Not forgetting Fleur Anderson MP for Putney.A democratically voted MP as are the others I have highlighted all representing the will of their constituents."I have been campaigning for Hammersmith Bridge to reopen to vehicles for 4 years.It has been 4 long years of traffic misery and increased air pollution since Hammersmith Bridge closed in 2019. The cost of repairing the bridge has now spiralled to £250 million. When the bridge was first closed in 2019, the costs were estimated to be £40 million. By 2021, the cost of the council’s proposed solution had grown to £141 million. Now, nearly five years on, the costs have increased more than sixfold.I want to see the Bridge reopened. So far:I have led three Parliamentary debates on the need to reopen Hammersmith Bridge, highlighting the air-pollution and traffic chaos caused.I have held cross-party meetings with all MPs in area.I have spoken about Hammersmith Bridge 26 times in Parliament.I have met with Hammersmith and Fulham Council leaders, Wandsworth Council leaders, and Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance.I organised a a public day of action to demand the Bridge be reopened.I have handed in a petition to Parliament arguing for the reopening of the Bridge.I have launched a resident consultation on how the closure of Hammersmith Bridge has impacted residents, local business, schools and commuters.I back a solution where the bridge is reopened to vehicles, including buses, with safe cycle and pedestrian routes.Hammersmith and Fulham have handed in a business plan to the Government, which they are waiting to be signed off. In the meantime, as the Government dithers and delays, the costs of reopening Hammersmith Bridge continue to spiral."Come gather 'round people wherever you roamAnd admit that the waters around you have grownAnd accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the boneIf your time to you is worth savin'Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stoneFor the times, they are a-changin'"
Adrian Irving ● 289d