Our Goal!
“We aim to enhance Orchard Walk to create a safer, friendlier and more attractive environment for everyone”
Membership
The association is open to all residents of Orchard Cottags, irrespective of tenure.
Management
The management committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Information
We provide regular updates about our activities through our quarterly Newsletter and this Website.
Funding
We seek the support and goodwill of local residents, businesses and Kingston council.
Volunteering
We organise regular events for the improvement of the local area, if you wish to attend.
Improvements
We are always willing to listen to suggestions about any further improvements we can make.
With thanks to all our supporters.
Current Projects
As Friends of Orchard Walk and with all our fantastic supporters, we are engaged in various activities to achieve our goal of making Orchard Walk a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable space for everyone. Here are just some of the projects that we are attempting to tackle.
Network Rail Tunnel
The tunnel under the railway line is constantly targeted with Grafitti or Tagging activity which degrades the general area. Our opportunity is to add a more community driven creative space in this area, such as tiling or other decorative features that dissuades such activities. Please report Graffiti here.
Network Rail fence
Due to the low height and poor upkeep of the Network Rail fences running along Orchard Walk, the area is being used as a dumping ground by fly tippers and disinterested parties. Also because the area is inaccessible for clearance, the rubbish builds up and encourages further antisocial behaviour. This is a major factor in downgrading this key access route to services such as Churchill Medical Centre or shops such as Lidl. We are working with Network Rail to address this matter and will provide updates accordingly.
Network Rail Wall
The Wall leading to the railway tunnel is partially damaged and vandalised. Broken bricks are sometimes found on the path causing a trip hazard. We hope to work with Network Rail to repair the wall and prevent further degradation.
Public Waste Bins
On numerous occasions, the public waste bins located at either end of Orchard Walk are full to overflowing. We are working with Kingston Council to provide larger containers and better site the units for ease of use.
Cycling Prohibited
Although there are signs highlighting that cycling along Orchard Walk is prohibited, this doesn’t stop some from ignoring them, including occasional moped and e-bike riders, which is obviously a danger for young families and the elderly. We are working with Kingston Council to introduce further measures to encourage riders to dismount.
CCTV
To further enhance security and safety for both residents and visitors alike, we are working with Kingston Council for the deployment of CCTV deterrents.
General Upkeep
As part of our ongoing commitment to making the area better for everyone, we are working with all our supporters on a range of initiatives. From introducing improved signage, to engagement with local schools and businesses, as well as improvement to all green areas, general maintenance and litter removal.
“We aim to enhance Orchard Walk to create a cleaner, safer, more attractive environment for all residents and visitors.”.