Summary of Annual General Meeting 26th October 2021
Introduction
After two years delay, and 2020’s AGM missed altogether, Kendra finally held its 2021 AGM on 26th October at Kenley Memorial Hall. Considering the understandable nervousness around gatherings at this time, attendance was good at around fifty residents, which made it quorate (valid). Unfortunately some speakers, including our MP Chris Philp, were unable to attend.
Ward Councillor
Kendra’s Chair, Christine Heal, welcomed the first speaker, recently elected Ward Councillor, Ola Kolade. He thanked members for their support and spoke of his commitment and passion for Kenley, and the local issues that concern us.
He spoke about the importance of building a relationship with the council. Councillor Kolade praised the many council officers who are doing their best, despite deep cuts and a massive budget deficit. He urged residents to contact him with their views and any problems they are having with council services.
Police
The Metropolitan Police was represented by two local officers, based in Addington, PC Joshua Zacharia-Vidal and PCSO Karolina Aamir. PC Zacharia-Vidal said most crimes in our ward are burglaries and vehicle related thefts. He made particular mention of catalytic converter thefts, which have been declining locally, and said some arrests have been made. An increase in thefts of cars with keyless ignition was of concern and urged residents to use shielded cases to store fobs.
Fly tipping was raised by residents and the police said it was a council issue, but still a criminal activity, and should be reported. One problem highlighted was the identification of culprits, as some use false number plates on vehicles. There was general frustration at the lack of action against fly tippers.
The use, or rather the positioning, of household CCTV was raised. This had been prompted by a recent case of an individual who faced prosecution, accused of spying on their neighbour with security surveillance devices. Residents wanted to know what was permissible.
PC Zacharia-Vidal said the use of CCTV was very helpful in crime prevention and detection, but residents should not aim CCTV cameras at neighbours windows or doors. They should be mindful of others privacy and use common sense.
Referring to the ‘Ring’ doorbell type systems, which are motion activated and operate for a short time, he thought they were unlikely to cause any problems. He added that burglars had been tracked from neighbouring video doorbells, even when not fitted to the burgled property itself.
Speeding
The ongoing concern from residents about speeding, particularly in Hayes Lane, was widely shared. Although the police had carried out a recent speed check, it was not very fruitful as motorists slowed when they saw the police car. It was pointed out that incidents such as the serious accident on the Kenley Airfield stretch of Hayes Lane, was dealt with by the Met’s traffic division and was outside the remit of local police officers.
Geoff James added Croydon Roadwatch team’s activities had been curtailed by the pandemic. The team is required to have a police officer present, which further limited its opportunities. A visiting resident from Whyteleafe said that Surrey Police ran a scheme which trained local residents in the use and deployment of speed detection equipment, and that those caught speeding can be prosecuted. It was hoped a similar scheme might be adopted by the Met.
Company of Limited Guarantee
Geoff James provided an update on the progress of this project and its complexities. Not much has progressed over the past 18 months due to resource and Covid issues. We will pick this up in the next year.
Votes for motions
Motions to re-elect the current members of the committee; maintain the £3 per year subscription; limits on committee expenditure and a cap on magazine expenditure, were all carried.
DEMOC – Democratically Elected Mayor of Croydon
The success of the DEMOC campaign was praised as it brought new hope that Kenley residents might be listened to by an elected mayor. The campaign in the south of the borough was mostly driven by residents associations and it was proposed a united lobby group might be formed from this alliance. However it was stressed that support for an elected mayor was across the borough, even in Labour strongholds, and that an attempt to unite supporters of DEMOC from the north and south should be considered.
Planning and the Good Growth Fund
Geoff James delivered his knowledge and thoughts on the Kenley Good Growth Fund, an initiative which had obviously passed most residents by, judging by the show of hands when asked who knew what it was.
A raft of ‘improvements’ to the local area, include new signage, road layouts, and the much needed but hugely disruptive flood relief to the Kenley Lane, Welcomes and Valley Road junction.
It is proposed to ‘one way’ downhill, the narrowest part of Hayes Lane, thus no entry from the bottom. This will inevitably move uphill traffic to Park Road and Hayes Lane. The one way section could lead to increased speeds and potential danger to pedestrians, although a ‘pedestrian only’ white line will be painted for their protection.
There was consternation at the proposal to reverse the one way system in Station Road and deny access to Kenley Station car park from Hayes Lane. Traffic from the hump bridge side would turn right onto the A22 (risky and busy at any time) then right again into Station Road from the A22, which would no doubt cause some obstruction, and along the length of Station Road. That’s instead of the 5 yards into the car park from Hayes Lane at present.
Geoff continued with tales of unrelenting intensification of Kenley by Croydon Council, and builders, some of whom he alleged were ignoring guidelines set out by the council. Based on existing granted and pending “intensified” planning applications – 56 houses are to be demolished or converted to create 508 new dwellings. The builder’s bonanza continues.
Any other business
On a lighter note, the Vicar at All Saints Church invited all Kenley residents to celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary on 7th November.
Also a reminder that the Remembrance Day Service will be held at the Kenley Airfield RAF Memorial on Sunday 14th November at 1.30pm.
Full and detailed minutes of the AGM will be available as soon as possible.
Become a member or join our committee
If you would like to join Kenley and District Residents Association please contact John 020 8668 0776 or email membership@kenleyra.org.uk