The Royal Holloway & Runnymede Consultative Group (RHRCG) Working Groups on Antisocial Behaviour, Transport and Parking, and Student Accommodation have completed their first phase of work.
Local volunteers taking part in a community litter pick.
Background
Earlier this year, the Royal Holloway & Runnymede Consultative Group (RHRCG) set up three themed Working Groups to look more closely at some of the issues raised through the regular meetings. The groups focused on Antisocial Behaviour, Transport and Parking, and Student Accommodation. They brought together local councillors, residents’ associations, Surrey Police, Runnymede Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Royal Holloway and the Students’ Union.
Purpose and Process
The aim was to create space for more detailed conversations, to listen to different perspectives, and to agree on some practical actions that could be taken forward together. Over the spring and summer, the groups met regularly to share views and test ideas. They have now concluded this phase of work and developed a joint action plan for 2025–26.
Antisocial Behaviour
The group looked at clearer communications for both students and residents, including better information on expected behaviours and how to report concerns. They also discussed preventative measures, such as producing short videos featuring local residents to help raise awareness about noise and behaviour, and making sure reporting routes are consistent and accessible.
Transport and Parking
The group considered options for resident parking schemes, the possibility of opening up campus car parks for local use at certain times, and the need for safer walking and cycling routes. These discussions will feed into Surrey County Council’s wider planning work, and local concerns about issues such as the A30 were highlighted for further action.
Student Accommodation
The group explored how better information can be shared with the community, including an annual overview of student numbers and commuting patterns. They also discussed the balance between student housing and the wider local housing mix, and how upcoming planning and policy changes may affect this.
Next Steps
As we move into the delivery stage, progress against the action plan will be reviewed regularly at the main RHRCG meetings. The specific actions agreed will have leads drawn from across the RHRCG membership. Building on the co-operation and shared ownership established through the Working Groups will be essential for success. Updates will be provided by those responsible, and summary information will continue to be shared with the wider community through the Community Matters newsletter and the community pages on Royal Holloway’s website.
Future Updates
The Working Groups have been a useful way of bringing people together to focus on specific issues, hear different perspectives, and identify where joint action is possible. The action plan is the outcome of this process, and the commitment now is to ensure that the agreed actions are taken forward collectively.
The plan will be finalised for approval at the October RHRCG meeting, and updates will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis. This is a living piece of work, and further updates will be shared with the wider local community after the October meeting.
