EastSheenMatters

The proposals for this development were highlighted on EastSheenMatters on 23 June 2026.

Local concern has now been expressed about the planned removal of the paddling pool. The pool has been part of Vine Road Recreation Ground for around 90 years. It is well used by local residents during the summer.

One of the aspects that has prompted debate locally is the reasoning behind the decision. Residents have been told that there isn’t funding to address the paddling pool’s drainage issues, while at the same time the wider scheme includes significant investment in new facilities, including a skate park, pavilion and other improvements. Whether that represents the right set of priorities is, of course, a matter for public discussion.

It has been said that the existing pool is “considered unsafe.” But no evidence has been made public for that assertion. And the Council budget appears to show that annual repairs are provided for until 2030.

A new planning application will be necessary. The plans would replace it with a different water feature. On the face of it that is strange because the Council Management Plan specifically comments on the popularity of the paddling pool.

For further information see Vine Road Rec Management Plan 2026-30

The blessing of the River Thames on Sunday 16th August at 11.00am – gather at Jubilee
Gardens for an outdoor service, to include blessing of the river, singing and fellowship.

Light refreshments afterwards – bring & share finger food.

There will be no 10.00am service that day – Holy Communion will be at 8.00am at St Mary’s.

Fine gardening at the junction of Sheen Lane and Sheen Gate Gardens

An appropriate model for the celebration with the FiSH Choir behind.

Deputy Mayor Matthew Wherry addresses the gathering.

Tim Catchpole, Chairman of the Mortlake With East Sheen Society, presenting Stationmaster Daniel Opoku, with a rare celebratory MESS mug

Daniel responding to the award and with Railway Chaplain Christopher Henley

Definitively! And you can now buy model cars! Opposite Mortlake Station.

Or before!

The Times reports today that a Nextbase (a dashcam company) research study found that more than half e-bike riders failed to stop at red lights. East Sheen and Mortlake residents might think that is a conservative estimate by local standards.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the research is that numbers have increased from 45 % to 54 % since a similar study last year. But that is not surprising. Accustomisation to law-breaking and lack of enforcement of the law create a culture where it becomes acceptable.

City of London Police figures for April 2025 to March 2026 show that they issued 1315 fixed penalty notices for cyclists going through red lights, compared to 643 in the same period the previous financial year.  Locally the police have persistently said that they cannot enforce the law. See for example the Police Liaison Group minutes published on 15 March 2026. https://childlawobserver10.com/2026/03/15/east-sheen-police-liaison-group-summary-minutes/

Which is worse – running the red light or cycling on the pavement? Both illegal of course.

At least if you as a pedestrian are crossing when you are advised it is safe to do so, you will be aware that you are on a road where there is traffic.

How much worse is it when you are walking along the pavement where you believe yourself to be entirely safe, only to find you are faced with a cyclist coming straight at you or suddenly arriving close behind you.

Research on pavement cycling: that would be interesting.