Engagement results for Station Avenue

Engagement results for Station Avenue

Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and speak to the project team in person or fill out our survey, either online or a hardcopy.

We have summarised the feedback from the engagement and want to share this with you as an update.

The engagement period ran from 20 November to 2 January 2026. During this time, we held two in person events, one at Soper Hall on 27 November and at the Caterham Christmas market on 29 November. We estimate approximately 500 people spoke to us across these two events.

Throughout the engagement period, we also promoted the online site and survey, using a mix of letters to residents, social media, posters and media coverage to ensure as many people had the opportunity to comment as possible.

Results

In total, we received 682 comments, including 23 paper copies. We also received 17 emails and 4 letters. 

The result for each question is broken down, showing the number and percentage for each option, and the total number of responses for that question. As the questions were not compulsory, not everyone answered each question. The data is also shown in graph format with a summary of the open-ended questions after. 

1a. I support changes to improve pedestrian safety on Station Avenue, such as widening pavements, adding a new pedestrian crossing and improving the existing pedestrian crossing

Overall, the proposal to improve pedestrian safety on Station Avenue, with pavement widening and a new pedestrian crossing was not supported, with only 16.2% of respondents agreeing with this statement. In comparison, 77.6% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement. 

Open-ended responses summary

The open-ended responses reflect the same opinion as the results from the statement above with a majority expressing strong opposition to the proposed changes, particularly widening the pavements and adding a second crossing. Other comments include the view that the current layout is sufficient and that there are no safety issues to resolve. There was a lot of concern than widening the pavement would reduce the road width and therefore cause increased traffic congestion in the area. 

The comments showed there was some support for improving the existing pedestrian crossing, and this was more popular than adding an additional crossing. 

2a. I support improving public spaces on Station Avenue by adding more greenery and seating for

Similarly with Q2, the overall result is that respondents do not agree with improving public spaces on Station Avenue with greenery and seating, with 64.2% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with the statement. 23.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement. 

Open-ended responses summary

The comments show that this part of the proposal was less unpopular with respondents than Q1, but many of the comments remain the same. In theory, people are supportive of increased greenery, as long as it is well-maintained, however, they don’t want seating at the expense of the road being narrowed. There are a number of comments regarding this being a waste of public funds, and scepticism about the quality of the work and the maintenance, specifically with reference to the work on Croydon Road. 

There are also comments regarding the lack of need for seating in that area, both because there are other seating areas nearby and because people would not want to sit by a road due to concerns around pollution and traffic fumes. 

3a. I support adding rain gardens and sustainable drainage solutions to help manage surface water flooding.

The data shows marginally more respondents support the addition of rain gardens and sustainable drainage solutions. Overall 42.9% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with this element, compared to 33.9% of respondents disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. 

Open-ended responses summary

The comments in this section show a more nuanced opinion. Whilst there is strong support for drainage improvements and solutions to be implemented, many feel rain gardens are not the right solution, or are not effective. There is also high frustration with the rain gardens introduced on Croydon Road, and a belief that they do not work and are unattractive. 

Again, there are comments that oppose any changes that would reduce the carriageway width and, as previously mentioned, there is concern regarding the quality of work on Croydon Road and a desire for this not to be repeated. As with other comments sections, some have expressed that they do not feel this is a good use of taxpayers’ money. There are also some people who are concerned about the ongoing maintenance of any rain gardens. 

There is a preference for more traditional flooding solutions, such as underground drains, gutters and soakaways, with regular maintenance of these. 

4a. I support changing the bus stop layout and improving the bus shelters on Station Avenue.

The data for this shows a lack of support for changing the bus stop layouts and shelters on Station Avenue with 67.8% of respondents against the change, compared to 17.7% in support. 

Open-ended responses summary 

As per previous comment sections, there is an overall opinion that the carriageway should not be narrowed due to the belief that this would increase congestion and air pollution. 

Many feel there is a need for off-carriageway bus laybys, either full or half width, to enable other vehicles to pass buses while they are at the stops. Respondents report that buses are often waiting at the stops for prolonged periods, especially at peak hours or when accommodating passengers with limited mobility. 

There is some, limited, support for improved pedestrian spaces and shelters, but only if it does not negatively impact the carriageway. 

5a. I support changing the taxi rank layout to allow space for a new pedestrian crossing.

There is strong opposition to changing the taxi rank layout with 72.6% of respondents disagreeing with the proposal compared to 17.2% of respondents supporting the change. 

Open-ended responses summary

The comments reflect the data on this question – mainly that there is strong opposition to changing the taxi rank layout. The primary reasons given are a concern for safety, especially at night and for women and other vulnerable people or those with luggage. 

The proposal to move the taxi rank was based on the proposal to add a new pedestrian crossing, which many feel is unnecessary, coupled with a belief that it will increase congestion. 

In line with responses to other questions, a number of respondents have commented that the scheme is a waste of taxpayers’ money and/ or that the current layout is adequate and does not need changing. 

6a. I support relocating the fountain to its original location to be better enjoyed by residents.

Unlike most of the rest of this scheme, the highest category on this question is people who are neutral on the matter, with 33.1% of responses. However, overall, 40.7% of respondents either disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to move the fountain, compared to 26.3% who agree or strongly agree with the proposal, which would suggest the change is still unsupported. 

Open ended responses summary 

The comments seem to suggest that those who disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal do so due to the sense that the work is unnecessary and a waste of money to do so, rather than an objection to the concept of moving it. 

There are some concerns that moving the fountain could damage it or that it wouldn’t be safe in the middle of a roundabout (risk of damage from vehicles). There are also some concerns about what will happen to the clock. 

There are some supportive comments for relocating the fountain, mainly to increase its prominence and improve the attractiveness of the area. There are also suggestions to improve the current site and restore the fountain to working order, or to relocation to another public space, such as a park. 

Conclusion and next steps

The project team, including Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and Caterham BID (Caterham Valley for you), are now reviewing the feedback against the project objectives. 

The team will be looking to see if the proposals can be modified to still deliver improvements for Caterham, while taking on board the comments made through the engagement process. Once revisions have been made, we will carry out further public engagement before determining next steps.