Seething Wells Filter bed

This site as you enter Surbiron is a complete eyesore after 25 yrs of inaction. It could be an excellent open space for the public  to enjoy next to the river. Also it should be returned to a wildlife haven as it was 3-6 yrs ago before being vandalised by the owners . Time for RBK to share that vision without delay. It has MOL and SINC status and therefore has protections - RBK need to act!!

Why the contribution is important

An huge open space for the public to enjoy on what is a very historic site- brought clean water to London in mid 1800's. We have seen before the destruction how it became a wonderful wildlife haven with 60 varieties of birds. There is a big bat colony too!

by Herby258 on April 23, 2024 at 01:42PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 16 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Akas22 August 20, 2024 at 16:09

    As it is in private ownership the only way this will be transformed into a green and pleasant area is if it is bought from the owners. Various Councillors and at least one Planner, know how this can be funded, but they seem too scared or too busy or both to do anything about it.

  • Posted by KNBD September 27, 2024 at 10:11

    Definitely requires action. 25 years of inaction is not acceptable to the public and a potential amenity is an eyesore.

  • Posted by fingertrouble October 28, 2024 at 21:54

    Justice for Seething Wells, it shouldn't be like that, and a nature park. I remember as it was.

  • Posted by DRattle November 23, 2024 at 10:44

    Seething Wells is one of the most historical and environmentally important sites in Surbiton. It has been awful to watch it being systematically destroyed over the past 6 years by the owners. Do they think that if they destroy it to the point where it is so bad the community will agree to anything rather than keep it like this? Wrong, Surbiton is a strong, close knit community and we will not let that happen. Kingston Council need to be at the driving centre of what happens to Seething Wells, it is crying out for help. Since the land is already designated as Metropolitan Open Land why not make it a beautiful wildlife site for the community as we have been asking for? Please Kingston Council, do the right thing for Surbiton.

  • Posted by Flis November 23, 2024 at 12:41

    Would be brilliant if bought off the owners.
    There must be some funding already - the fines the owners should have paid to the council for not keeping the protected victorian railings and building in good state. Per week they didn't start work over the deadline was thousands of pounds of fines. Maybe the council has fined them. I am not sure where those funds go.

    Have some for wildlife exclusively.

    Have some for the public to enjoy at any time
    (I remember one of the first planning applications, the developers added up each tiny square foot of green - ie between car parking spaces - and flats and the total green space sounded great - but it was totally useless. They said public access. But the key to the gate had to be booked in advance and I think collected and returned to Claygate or somewhere stupid.)

    Have some areas for schools, groups, birdwatching, university and college and education.
     (schools can't afford to rent a coach to go to the Barnes Wetlands and pay entry - I was a local school bursar, we had to stop that)

    Have an education centre and cafe/restaurant to self fund the upkeep of the rest of the area.

    Possibly a lido. There used to be a lido near Harts Boatyard or boat rentals? years ago. It could reduce the number of drowned youngsters that go to cool off in the river.

      Have a bridge over the river to the other side? (I did hear there is a tunnel from just up the road by the Ferry Tavern?)

    Sure there must be funding pots and grants and sponsorship that could be found to assist the council. Certainly volunteers to take it further.

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