Storms and high winds on 9 March left Stonecot Hill mostly unscathed despite the dire predictions of the weathermen. But this wall and fence in Woodstock Rise took a tumble, leaving the owners with a big clean-up job and (we hope) their insurers with the bill.

A shop window has been smashed after being hit by an air rifle fired by a man in a passing van. No-one was hurt in the incident which happened while the shop was open but the window will need to be replaced. Sutton Police are investigating.

Did you see this incident or have you seen anything similar elsewhere? Do you know who might be responsible? Call Sutton Police on 020 8643 1212 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A bogus charity clothes recycling bank has been removed by Sutton Council. Operators Green World Recycling had not sought planning permission before leaving it on the pavement outside Favorite Chicken on Stonecot Hill.

According to the operators, proceeds from the sale of the donated goods would be given towards “essential environmental projects” run by the Gaia Movement Trust — after operating costs had been deducted. But an investigation by the Independent in 2000 found that no money from the proceeds of recycling had been donated to charity during the first three years of operation.

Neither Green World Recycling nor the Gaia Movement Trust are registered as charities in England. Its predecessor organisation, Humana UK, which ran similar clothes recycling schemes, was closed down by the Charity Commission in 1999.

Transport for London has bought 21 new vehicle removal trucks and opened nine new car pounds to crack down on illegally-parked vehicles causing congestion and hazards on London’s Red Routes. That’s one truck for every 17 miles of Red Route.

Launching the scheme on 27 February, head of enforcement at TfL Patrick Troy said, “Our new [towaway] vehicles will help keep London’s busiest roads clear and the traffic moving.”

But the story on the ground has been very different. In the two weeks since the London Wide Removals Service started, TfL have tried to remove six vehicles from Stonecot Hill, none of which were obstructing traffic flow or causing a safety hazard. While all were technically breaking the law, they were safely away from the traffic on the main road in marked loading bays.

Now concern is growing over obstructions and hazards caused by TfL’s own removal vehicles.

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Transport for London’s consultation with local residents and businesses about parking on the A24 Red Route has been delayed until after the London mayoral and GLA elections on 1st May. The authority has a policy of not conducting politically-sensitive consultations close to an election so as to not influence or to be seen to be influencing the vote.

Over 2000 residents, traders and visitors to Stonecot Hill signed a petition in August 2007 asking for a review of local parking arrangements which were felt not to reflect the needs of local people.