On Saturday, 1 February, Kingston and Surbiton MP, Ed Davey, attended the launch of the Fruit Route/Orchard Project on Alpha Road Estate.

The Project starts in the Alpha Road Estate and goes down to the orchard in Fishponds Park. 

The Fruit Route/Orchard Project was initially pioneered by Mary Parmar and the Alpha Road Resident Association who initially asked the Royal Borough of Kingston Council if they could clear a piece of unused land in the Shalston Villas to plant fruit trees.

Prior to the Fruit Route/Orchard project, the area had been used for fly tipping, including the dumping of asbestos. 

Alongside the Alpha Road Resident Association, the project came together with over sixteen volunteers and the support of Councillors Tom Reeve and Anita Schaper. 

Following the launch of the Fruit Tree Project, Ed Davey MP said: "I was delighted to join the launch of the Fruit Route/Orchard Project with the Alpha Road Residents Association, and others, on the estate.

"It is so always so special to see the community come together to utilise green space in a more positive and creative way. 

"Thank you to everyone who brought this fantastic scheme to life."