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Richmond, Richmond Hill and Kew community news

Council to seek views on 20mph speed limits for Kew

Kew residents are being consulted on the possible introduction of 20mph speed limits. Although it is possible to have 20mph limits in single roads, research shows that constantly changing speed limits in a small area can be confusing to the motorist. Therefore residents are being asked to give their views on whether they would welcome a 20mph limit.

Have your say

Record numbers apply to get their roads repaired

The hugely popular and pioneering roads and pavements fund inviting residents to put forward suggestions for highway repairs in their area, is set to break last year’s record. Over 1,900 residents took part in this year’s consultation, three times the previous number. Submissions have been evaluated throughout February, with the winners being announced in March.

For more information

Village planning in Kew moves one step closer

Following the Leaders’ Question Time earlier this month, where residents from Kew quizzed the Leader of the Council and his senior Council colleagues, residents can have their say online about their local Village Plan. Specifically, the inclusion of the new Supplementary Planning guidance (SPD), which aims to provide a vision for the local area. The SPD will help to maintain and enhance the local character by establishing key design principles for development.

For more information

Close shop doors to save energy

Help shops and restaurants save money and reduce energy wastage by closing their doors. An open door wastes the equivalent CO2 of three return flights from London to Hong Kong. Closing the door creates a comfortable environment with reduced draughts and hotspots, and acts as a barrier to pollution. To support retailers, Richmond Council is providing window stickers and door signs.

For more information

Youth cafe at the Vineyard Community Centre

Open Fridays 8.00 to 12.00 midnight for 13 to 18 year olds. Activities include ‘open mic’, battle of the bands and a general social meeting space. Thursdays host accredited training nights ranging from barista courses to sound engineering. Young people can take part in shows raising funds for the VCC, empowering young people to make a difference.

For more information

Free Wi-Fi now in all local

Library users can access free Wi-Fi at all of the borough’s 14 libraries. For children, Wi-Fi access is linked into the borough’s schools’ network which means most children will be able to use their existing passwords to surf the net. Adults, local businesses, and community groups can log onto the Wi-Fi network by simply asking for a password at their local library front desk.

Ask at your local library now

The Richmond Community Action project comes to Richmond and Kew

Richmond Community Action is engaging and supporting residents in Richmond and Kew to take action on important local issues. The project, run by Groundwork London and the Castelnau Centre Project, provides opportunities for local groups and individuals to take action and develop projects in their communities by providing access to ongoing support, training and networking. Participate with your idea.

For more information

Get your news noticed

Local groups who want to spread the word about their events, facilities or services can do so via the community noticeboards. The noticeboards provide information on the work of the Council and local community groups together with details of local events and activities. Local community or resident groups, charities or not-for-profit organisations can all apply to display information.

For more information

Residents warned to remain alert to telephone scams

Residents are being warned to remain vigilant to telephone scams where someone claiming to be a police officer or bank official rings to ask for your bank details and pin number and to send a courier to pick up your bank card. Remember you should never give out your pin number over the phone. Ring 101 if you are targeted.

For more information

 Join Friends of Carlisle Park

Make sure your voice is heard at the next election

There are two important elections within the borough this May – for the local Council and for the European parliament. Young people aged 18 to 24 are less likely to vote than any other age group, but if you don’t vote, how will your opinions be heard? Register now!

For more information

Next stage in Council's ambitious primary school expansion strategy underway

The next phase of a 10-year primary school expansion strategy is under way after Richmond Council published a proposal to expand Darell Primary School from September. The expansion would mean 60 children could be offered a place each year at the school in Darell Road, Richmond. The school currently has space for 43 children to attend the school each year.

For more information

RichDance Festival 2014: tickets on sale

RichDance is the Arts Service's annual festival, celebrating dance of all styles and for all ages. Performances from dance schools, youth and community groups from the borough and beyond, take place at 2.30pm on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March at Hampton School. Get your tickets now!

For more information

Replacement polling station

For the local Council and European parliamentary elections on Thursday 22 May, the polling station for voters in polling district MA (South Richmond Ward) will be a temporary trailer in front of Meadows Hall, Church Road. Full details and a map will be on poll cards sent out just before Easter.

For more information

Commemorative Trek for WW1

Join the Royal Star and Garter to commemorate the centenary of the start of WW1 on a three day trek of the Ypres Salient battle sites on 17 September. This poignant experience will also help to raise funds for the home. The Royal Star and Garter Home is a charity that provides outstanding nursing and therapeutic care to the ex-service community.

For more information

New beginners Tai Chi Class on Richmond Green

Tai Chi improves balance, strength and flexibility. It’s even been described as the perfect exercise for older people. It has been shown to increase mobility, reduce the risk of falls and even improve heart health. A new class is starting this spring on Richmond Green, organised by Age UK Richmond.
Call 020 8744 1965 for more information.

For more information

Get energy smart

With rising fuel bills a growing worry for many households, Richmond Council have launched an exciting new initiative, Energy Smart Richmond upon Thames. Working with energy efficiency experts, Climate Energy, the scheme is available to everyone and will offer advice and access to a range of measures that could help reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

For more information

Girls art and nature club

The club is looking for young budding artists to join; activities include exhibitions and prizes. The girls learn about the environment, plants and animals, craft, sewing and photography. The project is free and run voluntarily. Meetings are held in Pensford Field studio on Saturdays 11.00am to 12.00pm.

To book a place call 07771 566 111

 Join Friends of Carlisle Park

Find out now about local summer fun activities

For Sanity’s Sake will be holding a local exhibition for residents to find out more information on local summer activity options. Activities include:

  • A wide range of summer camp providers face-to-face in one place
  • Inspirational ideas if you’re at home with the children, in or out doors
  • Childcare options

The exhibition takes place on Wednesday 30 April from 7.30 to 10.30pm at the Winning Post

For more information

Sign up for updates from the Community Safety Partnership

Do you want to know more about crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough? The Community Safety Partnership produces an electronic two page newsletter that is sent out monthly about crime and ASB developments in the borough and further afield.

Email to sign up now

Register your support for a new free school

Richmond Council has been working with Richmond upon Thames College on a project to create a new purpose-built college, special school and secondary school. In partnership with Haymarket Media Group and Harlequins, work has begun on an application to open a free school in September 2017.To read about the proposals and register your support, visit www.reec.org.uk

Register your support now

Sir David Attenborough receives the freedom of the borough

Sir David Attenborough, who recently named Richmond as his favourite place in the world, has been awarded the borough’s highest honour. At a full Council meeting in January, all councillors agreed that the ‘Freedom of the borough’ should be offered to the naturalist, in recognition of his dedicated work to natural history and his contribution to many local charities and organisations.

For more information

New cancer support officer now at the Mulberry Centre

The Mulberry Centre’s new outreach officer, Afia Bhatti, is now working with the local community to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the services the facility offers. The centre provides practical and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer. All services are offered free of charge and there are no age or postcode boundaries.

For more information

Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre is now closed

Until Monday 14 April, the borough’s recycling hub, Townmead Road will be closed for renovation to improve safety, improved accessibility and site efficiency. Whilst Townmead Road is closed, residents will be able to use five different sites in West London: Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.

For more information

Focus On Get Involved Diary

Residents around the borough are happier than ever with the services provided by Richmond Council.

In the second annual ‘Residents Survey’, carried out by an independent company on behalf of the Council, a representative sample of residents were asked their thoughts on the Council, services and the borough.

The results showed that satisfaction levels are high, including 96% who responded are satisfied with the local area, 57% agree the Council provides value for money and 70% feel the Council acts on their concerns. In Kew, 86% of residents said they were happy with how the Council runs their local services, with 85% in Richmond.

This survey follows on from the 2010 All in One public consultation in which over 13,500 people told the Council what they thought needed to be improved. The Residents’ Survey, helps the Council track how well it is responding to residents’ concerns and views.

Over 65,000 people in Richmond upon Thames have signed up to receive a new borough Richmond Card. Card holders are able to use their card to access resident parking discounts, membership of the library service, the opportunity to join local sports and fitness centres and exclusive offers from local businesses and attractions. This new card also continues the popular 30-minute free parking for residents.

One of the key features of the card is the local business discount. In a move to support local high streets, over 100 exclusive local business and attraction offers are now available online. These include a great 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens on Monday to Friday, to half price treatments at Twickenham’s Mint day spa and discounted bikes at Pearson Cycle Performance in Sheen.

If you don’t have your new Richmond Card – go online now and sign up.

If you are a local business, and would like to benefit from the scheme, click here to find out more information.

Easter at Kew Gardens
5-21 April at Kew Gardens
Easter Holiday Family Workshops
8 – 11 April at Museum of Richmond
Screening of The Conquest of Everest
23 April at Museum of Richmond
Richmond Guided Walk
Every Saturday from 14 April Meet Richmond Station
Richmond May Fair
10 May at Richmond Green
Crawdaddy Club: Ali Mac Band
23 May at Richmond Athletic Association
Duck Pond Market
Every Sunday 11am - 3pm at Heron Square
Find out more More dates...

Councillors

North Richmond

Cllr Lisa Blakemore
Cllr Lisa
Blakemore
Cllr Katharine Harborne
Cllr Katharine
Harborne
Cllr Stephen Speak
Cllr Stephen
Speak

South Richmond

Cllr Francis Bouchier
Cllr Francis
Bouchier
Cllr Pamela Fleming
Cllr Pamela
Fleming
Cllr Thomas O’Mally
Cllr Thomas
O’Mally

Kew

Cllr Meena Bond
Cllr Meena Bond
Cllr Jean-Francois Burford
Cllr Jean-Francois Burford
Cllr David Linnette
Cllr David Linnette
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