Our first community meeting

Written By rossalyn warren

Community Meeting Notes 12/10/2026

Below are notes taken during the first public meeting on Monday 12th of October 2026. The meeting was organised and held by St Mary’s Church, St Gabriels Church, and Wood Street for Families.

1. Organising our campaigns and working with the council

  • Split the ideas into things that need council involvement and things that can be achieved without the council.

  • For example, planting, trees and street lighting.

  • Can we approach the council with specific proposals and make a case for them? Street lighting, for example.

  • TfL, Network Rail and the MP – particularly in relation to installing a lift at the station.

  • Start a petition to demonstrate public support.

  • The walkway could be a potential solution or alternative in relation to the station lift.

2. Supporting Wood Street’s local businesses

Bringing new businesses to life and protecting existing ones

  • Commercial spaces are vacant.

  • How can we encourage new businesses into the area?

  • What can be done about rent for existing businesses, such as Wood Street Bakery?

  • What can be done about commercial rents more broadly?

  • Who owns the commercial parking?

  • Could developing currently vacant spaces help bring more people to Wood Street?

  • How can we create a welcoming environment for new businesses?

  • How do we increase footfall?

  • How can businesses contribute to a more inclusive and thriving local community?

3. Parking and its impact on local businesses

  • The introduction of 15-minute parking has had a negative impact on the high street?

  • Can we measure the impact of parking restrictions on Wood Street?

  • Carry out a data-led test or assessment of parking.

  • Which businesses support retaining car parking spaces?

  • Ask businesses directly about their experiences and whether parking helps or hinders trade.

  • How can we balance road safety, access, parking and the need to sustain local businesses?

4. Road safety and traffic

Specific concerns and ideas

  • Hyperlocal shopping versus having to drive elsewhere.

  • Deliveries are an issue – how many people actually need them?

  • Make the road smaller / narrower.

  • Smiley-face speed sign, showing drivers their speed against the 20 mph limit. Potentially install this on Church Hill.

  • Speed humps – at the top of the hill.

  • Work with ambulances / emergency services when considering speed humps.

  • Road layout and traffic-calming improvements.

Working with the community

  • The community is already making improvements and is willing to invest in the area.

  • How can the council recognise and support these efforts?

5. Community engagement and participation

  • Vary the times of meetings so that more people can attend.

  • Offer online meetings.

  • Think about how to make participation easier for different families and residents.

  • Build wider community support around individual issues.

  • Use petitions where appropriate.

  • Work with existing local organisations, churches and businesses.

6. Campaigns and possible next steps

Station accessibility: Explore the lift proposal with TfL, Network Rail and the MP.

Petition: Seek advice from Stephanie about organising a petition.

Street improvements: Separate council-dependent proposals from community-led improvements.

Road safety: Explore traffic calming, speed signs and road narrowing.

Parking: Gather evidence of the impact of 15-minute parking.

Businesses: Speak to traders about parking, rents and footfall.

Vacant premises: Explore how to attract and support new businesses.

Community participation: Vary meeting times and offer online attendance.

Council engagement: Build evidence and public support for specific proposals.

rossalyn warren