A ward in Kingston has reached a remarkable milestone.

Once an area facing its fair share of challenges, Old Malden has now been officially ranked as one of the top three safest wards across London out of more than 650, based on a Metropolitan Police all crime report data for every ward between February and July 2025.

This achievement reflects years of consistent work by councillors Mike Massimi and Elizabeth Park, who have worked closely with the police, emergency services and residents to strengthen community safety and wellbeing.

Their approach has transformed Old Malden into a model of prevention, preparedness and resilience.

A lifesaving network for the community

"Safety in Old Malden is not just about policing," says Cllr Massimi.

Cllr Massimi has reinvested his councillor grant year after year to create one of the largest 24/7 public access defibrillator and bleed control kit networks in South London measured as units per thousand residents.

Last week, the tenth defibrillator cabinet was installed, a major step forward in extending coverage across the ward.

More than 170 local residents have also received free CPR and defibrillator training through sessions organised with St John Ambulance. These workshops give people of all ages the confidence and skills to save lives when every second counts.

Each defibrillator installation has been paired with a bleed control kit, designed to provide vital trauma care in emergencies such as road traffic accidents or DIY incidents. A dedicated bleed control cabinet has also been placed at Old Malden Library, making life saving resources even more accessible.

The latest unit highlights innovation in urban design. Working with the Council's Street Lighting Design and Delivery team, Old Malden has pioneered a model where reinforced lamp posts are adapted to house defibrillator cabinets, powered by the streetlight network to keep them at the constant temperature required.

This makes it possible to extend the network into areas without public buildings or existing power sources.

The councillors have also supported the installation of three throw bag stations along the Hogsmill River. This protected chalk stream, which appears calm for much of the year, can suddenly rise and become dangerous during flash floods and heavy rain.

Three throwbags have been installed alomg Hogsmill River (Credit: Cllr Mike Massimi)

The throw bag stations add another layer of protection and preparedness for residents.

Building a safer, stronger community

With a clear focus on prevention and resilience, Old Malden continues to show what local wards can achieve. From crime reduction to creative safety measures, councillors Massimi and Park are demonstrating how proactive leadership, community collaboration and practical investment can make a real difference.

Old Malden is not just a safer ward; it is fast becoming a benchmark for innovation in community safety across London.