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Manor Drive Report

24 February, 2002

Liberal Democrats win fight over road resurfacing in Manor Drive

Part done, but a lot more to go the Lib Dem councillor said.

Liberal Democrats in Old Malden have been fighting for more cash to repair roads and pavements. Following a many complaints at council that the Conservative Administration had continually failed to identify old Malden Roads, one Liberal Democrat councillor decided to survey the road for himself. Conservatives claimed that such detail was unfair on officers, however the councillor - an engineer himself - did the work as he claims "Locally the Conservatives had no interest in repairing such roads until they were aware that we had carried out a survey. Then of course as usual they claim to be interested and of course claim to have done all the work..."

Now t he Lib Dem Councillor plans same tactic with other roads -

Read the report here

Religious Group Accused of Libel over Church School

24 February, 2002

Church School Scare Tactics as religious group resort to underhanded measures

A group is falsely suggesting that Liberal Democrats want to close Church Schools and as a result may well be facing corporate Libel charges it was revealed, as Liberal Democrats refuse to discount the possibility.

Housing Crack Down On 'Anti-Social' Tenants following European Convention on Human Rights

20 February, 2002

Kingston Housing department is introducing new procedures to clamp down on the anti-social behaviour, neighbour nuisance and racial harassment that can cause such disruption to the lives of other tenants. This is to ensure that all tenants feel safe and secure in their homes and neighbourhood, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mayor for London Assembly forced to Reduce Prercept Increase by London Liberal Democrats

15 February, 2002

The Greater London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group voted this week to accept the Mayor’s reduced budget increase of 15.24 per cent but warned Ken Livingstone that he must start delivering on his promises.

GLA Tories Vote with Labour on Tube PPP

15 February, 2002

At the week’s Greater London Assembly meeting, the Tory group on the GLA joined Labour members in refusing to debate the future of the London Underground and the Government’s part-privatisation PPP.

Flood Threat to London

15 February, 2002

Liberal Democrat Sally Hamwee is a member of the Flooding Investigative Committee on the Greater London Assembly, which has been set up to determine the real risks to London and the adequacy of current measures in place to protect the capital.

Changes on the GLA

15 February, 2002

This week GLA Liberal Democrat group bid a fond farewell to Louise Bloom. Louise decided to resign from the GLA for personal reasons, after making an excellent contribution to the London Assembly,

Mayor Listens to London Assembly and Reduces Budget Precept Increase

7 February, 2002

Graham Tope, Leader of the Greater London Assembly Liberal Democrat group, has welcomed Mayor Ken Livingstone's decision to listen to the concerns of the London Assembly and reduce his proposed increase to the GLA precept to 15.24 per cent
from 35 per cent.
read more

Old Malden Scouts and Guides to Close Their HQ - ready for redevelopment

7 February, 2002

Old Malden Scouts and Guides to close their Head Quarters - ready for redevelopment.

Use the Roads Safely this Christmas and New Year

17 December, 2001
Christmas is a time when we tend to focus on the importance of road safety.

Kingston Council's team of School Crossing Patrols are at the cutting edge
of road safety all year round, providing a valuable and much appreciated
service to local communities.

I Thank You says Mayor of New York to people of Kingston upon Thames

14 November, 2001
In a week when the population of New York City are coming to terms with further tragedy on the streets, residents of the Royal Borough received a letter of thanks from the Big Apple for their support and goodwill.
read more

Firework safety

29 October, 2001 Help protect children and young people from firework injury this firework season.

London's Living library

29 October, 2001 Fifty celebrity authors will be signing books in Covent Garden on Saturday 10th November at a free family event to promote London's Living Library.

Bollywood Asian Films Now at Surbiton Library

31 October, 2001 Bollywood is a term for Asian language or Asian funded feature films. Now Surbiton Library has a new collection of Bollywood blockbuster films available for hire on DVD format.

New Planning Guidelines Proposed for Kingston Hospital

31 October, 2001 Kingston Council is consulting local residents on revised planning guidelines for the Kingston Hospital site at Galsworthy Road.

Design Brief for Kingston Town Centre

31 October, 2001 Kingston residents and businesses have the opportunity to discuss the draft Planning & Urban Design Brief for the Kingston town center sites on either side of Ashdown Road to provide a guide for any future development on these key sites.

Senior Citizens Christmas Party

31 October, 2001 The Mayor will be hosting a Christmas Party in the Guildhall for senior citizens living in the Royal Borough.

£21,109 boost for local children through Malden Manor School

26 June, 2001 Malden Manor Primary school has received a £21,109 lottery grant through the New Opportunities Fund to create 25 after school and 25 before school places for children between the ages of 3 and 11.

£180,000 Lottery Success for First Old Malden Scouts

9 June, 2001 The 1^st Old Malden (St. John the Baptist) Scout Group has been awarded a grant of £187,812 by the Community Fund (the trading name of the National Lotteries Charities Board).

First Old Malden Scout fete - Summer 2001

9 June, 2001 1^st Old Malden (St. John the Baptist) Scout Group, held its annual Summer Fair on the Plough Green, Old Malden, Saturday, 9th June.

Kingston decides - Election News

7 June, 2001 SW London residents prefer Liberal Democrats to Conservatives electing Edward Davey (Kingston & Surbiton), Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park), Paul Burstowe (Sutton) and Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham). Edward Davey's majority swung from just 56 votes to over 15,676. However will this spell apathy from voters as the Liberal Democrats lost and gained seats by fewer than 20 votes at the Council elections. With all Kingston Council cabinet members now Conservative, will the Conservatives be able to capitialise on apathy to increase even more their support on the council.

TORY RUN COUNCIL ABANDONS STREET SWEEPING TARGET AS SERVICE STANDARDS PLUMMET

7 April, 2001 Liberal Democrat Councillors have slammed the decision by Conservative Councillors to abolish some of next year's targets for cleaning up Kingston's streets when the latest figures show that many key services are getting worse. The latest Performance Plan approved by Conservative Councillors shows that the Council is failing

New guidelines will make trips safer for young people

7 April, 2001 Each year many youth organisations apply for grants from Kingston Council. Thanks to a Liberal Democrat initiative, in future organisations will have to prove that they follow good practice if they arrange residential trips for young people.

Tories fail Council Tenants.

Repairs left waiting while money sits unused.

7 April, 2001 Liberal Democrat Councillors have attacked the Conservative Administration after it was revealed that an incredible 1/2 a million pounds worth of planned repairs to council property were not carried out in the financial year 2000 - 2001. The reason for this appears to be serious failings on the part of SERCO the councils contractor for building repairs and maintenance, a situation which the Cabinet member with responsibility Conservative Councillor Paul Johnston failed to address.

MORE TORY INCOMPETENCE - GRASS CUTTING FARCE

7 April, 2001 Conservative Councillors have been hit by another blow when it emerged this week that they have been forced to cancel the first grass cut of the year. It comes after months of criticism of the way the Conservatives have allowed the Borough to deteriorate as the complaints about potholes, graffiti, broken lampost's, and refuse collections spiral to record levels.

Boroughs Latest eyesore - further evidence of neglect.

7 April, 2001 Kingston's grubbier side has taken yet another turn this week as Liberal Democrat Councillors point to further evidence of a decline in the boroughs general state of cleanliness. The target this week is the static recycling sites which have reached a disgraceful state across the borough.

Derek Osbourne Steps Down as Leader of Local Liberal Democrats

7 April, 2001 The leader of Kingston Council's Liberal Democrat Opposition is to step down after eight years as part of the leadership team. Burlington ward Councillor Derek Osbourne announced his decision this week ahead of the groups Annual General Meeting where his successor will be chosen.

Water Mains Bursts

14 March, 2001 Following a burst water main at Malden Rushett the following areas had water supplies affected: KT2, KT4, KT5, KT6, KT9 and KT10.
read more

Tough year ahead on planning as needed resources denied

11 March, 2001 The borough's planning department, recently named and shamed for it's poor performance, looks set to have another tough year ahead as extra resources proposed by the Liberal Democrats were not supported by either Conservative or Labour Councillors.
read more

Additional Funds secured to tackle graffiti

11 March, 2001 Liberal Democrat councillors have succeeded in securing an additional £60,000 in the continuing struggle against graffiti. The money comes as part of this years budget process which saw Liberal Democrats proposing a half million pounds package on quality of life issues such as graffiti.
read more

Liberal Democrats secure funds in battle against abandoned cars

11 March, 2001 Liberal Democrat councillors last night secured a massive injection of cash in the battle to clear Kingston's streets of abandoned cars.
read more

Safety Training for motorcyclists

09 March, 2001 Police forces around the UK are offering expert training to all motorcyclists. Under the banner Bike Safe 2000 motorcyclists are able to have their riding assessed by police and other advanced motorcyclists who observe their riding over road routes.
read more

Conservatives Refuse debate on Rubbish

09 February, 2001 The Conservative Kingston Council Administration refused a request for the Cabinet Secretary to make a statement on the refuse collection crisis which hit the borough in December and January.
read more

Split in Kingston Conservatives over Terminal 5 - following Conservative Group U-turn

09 February, 2001 The continuing splits in the local Conservatives surfaced again this week at the meeting of the Full Council - this time the issue was terminal 5.
read more

Schools set to lose out on £864,000 as Tories refuse to cough up cash

09 February, 2001 The Conservative Kingston Council Administration came under fire this weeks for planning to short-change schools of £864,000. Under the Conservative's Budget proposals revealed at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Tories plan to under fund the Standards Fund by £406,000.
read more

SITA set for questioning over festive fiasco of rubbish collection

09 February, 2001 Kingston's new refuse contractors SITA are to be put under the spot light at the next meeting of the Environment Overview Panel on the 1^st of February at the Guildhall Kingston. SITA have agreed to attend and answer questions over the new contract following a request by the Chair of the Overview Panel Councillor Tricia Bamford.
read more

Richmond Park Debate

09 February, 2001 In a shock move last night Conservative councillors failed to vote against plans to close Richmond Park. Despite all the hype over the last few months when it came to the crunch a majority of Kingston's Conservative Councillors failed to vote against closing the Park to through traffic at peak times.
read more

Conservative Kingston Council Budget Proposals: Initial Response from the Liberal Democrats

09 February, 2001 Liberal Democrats have warned that the budget proposals launched this week by the Conservative’s do not address the concerns of local residents.
read more

Two Years and Two over spends - Tory financial mismanagement continues

09 February, 2001 Kingston Council is heading for its second overspend in as many years according to a report out this week. It will mean that in both budgets set since the current Conservative Administration took control of the Council they have failed to spend within the limits they set for themselves.
read more

Survey reveals extent of Graffitti vandalism in Old Malden

09 February, 2001 An in-depth survey of Old Malden carried out by local Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian McDonald has revealed the extent to which the area has been ravished by Graffiti Vandals.
read more

Calls for More Openness in the Budget Process

09 February, 2001 Liberal Democrat Councillors have called on the Conservative’s to come clean about their Budget, which was revealed at this week’s Cabinet meeting. It follows complaints in previous weeks that the Conservative’s are using the new political structure to hide their budget proposals from the public.
read more

Action Secured on Abandoned Cars

09 February, 2001 Kingston is set to up it's efforts in the battle to clear our streets of abandoned cars following this weeks meeting of the Full Council. A motion moved by Liberal Democrat Councillors Ian Reid and Vicki Harris resulted in securing further , renewed and increased action against this blight on our borough.
read more

Parkers Farm goes to Committee

14 January, 2001 Parkers farm site in Malden Road, Worcester Park, is to be revisited by the new planning and development committee on Thursday 18 January at 7:30pm in the Guildhall. At the previous meeting, Councillor McDonald addressed the committee requesting that consideration be given to the area in terms of drainage, aspect, access and security. With outline permission being quickly granted when the Conservative Administration came to power, there is only a small amount of maneuvering that is possible.
read more

McDonald says Sue Developers

14 January, 2001 Councillor for Malden Manor, Ian McDonald, has written to the Council Chief Executive pressing for legal action against developers who cut down a wildlife habitat, that was populated by protected species. He has also expressed anger at the incompetence of the Conservative Administration for allowing this.
read more

Disappointment at decision to proceed with Yew Tree House despite strong objections

26 July, 2000 Full Council last night agreed to go ahead with plans to use part of Yew Tree House as temporary accommodation for the homeless despite strong objections from the local community. The decision was taken despite what Liberal Democrat Councillors believed to be serious flaws in the proposal. The Conservative Administration, with support from the Labour group, pushed through the proposals against the wishes of residents and a 300 strong petition.
read more

Moor Lane OFSTED Report Published

21 July, 2000 OFSTED's report following a visit by inspectors to assess the progress made by Moor Lane Junior School over the past year has now been received by the school and the Local Education Authority.
read more

First Old Malden Scout fete

10 June, 2000 Back in uniform, Deputy Mayor Councillor Ian McDonald opened the First Old Malden Scout Fete today.
read more

Kingston Town demands to have a voice into the future of Canbury Gardens

3 June, 2000 The Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee last night insisted that it should have a strong voice in the new working group set up by the Royal Park Neighbourhood Committee looking into all aspects of the future of Canbury Gardens.
read more

Liberal Democrat Councillors welcome memorial to Kingston's aviation history

3 June, 2000 Liberal Democrat Councillors last night welcomed the decision of the Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee to approve the location of a memorial funded by the Kingston Aviation Heritage Memorial Fund near Kingston Bridge on the Clarence Street footway near Thames Street.
read more

Council Faces Massive clear up costs as travellers move out

31 May, 2000 Travellers on the Tolworth Court Farm moved off on Thursday night leaving a trail of devastation behind them. Liberal Democrat Councillor Vicki Harris has received the backing of local M.P. Edward Davey in calling for a change in the law dealing with travellers.
read more

Lib Dems opt for openness

24 May, 2000 The Liberal Democrat Chaired Community Overview Panel became the first to meet last week as the new Council Structure continued to materialise. In an open meeting the Liberal Democrat Co.-chairs Cllr's Rolson Davies and Julie Haines pushed for a radical new style of working that would ensure much greater openness and inclusion on the new Panel than existed under the old system or indeed was seen at the first Cabinet Meeting.
read more

Wildcats Deserve a Home

22 May, 2000 Liberal Democrat Councillor, Chrissie Hitchcock, has called on the Council to examine all possibilities and do whatever it can to enable the Wildcats to stay in the Borough following their recent success in the play-offs at Wembley securing promotion.
read more

Delays hit New Malden Library Re-development

19 May, 2000 The date for completion of works at New Malden library has been set back several months and work now looks likely not to be finished before the end of April next year! The delay has been blamed on unforeseen work on both the roof and flooring of the old Library.
read more

Lib Dems Welcome Graffiti initiative

17 May, 2000 Liberal Democrat Councillors have welcomed the announcement at last night's Cabinet meeting that an all party group is to be established to tackle the growing scourge of graffiti across the borough. The move follows calls from Lib Dem Councillors last month for a more co-ordinated approach to the problem.
read more

Solution sought to the problem of Secondary school places

15 May, 2000 Liberal Democrats have suggested a way forward for PASS and Kingston Headteachers on finding a solution to the problem of Secondary School places.
read more

Lib Dems call for new powers to stop Mobile Phone Masts

11 May, 2000 Liberal Democrat Councillors have called for new powers to allow local people to reject mobile phone masts being sited near their homes and public buildings at least until the possible effects on health are fully known.
read more

Mirza wins race to be Mayor

11 May, 2000 Last night Liberal Democrat Councillor Shiraz Mirza was elected the new Mayor of Kingston Upon Thames. Cllr Mirza beat his Conservative rival, the long serving Cllr Denis Doe, to become the first ever Asian major of Kingston.
read more

Local Lib Dem Wins seat on GLA

8 May, 2000 Kingston is set to have a strong voice in the new greater London Assembly following the election of local activist Louise Bloom. Louise has lived in Kingston for 18 years and her children attend local schools. Louise has stood before as a candidate in both Norbiton and Tudor.
read more

Lib Dems Hit back at Kevin Davis over misleading remarks

2 May, 2000 Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Derek Osbourne has hit out at what he described as "misleading comments" made by the Conservative Chair of Education and Leisure. He has now called on Councillor Davis to explain comments made in the press last week over the cutting of the summer literacy courses at the first meeting of the new Education Overview Committee.
read more

Solicitors swoop on Conservatives after dirty tricks

04 April, 2000 Solicitors swoop on Conservative Councillor in Old Malden after Libelous statement in the press.
read more