Neighbourhood Wardens, jet washing, and a refurbished library are all results of the Balham Forum
Published: Thursday, March 19, 2026
We’ve started delivering improvements in direct response to your feedback about what you love about Balham and what could be even better.
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We set up the Balham Forum in November to find out what Balham means to you and what you are proud of, as well as hear your suggestions for what could be improved.
Since then, we’ve had hundreds of responses and are using it to help shape the Balham you want. So far improvements include:
You said safer streets is a priority. The new Balham Neighbourhood Wardens help keep the town centre clean and safe, help connect vulnerable people to services, provide reassurance and give local people an easy way to report issues. So far, they have dealt with graffiti, pavement cycling and shoplifting, and patrol hotspots at peak times, working in close partnership with the police and local businesses. Find out more
You asked for cleaner streets, so we are jet washing the town centre.
You want more space for community activities. We’re upgrading the top floor of Balham Library, which hosts activities and clubs as well as the children’s and teens’ libraries. Work is due to be finished by the summer. Find out more
You wanted more litter bins. We’ve installed 15.
You want the town centre to looker greener and brighter. We’ve installed planters on railings. Tell us what you think
We’ve increased CCTV coverage, including sending mobile units to streets where there have been reports of burglaries.
Leader of the council, Simon Hogg, said: “We know you want a cleaner, safer Balham where communities can come together. We’re carefully analysing all your feedback to make sure we make the change you want and need.
“The first phase of improvements has already started, and there is plenty more to come. Keep telling us your thoughts, and we will continue to work to deliver an even better Balham.”
The Balham Forum is a pilot engagement exercise. We want to know what you love about Balham and how it could be even better. Following the pilot, we will look to extend our engagement to other town centres around the borough.
