Anti-social behaviour on Roundshaw Downs has been going on for too long with no dedicated plan from Sutton Council to make the area safer for residents.
As someone who uses the Downs frequently to walk my two dogs, I know just how frustrating the ongoing issues are with motorbikes, crime and anti-social behaviour. This issue is something I have worked on consistently since becoming MP for Carshalton and Wallington, including raising the Downs in Parliament, with the local Borough Commander, and with Sutton and Croydon Council.
Frustratingly, Sutton and Croydon Council have not been forthcoming to collaborate towards finding a solution for the residents of Roundshaw and even blocked me from attending a joint meeting last year.
The Police, to their credit, have been more engaged and have increased patrols to the area. However, they've confessed that there's a limit to what they can do when access to the Downs is so easy and there are so many entry points. Sutton and Croydon Council must therefore step-up and put the measures in place to stop motorbikes accessing the Downs in the first place.
Your local Conservative GLA Member, Neil Garratt, has been the only person working tirelessly on this issue from the start; pushing both Councils to come up with an action plan which is in the best interests of local residents.
I'm pleased to report that the Council has finally started to listen and is considering installing motorcycle barriers at entrances to the Downs and the Open Space. These barriers will allow pedestrians and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs to enter, but will stop motorcycles from gaining access.
You can respond to their survey here.
I will continue to push both Sutton and Croydon Council on this issue to protect residents from anti-social behaviour and ensure the Downs is a safe space for all residents to use.
If you would like to discuss this issue further, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at elliot.colburn.mp@parliament.uk.
