(from an RBK press release)
Nearly 800 residents have already told Kingston Council their views on the future of recycling and refuse collections in the borough by filling out the online survey at http://www.kingston.gov.uk. Residents who have not yet taken part only have until 3.00pm on Friday 12 October, when the survey will close.
The online survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, has been designed by the independent research company, Ipsos MORI, on behalf of the Council.
Red Arrows ‘banned from 2012 Olympics’? – not so, it seems.
A story is circulating that the world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed “too British”. This story has given rise to an on-line petition to the Prime Minister at this address.http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012
The authors of the story say that the Arrows are being ‘banned’ because their military background might be “offensive” to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport are alleged to have deemed the display team “too militaristically British”.
We are indebted to Mr. Moore for his comment (attached) in which he draws attention to the RAF website which calls this story ‘rubbish’ and would recommend all readers to view Mr. Moore’s comment and the website (link http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamnews/index.cfm?storyid=66845B01-1143-EC82-).
Residents only at Villiers Road (RBK website)
From 1 October 2007 Residents of the borough will need to take proof of residence with them when visiting the Villiers Road Household Refuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC).
The following documents will be accepted as proof of residence:
- A special HRRC permit. These permits are being sent to every household in the borough along with an explanatory letter. Residents who have not received their permits by Monday 1 October should contact the Environmental Services Customer Care Team on 020 8547 5560 or email environment@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
- A current Council Tax bill or payment book
- A residents’ controlled parking zone permit (in date)
- A Freedom Pass (in date) identifying Kingston upon Thames as the person’s ‘Borough of Residence’.
Drivers’ licences, utility bills, phone bills, credit card bills, bank statements and other financial documents will not be accepted.
The decision to allow only residents of the borough to use the Villiers Road site for free has been taken in an effort to further increase recycling rates in Kingston and reduce waste disposal costs.
Layout changesResidents who visit the Villiers Road site will find that the permit system is not the only change. A number of improvements have been made to the layout of the site to make is easier and quicker for people who only want to visit the recycling banks.
Two dedicated recycling lanes now serve all of the recycling banks (for cardboard, paper, glass, cans, plastic bottles, small electrical items, textiles, engine oil, car batteries and even fluorescent lamps), which are now conveniently situated in one location.
Access to the upper level (for garden waste, larger electrical items, wood/timber, metal, up to 25kg of rubble and non-recyclable general waste) has also been improved with a new relief lane open on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
There is also a new walk-in recycling facility just inside the main gate for people arriving on foot or by bicycle.
A new height restriction barrier has been installed to restrict access for vehicles over six feet (1.8m) in height. All trade vehicles will be redirected across the weighbridge and charged by weight for their load. Residents with high vehicles, such as 4x4s, will now be directed into the tipping shed and assisted by site staff.
Residents who would like advice or information on the new permit scheme or layout should visit the tip pages or contact the Environmental Services Customer Care Team on 020 8547 5560 or email environment@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Parking in Kingsdowne Road
The following letter has been sent today to Kingsdowne Road residents. Users of kingsdowne Road may also be interested in the parking developments about to take place there.
“OAK HILL CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE EXTENSION – KINGSDOWNE ROAD
Installation of road markings and signs – Temporary RestrictionsPlease be advised that the Council will be implementing the extension of the Oak Hill Controlled Parking Zone. These works will start on the 15th October 2007 and is expected to take one week to complete. The Controlled Parking Zone is scheduled to become operational on Monday 22nd October 2007.
In order that the Council can carry out these works safely and with the minimum inconvenience to residents, it will be necessary to restrict on-street parking in Kingsdowne Road while these installation works are in progress.
Consequently, the Council has promoted a temporary traffic order, the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicles from waiting and loading in this road, while the traffic signs and road markings are being installed.
Contravention of these temporary restrictions will result in a penalty charge being issued.
A facility also exists for any obstructing vehicles to be relocated to an unaffected part of the road, but this is something I wish to avoid wherever possible.
I would stress that these restrictions will only apply when traffic signs and “no parking” cones are displayed and will not affect every road at once. The works will be carried out during Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 5.30pm. The temporary restrictions will not apply overnight.
It is not possible to lay road markings in wet weather conditions and a return visit may be necessary should the weather disrupt these works.
A system of notice boards and leaflets (left on windscreens) will be used to inform motorists of the pending works and parking restrictions.
To ensure that smooth and rapid implementation occurs, I would ask for your kind assistance. Would you please avoid parking your vehicle in Kingsdowne Road where the “no parking” cones or signs are displayed and comply with any reasonable requests from the Contractor to move your vehicle, should it be obstructing the works.
Please contact N. Ratnasingham at n.ratnas@rbk.kingston.gov.uk , should you require any further information only about the installation of the signs and road markings.
Further queries relating to the design, layout and operational aspects associated with the Controlled Parking Zone should be addressed to: –
Stephen Quiller
Parking Schemes Manager
Guildhall 2
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 1EU
E-mail: Stephen.quiller@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Tel. No. 020 8547 5911
Fax No. 020 8547 5949
Advice on blocked gullies
The fall of leaves often causes problems after rain, especially in the Lovelace, Oakhill and Southborough areas.The Council is responsible for the maintenance of roadside surface water drains (gullies) normally situated in the kerbside channel or gutter on the Council’s highways. The Council’s responsibility is to keep the gullies clear and allow water to run away freely. The gully consists of a grating on top of the gully pot leading to the pipe which conducts the water into the surface water main sewer (the main sewer is the responsibility of Thames Water).
Drainage problems on Council Housing property (e.g.School Lane) should in the first instance be reported to the Estate Manager.
The Council’s contractor is a scheduled to cleanse of all the Council gullies by neighbourhood once a year, those on classified roads twice. There is also responsive gully cleanse of any gullies reported as blocked by residents or council inspectors.
If there is a drain that you suspect is blocked/not freely running away, please contact us or RBK Street Care: Neville Rainford
Phone: 020 8547 5969 – This is an answer phone only. Please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Email: neville.rainford@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Thames Water Customer Care Line: 0845 920 0800
Recycling and refuse: survey on the future
Please take part in the Council’s survey on the future of the refuse and recycling services in the Royal Borough. You can do this on line by accessing the Council website at http://www.kingston.gov.uk
Alternatively please ring 020 7347 3225 and ask for a paper copy to be sent to you.
Surbiton Forum 
