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 Cottages and adjacent properties, irrespective of tenure.
Management
The management committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Information
We provide regular updates about our activities through 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 along 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 graffiti which degrades the area as a whole.
Update: After a great deal of discussion it was decided to preserve the tunnel’s original brickwork as best we can and as a community address the graffiti with the help of Kingston Council. Please report graffiti here.
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Network Rail fence
Due to the low height and poor upkeep of the Network Rail fence running along Orchard Walk, the area has become a magnet for casual littering and fly-tipping. 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.
Update: Following pressure from this group and our local councillor, the fence has been replaced.
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.
Update: The wall has now been repaired.
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 is often ignored which can be a danger for young families and the elderly.
CCTV
To further enhance security and safety for both residents and visitors alike, we are lobbying Kingston Council for the deployment of CCTV deterrents.
General Upkeep
We encourage all members of the community to keep the area clean and tidy.
“We aim to enhance Orchard Walk to create a cleaner, safer, more attractive environment for all residents and visitors.”.