New CARA website

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

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

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.

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

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

Invitation to Transition Town Kingston film show, Friday 9 Jan

Transition Town Kingston will be showing the film "Escape from Suburbia" at C-Scaipe, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road (go in the main door and ask for directions), at 7.00pm on Friday 9th January. The film - "a sobering yet ultimately positive exploration of what the second half of the Oil Age has in store for us" - will be followed by discussion and nibbles - everyone is welcome. Free.

Transition Town Kingston aims to mobilise and facilitate community action in order to respond effectively and positively to climate change and peak oil.

Invitation to Kingston Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday 25th January

Kingston commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday 25th January 2009 with a ceremony at the memorial tree in Memorial Gardens on Church Street at 2:30 – with opening words by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor and others with readings and songs. We will then walk to the Guildhall where there will be light refreshments , displays and speakers. We cordially invite you and family, friends, or colleagues to join us.

This year’s theme is Stand Up to Hatred
Speakers are:

Associate Dean Philip Spencer of Kingston University
Reverend Malachie Munyaneza a Rwandan survivor
Rebecca Mear of Refugee Action Kingston

Please see the attached flyer which we hope you can post onto a bulletin board.

We are also sponsoring a series of Film Showings on Wednesday evenings in January related to genocides. A second flyer gives dates/venues. Do join us for these and discussions thereafter.

Best wishes,
The Holocaust Memorial Day Working Group of the
Kingston Inter Faith Forum and RBK

Council consultation on Market Place traffic restrictions

Local residents who use the Market Place might like to respond to the Review of Experimental Road Closure Access and Parking Restrictions at
http://www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/transport_and_streets/transport_consultations/kingston_ancient_market_place.htm

On the 18 February this year motor traffic was removed from the southern end of the Market Place. Loading for businesses and Market traders was still allowed in the morning between 0600 and 1000 and in the afternoon between 1600 and 1800 Monday to Saturday. There is no access at all on Sunday. To offset the loss of parking for holders of Blue Disabled badges, new disabled bays were provided at either end of Bath Passage and by the Co-op Bank in High Street.
Approximately nine months have now passed, and the Council is seeking the views of all users of the Market Place to determine if you think the changes have improved or made matters worse. All of the views expressed before Oct 31 will then be reported to the Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee who will decide, at their meeting on Wednesday 10 December, whether the scheme should be made permanent or removed.

Notes of South London Waste Plan Stakeholder Workshop - Rose Theatre 17 Oct 2008

The boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton are working together to prepare a Joint Waste Development Plan Document, known as the South London Waste Plan. The South London Waste Plan is the councils' response to European, UK and regional policies and targets to manage waste more sustainably. The key role of the South London Waste Plan (SLWP) is to identify land which is suitable for the development of potential waste management facilities within the four boroughs. This development will reduce the quantity of waste going to landfill and the climate change impacts of this.

Development of the plan is at a very early stage and a number of public consultation exercises are under way. One such briefing / consultation / workshop was run the other evening at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. Some notes taken at the meeting follow below.




Agenda
• Welcome and introduction by Cllr Brian Mahoney
• Purpose and structure of Workshop - Susan Parham, CAG Consultants (the team of 3 facilitators)
• About the waste plan - Emma Smyth, South London Waste Plan Manager
• Question & answer session
• Breakout sessions / discussion groups
1. How much waste should the South London Waste Plan, plan to manage (i.e. 97% or 100% of the amount identified by the Mayor's office "apportioned" to the four boroughs working together)
2. Where will the facilities go?
3. Should the South London Waste Plan specify what waste development is suitable for each site identified?
• Next steps
Notes

40 - 50 people present.
Besides Cllr Brian Mahoney, Emma Smythe, also present were Cllr Richard Hudson and Rob Dixon - the services director for environmental matters.
Talked about the plan development.
Year long process.
Currently at Issues & Options stage.
Will lead to a draft plan in years time which will also be consulted upon.
Forms part of Local Development Plan (which succeeds the UDP).
The South London Waste Plan will:
• Identify sufficient and suitable sites for development of waste management facilities.
• Developers will then make applications for use with specific function and technologies to address all waste streams.
• These will be subject to normal planning controls, protections and consultation.
The plan will not:
• Identify specific technologies
• Change local refuse collection arrangement
The Mayor of London has set a target of being self sufficient for managing 85% of its own waste. As such each Borough or group has received an allocation of the total to deal with. This is called the "Apportionment".

Bizarrely despite the focus on waste, recycling etc, waste is forecast to increase from some 3/4 million tonnes today (managed by the 4 boroughs in 14 sites over some 11 hectares) to 1.3 million tonnes by 2021 (an estimated 17 hectares of facilities are required).

The figures strike one as being a bit odd. When challenged, the audience were told that the numbers were based in the main down to some assumptions in population expansion. This clearly does not take into account measure to counter the production of waste (www.foe.co.uk/pubsinfo/briefings/html/20010424152100.html) and other independent initiatives by specific retailers.

The base level of the 1.3 million tonnes which has to be taken account of is 97%. One of the questions for the breakout groups to consider was: How much waste should the South London Waste Plan, plan to manage (i.e. 97% or 100% of the amount identified by the Mayor's office "apportionment")?

Various questions, queries (and points on the part of Kingston Friends of the Earth for example) were raised. It was apparent that not everyone has read the detailed information available on line regarding the SLWP at:

http://southlondonwasteplan.limehouse.co.uk/portal

One particularly valid point was raised around the amount of retail waste and the lack of accountability by the manufacturer and the retailer in the supply chain to take responsibility for the waste they are generating.

The attendees were then broken out into three groups.

A question was raised about potential 'horse trading' between the Boroughs as to who would do what.
Rob Dixon commenting on the incineration as one option, mentioned that the most advanced facilities would only be able to cope with some 10% of the projected 1.3 million tonnes.
UK currently spends £60 - £80 per tonne on dealing with waste, compared to £100 - £120 on the continent. Dealing with more waste will cost more.
The consensus was that the SLWP should attempt to deal with 100% of the apportionment.

As to where facilities should be located, comment was made that consideration should be given to collection and transportation as well as recycling.
Note the region differs from some in that it already has a landfill site.
Geography and location matters were discussed but in general most contributors felt that they would have benefited from more knowledge as to the type of facilities and their effectiveness in dealing with various types of waste to add more relevance / context.

Some key points raised included: "Environmental Justice" - ensuring that any developments do not adversely impact areas of social deprivation. Rathermore, any new facilities should be assessed on a principle of their positive impact against a set of pre-determined criteria.

It was concluded that it was not the type of technology / facility at a specific location which matters but more so the the impact of the facility (both positive and negative).

Rob Dixon pointed out that it would be nigh on impossible to control inter-regional waste processing e.g. SLWP facilities taking waste from other regions and processing it for money, except by licence or controls implemented as part of the overall planning policies.

In justifying the evenings activity, however effectively managed, one of the stakeholders said "In 2012 when we are asked why you chose one particular course of action over another, they can point to consultation exercises such as this one tonight as evidence of what people thought."

In terms of next stages, the draft will be put out for consultation around October 2009. The final plan will follow in February 2010 before going on for review by the Secretary of State.

As a final matter and a key concern echoed throughout the evening, a member of the audience again asked what was being done to try and reduce the total amount of waste under consideration with particular reference to retail and supermarket waste.

This was supported by a number of other comments. A response was given that the points would be noted and taken into account and that various other initiatives were focused on such matters. However, It was then pointed out that there seemed to be a glaring majority of people who thought the SLWP should explicitly cover such matters with a number of key objectives to reduce the 1.3 million tonnes included in the plan. A show of hands showed that this was the majority view of the audience. It will be interesting to see whether the final report reflects such intentions.

A couple of local initiatives for those who worry about the environment

Transition Town Kingston
The newly-formed Transition Town Kingston (TTK) “exists to mobilise and facilitate community action in Kingston to respond effectively and positively to climate change and peak oil”. It is part of a national movement (“Archers” fans will be aware that Ambridge is a Transition Town) – find out more at http://www.transitiontowns.org/. TTK monthly meetings, in C-Scaipe, Kingston University Penrhyn Road campus, are free of charge, open to all, and refreshments are provided. Coming up are "Transition Films Night" on Wednesday 12th November, 7pm for 7.30, and "Transition Carnival: Celebrating our way to resilience" with TTK's first guest speaker, Dr. David Fleming, on Thursday 4th December, 7pm for 7.30.
If you want to keep in touch with TTK activities you can subscribe to the TTKingston Yahoo group. There are instructions on how to join a group at http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/manage/manage-06.html but if you have any problems, you can email TTKingstonSteering@yahoogroups.com and a member of the steering group will help.

Kingston Council's Action for Sustainable Kingston (ASK) newsletter can be read at http://www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/environment/community_environmental_action/eco_footprint/ask.htm or hard copy is in various public places - e g, libraries, the Visitors Centre in the Market Place, Guildhall.

South London Waste Plan Issues and Options Consultation - now live!

CARA members and other local residents might want to read and respond to this or to go along to the workshop on 16th October.

Please find below a link to the online Issues and Options consultation for the South London Waste Plan, which is being prepared jointly by the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton. If you are already registered with the Limehouse online consultation system, you can use your existing logon and password. If you have not used this system before, please register by following the step-by-step instructions via the below link. Please note that when submitting comments, these will be shared by the four boroughs for all consultations relating to the development of the South London Waste Plan.
http://southlondonwasteplan.limehouse.co.uk

Get involved now before it becomes policy

This is the first stage of consultation on the Waste Plan and is your opportunity to help inform the development of the Plan. If you follow the above link, you will find two online questionnaires:
· A short Issues and Options questionnaire which seeks your opinion on the key issues in developing the Waste Plan
· A full Issues and Options questionnaire which contains more technical information and seeks your views on a wider range of issues.

Public workshops
Each borough will host a public workshop during the consultation period. This is your opportunity to find out more about the South London Waste Plan and discuss the key issues. Please see the details below and contact the Project Manager should you wish to register.

Kingston 16th October, 7pm at the Rose Theatre
A light buffet will be provided.


Emma Smyth
Waste Planning Project Manager
South London Waste Plan
020 8547 5375

Hotel development appeal update

Confirmation at yesterday's Town Centre Management Group meeting that the inspector's report on the developers' appeal is with the Secretary of State, and a decision is expected at the end of November.

2008 CARA AGM

17th September 2008
Pavilion, Canbury Gardens

The Chairman of the Committee welcomed the 30 or so attendees and provided an overview of the aims of Canbury & Riverside Association (CARA). CARA is a non-political and purely voluntary organisation whose aims and objectives are the protection and enhancement of amenities within the area for residents and users alike.

The Chairman offered thanks to all of members who have supported CARA in the last 12 months along with the team of dedicated and hard working Committee members.

A very busy year was reviewed with teams being involved in:

• Hotel Development Review (more later)
• Boaters refurbishment - consultation & support to improve this important local amenity
• Christmas carols
• Post Office Closure - analysis, action - sadly the decision appeared to have been a ‘fait accompli’
• Richmond Road Parade - new trees planting, paving & landscaping + bus stop
• Riverside Litter Pick & Clear Ups - 3 carried in out in 2008 Feb, Mar & Sep
• Thames Landscape Strategy - regular reviews + guidance on local views. Success with the new sensitive lighting in Gardens between the rowing club and slipway
• Get fit in the park
• Liaison with Police Safer Neighbourhood team
• Liaison with Councillors and Council Officers
• CARA 2008 Grant Programme (more later)
• Informing people - the new format newsletter to all residents and businesses has been a great success. The web site becoming much more of an active blog style resource has proved popular and the launch of the CARA Community Hub has enabled comments to be posted by residents and other interested parties. The Community Hub can be accessed at http://groups.google.com/group/carakingston
• Traffic & Parking Reviews - focused on Albany Park Road. No further action likely as no majority view.
• Planning Reviews - affecting LHR and Albany Park Road
• Canburys Gardens Maintenance - working in association with Quadron who do a great job in keeping the gardens up to a high standard.
• Kingston Town Centre Management
• Getting back in touch with the Albany - thanks to having a Committee Member who lives in the Albany, communication with the residents in this gated community have been revived.

Despite being joined by three new excellent and active members (Claire Fergusson, Marilyn Mason and Richard Mobbs) in the last year, the Chairman commented that the Committee was still under some pressure as a result of the bidding farewell to one committee member (Helen Moss) and a request was made by the Chairman for new people to become more active.

People need to understand what is required in being involved in working with CARA. It is not an NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) organisation but balanced with no agendas, no politics and no single issues beyond the core brief stated previously. The Committee fosters a constructive mix of views and opinions through friendly debate and respect for all concerned. Above all it has as an aim, the encouragement for people to take responsibility to affect change for the positive in the immediate neighbourhood and beyond.

An existing member, Glenda Leveson of Albany Mews put herself forward to stand for the committee, which was received with thanks.

Election of the Committee
The following members who offered to stand for the Committee were duly elected:

• Bazil Arden
• Penny D’Souza
• Claire Fergusson
• Clare Francis
• Glenda Leveson
• Marilyn Mason
• Richard Mobbs
• Hugh Scantlebury
• Trevor Willis

Membership Report
The Chairman reported that out of the 725 known addresses covered by the CARA area, there are currently 183 members. Furthermore CARA now extends the distribution of the newsletter to an additional 100 or so parties in the Council, local businesses, shops and volunteer groups.

This represents a second year of consistent growth in year on year membership which has been aided by the publication of regular and professional looking newsletters, issuing renewal notices etc.

A request was made for all parties where possible to supply CARA with valid email addresses to enable us to communicate more effectively and in a more environmentally sensitive manner (with less reliance on paper).

Finance Report
Richard Mobbs presented the accounts to 31 August 2008.

Subscriptions were £165 up at £902 partly because the previous period was only 10 months, but also due to an increase in members, with deferred income standing at £562 (future year subs). Total donations received came to £55 and interest received from the bank coming in at £104.

The two major expense items in the year were grants issued under the 2008 CARA Grant Programme of £1,000 and printing & distribution costs for the newsletters and other materials of £598.

Reserves stand at £1,383.

Hotel Development Update
A run through of the progress (or lack off) on the proposed redevelopment of the power station site was given, focusing on CARAs activities in fostering communication with the second scheme's architects, councillors etc at the various forums and workshops (the notes of which are documented in full on the CARA web site). In summary the first scheme (the one with the towers) was rejected in November 2007. The second scheme was agreed in principle by the RBK Development Committee in June 2008 but appears in abeyance whilst the outcome of the Public Enquiry / Appeal against decision on 1st scheme (completed July) is made public. The decision currently rests with Secretary of State.

Rose Theatre Update
Kate Tebb kindly gave a briefing on the latest productions which include A Doll's House (9 September - 27 September By Henrik Ibsen and directed by Peter Hall) and Born in the Gardens (30 September - 11 October by Peter Nichols and directed by Stephen Unwin) along with a preview of the winter and Christmas programmes.

CARA 2008 Grant Programme
This is the second year of operation (having been originally launched at the 2006 AGM). It was agreed that on this occasion a maximum of £1000 in new grants were to be awarded by 30th June 2007 (max £500 per submission). Despite some apathy in terms of applications (again!), 3 new awards were made in the year ended 31st August 2008:

• Kingston Rowing Club £500
• Andrew Cunliffe (Albany Sailing) £300
• Ignite Youth Group £200

There are no plans to run the scheme in 2008/9, but the process may be repeated subsequently depending on reserves / surpluses available.

Guest Speakers

Metropolitan Police
Inspector Mick Mills introduced the main elements of the Safer Neighbourhood and Safer Transport teams, which were explained in more detail by our local Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant - Mark Phinn and the Kingston Safer Transport lead, Sergeant Stephen Sharrack.

Sgt. Mark Phinn explained the priority of getting people to know once again who their local police are. Whilst the area suffers little major crime, burglaries and motor vehicle crime continue to be a problem. This is exacerbated by too many people not securing (locking) their vehicles properly. He also commented on the fact that whilst open spaces are always likely to attract a small amount anti-social behaviour, the team of regular Police Constables and PSCOs (Police Community Support Officers) is working well to head off such issues by becoming a familiar presence for local people and patrolling areas of concern at the most relevant times (e.g. Friday / Saturday evenings).

Sgt. Steve Sharrack gave an introduction to the Safer Transport Team which was introduced by the Mayor of London, TFL and the Metropolitan Police to improve passenger security and confidence whilst using public transport. Using a video of some real CCTV footage, Steve gave an entertaining presentation highlighting the value of ensuring those using the transport services (where they live in RBK or not) observe the same high standards of behaviour as the majority of the populace.

Mark Muir - Manager at The Boaters Inn
Mark thanked everyone for their support during the six months that have elapsed since The Boaters reopened. In particular he gave praise to CARA for getting involved in the original pre-opening consultation exercise, and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team for providing the additional patrols in the Canbury Gardens which have helped to keep any undesirable behaviour in the area down to a minimum.

Mark commented that overall the first six months had been a success but that expectations are high. As with any new business there are highs and lows, and Mark and his team will be focusing on ensuring a higher degree of consistency of food and service over the coming months.

The Boaters will shortly be distributing a newsletter promoting the new seasonal menus, upcoming events and Christmas specials. There were a couple of questions regarding the use of the outside bar, opening hours etc. and some general feedback requesting further menu variety.

Close
The Chairman thanked all the guest speakers for coming along and then proceeded to summarise some of the areas we will be focusing on in the months ahead which include:

• Hotel Development - communicating the outcome of the Public Enquiry
• Canbury Gardens - further work on landscaping, Bulb Planting, LHR Verges etc. in association with the Parks Department / Quadron
• Thames Landscape - River into Kingston initiative, finding out what is going to happen to Turks Boatyard etc.
• Environmental issues
• New Refuse & Recycling systems - due to be introduced in the Autumn of 2008 (for details see comments on the CARA Community Hub)
• Water - issues caused by having too little (low water pressure) or too much (flooding) and what measures are being taken to alleviate both.

After receiving a number of questions from the floor, the meeting was duly closed.

CARA Litterpick / The Big Tidy Up - Sept 2008

As per the lead story, a very successful event. Thank you to everyone who came along. First off everyone received a thorough briefing on what we intended to do, along with safety information.






CARA provided helpers with high visibility vests, gloves, rubbish bags and litter pickers and there were badges and Wall-E* stickers galore for the kids. The Safer Neighbourhood Team were around to provide support, meet some local residents and help in case we identified any sharp or dangerous items.





Trevor Willis and and a couple of willing volunteers manned a boat, pulling large amounts of tough to get at flotsam from the river and bankside.





...coping with the occasional bout of engine trouble!

At the end of the day we collected over 9 bin-bags of rubbish, one boot, two broken fishing rods, and two bins full of recyclables, which included an astonishing 63 vodka bottles!

Well done everyone!! Thank you to everyone who came along.

CARA litter-pick

Thank you to everyone who helped with the CARA litter-pick, part of the national Great Tidy-Up, today. We collected 9 bin-bags of rubbish, one boot, two broken fishing rods, and two bins full of recyclables, which included an astonishing 63 vodka bottles!

New waste / recycling system in the CARA area - update

Some answers I've just had from RBK to questions from the CARA committee about the new system:

When will it get here? The area between Lower Ham Road and Richmond Road will be in phase 4 of the change which is currently scheduled for delivery of containers at the beginning of November. You should start receiving more information from the end of September. And the Council will be holding "road shows" around the borough to explain the new system.

Who owns the new bins? The new bins and containers will be owned by the Council and as such if damaged or broken they will be replaced by the Council free of charge, although residents are expected to look after them and wash them occasionally if required. If a resident repeatedly asks for replacement bins the Council will follow up with a call from a member of staff. The average life for a wheeled bin is about 7 years, and repairs such as new wheels or lids can extend this even further.

What do we do with our old dustbins? The Council's experience of similar changes in Berrylands suggests that many residents find alternative uses for their bins, for instance in the garden, and there are some suggestions in the service information booklets that come with the new bins. Alternatively old bins can be taken to Villiers Road Household Re-Use and Recycling Centre - and some can be recycled. The Council understands that not everybody will be able to move their bins to Villiers Road so is planning a pick-up of old bins in the New Year.

CARA Annual General Meeting 2008

Notice is hereby given and all are cordially invited to attend:

Annual General Meeting of the Canbury & Riverside Association

Wednesday 17th September 2008 at 8pm

The Pavilion in Canbury Gardens

Guest speakers:

Metropolitan Police - Inspector Mick Mills will speak on local police matters.
The Boaters Inn - Mark Muir, the manager will discuss developments at the pub

The AGM Agenda will be as follows:

1. Chairman’s statement
2. Membership update
3. Finance report
4. Report on the 2008 CARA local grant programme
5. Proposals for those standing for committee

The following committee members are standing for election:

Bazil Arden, Claire Ferguson, Clare Francis, Marilyn Mason
Richard Mobbs, Hugh Scantlebury, Penny D'Souza, Trevor Willis

At the end of the meeting there will be an open forum for questions and answers.

Notice of resolutions of matters to be raised at the AGM must be submitted to the Chairman no later than Monday 15th September.

This is your chance to find out more about the work that CARA does on your behalf - and perhaps to be inspired to join the committee or the association (see the Chairman’s message below). The more members we have the stronger we are and the more we can achieve for all who live in this beautiful area of Kingston.

A personal message from the CARA Chairman:

As you can see from the notice above, we are very pleased to invite as many of the local residents as possible along to our 2008 Annual General Meeting. I am very pleased to report that the Committee have worked hard on a number of projects and run a number of events in the support of our aim of protecting and enhancing amenities within the area for residents and users alike.

Once again though, we would like to ask more people to be involved in the CARA Committee - despite being joined by some excellent new members last year, we still need more.

The commitment required is not too arduous (otherwise none of us would do it). The Committee meets every six weeks or so for a very balanced and convivial couple of hours at which we discuss developments in the local community and agree follow up activities. Actions are shared amongst members and might typically involve putting a call in to a local councillor; writing a letter or getting involved with one of our key liaison groups which include the Police Safer neighbourhood team, the Thames Landscape Project, Kingston Town Centre Management or the RBK traffic and parks officers.

We have achieved a lot in the years that I have been involved. I get a lot back from my fellow committee members and local residents alike. It's a great way to find out what is going on and get to know people who live locally and who share a common interest in maintaining the special nature of our neighbourhood. I would obviously strongly recommend it.

The more people we have, the more we can achieve. Please help by joining us; even if you can't commit to come to every meeting, we would be very pleased to have you on board. You can join up at the AGM or if you want to find out more beforehand then please contact us via email to cara.kingston at gmail.com

Thanks to everyone to their continued interest in our activities. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the AGM next week.

Hugh Scantlebury (Chairman)

Next riverside litter-pick

The Big Tidy Up - litter-picking along the river-bank from Canbury Gardens to the boundary stone, Saturday September 13th 2008, meeting at 11.15am outside Leander Sea Scouts, Lower Ham Road.

CARA will provide litter pickers, plastic bags for rubbish, recycling bins for plastic bottles, some gloves and high-visibility vests, and refreshments. Please bring your own (rubber) gloves, and wear sturdy shoes and nettleproof clothing.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please come and help, meet some of your neighbours, and enjoy the river-bank. And how about warming up with some gentle exercise in Canbury Gardens beforehand? Meet at the Pavilion at 10.00am, finish by 11.00 - see http://www.active-healthy-mind.co.uk/3.html.

This litter-pick is registered with Keep Britain Tidy as part of their“Big Tidy Up” campaign this September (see http://www.thebigtidyup.org/).

CARA Barbecue - Cancelled

Unfortunately due to various circumstances, the annual CARA barbecue scheduled for Sunday 13th July has had to be cancelled. Looking at the weather, it might not turn out to be such a bad thing!! The CARA Committee hope that people won't be too disappointed, and look forward to organising next years event instead.