Thamesfield Councillors' March Update

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An additional update from your local ward Councillors

Putney Station
We have been informed that with effect from Monday 4 March 2013 that access to Platforms 1 & 4 at Putney Station will be via the central stairs to Platforms 2/3 and then across the new footbridges. Please allow extra time to reach your platform in the morning peak and take extra care on the central stairs which will become very busy.

This is part of the building works designed to improve access for all and will result in lifts serving all platforms at Putney station. The circulation area will also be increased between the ticket office and platforms.

Changes to Policing
On Tuesday 26 February 2013 a well-attended meeting at Wandsworth Town Hall heard from the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Stephen Greenhalgh, Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne and Borough Commander David Chinchen, about the Mayor’s proposals for policing in London and how the changes would impact on the residents of Wandsworth.

In essence, the changes that affect Putney will mean the closing of the front counter at Jubilee House, allowing the officer performing this duty to be available to patrol the streets. A survey shows that the Jubilee House Office was visited by less than one person a day. The Assistant Commissioner assured the meeting that anyone wishing to see a police officer could make an appointment for a home visit, a visit to their place of work or anywhere else appropriate. This means that the police will come to you rather than you having to go to them. Contact details can be found via this link http://content.met.police.uk/Site/ContactUs

The style of Neighbourhood Policing will also change with an emphasis on the role of the Neighbourhood Inspector, who will ensure that there is always one constable and one police community support officer, responsible for each ward. A bit like the home beats of old. The remaining officers within the team will be available to be deployed into the areas of greatest demand. In our area that is likely to be the town centre, although there are other areas which have issues from time to time.

There is still time to comment on the proposals at http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=67232epffs
The period of consultation ends on 6th March 2013.

We will be monitoring the changes carefully, keeping a check on recorded crime and anti-social behaviour and make sure that they live up to their promises

Sainsbury’s Supermarket
The Sainsbury’s supermarket in Werter Road, Putney, has applied to Wandsworth Council to extend its licensing hours for sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises to 6am-midnight Mondays to Sundays (at present it is licensed to sell alcohol 7am-11pm Mondays to Saturdays and 10am-11pm Sundays) .

It is also applying for permission to provide late night refreshment (this means hot food and hot drinks) between 11pm and midnight every day. Many supermarkets apply for permission like this to be ready for any special events when they would want to open early or stay open late. The Sainsbury’s application is due to be heard by the council’s licensing committee on Monday, April 15.

This is not what it seems on the face of it. We have been assured that Sainsbury’s have no plans to change their opening hours. Every year they open longer in the run up to Christmas and have to apply for a licence. By dealing with it in this way, it will reduce administrative costs and give them the flexibility they need

Anyone wanting to make representations about the application can email Area Licensing Manager Sheila Brass on SBrass@wandworth.gov.uk or write to her at the Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth SW18 2PU. Those residents who have made representations in writing within the deadline are welcome to attend the hearing and make representations to the committee on 15 April.
The chairman of the licensing committee is martinjohnson@wandsworth.gov.uk;

Changes to planning legislation – change of use from office to residential in the town centre
The Government is planning to make it easier under revised planning regulations for commercial office blocks to be wholly converted to residential use.

We have concerns about this and the Council has applied to the Government for Putney town centre to be exempt from this provision. We have pointed out that Putney offices, predominantly in the town centre and Upper Richmond Road, provide 25 per cent of the private office employment in the entire borough, and the council is anxious to keep the right balance between commercial use and residential development. Employees in local offices account for a substantial amount of the shopping turnover in the High Street shops. Without their spending power, some shops in the high street may begin to struggle. The message is to shop locally whenever you can to support our high street.

The strategic planning and transport committee considered the matter and further details are available online at: http://tinyurl.com/bzwank9

Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of the council, has told the Government:
“The office location here ensures the vitality of the town centre.” You can make any comments on this to Mr Martin Howell in the Borough Planner’s Department on mhowell@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Diving project at Putney Leisure Centre
A small grant has been approved for a diving project at Putney Leisure centre
http://tinyurl.com/aplk5ax

Please let us know if there’s an issue you’d like us to take up.

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Best wishes
Cllrs Jim Maddan, Mike Ryder and Rosemary Torrington
Thamesfield ward

March 2, 2013