Streatham Wells October News
Fairer CPZ hours in Wells – from 6 hours to 2
This remains a top priority for us, just as we promised. How we wish it could be a quick and simple fix! We’ve had extensive exchanges with senior Council Officers on this issue, to put it mildly.
The next step: securing agreement from the relevant Green Cabinet Member to launch a fresh consultation on preferred hours. If we secure that agreement, local residents’ responses will be VITAL in determining whether the change happens.
We’ll be in touch as soon as we have further news.
Road safety
A huge concern for many residents. We’re very aware of the urgent need for Council action – on and around Valley Road, Culverhouse Gardens, Leigham Court Road, the corner of Newcombe Gardens and elsewhere.
We’re already in direct contact with Council engineers, pushing for refreshed road markings and clearer signage. More significant measures and investment appear to require Cabinet approval. At the next Full Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October, Simon will raise the Wells road safety issues directly with the relevant Cabinet Member and seek a follow-up meeting in person.
Long-standing “grot spots” on Gracefield Gardens and Pendennis Road
For some time, the area between 28 and 36 Pendennis Road has suffered from trespassing, fly-tipping, a broken fence and an unauthorised “lean-to” on land belonging to Southern Housing. Residents were understandably concerned, and police had been called in response to reports of alleged criminal activity.
Following weeks of sustained pressure on the housing association, the site has now been cleared and secured. We’re keeping a close eye on things – but so far, so good!
Meanwhile, the overgrown shrubbery beside Kwik Fit, on the corner of Gracefield Gardens and the High Road, has for years been a hotspot for fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and drug use. One challenge has been identifying the landowners responsible for the site.
In recent days, Lotus Living, the developers of the new Elgar House apartments on the site, have opted to remove the shrubbery entirely. We very much hope this will help make the location cleaner and safer, both now and in the future.
Rough sleeping and pavement safety at Streatham High Road / Mitcham Lane
This remains an ongoing and challenging case, as many of you will know. We’ve received a very significant number of messages, emails and comments from local residents.
We recognise the importance of the welfare of the person involved. At the same time, we feel strongly that the safety and welfare of the wider community must also be considered.
Alongside councillor colleagues in Streatham, we’ve repeatedly pressed for an urgent, coordinated police and welfare response. Our concern has been the immediate danger associated with the obstruction of the pavement near such a busy intersection, outside the former Lloyds Bank building.
Action was finally taken in early October, with Council Officers issuing a formal notice to leave that location. The situation remains under close review, and the Council is aware of the subsequent developments.
We’ll continue to press for an appropriate response that takes account of both individual welfare and public safety.
Fly-tipping and the state of our streets
One of the most common issues raised with us is frustration at the state of Streatham’s streets: fly-tipping, uncollected waste and litter.
We’re putting these issues front and centre at the next Full Council meeting on 14 October, with a motion calling for action.
All parties committed during the May elections to introducing “Megaskips” to help tackle fly-tipping. We’re calling for a clear timetable for their introduction by June 2027, tougher enforcement against fly-tippers, and a thorough review of the Serco waste collection contract. The contract is due for renegotiation in 2027, and we believe current performance raises serious questions about whether it is fit for purpose.
For context, Lambeth is currently run by a Green minority administration, not a coalition. As Liberal Democrats, we’ll continue to listen to your concerns and press for action on behalf of you and all local residents.
ONWARDS!