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Twickenham, St Margarets & Strawberry Hilln community news

Twickenham Town Centre redevelopment – well underway

With improvements to pavements, pocket parks and a new cycling contra-flow, the Twickenham redevelopment is well underway. Make sure you are aware of all the improvements and possible impact on your journey each morning. Go to the Twickenham rediscovered web pages now!

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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.

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New carved benches for Crane Park

The Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) is a local charity with over 500 members, working to improve the lower Crane valley. One of their projects installs carved benches along the corridor, featuring local wildlife, to help link the spaces together. Two more benches were installed in Crane Park in January bringing the total to 12.

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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.

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Peak hour restriction only introduced if needed

Plans to introduce a restricted right turn from King Street in Twickenham to Water Lane during peak hours only, will only happen if absolutely required by Transport for London. After extensive consultation, the Council finalised a design for Twickenham. The changes aim to create better quality streets, improve public realm, reduce traffic impact and create a more pedestrian and cycle friendly King Street.

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Free Wi-Fi now in all local libraries

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.

Diamond Jubilee Gardens to hold community events for years to come

Diamond Jubilee Gardens on Twickenham Riverside have been formally protected, following approval by Richmond Council’s Cabinet. The gardens have been designated as public open space and are protected for public use, performances and events. The picturesque spot was established and opened in 2012, and is located on the site of the former Twickenham Lido.

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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.

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New polling stations

For the local Council and European parliamentary elections on Thursday 22 May, the polling station for voters in polling district CC (West Twickenham Ward) will be Teddington Scout Hall, Fortescue Avenue; for voters in DB (St Margarets and North Twickenham Ward) will be the Winchester Room at the Turks Head (replacing St Stephen’s School); and for voters in FA (Twickenham Riverside Ward) will be Twickenham Library (replacing St Mary’s School). Full details and maps will be on poll cards sent out just before Easter. For more information see

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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!

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Waldegrave School is beaming with new sixth form build

A local secondary school creating a new sixth form has celebrated a major milestone with the installation of the final beam in the new building. As part of Richmond Council’s investment programme to bring sixth forms to all local secondary schools, work has been ongoing at Waldegrave School to create a dedicated sixth form building, new sports hall and dining room.

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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!

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Twickenham receives YES to BID

Twickenham Village recently gained a ‘yes’ to become a business improvement district (BID). This will lead to the co-ordination of the efforts of traders, businesses, the Council, and sporting organisations. The BID’s work started in January. Please visit the Twickenham the Town website to keep up-to-date with further details, developments and events, or
e-mail Shona.

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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.

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An invitation to businesses

Following the ‘Your Strawberry Hill’ event, Richmond Council is hosting a meeting on 24 March for local businesses and people working from home in the area. The Council is inviting traders to come together to encourage business activity and links between businesses and the community. Places can be booked by contacting Community Links Officer John Addicott on John.addicott@richmond.gov.uk

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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.

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St Margarets Traders Association online

The St Margarets Traders Association's online presence continues to go from strength to strength with record views of their Facebook (/mystmags) and Twitter accounts (@mystmgrts).

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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

East Twickenham Village WW1 commemorations

2014 is here, and East Twickenham village has exciting plans to commemorate its WW1 Belgian refugees. There will be a thrill-packed ’son et lumière‘ drama-documentary at a local venue in mid-May 2015. East Twickenham village is also inviting a Belgian VIP to unveil a memorial outside the Pelabon Munitions site on the same day.

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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

Thank you to residents

During December 2013 the Rotary Club of Twickenham upon Thames collected £7,691 charitable donations from the residents by visiting many streets in the borough. The club thanks all residents who donated generously. For additional fundraising opportunities and online donation: www.everyclick.com/rotarytwickenham

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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

Twickenham police target anti-social behaviour in parks

The Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Twickenham have been working closely with the Council’s park rangers and St Mary’s University College to respond to residents’ anti-social behaviour and safety concerns in local parks and open spaces. This has included carrying out high visibility patrols, engaging groups of young people about ASB and in Marble Hill Park, using a dedicated dispersal zone.

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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.

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St Margarets shopping bags are back

After a long absence, the much sought after St Margarets hessian shopping bags are back, available exclusively in Cutters, 28 Crown Road.

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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.

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St Margarets: fighting crime

In January, St Margarets residents fought back against crime, resulting in the arrest of a known fraudster. Shopkeepers spotted an individual attempting to use forged notes and used the Traders Text Alert Service to alert other local businesses. The man in question was subsequently caught on CCTV in another local shop, leading to his arrest.

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.

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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 percent who responded are satisfied with the local area, 83 percent are satisfied with the way the Council runs the borough, 57 percent agree the Council provides value for money and 70 percent feel the Council acts on their concerns. 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.

Wedding Showcase
16 March at Strawberry Hill House
Nature’s Gym Crane Park
19 March 11am - 2pm Meet by entrance on Ellerman Avenue
Richmond Shakespeare Society’s Senior Youth Group presents ‘Blood Wedding’ by Federico Garcia Lorca
22, 23, 29 and 30 March at The Mary Wallace Theatre
Twilight Fairs
9 and 23 April at Strawberry Hill House
Richmond Shakespeare Society presents ‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare
26 April - 3 May at The Mary Wallace Theatre
Share a book
Every Friday 11am - 12.30pm at Twickenham Library
Twickenham Guided Walk
Every Saturday from 10am Meet at St Margarets’ Station
More dates...

Councillors

South Twickenham

Cllr Clare Head
Cllr Clare Head
Cllr David Marlow
Cllr David
Marlow
Cllr David Porter
Cllr David
Porter

St Margarets and North Twickenham

Cllr Geoff Acton
Cllr Geoff
Acton
Cllr Chris Harrison
Cllr Chris
Harrison
Cllr Ben Khosa
Cllr Ben
Khosa

Twickenham Riverside

Cllr Susan Chappell
Cllr Susan
Chappell
Cllr Scott Naylor
Cllr Scott
Naylor
Cllr Samantha Salvoni
Cllr Samantha
Salvoni

West Twickenham

Cllr Piers Allen
Cllr Piers
Allen
Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons
Cllr Helen
Lee-Parsons
Cllr Lesley Pollesche
Cllr Lesley
Pollesche
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