A Surbiton councillor wants Maple Road added to the list of experimental ‘low-traffic neighbourhoods’ to create safer pedestrian space, boost pubs and restaurants, and allow the farmers’ market (still in abeyance since lockdown) to thrive.

Green councillor Sharron Sumner wants a vehicle barrier installed by Maple Infants’ and St Andrew’s & St Mark’s junior schools.

We all remember the quiet roads during lockdown,” she said. “I think local people deserve that all year round. With popular shops, pubs, restaurants as well as the farmers’ market all needing space to socially distance, we have a great opportunity to boost local business, reduce pollution and provide more people space.”

She’s pushing at an open door. Kingston Council has already embraced the concept of discouraging ‘through’ traffic, to promote safer cycling and walking, and is just starting trials in five streets including King Charles Road … but Cllr Sumner wants the local authority to be even bolder.

The effect of a barrier, she says, would be to push through traffic back to Portsmouth Road. “Residents have noticed an increase in through traffic on Maple Road since the opening of the Portsmouth Road cycle path,” she said.

“The road was blissfully empty during lockdown, and my son and I were able to ride along Maple Road safely for the first time ever. He’s a bit wobbly!”

She said the benefits to the Maple Village restaurants and bars would be huge, with parking, access and deliveries worked out “with a little imagination”.

She added: “One major benefit would be that the farmers’ market could operate more freely, and possibly on a larger scale. It would also give the schools more space for social distancing during drop-off and pick-up and, of course, give Maple Village some public realm and a very cosmopolitan feel.”

Organisers of the farmers’ market are upbeat about the prospects for an October return.