Kew Liberal Democrats

CHRISTMAS WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS
Waste and recycling collections will take place a day later than usual during the Christmas holidays. Households are being asked not to leave their rubbish out early unless protected in a bin. The one day later collection period will run from from Monday 26 December to Saturday 7 January. Collections will take place on the bank holiday, 27 December. Collections which normally take place on Mondays will be carried out on Tuesdays, and so on. Friday collections will take place on Saturdays. A leaflet with these collection dates has been delivered to all households.
Or you can download a leaflet at www.richmond.gov.uk/christmasdates2011.pdf.
Residents, who are registered for the Council’s garden waste collection service, should be aware there will be no garden waste collections from Monday 26 December to Friday 6 January. Collections will start again as normal on Monday 9 January. Christmas trees can be recycled from 9 January 2012. Please put them out with your recycling. Remember they cannot be recycled if they have pots or decorations still attached.

CAFÉ OPENS AT NORTH SHEEN RECREATIONAL GROUND
Kimberly and Dean, who own The Original Maids of Honour in Kew, have just opened the new café at the pavilion in North Sheen Recreational Ground on North Road. The café is open 7 days a week, during park opening hours and serves a great variety of food for breakfast, lunch and tea. The KPR Club House and Community room is also open for hire. So if you want to hold a children’s party, set up a Zumba class or start a chess club, just pop in and ask for details.

KEW VILLAGE MARKET
After the success of the market trials, the council have given Kew Village Community Market the go ahead for the market to continue. The next market will be on Sunday 5th February.

TRAIN CLOSURES OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
For all Christmas and New Year travel updates go to www.tfl.gov.uk or pick up a leaflet from the station. There will be no London Underground services operating on Christmas Day. On New Year’s Eve you can travel free between 23:45 and 04:30 on bus, tube, tram and DLR services. Free travel will also apply on London overground trains after 23:45. At all other times normal fares and ticket arrangements apply. There are no refunds or extensions to tickets spanning Christmas and New Year as a result of reduced services. Please remember that some fares change from Monday 2 January 2011 and that you can buy or renew your season ticket up to 30 days in advance. For all the latest information go to www.tfl.gov.uk

CHRISTMAS IN RICHMOND
Not sure what is happening in Richmond over Xmas and New Year? Then go to Visit Richmond to find out at www.visitrichmond.co.uk

ROAD GRITTING IN THE BOROUGH
The council winter gritting service ensures that, where reasonably practical, main roads are kept clear of snow and ice and entrances to important public buildings remain accessible.
The council use precautionary gritting from October to April to prevent the build up of ice on selected roads. In times of heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions the council will also clear selected footways, pavements and smaller roads. For more information please go to HighwaysandTransport@ichmond.gov.uk

BUY A GRIT BIN
The council now sells grit bins, costing £390 each. They are ideal for community groups, schools and large organisations, but anyone can request one. The bins are delivered full of grit, and come with a shovel and a lockable lid. Refills are available for £90. Each request for a grit bin is assessed for suitability, as the bin will need to sit on your property, but adjacent to a public highway. You can find more details at the following website address: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/transportandstreets/roadandpathwaymaintenance/roadgritting

RICHMOND COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS
Richmond Council will continue to serve residents’ needs during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Services which people rely on such as meals on wheels and gritting or snow clearance will continue throughout the winter. The Council’s website www.richmond.gov.uk will be operational all the time, where people can still apply for benefits, permit or planning applications and for a host of other functions, including making payments if needed.

The emergency contact number for the Council’s Careline is 020 8744 2442 and this number is operational 24 hours-a-day. Residents who wish to contact the Council by phone during the working week should call 08456 122660.

WATCH COUNCIL MEETINGS
As discussed before, you can now watch your council and councillors in full debate, although this is not for the faint hearted! To see the latest webcast, just go to: www.richmond.public.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/69645
Residents will also soon be able to watch the Council’s planning committee meetings live from the comfort of their own homes. The Planning Committee has agreed to trial webcasting of planning meetings over the next year to help create a better understanding among the public about how the local planning authority works and how it makes its decisions.

NEW CYCLE STANDS FOR CHURCH STREET
Cyclists in Twickenham will soon find more space to safely lock their bikes, following an upgrade of part of Church Street Square, which has been approved after local shops were consulted.

In November and December last year, half of all reports of internet fraud in the borough involved residents paying for an item online, only to find they never received the goods.

The Police are urging residents to be incredibly cautious when parting with money online, particularly when buying Christmas presents. The Christmas shopping period is the perfect time for fraudsters to set up these often convincing looking websites, as the demand for online shopping increases, but our attention to detail is decreased.

You must trust the website you are using, but the best advice is ‘if in doubt, rule it out’ and buy from the local high street.

Never pay for an item online by sending cash and never use money transfers when buying online as these do not protect you if you do not receive your purchase.

For advice and information on avoiding becoming a victim of internet fraud, see www.met.police.uk/fraudalert and www.getsafeonline.org, which features a printable rough guide.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or call 101.

DECK THE HALLS WITH THE GARDEN GANG
Green fingered residents are being invited to come along and purchase their winter plants at a Christmas themed sale hosted by the Garden Gang.
The Garden Gang Green Power is part of Richmond Council, providing employment and work experience for people living in the borough who have learning disabilities.
The Plant Sale is on Tuesday 13 December from 10am till 2.30pm at the Woodville Centre at Ham.
For more information about the Garden Gang, call 020 8891 7602

THE WINTER WELL-BEING CAMPAIGN
There are numerous schemes to help you keep warm this winter. You should contact your supplier to see if you’re are entitled to the ‘Warm Home Discount Scheme’; which gives eligible people a rebate of £120 on your winter electricity bill.

There is also the Winter Fuel Payments which are paid to pensioner households to help with the cost of fuel. For advice,e call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515, or ask us at Richmond AID on 020 8831 6070. You can get a claim form online at www.direct.gov.uk.

You can also get help from the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99. They can put you into contact with schemes and grants to help with your bills.

Or you can get advice on other grants from Richmond AID on 020 8831 6070 if you are under 60, and
Age UK Richmond on 0845 600 1090 if you are over 60.
Remember to check local news and weather forecasts for advice when bad weather is forecast. You can also find severe weather warning updates on our campaign webpage: www.richmondaid.org.uk/2011/12/keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter/

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS SECURE THIS XMAS
Your local community team would like to bring to your attention the recent burglaries that have occurred in Kew. The roads that have been affected since the start of November are Beechwood, Burlington, North Road, West Park Road and the Mortlake Road. The majority of suspects are getting in through unlocked rear doors. As Xmas is nearly upon us and with presents being left under the Xmas tree, officers would like to remind you to make sure that you lock all your doors and windows securely and double check when leaving the premises.

If you have any questions regarding security issues please contact your local Kew SNT team on 020 8247 7257 or e-mail them at Kew.SNT@met.police.uk or go online at www.met.police.uk/teams/richmond

RESPONSES TO HEATHROW NOISE
Do not forget to submit your views on the Heathrow Alternation runway trials. The council has set up an online survey for residents to submit their views and these will be used in representations made by the council to BAA.
The survey form and further details of the trial can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.richmond.gov.uk/aircraft_noise or you can call them on 020 8891 7979.
As well as reporting noise level changes to Richmond Council, you can also report concerns to BAA direct by calling 020 8745 5791 or by emailing heathrowcommunityrelations@baa.com.

NORTH ROAD TRIANGLE
I have been speaking to the council and the officers in charge of the project. They have reassured me that the design of North Road Triangle will be going ahead. Meetings have, recently, been held with Veolia, who are going to do the hard landscaping for the new garden design. The works will start soon and I will keep you all up to date once I have been given a new start date.

KEW VILLAGE MARKET
The last of the three market trials finished on the Sunday 4th December. Although it was a very cold day, the responses and turnout were hot. I will be having a meeting with council cabinet members and council officers and I hope that the market will be able to continue from February onwards. The first of the charity grants will be sent out in January. For more information on the market or if you would like to apply for a stall please go to www.kewvillagemarket.org

ALL IN ONE CONSULTATION
The council has finished analysing responses to the consultation and village events. Early next year they will be publishing the Kew Village plan which will focus on matters you said were a priority. The caveat, of course, is that the council cannot afford to do everything so they will be asking residents to help.

CIVIC PRIDE FUND AVAILABLE
If you have an idea that will benefit the community and improve the area then you might be eligible for a Civic Pride Fund grant of up to £5,000 to get your project off the ground. Go to www.richmond.gov.uk/myrichmondvillages for more information.

GET RID OF DOUBLE YELLOW LINES
Richmond council would like to see an increase in residents’ shopping in their local shops. They would like to make more parking spaces available by reducing the number of double and single yellow lines in and around local shopping areas. If you would like to see yellow lines disappear then e-mail Cllr Chris Harrison, Cabinet Member for Highways with your suggestions at Cllr.CHarrison@richmond.gov.uk

NEVER TO LATE TO START CYCLING
With the Olympics just around the corner, and with Richmond hosting the cycling events, the council has joined up with British cycling, Twickenham cycling club and the local police to get competitive cycling into our schools through Strictly Cycling. For those of you who would prefer a more leisurely cycle there are the local sky rides taking place throughout out borough. For more information go to www.richmond.gov.uk/…/strictly_cycling_takes_bike_fest_to_richmond.htm or www.richmond.gov.uk/…/spring_into_sky_ride_-_become_a_cycling_leader.htm

Heathrow Airport’s runway trials will be scrutinised by Richmond Council and residents can report changes in noise levels on the Council’s web site, with a backup phone number available for those without access to the internet.
Callers only need to leave their postcode, date and time, and say whether noise levels have risen or fallen where they live, since the trials started.
The web based survey and phone line went live on Tuesday 1 November, and will operate until 29 February next year. It will re-launch on 1 July 2012 and run again until 30 September 2012 in order to cover the full length of time BAA has been given for trials.
The survey form can be found on the Council’s website at www.richmond.gov.uk/aircraft_noise, with the alternative phone line number on 020 8891 7979.
The BAA trials will see both runways being used for landing aeroplanes at the same time. Currently under the alternation agreement each runway is used for landings for half a day, with a switchover at 3pm, to give respite to households under the flight paths. BAA is trialling using both, at the same time, in order to reduce delays at the airport with a temporary increase in capacity. They will also be conducting a trial to use both runways for dual takeoffs.
As well as reporting noise level changes to Richmond Council, people can also report concerns to BAA direct by calling 020 8745 5791 or by emailing heathrowcommunityrelations@baa.com
BAA has a statutory duty to report all complaints it receives to an independent committee which a Council representative sits on. The Council earlier this year launched its own standing committee on Heathrow, which meets as and when required to discuss issues relating to the airport.

A public meeting is taking place on the controversial decision to allow Heathrow airport to trial the use of both runways simultaneously. The meeting will be hosted by Zac Goldsmith with representatives from BAA. The meeting is on the 10th November at 7.15pm at Duke Street, Richmond, TW9 1DH.
You can get further information on the HACAN website at www.hacan.org.uk
Please come along and express your views.

Do not forget to come along and support your local market. The market runs from 10am – 2pm and this month’s Sunday market will be even bigger and better with the added stalls of a fishmonger, a deli, hand made pickles and jams. This month’s charity stall will be hosted by the Kew Community Trust; the Trust is responsible for keeping St Luke’s in the Avenue Centre open for the whole community to use. Activities include the running of The Avenue Club, a social club especially for the elderly.
So if you have not done so already put the date in your diary. For further information please go to www.kewvillagemarket.org

MAYOR TIGHTENS GRIP ON DISRUPTIVE ROADWORKS IN LONDON
The Mayor has announced a new onslaught on disruptive roadworks on London’s streets. He is urging Londoners to report faults and roadwork disruptions to TfL by going to www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/reportastreetfault or by tweeting @report_it with the hashtag # roadworks so they can take action with the relevant organisations and get things moving again.

DIGITAL TELEVISION SWITCH OFF
Please be aware that elderly residents in Kew are going to be visited by representatives from Carillion who are switching over their televisions to digital.
The installer will visit by appointment only and so if you haven’t made an appointment, don’t let them in
You can arrange a password in advance so when an installer arrives you can confirm whether or not they are legitimate.
Check for photo identification before allowing anyone into your home
The installer will set up the equipment and show you how it all works before they leave
Visit www.helpscheme.co.uk for more information or call free on 0800 4085 900

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Our very own neighbourhood store, Oliver’s Wholefood Store, won the best community retail business award at this year’s Richmond Business Awards. Oliver’s is also celebrating 22 years of trading this week. We congratulate Sara and her team on the win and wish them continued success for many years to come.

KEW ART STUDIOS XMAS EXHIBITION
Prints, paintings and tapestry are just some of the things which will be on offer when Kew Art Studio hosts its first ever Christmas exhibition this year.
The art studio, founded in 1980 by a group of local artists and run as a registered educational charity, has more than 50 members and 12 resident artists who will display a range of mixed artworks during the event on November 26 and 27th
The exhibition will be open from 11am to 4pm daily and admission is free. As well as larger art works there will also be cards and other small Christmas gifts to choose from.
Kew Art Studio’s Christmas Exhibition, 270 Sandycombe Road, Richmond.

BE SAFE, NOT SORRY THIS BONFIRE NIGHT
Residents in the Borough of Richmond are being reminded to take extra care and be thoughtful of those around them on Saturday 5 November as they celebrate bonfire night.
The Community Safety Partnership is urging people to be “safe not sorry” when celebrating bonfire night as fireworks when used incorrectly, can be dangerous and cause serious harm.
Please buy fireworks from a licensed retailer and do not buy loose fireworks that may have been tampered with.
It is not illegal to set off fireworks in your own garden as long as it is after 7am and before 11pm and you are over the age of 18. On Bonfire night you are legally allowed to set off fireworks until 12 midnight.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE RICHMOND GOLF CLUB – SUN 6th NOV
This event has been running for 5 years now and every year it gets bigger and better. A great family evening out with fun for all and delicious food. Go to fireworksrichmond.eventbrite.com for more information.

WESTERLEY WARE GETS FUNDING TO IMPROVE PLAYGROUND
The council would like to involve the users and partners in the design and choice of the final scheme and would welcome suggestions on who would like to participate in both the design brief and choice of final scheme.
At present the council are in contact with Westerly Ware Association.
Some of the previous suggestions from residents on improvements to Westerley Ware include:
• Replace the non-compliant equipment
• Replace the deteriorating chain link fence with modern more aesthetic playground fencing
• Improve the landscaping and appearance by incorporating the grass bank into the playground.
• Improve the movement and flow of people around the site
• Improve accessibility
• Use softer design materials in keeping with the Thames landscape
• Lift some of the dense overhanging tree growth at playground entrance
The council will need to progress this project to make use of the funding opportunity and initiate construction works early in the New Year. So if you have any further comments or ideas contact parks@richmond.gov.uk with your suggestions.

PENSFORD FIELD HAS A NEW CHAIRWOMAN
Mary Smith has taken over as chairwoman of the Trust and says she hopes to contribute to both conservation and education projects at the field, while also raising awareness of activities on offer to both general visitors and school parties.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved ranging from helping to plant native wild flowers to checking the log piles for stag beetles.
To join in with the activities at Pensford Field, visit pensfordfield.co.uk

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT THE MUSEUM OF RICHMOND
The Museum is holding a Bring and Buy Sale with proceeds going to a local Charity. This is being held on Monday 28th November from 10am to noon at the Museum of Richmond, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue. Admission to the event is £1.50 including tea/coffee and a mince pie. They will be holding a Charity raffle so please do get in touch with our office if you are happy to donate any prizes.

HELPING ADULT ENTREPRENEURS
Richmond Adult Community College has attracted major funding to develop a new curriculum and qualifications to help adult entrepreneurs get started and stay in business whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications. For more information go to www.racc.ac.uk

There are still a few stalls available for local residents, so if you have a passion for making food – whether it’s jams, pickles or vinegars, chutneys or cheese sticks – get involved and register online at www.kewvillagemarket.org

NIGHT FLIGHTS FIGHT OVER KEW
The Government has given BAA the go ahead to trial the use of both runways simultaneously in a bid to reduce the time planes circle before landing.
Heathrow airport will start its first three month test in November, followed by a second during next Summer’s Olympics.
This is a controversial decision and it is important to make sure that households under the flight path do not suffer from an increase in aircraft noise and pollution.
We need clarification from BAA and the Aviation Minister on what they are hoping to achieve by this trial: How many flights?, how many days in the year will it operate?, what are the respite times from these flights? and what is the process for triggering simultaneous runway usage?
If you want to make sure that the Government keeps its promise to protect runway alternation then write to your local MP’s Zac Goldsmith and Vince Cable, your GLA representative Tony Arbour, your Euro MP Sarah Ludford, Baroness Tonge and Kramer and of course all local councillors.
You can find all the e-mail addresses on the HACAN website. http://www.hacan.org.uk

GAS CHAOS IN KEW
Following many complaints from residents about the chaos that the gas works are causing, TfL met up with the council officers and residents to try and resolve some of the issues. There were particular problems with residents turning right into Cumberland Road from the Mortlake Road and the junction with LeybornePark, Mortlake Road and Forest Road, since cars could not turn left into Forest Road.
Unfortunately TfL believes that the way it has designed the traffic movement and management of the diversion routes is safest and best, so they will not be making any changes.
If you would like to get in touch with TfL you can contact their Streets Customer Services department on 0845 305 1234 or via the web at www.tfl.gov.uk/contact.

JOIN SKY RIDE IN RICHMOND
I attended the cycle liaison group meeting where we were given a presentation by Sky Ride. Richmond is part of the Sky Ride campaign, aiming to get one million more people riding a bike by 2013. Richmond is hosting a range of Sky Rides which are free small, weekly community bike rides that give residents a chance to get out and explore the Richmond area.
They also offer bike maintenance workshops to help you keep your bike on the road.
Sky Ride also has informal bike rides for women only called Breeze.
To join or to get more information just go to: https://www.goskyride.com/richmond

PENSFORD FIELD BIRD WATCHING AND BREAKFAST
Pensford Field has arranged for Dominic Couzens, author, journalist and professional field trip guide to be your bird guide for two bird watching mornings. The bird watching takes place on Saturday 15th and Saturday 29th October starting at 7.30am.
For tickets and more information e-mail Mary Smith emarysmith@hotmail.com or call her on 020 8878 3230. Tickets cost £20 but includes breakfast at their Pagoda Café.

20MPH ZONES IN KEW
The council has always refused to make Sandycombe Road a 20mph Zone, due to the fact that cars travel at 30mph on average and not the required average of 24mph and that they would also have to put calming measures in place. The council will debate at the next cabinet meeting whether 20mph limits can be introduced in the borough instead. 20mph limits are different from zones as they do not need the introduction of calming measures, they would just be marked as a 20mph area.
If this is the case it might be possible to once again ask for Sandycombe Road to be considered.

KEW CLEANER THAMES CHALLENGE
Join Thames21 for their annual challenge to clean-up the dirtiest stretches of the Thames. In previous years several hundred volunteers have participated in the Cleaner Thames Challenges. This year the event coincides with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer waterway cleanup in the world. Thames21 will focus on the Thames at the Isle of Dogs and Kew Bridge to dredge out the build-up of litter and debris.
Everybody is welcome – all you need is a bit of enthusiasm.
Thames21 will provide safety boots for adults, gloves and socks. Children will need to bring their own Wellington boots. Parental supervision is required for under 16s.
So come along on Saturday 17th from 12.30pm – 3.30pm, South side of Kew Bridge, near Bush Road, TW9 3AN
To register or for more information contact Alice Hall on 07824 692 592 or go to http://www.thames21.org.uk/

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PETITION
A new online petition called “Catholic School for Richmond” has been published on the council’s website. The petition is calling for a debate at council and will require 1000 signatures to trigger this. If you have a view please go to http://www.richmond.gov.uk/epetitions

Starting Sunday 2nd October, Kew Village Market will run for a 3 month trial period on the following Sundays: 2nd October, 6th November and 4th December 2011. We hope to have between 15 and 25 stalls for each of these dates. We will be actively promoting the market via our website, social media, e-mails, posters, articles in local media and a leaflet drop.

The market is being run by a volunteer committee and any profits made will be distributed to local charities. Stalls (per market) will cost £55 for residents of Richmond Borough and £65 for those outside.
If you would like to apply for a stall at the market, visit our website www.kewvillagemarket.org where you will find further details and application forms etc.
Applications must be received before 5th September to be considered for the trial period.

NORTH ROAD TRIANGLE COMMUNITY GARDEN – UPDATE
Now that the 3 ‘In Bloom’ judging sessions have ended with ‘Britain in Bloom’, the new design for the The Railway Gardens will start to move forward. The hard landscaping will be done through to October and November, followed by soft the landscaping and we will be looking for local volunteers to help with the planting when it is ready.
It has taken longer to get going then anticipated but we hope the wait will be worth it.

WHAT IS THE COUNCIL’S COMMITMENT TO LIBRARIES?
The council has said that they will not close any of the Borough’s 12 libraries, but they are proposing to turn three libraries: Ham, Hampton Wick and Kew into ‘Village Libraries’. This means they want to give communities the opportunity to take over the management and running costs of their local library service.

The council says that these libraries would not be cut loose but will be supported with investment, professional advice, book stock and access to the internet. The council also says they want to ensure that these Village libraries are more focused on what their local community wants.

It raises some key questions to this Big Society initiative. Is the council just doing it for short term financial gain by saving money on staff and running costs. Or does it really believe that the not-for-profit sector is the way forward to deliver a 21stcentury library service. In the meantime you can e-mail cllr.pfleming@richmond.gov.uk with your views.

DO NOT FORGET THE CONTINUATION OF THE GAS WORKS
TfL has informed us about upcoming planned works taking place by North London Gas Alliance (NGLA) to renew gas mains on Kew Road at the junction with Mortlake Road. The works will be carried out in two phases. Phase one runs from August 15-28 and involves the closure of the southbound carriageway on Kew Road. Phase two runs from August 29 to November 13 and involves the closure of the northbound carriageway of Mortlake Road. Both will involve substantial diversions with knock-on consequences for traffic elsewhere.

NORTH SHEEN RECREATIONAL GROUND PAVILION – CAFÉ OPERATOR NEEDED.
The official opening of the pavilion will be held on Saturday 10th September but unfortunately pavilion still needs someone to run the café and manage the building. This is a 7 day a week operation starting from when the park opens to when it closes, with some evenings as well. The building will cater for, not only the football club, but also the local community, including residents who use the park for recreational purposes and individuals, organisations and community groups who want to hire the club house space for classes or parties. If you live locally and are looking to start a business this could be an opportunity for you. Call J-F on 07712579380 or e-mail cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk to discuss.

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL ON RICHMOND RIVERSIDE
The annual live music and dance extravaganza, featuring acts from around the world, will take place on Richmond Riverside on Saturday 20th August. On the Edge is free, and runs from 1pm – 8pm on Richmond Riverside, just north of Richmond Bridge.
For more details about the event contact Richmond Council’s Arts Service on 020 8831 6000 or visit www.richmond.gov.uk/on_the_edge

On the Edge 2011 Festival line up:
12.00-1.00pm
DJ set
1.00-1.45pm
Scrappy and Tropical Storm
2.00-3.00pm
Jesus Cutino and Son de Cuba
3.30-4.30pm
Ksparks
5.00-6.00pm
Zambula
6.30-7.30pm
The Runaway Wedding Band

BANK HOLIDAY RECYCLING AND WASTE COLLECTION DAYS ONE DAY LATER
Following the Bank Holiday on Monday 29 August, Richmond Council will carry out waste and recycling collections for domestic properties one day later than usual. For example Tuesday collections will take place on Wednesday. Collections which would normally be carried out on Friday 2 September will take place on the Saturday, 3 September. There will however be no change to the normal collect day for commercial properties.

Normal service will resume a week later on Monday 5 September. Residents are asked to put recycling or refuse out early on collection day, but not to leave it on the streets the day before, to avoid bags being ripped and to keep roads clean and tidy.

Waste should be put out in securely tied sacks or in a bin with a lid. Lids stop the bin from becoming waterlogged and people adding litter.

For all enquiries about collections, please telephone 08456 122 660.

Normal collection day Revised collection day
Monday 29 August Tuesday 30 August
Tuesday 30 August Wednesday 31 August
Wednesday 31 August Thursday 1 September
Thursday 1 September Friday 2 September
Friday 2 September Saturday 3 September

TfL has informed us about upcoming planned works taking place by North London Gas Alliance (NGLA) to renew gas mains on Kew Road at the junction with Mortlake Road. The works will be carried out in two phases. Phase one runs from August 15-28 and involves the closure of the southbound carriageway on Kew Road. Phase two runs from August 29 to November 13 and involves the closure of the northbound carriageway of Mortlake Road. Both will involve substantial diversions with knock-on consequences for traffic elsewhere.

Here is TfL’s letter in full -

TfL is writing to make you aware of the upcoming planned works taking place by North London Gas Alliance (NGLA) to renew gas mains on Kew Road at the junction with Mortlake Road.

The works will be carried out in two phases, with phase one beginning in August and phase two ending in November 2011. In liaison with the London Borough of Richmond’s Environmental Team, it has been agreed that NGLA will be working the following extended hours throughout the scheme:
· 07:00 to 19:00 Monday – Friday
· 08:00 to 16:00 Saturdays
· 09:00 to 13:00 Sundays

By working extended hours, NGLA can conclude their programme of works quicker causing less disruption to local residents and businesses.

As a result of these works, the following traffic management will be in place for each phase:

Phase one

Monday 15 August 2011 – Saturday 28 August 2011

Southbound carriageway on Kew Road closed to all traffic; the following diversion will be in place:
Mortlake Road onto Clifford Avenue, on to Upper Richmond Road West (westbound), Sheen Road, Paradise Road, Red Lion Road, Richmond Bridge, St Margaret’s Road, The Avenue, Twickenham Bridge and Twickenham Road

· There will be a pre-diversion in place from Chiswick Roundabout:
Chiswick Roundabout, Great West Road, Cedars Road, Ellesmere Road, Hogarth Lane, Hogarth Roundabout, Burlington Lane, Alexander Avenue, Chertsey Road, Chiswick Bridge, Clifford Avenue, Lower Richmond Road, Lower Mortlake Road and Kew Road

· Bus Route 65 diverted via the following route:
Customers wishing to travel south on Kew Road will be diverted via Mortlake Road, Cumberland Road and Kew Gardens Road back onto its normal route at Kew Road

· Bus Route 391 diverted via the following route:
Customers wishing to travel south on Kew Road will be diverted via Mortlake Road, Cumberland Road and Kew Gardens Road back onto its route at Sandycombe Lane.

Phase two

Monday 29 August 2011 – Sunday 13 November 2011

Northbound carriageway of Mortlake Road closed to all traffic; the following diversion will be in place:
Chalkers Corner, Lower Richmond Road, Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond Circus and Kew Road

For health and safety reasons, the traffic management will be in place continuously throughout the duration of this scheme.

Once the main has been renewed there will be a short period where no contractors will be on site; this is to allow the concrete to cure and to prepare for reinstatement of the road.

TfL anticipate disruption to vehicular traffic during these works and to mitigate this, TfL and NGLA will have a total of 14 electronic Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) strategically placed in the area to pre-warn drivers of these works. TfL’s London Streets Traffic Control Centre (LSTCC) monitor London’s roads 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the responsibility of keeping London moving. Sophisticated plans will be used on our traffic signals to assist traffic flow in the area. Whilst we appreciate that a certain level of disruption is inevitable, TfL has worked closely with NGLA and the London Borough of Richmond in order to reduce the impact of these works on road users and local people and businesses as far as possible.

TfL apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused as a result of these essential works. Should you require further information or an update during the delivery of these works please contact Streets Customer Services department on 0845 305 1234 or via the web at www.tfl.gov.uk/contact.

CONSULTATION ON THE DISTRICT LINE – CLOSES 15 JULY.
Transport for London is running a consultation on the District Line’s timetable. It proposes extra trains for the Ealing Broadway and Wimbledon branches but nothing for the Richmond branch running through Kew Gardens. You can read about the proposals and the consultation on the Transport for London website at:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/20357.aspx

KEW LIBRARY UPDATE.
None of the Borough’s 12 Libraries will close. That is the good news. Following the public consultation, a number of proposals are being made to develop the library service. This includes exploring village library initiatives, of which Kew Library has been designated. This means that the council will be looking at the community and local groups to run Kew library. The council would provide support through investment, professional advice, book stock and access to the internet only. I am having a meeting with the Head of Culture and Service Improvement and the cabinet member for libraries in August to discuss what the outcome will be for Kew. I will keep you all informed.

KEW CRIME UPDATE FROM 1st JUNE 2011 – 20th JULY 2011.
Following last month’s meeting of the local Police Liaison Group, the Kew Community Police have sent me the following updates for the crime figures in Kew.

Burglary Residential
June and July have seen a fall in residential Burglary where homes have been broken into. Previous months of April and May saw 6 and 8 such burglaries respectively but June saw 3 offences and so far in July we have had 2. Roads affected in June were North Road, The Haven and Kew Green. So far in July, there has been a Burglary in Sandycombe and Temple Road. 4 of the 5 burglaries have been daytime between the hours of 0730 and 1830. There was one overnight burglary at 0300 hrs (Kew Green). Entry methods have varied and have included first floor windows and front/read doors. Two suspects were arrested for two of the burglaries. One has been charged and the other is on bail.

Burglary Non Residential – Sheds/Garages/Shops etc
June saw a slight increase with 7 offences but to date in July there has just been 2.
5 of the offences in June happened in underground car parks in Melliss Avenue where pedal cycles were stolen. One shop was broken into and there was one theft from a communal block in North Road. So far in July the underground car park thefts seemed to have stopped. This could be because SNT have increased patrols in the area and have delivered ASB notices with Thames Valley Housing Trust to all residents. The two offences in July are both related to shops.

Theft From Motor Vehicle
June saw 5 offences and July so far we have had 6. There seems to be a trend in vans being broken in to and tools being taken. Locks either get drilled through or doors/windows forced. Vans have been broken into in Gloucester Court, The Retail Park, Sandycombe Road and Kew Green. July saw 2 offences in Leyborne Park. One car had a window smashed and the other was left unlocked by the owner. Another hotspot area is around Kew Green. Times vary with some offences being daytime and others overnight.

Robbery
Zero robberies for May June and July. So far we have only had two this reporting year and they were both in the first week of April.

Theft of Pedal Cycle
June obviously saw some pedal cycle thefts in Melliss Avenue Underground Car Parks (see above). There have been 4 others in July. 2 at Kew Gardens (main entrance 1100 – 1500 Sat and Sunday) and 2 at Kew Station ( 1300 – 1830 hrs, a Saturday and a Thursday ).

Violence
In June a male was arrested charged for an assault in High Park Road. This related to a stabbing. The police want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident and not connected to any other incidents that have happened on the ward or elsewhere on the Borough. The suspect was detained and promptly arrested and dealt with. The ward has very few incidents like this and is still one of the safest wards in London.

Sexual Offences
There are many rumours circulating on the borough that are causing much alarm and panic. They relate to attacks on The Towpath and also an attempted abduction in Barnes. The police are asking for parents to remain calm.

HOUSEHOLDERS WARNED OVER BOGUS REFUSE COLLECTOR.
A con artist posing as a Council refuse collector has been working the streets of Twickenham and Sheen, Richmond Council. He is a white, English male and carries a clipboard with a list of names on. He tells householders he is raising money for MIND or other charities. The man says he is doing a parachute jump to raise money for the ‘driver’s son’ who he says has Leukaemia. The Council’s refuse collection is carried out under contract by Veolia Environmental Services and no employee is allowed to ask for money. Anyone who is asked for money in this way should turn them down and report it to the police or the Council.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON POLICING IN LONDON.
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is consulting on London’s policing priorities and is interested in the opinion of people in Kew. You can take part in the consultation by completing a short questionnaire online (www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay) or calling 020 7202 0063 for a paper copy or telephone questionnaire. The consultation closes on Friday 25 November 2011.

COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP (CSP) NEWSLETTERS.
Richmond upon Thames Community Safety Partnership newsletters is now online. If you want to be updated on what is being done to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour within the borough go to:
http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/policing_and_public_safety/community_safety_partnership/community_sa . Or you can send any feed back, comments or suggestions to David Noakes at d.noakes@richmond.gov.uk or telephone on 0208 891 7214.

LAUNCH OF THE CIVIC PRIDE FUND.
The Council has launched a Civic Pride Fund which provides small grants of up to £5,000 for projects benefitting the local community. The fund is for one-off projects that make public places more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive and help build stronger communities. It is being launched in two phases to tie in with the publication of the draft Village Action Plans in October 2011. The Civic Pride Fund will be published on the Council website and circulated via Richmond CVS and the funded Strategic Lead organisations.

KEW SAFER NEIGHBORHOOD SERGEANT SAFE.
Richmond Police have been part of a Metropolitan Police Service re-evaluation of how Safer Neighbourhood Teams work across the Borough. I am please to say that Kew has kept its allocation of 1 sergeant 2 Constables and 3 Police Community Service Officers.

ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY – PROVIDING SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN.
Children with disabilities will soon be able to discover the joy of building pictures and patterns from fabric at a “Textile Tastic” workshop being hosted by Orleans House Gallery. The fully assisted workshop, on the 12 August at 10am, will feature marbling and tie-dying on colour fabric, tapestry weaving and experimenting with other ways of decorating fabric. It is specifically for children with disabilities aged over eight years old. For more information, or to book a place at Textile Tastic, go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/orleans_house_gallery or call 020 8831 6000

BEACH TO TRANSFORM TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE.
As part of National Play Day on 27th July, Champions Wharf in Twickenham will be transformed into a sandy oasis for two weeks with 20 tonnes of sand. There will also be a programme of fun activities for the whole family, including play and sport sessions, story telling, free art workshops and of course plenty of buckets and spades for building sand castles. The Park will be open Monday to Saturday by 7.30 am, Sundays and Bank Holidays by 9:00 am and closes at dusk. Council play rangers will be on site for large portions of the day. The play ranger scheme is open access and not registered childcare so children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information please go to www.richmond.gov.uk/play

COUNCIL TO REFUND PARKING CHARGES ISSUED BY CCTV CARS.
Do not forget if you received a parking ticket between June 2009 and April 2011 you might be entitled to a refund from the council. As motorists had no way of knowing the charges were incorrectly levied, the Council, in accordance with its Fair Parking policies, is allowing a special 3-month appeal period from this month to enable motorists to request a refund. Any appeals made will automatically be allowed. Please call the council for more information.

The first meeting of residents who said that they would like to help run and organise the market will be taking place on:

Date: Thursday 7th July
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Kew Library, North Road

If you’d like to be involved in the organising of the market, then please come along, if you cannot make the meeting you can register your interest in the Kew Village Community market by going towww.kewvillagemarket.org.

KEW SOCIETY LITTER PICKING DAY
Do not forget that The Kew Society is organising a litter pick along the towpath, together with the Environment Trust for Richmond and the Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea. The Kew Society will be covering the stretch from Kew Bridge to The Ship, just beyond Chiswick Bridge.

The litter pick will take place on Saturday 9th July from 9.30 to 12.30. Meet at Kew Pier. All volunteers of any age welcome. Please contact Michael Glazebrook on 07736 069336 or chair@kewsociety.org for more information and to register.

SAVE HEATHAM HOUSE
A new online petition called “Save Heatham House” has been published on the council’s website. The council is proposing to sell the existing site and that it should be turned in to a hotel. There is then an option for Heatham House to move to the Royal Mail site but it is unclear from the plans what the actual boundary area would be.

The petition is calling for a debate at council and will require 1000 signatures to trigger this.
You can sign up to save Heatham House on the council website at:

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/epetitions.htm?mgl=mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx&ID=42&RPID=7467405&HPID=7467405

POLICE URGE RESIDENTS TO BE VIGILANT AS THEY INVESTIGATE INCIDENTS OF A MAN GRABBING WOMEN
Police are urging residents to be vigilant after two women reported being grabbed by a man and a third reported that a man attempted to grab her. Additional police officers have been drafted in to patrol the borough as the incidents are investigated.

The three incidents happened at various times on Saturday 4 June, Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June 2011. They happened near the river in Twickenham, Kew and Barnes.
In the first two incidents a man grabbed the victims from behind. Both were able to free themselves and run off. In the third incident, a man jumped out from a bush and tried but failed to grab a woman who was wearing headphones while jogging.

The man is described as being white, aged between 25 and 35, around 6ft tall, with short hair. DI John Freeman of Richmond upon Thames CID said: “We are asking residents ? particularly women ? to be very vigilant when out. Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. It’s advisable to do this in any case but these incidents are an extra reminder to show caution.

Residents should be reassured that we are taking these incidents very seriously and doing our utmost to find the man responsible.

The Police are pursuing several lines of investigation including carrying out a forensic analysis of items touched by the man during the incidents. The Police have drafted in additional uniform and plainclothes officers to patrol the areas, particularly the areas immediately surrounding the river, and the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have been tasked to pay particular attention to the areas surrounding the river when patrolling.

If you are approached by someone who you are suspicious of, do not engage them in any way. Quickly move to a safe place, somewhere where there are other
people around, and call the police.”

For emergencies, call 999. For non-emergencies call 0300 123 1212.
Anyone with information relating to the incidents described should call Richmond upon Thames CID on 020 8247 7032.

THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE TROPHY COMES TO RICHMOND
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames have, for the first time in the 34 year history of the event, won the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games and have brought The Queen’s Silver Jubilee trophy back to the Borough.

There have been so many highlights over the past weekend at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre but here are a few of the biggest:

• Archery Team Gold
• Cycling Team Gold (not only overall gold but also each age category won gold also)
• Aquathon Team Gold
• Girls Tag Rugby Team Silver
• Boys Squash Team Silver
• Girls athletics Team Silver
• Indoor Rowing Team Bronze
• Girls Volleyball Team Bronze

This is an amazing achievement by the young athletes of the borough and one we are all very proud of.

To see more on the finals weekend please go to www.londonyouthgames.org/news and click on Richmond are champions!
.
HAVE A SAY WHERE YOU VOTE
The council is required to conduct a review of polling districts and polling places every four years to ensure that all electors have reasonable and accessible facilities for voting.

The review begins 1 July 2011 and the deadline for public contributions is 12 August 2011. Any registered elector within the borough may comment on the location and suitability of their polling station and, if appropriate, suggest alternative venues that may be hired as polling stations. Any representations received will be available for public inspection.

The Returning Officer will submit current electorate numbers, polling station venues and comments on the existing arrangements and any proposed alterations. Representations will be sought from any person or body with expertise in access to premises or facilities for people with a disability.

Proposals will be formally considered & approved at the full council meeting scheduled for 1 November and any alterations to the Register of Electors will be made on 1 December 2011 when the revised register is published.

Public information is available at Richmond Reference Library or online via an elector survey form available at www.richmond.gov.uk/polling_station_review. Or you could email electoral.services@richmond.gov.uk or telephone 020 8891 7775 with your views.

WEST HALL ROAD/MORTLAKE ROAD, KEWRECYCLING BANK REMOVAL
The West Hall Road/Mortlake Road, Kew recycling (bring) site is due to be removed soon, as it is under used and provides the same service which is now available for most people at home.

The decision to rationalise the borough’s recycling site service was taken by Cabinet on 24thJanuary 2011.

All flats in the vicinity either already have on site recycling facilities or have been written to and offered the opportunity to join the flats recycling scheme. A notice will be placed on sites to direct residents to a nearby alternative. The council expect the sites to be removed soon after 25th July 2011.

ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION SO PLEASE VIGILANT
I have just been forwarded by e-mail that, yesterday, at the vicarage garden at Michael’s Church, Barnes,
there was an attempted abduction of a child. The child concerned managed to escape and was unharmed, though
very frightened. The police were involved, but unfortunately the person got away and there was not a clear
sighting of him (the child was pulled from behind). I remind all parents to exercise increased vigilance with
regards to the whereabouts of their children following this incident.