Chessington District Residents' Association
Working for the residents in the South of the Borough of Kingston upon Thames
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 26th February to share views on safety across the borough. Your input directly guides local priorities and partnership work.
The historic drinking fountain at King Edward’s rec has been given a new lease of life thanks to a joint restoration project by Kingston Council and the Heritage of London Trust. Once one of hundreds across London, the 1906 fountain had fallen into disrepair after decades of disuse. Now fully restored – complete with new granite carvings, fresh gilding and updated plumbing – it once again stands proud in Chessington, celebrating over a century of local history.
Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. In the UK alone, there are more than 1,500 clubs and around 90,000 people take part. The rules couldn’t be simpler: it’s football played at a gentler pace, with no running and no physical contact.
We’re delighted to be able to provide two new community benches for the residents of Chessington as part of CDRA’s 50th anniversary this year. The benches – one at Hook Parade and one at North Parade – were installed in November. We hope they will offer residents a lasting place to pause, reflect and connect.
The festive season has arrived in Chessington, and there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found right here in our community. From local fairs and carol services to light displays and family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at what’s happening in and around Chessington this Christmas and make the most of the celebrations close to home.
This Christmas, Kingston Giving is calling on local residents and businesses to support their Everyone Deserves a Better Christmas campaign to fund 20 community grants focused on strengthening family wellbeing.
Local residents have expressed concerns to CDRA regarding the increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Chessington. One specific case involves a former family home on Hook Road that has recently been converted into an HMO following a loft extension and rear development.
The new flood alleviation basin at Sir Francis Barker Recreation Ground, Leatherhead Road, Chessington is now complete, providing vital protection for local homes against flooding. The tennis court at the rec has been refurbished with a new surface. The flood basin has been dedicated to the late Christine Stuart, former councillor for Chessington South and Malden Rushett, whose vision and commitment were key to getting the project underway.
We’re delighted that residents’ memories of Chessington, collected to mark CDRA’s 50th anniversary, are now on show at the Hook Centre until the end of October. Huge thanks to Leon and Fran at Hook and Chessington Library for their support.