7479 for recycling hotline.

Graffiti removal

Tel 020 8871 7049 Email graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk

Broken pavements, potholes etc

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)

Future Thamesfield E-bulletins
As your local councillors we send out regular e-bulletins to update you on local news, information on our work and things of interest in our local community. To join, simply email rtorrington@wandsworth.gov.uk and type SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time by emailing the address below with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

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

February 28, 2011