Railings repaired - finally!

It's been ten months since Transport for London first gave us a commitment to repair the railings at the pedestrian crossing on Garrad's Road by Tooting Common.

They originally said they would try and do it by April. We kept chasing, and are pleased to report that TfL have sent us pictures of the repair, saying they completed it last weekend. We are now going to make sure they paint the bit they repaired - hopefully it won't take another ten months!

Here are the "before" and "after" shots they sent:

Work begins tomorrow to create new 'plaza' area at Babington Road/ Mitcham Lane by Manor Arms pub

Works to implement the proposals for changes to the area at the top of Babington Road where it meets Mitcham Lane by Streatham Green and the Manor Arms, begin tomorrow. They are scheduled to last until 31 March.

The area is the location for Streatham's Sunday market and the intention is to create a better public space for it, less dominated by traffic, more suited to host the market and other community events, and better connected to Streatham Green. Friends of Streatham Green have been involved in developing the proposals.

A shared surface area will be created for the market area between the junction with Mitcham Lane, and William Dyce Mews, using Yorkshire Paving. Through traffic will no longer be allowed at this point by the Manor Arms although a route out for large vehicles will be maintained. New trees will also be planted and seating introduced.

The consultation on the proposals took place in January and February last year. The work was supposed to begin last year, but was delayed.

Grot spot outside Byron Close (on Barrow Road)

At the request of residents, have been continuing to keep an eye on the 'grot spot' at the bottom of Byron Close, on Barrow Road.

Last year, we asked the council to clean it up. But is has got worse again.

We were chatting with residents this week about it. It now seems to have become a bit of a dumping ground for rubbish, so we have asked for it to be cleared and for more regular inspections to be made. We will also look at getting to the root of what is causing it.

[Update: A similar issue has arisen to the problem we had with Keen's Close on Mitcham Lane, and that is that Lambeth Council are now refusing to clear the area, as they say that it isn't their responsibility. We are therefore talking to L & Q Group whose responsibility the land is, to find a solution.]