cllr.dwilliams@richmond.gov.uk · · · cllr.sjones@richmond.gov.uk · · · cllr.bmiller@richmond.gov.uk · · · · · · Please scroll down the page for full details of roles, biographies, etc..

• [From Comments Winter 2009-10] HAM Lands trees get the chop: Local residents were shocked to discover that Surrey County Council has cut down trees and shrubs from an area in Ham the size of a football pitch. The trees were on Ham Lands on the Thames Young Mariners sail training base which is owned by Surrey County Council. The work was done without consulting Richmond Council or your local councillors. Complaints from residents Councillor Brian Miller said "I have had dozens of angry complaints about this environmental vandalism." "I haven't had satisfactory answers from Conservative-run Surrey County Council." The only good thing that has come from this disaster is that Brian is taking up a suggestion from one of the protesters to set up a 'Friends of Ham Lands' group.

• The end of the Three Pigeons?: WE are disappointed to hear that approval has been granted to turn the restaurant space on the ground floor of the old Three Pigeons pub into flats. Following a fire, and a failed attempt to get permission to demolish the whole building, the owners eventually got planning consent in 2003 for ten flats and a restaurant. Last month the developers told the Council's Planning Committee that it was impossible to let the restaurant. They said the expensive flats above deterred anyone from buying the restaurant. Yet, as David Williams pointed out, this was their design for the building! The Planning Committee reluctantly gave them permission to convert the restaurant space into three flats. So we have lost another bit of Richmond's history. David says, "If the Planning Committee under the Conservatives in 2003 had been a bit more alert they would have insisted on a more usable restaurant space."

• Terrace Gardens: BRIAN Miller took up the concerns earlier this year of residents on Richmond Hill about rowdy behaviour in Terrace Gardens after dark The local police have now asked for the Controlled Drinking Zone and the Designated Dispersal Zone operating in the town centre, to be extended to include Terrace Gardens. Brian says, "It is very important that Terrace Gardens are not misused after dark, especially after all the investment that has improved the gardens so much." The police will now have extra powers to confiscate alcohol when anti-social behaviour is happening or is likely, and also to move people on more easily.

• Roadworks on Petersham Road: RESIDENTS again had to endure disruption to the main road below Star and Garter Hill in October when repairs had to be made to a gas leak. This followed disruption from delayed roadworks by Thames Water and National Grid there throughout this year. David Williams said, "Many local residents complained about the disruption. "Your local councillors and Susan Kramer MP spent hours chasing the contractors to get the works completed." "The Council has also told National Grid in the strongest possible terms that their incompetent organisation and contractors are unacceptable."

• Sudbrook Gardens: ANOTHER planning application has been submitted on the house on the corner of Petersham Road. The latest application keeps the perfectly sound house, but has a new large house in the garden with direct access onto the busy Petersham Road. Sue and David will be opposing this scheme when it comes to the Planning Committee, supported by many local residents. Previous schemes to replace the house with two houses and six flats, and for three large replacement houses have been refused.

• Community toilet scheme in Ham: ONE of the popular initiatives started by the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council has been the Community Toilet Scheme. After a pilot a few years ago, about a hundred toilets in pubs, cafés, and offices around the borough are now open to the public. The Council pays the pub or café £600 a year to allow unrestricted access to the toilets. This is very much cheaper, and offers many more toilets, than the traditional public toilets, which are very expensive to maintain. In Ham the New Inn, the Hand and Flower, and Ham Clinic have joined the scheme, as have the Roebuck and Hollyhock café in Richmond, in addition to the Buccleuch Gardens toilets. Just look for the Community Toilet sign outside.

• Awards success for Terrace Gardens [28th Dec]

• Ham and Petersham win £100,000 for low carbon zone [30th Oct]

• [From Comments #209 Summer 2009] HAM Street car park will stay free: The Ham Street riverside car park will stay free, thanks to a successful campaign by your local councillors. We were supported by many local residents, whose petitions and letters helped to get the charging proposal dropped. David Williams was able to show that little money would be generated from charging after all the costs of meters and enforcement. Charging also made no sense with free parking at King George's Field and in Ham Street nearby. David also pointed out that there are less than 100 spaces, not 200 as was claimed! Residents in Ham Street and Riverside Drive are relieved that they won't have worse parking problems, and everyone can enjoy the river without worrying about paying for the privilege. Nowhere else in the borough enjoys free car parks, but Ham is different.

• SUCCESS on Ham Parade: After help from David Williams, Wendy's at 432 Richmond Road now has planning permission for this unusual business. She describes it as a ceramic café - as well as selling pottery, you can decorate the unglazed ceramics which are then fired. You can also have a cup of coffee. The Council's planners resist shops changing to some other use on key shopping streets like Ham Parade, but have been more flexible recently when another use can help the overall success of the shops. They were able to give Wendy's planning permission, helped considerably by all the letters of support. Sue Jones helps get permission for opticians to open Sue Jones has also been helping Mr Tanna of Southcroft Chemists to get change of use permission for an opticians in what was half of the pharmacy. Sue is hopeful that this can go ahead soon, particularly as we used to have an opticians across the road in premises which is now a shop!

• TERRACE Gardens re-open: On 9 July the Earl of Wessex reopened the Terrace Gardens after major improvements and renovation. It is 122 years after his great great grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Teck, opened the original gardens after a huge local campaign to save this open space for the public. Brian Miller said, "The gardens looked fantastic for the royal opening, and credit must go to the Parks Department, the landscape architect, and all the residents on our steering group. "The icing on the cake is that both parks have now got Green Flags, the national award for high quality parks and open spaces." Brian Miller has been closely involved for many months with local residents on the renovations. A million pounds has been spent on the works, as part of Richmond Council's parks improvement programme, on Terrace Gardens and Buccleuch Gardens by the river. The refurbishment work included: complete replanting with low maintenance plants; restoration of the greenhouse, fountain and walls; and relaid paths to have slopes instead of steps.

• TRAFFIC calming on Petersham Road: Concerns about noises caused by vehicles going over the cushions on Petersham Road were discussed at the recent Transport Consultative Group. The following recommendations were accepted: the traffic calming should stay as it had achieved its objectives of significantly reducing speeds and accidents; the speed cushions should be narrowed so that lorries can straddle them thereby reducing the sudden noises; and the possibility of installing speed cameras should be investigated. It was recognised however, that the accident levels and the road layout do not meet the current criteria for cameras Further noise tests should be carried out to measure the effect of sudden loud and irregular sounds rather than just ambient levels. A study of the zone to the south towards Ham Common should be made in the light of high speeds and a recent fatality. Local residents have asked for speed reduction here.

• HAM Street & Back Lane: The improvements in Ham Street near Grey Court School have now been completed. The new zebra, the raised table by the junction with Wiggins Lane, and the better parking spaces have been done. Proposals for Ham Street between Ashburnham Road and Ham Common were postponed after residents raised concerns about some of the options. Back Lane traffic study Sue Jones asked for a new study to be done of traffic in Back Lane, and Ham Street, to see what might be necessary. Ham Street has a lot of parking, although this does slow the through traffic. Some people have suggested a one way system for Ham Street and Back Lane, but this would only increase traffic speeds and could make both roads more dangerous. We will keep residents in both streets informed as the study progresses.

• HAM Green improvements: Sue Jones is pleased to report that the improvements to Ham Green are nearly complete. The footpaths have been resurfaced and new posts and rails have been put round the perimeter, as well as a free "fitness point" opposite Grey Court School. Sue has asked the Council for gaps in the rails for easier access, and a better path to the Ashburnham Road bus stop.

• [From Comments May 2009]: PETERSHAM traffic: Cllr Brian Miller organised a public meeting on May 20 for residents to give their views on the Council's recent review of the 20 mph limit and the traffic calming. As well as looking at vehicle speeds, the Council engineers have measured the noise from the speed humps. The full report is now available on the Council's website at http://tinyurl.com/ltfvw6 ; 80% of residents on and around Petersham Road supported the traffic calming when it was proposed in 2007. However, some Petersham Road residents raised concerns with your local councillors and MP Susan Kramer, particularly about noise from the speed humps. Cllr David Trigg, the Executive member responsible for Traffic was at the meeting and will consider your views before any decision is made.

• A FARM at Grey Court school? Grey Court school has been considering having a small farm on part of the playing fields, and have leafleted neighbours about this. David Williams has suggested that the school might look at moving the proposed building for the animals away from Ham Street and Evelyn Road if the project eventually gets funding and the necessary approvals. Sadly, the Conservatives have claimed credit for the project, although the school governors have still to give the go ahead! The Conservative parliamentary candidate even had the cheek to complain to MP Susan Kramer that the Liberal Democrats were making a political issue of the farm proposal. Susan has pointed out that the only person bringing politics into the discussion was him! If and when the school decides to go ahead we will then take a view. Grey Court is a successful and popular school, particularly since Maggie Bailey arrived. It should not be used as a political football.

• ZAC Goldsmith, the Tory parliamentary candidate, has dropped an enormous clanger. He has claimed in a widely circulated leaflet that, "Petersham Nurseries is to close", but they aren't! Anyone making such a serious mistake would normally get sued for the damage caused to the business. Apparently, Goldsmith is a friend of the owner - so that's all right then! Petersham Nurseries, despite objections from David Williams and local residents, got permission in December 2007 for the restaurant use, but with several conditions. One of these is to produce a plan to reduce the impact of parking on the limited space available locally. As readers of Comments will know, restaurant customers were parking on Council land without permission. Petersham Nurseries has now stopped this, but still provide no parking on site. All this will be discussed soon at the Council's Planning Committee. For further details, please contact David.

• SUE Jones, fresh from her success with the recycling problems at Parkleys flats, is now trying to get Beaufort Court sorted out: Recycling in flats is not always easy, but residents are keen to stop paper and bottles going to landfill. Not only does recycling save money for all of us, but it helps to make Richmond one of the most successful recycling councils in the country. Since 2007 the changes in the refuse collection mean 20% more of our refuse is recycled. So please keep filling your blue and black boxes. If you have any problems, please contact Sue.

• INVESTING in our young people: Susan Kramer, Sue Jones and Brian Miller enjoyed the open day on 5 April at Ham Youth Club, called Ham Hot Soul Day. Since 2006 the Liberal Democrat council has invested money in the youth service, the youth clubs and activities At the same time the Council has brought in Controlled Drinking Zones in Richmond and Twickenham to avoid anti-social behaviour (or worse) at nightime As a result of these initiatives and others Richmond has been since 2007 the safest borough in London, with the lowest crime figures.

• PLANNING Success: David Williams was successful in asking for enforcement action against the ugly roof extension at 34 Sandy Lane, Petersham. David and two neighbours were able to persuade the Planning committee that this oversize extension, without proper planning permission, had to be rebuilt. David wasn't so successful with yet another plan to put an extra storey on Richmond Brewery Stores at the beginning of Petersham Road. A similar application was refused in 2006, but was allowed on appeal by a Government Planning Inspector. The committee unfortunately decided that it was too similar to the previous scheme to justify refusal.

[From Comments #206 July 2008]• MP still pressing for a new Grey Court School: Susan Kramer, our local hardworking MP is still pushing the Government to fund a brand new Grey Court School. Susan said, "I will keep up the pressure on the Government to fund this multi-million pound project as well as working with the local Council to keep improving Grey Court School". The Liberal Democrat council has worked hard with the new Head Teacher. Performance and standards are improving. It is becoming a popular choice school again. School parents including those at local primary schools will be consulted on any possible changes. Susan added, "I would like to congratulate the Head Teacher and the staff for the improvements achieved to date".

• ROOF of new house overhangs the pavement: LAST year a small house was built on the parking and garage area between 184 Petersham Road and 2 Cedar Heights. However, it has been built in the wrong place. Not only does the roof overhang the pavement, but the Reduce Speed Now sign has had to be turned to get the roof in. And the gutter will stick out even further over the pavement when added on. David Williams has been asking the Council to take action since local residents first complained last year. The owner has put in an application for a licence to overhang the pavement, which will be decided on this month. If the Council refuses this application, the next step is likely to be legal action to remove the overhanging roof. So the whole matter may well end up in court. Watch this space! Planning permission was refused for this new house by Richmond Council in 2006, but granted on appeal to the Government's Planning Inspectorate. David says, "I can't think of a worse place locally for a building to overhang the pavement. This is a narrow pavement on the narrowest main road for miles around. I hope the Council will ensure this building is set back onto the land it where it was supposed to be in the first place."

• SUE Jones and Brian Miller have taken up several complaints of illegal flytipping on our open spaces. The worst problem is on Ham Lands by the road to Teddington Lock. The lock on the gate has been broken several times, and the posts by the gate have been knocked over. Sue Jones said, "I have asked the Council to ensure the gate is securely locked and for more posts. Otherwise the cost of removing the flytipping will soon exceed the cost of a better gate!"

• CROSSING Petersham Road: The long awaited pedestrian crossing by the Dysart Arms is almost ready. The main delay has been getting all the cabling installed by EDF. Brian Miller has been chasing up progress for some weeks, but success is imminent! We've been asking for a crossing here for over 30 years, and until recently we were told it wasn't possible with the awkward sight lines. Brian is pleased the engineers have found a satisfactory solution. Pedestrians should be much safer crossing between the pub and the park.

• PETERSHAM Common improvements: 2008 has seen major improvements at one of our local woodlands, and the stretch either side of Petersham Road looks better than for many years. A two metre wide strip has been cleared and seeded after all the drain laying. The kerbs on both sides of the road have been renewed. The drains in the road and below by the farm fence have been fully repaired.

• HAM Common Traffic: Success at last for residents and councillors. Yellow lines are to be put down by Martingales Close to make this complicated junction safer. Stopping careless parking here will mean fewer problems, and less risk of accidents. Brian and Sue have also taken up the problems on the south side of Ham Common. Brian Miller said, "Continuous parking tempts drivers to accelerate dangerously to get through the gap before a car coming the other way, and there have been several accidents recently. Some motorists have even driven on the grass to avoid the hold-ups". The Lib Dem team have proposed some gaps with yellow lines. These should be in place soon.

• TWO riverside "pocket parks" near Richmond Bridge have had major renovations, partly funded by the National Heritage Lottery. The only riverside open space still to be improved is Gothic Park, half way between the other two. David Williams said, "I am pressing the Council to improve this little park, as the others have been. There has been no access from Petersham Road to this open space, probably since Gothic House and Midhurst were demolished in the 1930s!". The wall is now in a dangerous state. When it is rebuilt, we want to see a new entrance with a ramp behind it.

• From Comments # 205 [February 2008]: 20 MPH zone for Ham: Parts of Broughton Avenue and Ashburnham Road will have 20 mph zones after residents raised concern about high traffic speeds and accident levels. David, Sue and Brian worked with traffic engineers to reduce speeds and the risk of accidents. Brian said, "Any scheme which reduces the risk of accidents is welcomed, particularly if the roads become safer to and from Meadlands, St Richard's and Grey Court schools."

• TERRACE Gardens improvements: Over a million pounds is being spent on long awaited improvements to Terrace Gardens and Buccleuch Gardens. Following the sale of Terrace Gardens Yard, part of the proceeds has been invested in the adjacent formal gardens. Work has started, and a steering group including Brian is monitoring the improvements which include renewing the paths, rebuilding the bandstand, better planting and wheelchair and buggy access for the less mobile.

• MONTHLY Police Surgery: Sue Jones and our local police team have set up a joint monthly surgery at the police office in Ashburnham Road, opposite Ham Library. Our local policing has been transformed by the very visible presence of our six strong police team, and crime locally has reduced considerably. If you have a problem or a concern you would like to discuss in confidence with either the police or a local councillor, or both, please come to the Ashburnham Road office between 3 pm and 6 pm to one of the Saturday surgeries.

• RECORD-breaking investment in local services: The Lib Dem controlled council has announced a record-breaking new investment programme of £165 million for the next five years. The programme includes: Over £107 million for local schools £15 million for new affordable housing £7 million in environmental improvements £1 million in improvements to youth centres Deputy Leader of the Council Stephen Knight said "We are determined to invest in our local public services and facilities while holding down council tax to the minimum possible. "We are not content with simply hoarding bigger and bigger reserves at the town hall." Over the same time the council also expects to spend some £25 million on roads and pavements using money from Transport for London.

• A NEW Grey Court?: Local MP Susan Kramer's campaign for a new Grey Court school is looking promising. Susan has had a positive response from Schools Minister Lord Adonis for a £30 million project to rebuild Grey Court as a joint Richmond and Kingston school. This would be on the site of the existing buildings. Susan Kramer commented "This plan would be the first of its kind, and recognises that Grey Court serves North Kingston as well as Ham, Petersham and Richmond." School would benefit both boroughs The school would benefit from governors as well as active involvement from both Richmond and Kingston Councils. Current and future parents will be consulted on this and other options. One possible option is to link with the Tiffin schools for sixth forms. Susan has worked very hard to get a new school both boroughs can be proud of, and thanks to her campaigning the Government could make this happen.

• DOUBLE yellow lines: In response to residents' concerns, your councillors have been negotiating with Highways officers to install double yellow lines to make certain locations safer. Consultation letters to residents in the affected roads will be sent out in early February. Proposed locations are: Petersham Road beside the Russell School to make access safer by foot to the German School. Langham House Close at the Ham Common junction so drivers can see oncoming cars more easily. Ashburnham Road between Croft Way and Broughton Avenue on the Church side to make it safer for children to cross. Wiggins Lane between Ham Street and Woodville Road (already in place.) Mowbray Road - double yellow lines on one side and pavement parking on the other side to allow ambulances and fire engines easier access. In addition, it is proposed to allow visitor parking at four bays in Nightingale Lane to ease the pressure on spaces. Brian with the first of several yellow lines to stop obstructive parking.

• PETERSHAM Nurseries restaurant access: Despite local opposition, Petersham Nurseries was granted temporary planning consent for mixed use of the restaurant and garden centre. Permission has only been granted for a year, on the promise that the car parking generated by the restaurant will be halved, as well as other conditions. Objections were on three grounds: Parking has reached saturation point in River Lane, Cedar Heights and Meadow Close, with nowhere else to park nearby. There are also difficult traffic problems at the Petersham Road junction, with large delivery lorries with only inches to spare, threatening the old walls of houses and the church. The site of the nurseries is also Metropolitan Open Land, which is supposed to be predominantly open space, and is next to Petersham Meadows, protected by an Act of Parliament as part of the famous view from Richmond Hill. The Council will be monitoring the parking and traffic situation this year to check that the conditions in the temporary planning permission are met.

• January 2008: £2m ENVIRONMENTAL improvements planned for five areas of the borough: Richmond Council's Cabinet is being recommended to approve spending of £2 million on the schemes over the next three years at its meeting on January 14. Shopping parades and other public spaces have been identified as the priorities for the five areas: Castelnau; Mortlake; HAM; the Hampton Nurserylands; and Heathfield. These have been identified in the Community Plan as being the borough's five areas of relative deprivation.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said: "The proposed spending is intended to upgrade the physical environment in these parts of the borough and improve the quality of life of local residents. Tired shopping areas will be revitalised and the general street scene improved. The schemes range from upgrading street furniture and lighting to tree planting and new paving. They will have a significant impact."

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Stephen Knight, commented: "They represent further investment in local shopping parades and provide the opportunity to improve safety and access for disabled people. As with all Council projects of this kind, sustainability is vital. And these schemes will promote greener modes of travel by improving and increasing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. There will be thorough public consultation to ensure that the views of all sections of the community are taken into account."

Susan Elizabeth Jones Liberal Democrat 1999 Elected

Brian Peter Miller Liberal Democrat 1821 Elected

David Reeve Williams Liberal Democrat 1806 Elected

David Gordon Sparrow Conservative Party Candidate 1161

Ronan James McCARTHY Conservative Party Candidate 1120

Robert Stephen Thompson Conservative Party Candidate 1037

Anita McMAHON Green Party 323

David Roland Jeffery UK Independence Party 168

Doreen Monica Masters The Labour Party Candidate 160