Kingston Vale - Definition and Overview

Kingston Vale is place in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It is leafy residential area nestling between Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Coombe Hill. It is located to the south west of London. Kingston Vale has good transport links being adjacent to the A3 trunk road (formerly known as the "Kingston by-pass") as well as Kingston Hill.

It has an active local amenity group - the Kingston Vale Residents Association (KVRA). This is a democratic body which deals with matters such as planning, conservation, transport, environment and social. There is a popular newsletter known as the "Bottom Line". This took its name from the original Middle Ages name of the area: Kingston Bottom. The name was changed to Kingston Vale in Victorian times apparently to save some blushes.

The main issues of local concern in recent years derive from the soaring property prices of the area. This has led to amenities such as the two pubs and the one petrol station being closed down for redevelopment. Paradoxically, the attractiveness of the area has led to its amenities being depleted.