A Malden Rushett bypass, Kingstonian’s new home, escalating rents and hanging flower baskets were all debated as residents gathered in the hope of turning Hook into somewhere they can “take pride in”.

Surrey Comet:

Kingston MP James Berry and Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis hosted the meeting at the Hook Centre on Thursday, where about 50 residents, including councillors and business owners, put forward their ideas about how to rejuvenate Hook Parade.

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Cllr Davis said: “We have been aware for some time of the issues around Hook Parade and looking at its long-term future.

“This could be a time to think about what bigger things can happen for the area. If we don’t fight for it, it definitely won’t happen.”

Residents said they worried that the arrival of Crossrail 2 to Chessington South station and Kingstonian’s proposed move to Chessington Golf Centre would worsen the already “awful” traffic in the road.

Kingston Council is currently considering plans for a bypass connecting the A3 and A243 at Malden Rushett to alleviate traffic, though concrete proposals have yet to be put forward.

Cllr Davis said: “This road is going to get worse over the next over the next 10 years and there is nothing to do about it.

“I don’t think it’s the case that Kingstonian are going to be a problem. They have a very small number of supporters. If there are serious issues around transport they won’t get the planning permission.”

Business owners in the parade raised issues about parking measures distracting customers, a lack of big brand stores and rising rents. 

Cllr Davis and Mr Berry promised to meet with landlords to discuss potential changes, including the possibility of knocking through the walls of shops to make larger stores in a bid to attract bigger names to the area.

Steve McManus, butcher at Surrey Premier Meats, said: “At the moment I’m paying £200 a week [in business rates]. If they’re going to put the rents up I’m going to pull out, we can’t do it anymore.”

Rent is more than £400 a week, he added.

Residents also proposed more community activities, such as jumble sales, a market or film screenings as well as the introduction of hanging baskets, better lighting and window boxes.