CR-Oct2008

This is fast becoming the area of most concern to many residents living close to the station. Hardly a week goes by without at least one resident contacting the Association to voice their concerns.

I think I need say straight away that this is a really difficult area for the Association to be involved in unless there is a clear consensus of opinion on what needs to be done.

From the telephone calls received there appear to be two main issues – the increasing level of commuter parking in the relatively narrow roads close to the station, and the safety issues associated with parking close to road junctions.

On the latter, I understand that there have been several accidents close to the junction of Brancaster Lane and Riddlesdown Avenue. The Council is currently in the process of considering if improvements can be made at this junction. However, the issue of commuter parking is a little more difficult to solve.

In the last year, two double-yellow line schemes have been introduced as a direct result of representation from residents.

I have already said that parking schemes can be very contentious and that this is not an area in which the Association can lead unless it has an overwhelming mandate from the residents involved.

The Association is looking for guidance and we would like to know what you think. For example, would it be sensible to organise a meeting to share views and ideas (these of course could include doing nothing) for the residents most affected in the roads around the station?

To ensure that we have a real understanding of what you want us to do, a simple tick box questionnaire will be distributed with this issue of the Recorder. Roads included within our area will be: Lower Barn Road, Rydal Close, Barn Crescent, Dalton Close, Coombe Wood Hill, Hill Close, Riddlesdown Avenue and Brancaster Lane.

Phil Thomas also writes on this matter later.

Purley and COPRA

With the Tesco development now on hold, the recently formed coalition of local residents associations (COPRA) has turned its attention to the regeneration of Purley’s town centre. COPRA has met local councillors and the consultants engaged by Croydon to develop the plans for the town’s regeneration. Our discussions have covered a range of issues but high on the list was that there should be no loss of existing facilities and that a swimming pool for Purley is a must – not necessarily the existing one or on the same site, but certainly situated close to the town centre.

Car parks must be safe, affordable and user friendly, with more short-term road parking places and no reduction in the total number of parking places available.

The town centre should be broadly based around the High Street and not around Tesco’s as in the original plan.

Possible pedestrianization of all or part of the High Street should be user friendly and a pleasant place to visit, with improved street furniture, lighting and pavements and, above all, it should be a place for all age groups.

More encouragement is needed for new businesses and shops, with improved access to public transport – including the station.

There could be a small cinema similar to the David Lean, with around 100 seats and a multi-purpose open space facility similar to the Clock Clocktower café. This should be for meeting, socialising, coffee, light lunch, free walk-in events, art and music, both at lunchtimes and in the evening.

Finally, there needs to be an integrated approach to the development of the town centre with consideration to the hospital site, Tesco’s and the original Sainsbury site, to ensure Purley is a safe and pleasant place to visit.

Lower Barn Road

Last year Wimpey submitted a planning application to build twelve two-bedroom flats on the small area of woodland adjacent to the parade of shops in Lower Barn Road.

The Association made a formal objection and the application was refused. Wimpey have since appealed to the Secretary of State and the matter was due to be decided at a public planning inquiry at the Town Hall on 12 July. However, since my last report there has been a legal dispute between Wimpey and the golf club concerning the land’s ownership. With this matter still outstanding, and not likely to be resolved quickly, the inquiry has been postponed. We shall keep you informed of any developments via the website and the RRA notice boards.

Mitchley Woods

Since my last report in April little has changed. The Association continues to monitor the situation closely and keep in contact with the current landowners. It has been interesting to note recent media reports that some people who speculatively bought up small plots of green belt around the UK are now facing potential financial losses.

The slow-down in the housing market and a commitment from both national and local government to defend the green belt is reassuring and leaves us confident that we can maintain our local green belt land. The fighting fund donated by the residents of Riddlesdown and others has given us the opportunity to bid for the land when it eventually comes back on the market.

To repeat the statement I made in the last Recorder, the Association has been fighting to save our local green belt since 1974; we are in for the long haul and with your help we can and must win.

We will keep you informed of any developments via our website.

Fun Day

At the risk of repeating myself yet again, it just gets bigger and better every year.

Around 900 people enjoyed a picnic on the Downs and relaxed to the sounds of a jazz band. There were donkey rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor rides and so much more. If you are not convinced, take a look at this year’s Fun Day pictures on Pages 19 and 20, or in colour on our website. Check out the next issue of the Recorder for the 2009 Fun Day date.

Committee

In my last report I appealed for people to join the committee. I am pleased to say we have recruited two new members but still need a few more. It is not hard work and if you are interested or would like more information please give me a ring.

Brian Longman