LISTER ON PUTNEY

Edward Lister is the Leader of Wandsworth Council and a member for Putney's Thamesfield ward.

I'm looking forward to the first ever 'open studios' event being hosted by artists in Putney from July 11. It's a variation on the popular open house and open gardens theme. Only this time you get the chance to buy some of the items on display!

It shows just what a rich and diverse artistic community we have in Putney - and why it is such good news that Putney School of Art and Design is to get a new roof-top studio. The school is booming these days and the new space will allow us to put on an extra 15 classes for local people.

The council's housing officers have been just as creative in finding extra space to build new affordable homes on the borough's estates. The latest to benefit is West Putney's Ashburton estate where old cleaners' stores are being converted into good standard accommodation. The 'hidden homes' programme is already on course to deliver 100 new homes for lcoal people.

Meanwhile the battle is hotting up over the Royal Parks Agency's latest bid to close both Robin Hood Gate and Pen Ponds car park. All three councils whose areas border the park will be consulting their own residents on the impact of these plans for restricting access to drivers.

Wandsworth's fears of extra traffic in Roehampton have been well documented. It seems absurd to us that the RPA should attempt to justify its proposed curbs on environmental grounds. Doesn't the environment of Roehampton matter?

The council will be running a vigorous campaign encouraging park users and local residents to respond directly to the RPA before the closing date on September 28.

One more date for the diary is October 9. That's when the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg will rule on the night flights case. The UK Government wants to overturn last year's judgment that these flights are a breach of human rights.

I find it sad that ministers should be putting so much into undoing this historic environmental decision when a similar amount of effort might actually come up with ways of rescheduling the 15 or so early morning arrivals that cause all the trouble.

And finally I must set the record straight on the Putney MP's casual assertion last week that the Home Office has paid for much of the borough's CCTV network.

Wandsworth council has spent more than £5m over the years on CCTV installations. Of this around £600,000 has come from the Government. The rest is all council money.

Edward Lister
Leader of the Council

You can contact Edward Lister at the Town Hall on 0208 871 6041 or by email at elister@wandsworth.gov.uk

New Surgeries - a new ways to meet your councillor plus the Leader expresses his concerns over the news of gun crimes in Putney ..... Cllr Lister's Diary

Jubilee celebrations, the 3 star service offered by Social Services and name change for Lavatory Gardens ...Cllr Lister's Diary.

The state of the NHS in Putney and the fight against night flights ....Cllr Lister's Diary

Pedestrian saftey - especially around schools and Neighbourhood watch .... Cllr Lister's diary

CAR TAX DODGERS DRYBURGH RD DEVELOPMENT ROBIN HOOD GATE AND NIGHT FLIGHTS..............Cllr Lister's diary

Church cheer, wharf worries and Richmond Park relief - Cllr Lister's diary.

Cllr Lister speaks against the Dryburgh Rd plans, the threat of clsing Pen Ponds to traffic and litter.

The Postal Service, Richmond Park and Council Tax changes are all on Cllr Lister agenda.

Cllr Lister comments on the current planning furore, pigeon mess, cctv and policing.

Cllr Lister writes on Pensioners Freedom Passes, good news re Hotham School, development progress at Ashlone Wharf and aircraft noise from Heathrow Airport.

Recent visit to the Leisure Centre was less than enjoyable - see forum.

Cllr Lister writes on the new school for the area, housing development and Heathrow.

Cllr Lister writes on developments at the Putney School of Art & Design, The Leisure Centre and the excellent league results for local schools.

Tony Colman MP for Putney speaks about current local issues