Chessington District Residents' Association
Working for the residents in the South of the Borough of Kingston upon Thames
CDRA has been increasingly concerned about the lack of care, investment and oversight at Charles Lesser House, Chessington’s only council‑owned and managed accommodation for residents aged over 55. For some time, residents have raised serious worries about safety, security and poor communication, and we have repeatedly tried to advocate on their behalf.
Residents have long called for the 281 bus to serve Cox Lane Business Park, as it did in the 1970s. Although Transport for London (TfL) extended the route to Tolworth station in July 2024, it still stops short of the business park and the growing nature reserve at Tolworth Court Farm Fields.
At a recent Safer Neighbourhood Committee meeting, it was revealed that Kingston’s Volunteer Police Cadet numbers have fallen from around 100 to just 30. That means there’s now a brilliant opportunity for young people to step forward, try something new and gain experiences that genuinely build confidence, skills and independence.
Acting Sergeant Oli Shearer was warmly thanked for his service at the South of the Borough Police Ward Panel meeting on 18th February 2026, where residents and colleagues gathered to wish him well. Oli has led our Safer Neighbourhood Team for the past three and a half years, during which he has been a visible and committed presence across the area.
We’re delighted that residents’ memories of Chessington, collected to mark CDRA’s 50th anniversary last year, will be on show at the King’s Centre in Coppard Gardens from 20th February to 22nd March 2026. Thanks to Ben and Sarah at the King’s Centre for their support.
Kingston Council has issued an update on the borough’s long‑delayed new Local Plan, following the Place Committee meeting on 5th February 2026. Every council must have a Local Plan to set out how the area will develop in the years ahead. Kingston’s has been repeatedly delayed, but the council says work is now underway on a new plan that will outline what the borough will look like over the next 20 years.
The Friends of King Edward’s Park – a growing group of local volunteers who came together in May 2025 – are keen to welcome new members.
The Friends formed in response to the recent investment in the park by Kingston Council, donated to and championed by a board member of local property company Ransoms.
Three Sussex cows were released onto Tolworth Court Farm Fields on 10th February 2026, marking the first time in over fifty years that cattle have grazed here. The animals are free‑roaming and will eventually be joined by pigs for a couple of months each year. Their different grazing habits will boost plant diversity, aerate the soil and create a mosaic of habitats. Together, they will help shape a dynamic ecosystem within Kingston’s largest nature reserve, restoring ecological balance and supporting a healthier environment for wildlife and people.
Free travel for older residents in Chessington is under pressure as London’s Freedom Pass faces renewed examination. The scheme, funded by all 33 London boroughs, is set to cost £372m from April — an 11.8% rise — leading councils to warn that the current model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
Kingston Council’s Community Safety Team wants to hear from you. Their 2025/26 survey is now open, and residents aged 16+ have until 25th March to share views on safety across the borough. Your input directly guides local priorities and partnership work.