Local news
Traffic in Grand Drive - Update July 2024
In July 2024, residents in Grand Drive received further information from the Leader of Merton Council, as follows:
The London Lorry Control Scheme
The LLC is aware that Grand Drive is often used as a shortcut from the A3 to Wimbledon, Morden and Sutton. 35 penalty notices have been issued to HGVs operating outside the terms of the LLC Scheme in respect of:
- Vehicles over 18 tonnes
- Enforcement hours, Mon – Sat morning, 9.00pm – 7.00am.
- Vehicles on unpermitted routes..
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
The Leader has asked London Councils for Grand Drive to be included in the forthcoming ANPR enforcement scheme.
Road Safety
The council has identified two possible locations where a zebra crossing might be added as part of scheduled highways works.
Merton Council will carry out more traffic and pedestrian monitoring, especially during term-time, before any decision is made in respect of the possible crossings.
Queries on the above should be addressed to : Councillor Ross Garrod, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 020 8545 3424
Motspur Park Stn - May 2024
We have recently received the latest news update from Network Rail on their progress with "Access for All". Click Here
Christine Hardie R.I.P.
We are sad to announce that Christine Hardie, long-time RPWBRA member, is now at rest.
Her funeral will be held on:
Monday, 25th March 2024, NE Surrey Crematorium, Garth Road at 3.20pm
RPWBRA Members are welcome to attend.
(Please note that 25th March is the correct date, and not as stated in the March edition of “The Guide”)
Our Local Shops
One of our members, Rosemary, always an ardent supporter of local causes, shows that there is no need to travel into other areas to buy gifts and cards. Most residents are already aware of the amazing choice of cafes and restaurants available to us, but this selection of shop windows is an invitation to browse and appreciate the variety of small shops in the neighbourhood. This selection of photos celebrates the small shops in the Raynes Park area, all thanks to Rosemary.
Storm Henk heralds in 2024
After a particularly wet, windy and grey Christmas break, the New Year brought Storm Henk to Cannon Hill Common. Early morning dog walkers were met with fallen trees, broken branches and general sogginess underfoot. However, by 9.30 am Edwin had cleared a lot of the broken branches and he and Dave from the allotments had moved the fallen trees from the paths alongside the allotments and had begun the task of moving and cutting up one very old and large tree which had fallen across Edwin’s Path. Dave and Nick have also cleared the ditches enabling the water from the common and allotments to drain away and Dave has also built up the sides of the ditch with wood chips which will hopefully help drain the area.
We are grateful to Sheila for the above report from Cannon Hill Common and for keeping us informed about local events, and once again, we thank Edwin for his attention to the common, and to Dave and Nick for their hard work.
Fix My Street
Information and advice from one of our Road Stewards
I was walking the dog at around 8.45pm when I noticed our street sign had been tagged. On returning home, I reported it using the FixMyStreet.com website, and was amazed to receive an update at 8am telling me it had been cleaned off!
I’ve also used it to report fly-tipping by the green at Motspur Park/West Barnes Lane, and on the street at Blakes Terrace and Byron Avenue, each time collected within 24 hours.
I’m so impressed by the process, and I think it’s important to not only acknowledge when Merton does well, but also to share that it really is worth reporting even the small things.
We all want our neighbourhoods to look their best. If I hadn’t reported it, the graffiti might have been there for far longer. I encourage all residents to enable the maintenance crew to address streetscape issues by using the website or app whenever you spot something amiss, so that it’s on their radar and can be prioritised.
London Buses - Superloop
October 2023
A member has drawn our attention to a cheap, convenient way to get to Hatton Cross Underground and Heathrow Airport. The SL7 can be boarded at the 131 bus stop at The Fountain, opposite the Environmental Centre, New Malden.
The SL7 is an updated version of the X26 green line, with frequency doubled and low fares maintained.
http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/SL07.htm
The Superloop is a huge TfL development of express bus services, which forms part of the Mayor’s commitment to improving the bus services in outer London. There will eventually be ten routes, with four already in operation, two more to begin this year, another three in 2024 and the final one in 2025. When complete it will circle the entire capital, connecting key town centres, stations & transport hubs.
All valid concessionary fares apply, e.g., freedom passes.
Meanwhile a recent bus journey on an old style “boneshaker” railway replacement bus reminded us how fortunate we are to have the new, wonderfully smooth, quiet 163 buses transporting us to Wimbledon and Morden.
