Bedford Hill gets £1m facelift

Bedford Hill is now looking greener thanks to a £1m facelift.

New trees and shrubs have been added to the area as the first of a two-stage improvement scheme is nearly completed.

A series of safety measures have been introduced plus new high-quality granite paving.

The project, shaped by a detailed public consultation carried out in 2018, involves a range of environmental upgrades between Balham Station Road and Balham Hill.

As well as upgraded pavements pedestrian safety has been enhanced with the construction of traffic calming entry treatments at its junctions with Harberson Road, Shipka Road, Sistova Road and Rossiter Road.

These entry treatments – which raise the road surface up to the same level as the pavement – are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and make it easier for wheelchair users and parents with small children in buggies to cross at these junctions.

Additional cycle parking has been introduced with unnecessary street furniture and clutter removed.

The second phase of the project, which will get underway shortly will see the introduction of a pedestrian crossing facility between the Bedford Pub and Balham Station Road, and a wider pavement created on the south west corner next to the railway wall.

The high-quality granite paving (pictured) used in phase one will continue to be used through the junction up to the railway bridge and also extending in front of the shops and businesses on Fernlea Road. The carriageway will then be resurfaced.

Funding for the scheme has come from the Wandsworth Local Fund – a levy on property developers that's used to fund improvements to the local area's infrastructure.

Councillor John Locker said: "This entire scheme has been shaped and inspired by the views of local people and businesses in the area who took part in our 2018 consultation.

"They told us they wanted the area smartened up to make it more attractive and boost local trade. We listened very carefully, secured the funding and have been getting on with the job of making a really positive difference to the look and feel of this important commercial and residential neighbourhood."