Saturday, 6 June 2009

New CARA website

This website is no longer being maintained - please go to www.carakingston.org for the latest local news, events and discussions.

Friday, 27 March 2009

2 local consultations

Rights of way at http://www.kingston.gov.uk/news.htm?id=85131
The Council has published a draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan which takes a detailed look at how the local Rights of Way network (including towpath in CARA area) should be managed, maintained and improved to meet the needs of walkers, cyclists, equestrians and, wherever possible, less able users. Residents and other Rights of Way users now have until 17 April to read the draft plan and offer their feedback.

Local Development Framework
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is preparing a Local Development Framework (LDF) to plan for new development over the next 15-20 years. The LDF will comprise several documents, for example, we have already prepared an area action plan for Kingston town centre (K+20) which you can read about at: www.kingston.gov.uk/kplus20 .

We are now working on another part of the LDF called the Core Strategy. This will set a long term vision and policies for the development of the borough as a whole. It will address many issues like housing, climate change and other aspects of the environment. To inform this work we’d like to get your views on the issues and the options that we have developed.

We would appreciate it if you could take the time to read the summary or main document and complete the questionnaire at www.kingston.gov.uk/corestrategy . The documents are available on the website, at local libraries, the Malden Centre and the Guildhall 2 offices. There is also a programme of meetings and workshops in the Neighbourhoods, and details are available on the website, or from the contacts below. The deadline for responding is Monday 11th May 2009.

Come to a Public Workshop!

You can also get involved by attending one of our public workshops which are taking place across the Borough. If you would like to take part it is essential that you register for your place. Please see the dates below and contact us by telephone or email to let us know which workshop you would like to attend and for more location details.

Public workshops are taking place at the following times and areas across the Borough:

· Chessington – Thursday 16 April 2009 at 6pm
· New Malden – Friday 17 April 2009 at 7pm
· Kingston – Norbiton/Grove Ward – Tuesday 28 April 2009 at 7pm
· Kingston – Canbury/Tudor Ward – Wednesday 29 April 2009 at 7pm
· Tolworth – Tuesday 5 May 2009 at 7pm
· Surbiton – Thursday 7 May 2009 at 7pm
· Malden Rushett – Tuesday 12 May 2009 at 7pm

Remember to register for your place!

If you would like to discuss the Local Development Framework, or have any questions, please contact the Planning Policy Team by e-mailing ldf@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or telephoning 020 8547 5312.

Regards,

The Planning Policy Team
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Saturday, 21 March 2009

Crime prevention advice on garage & shed burglaries from Tudor Ward SNT

By taking a few precautions you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

* Ensure the front of your home offers a good view so any intruder can be clearly seen - cut back any foliage that prevents surveillance opportunities.

* Gravel paths/driveways deter burglars as the noise they make will increase the risk of detection for a burglar.

* Prevent easy access to the rear of your home by installing a secure gate. To prevent the gate being stolen reverse the gate fixings or weld the hinges shut.

* The rear garden boundary should be a minimum of 1.8 meters high. Use of a trellis topping will add height. Prickly or thorny varieties such as climbing rose, pyracantha, berberis and holly create a natural defence.

* Install security lighting to the outside of your home, use motion sensitive security lights to cover approach routes.

* For sheds, use a strong closed shackle padlock , hasp and staples, secured using coach bolts with a backing plate for extra reinforcement.

* Opening windows should be secured using window locks. If windows are never opened then screw them permanently shut from the inside.

* To prevent a line of sight inside paint windows with white wash or install a cheap blind.

* Consider installing a shed alarm available at good DIY stores, inexpensive but effective.

* Lock away small hand tools in a secure cabinet or other storage unit in the shed/garage.

* Use a length of chain to run through handles of larger hand tools and equipment, secure using a padlock.

* Security mark all equipment by etching in your postcode and house number.

* Ensure any ladders are locked together, secured and out of sight.

* Remember to lock together any cycles inside your shed or garage making it impossible to just steal one.

* Take photos of valuable garden ornaments and statues.

* Costly garden furniture and ornaments can be anchored to the ground. Free standing containers can be cemented in place, bolted down or secured by running a chain through the drainage holes and locking to something solid. Alternatively fill the base with bricks to make a container to heavy to move.

* When going away ask a neighbour to watch over your home and garden - also let us know and we will also keep a casual eye on the property.

* Consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood watch scheme as they really do reduce the risk of crime.

If you require any further advice please feel free to give the team a call on 0208 721 2580.

Friday, 13 February 2009

Transition Town Kingston event coming up, 16 Feb

The next TTK Open Evening free film showing, the very topical "Money as debt", will be on Monday 16th February (rescheduled because of weather earlier this month), 7.30pm at C-SCAIPE, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road campus. Snacks and drinks available before discussions.
More TTK news info and events at transitiontowns.org/Kingston-upon-Thames/Kingston-upon-Thames

Fitness in Canbury Gardens - why not join us?

Low impact outdoor cardio-exercise for all: power walking, jogging (voluntary) and stretching - all ages and parents with pushchairs welcome.
10.00am - 11.00am every Saturday
Meet at Pavilion, Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5BB
Free, run by the community for the community, with help from AHM, the Pavilion Trust and CARA. Further information from http://www.active-healthy-mind.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

On Line Crime Maps

All 43 police forces across England and Wales are now offering online crime maps showing offences broken down by area.

The Metropolitan Police began offering such a service in beta in August 2008 which now goes down to sub-ward level (you access levels of detail by zooming in on the maps).

Police have used mapped crime information internally for some time when allocating resources. Please note as maps for different forces were created locally, the level of detail can vary.

The Met's version is here:

http://maps.met.police.uk/

The Home Office statement is here:

http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/online-crime-maps