LISTER ON PUTNEY

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

What a let down the new 485 bus route has proved.

I know many local people, particularly those living around the Lower Richmond Road, were looking forward to at last having a direct link to Barnes and Hammersmith.

But a service that does not run before 9am is not much use to students trying to get to school.

The company say they will be reviewing the route. I have already written pressing them to step up the frequency. Local campaigners worked hard to get this route on the map - so now let's pile on the pressure for a proper service!

Regular PutneySW15.com visitors will know the strong line the council has taken on plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

This is a real quality of life issue for Putney. Indeed when the council polled borough residents more people responded from SW15 than any other part of the borough. Overall nine out of ten opposed expansion at Heathrow with Putney people expressing the most concern.

With the publication of a new consultation document including for the first time a Gatwick option, we now have a fresh opportunity to influence the transport secretary's thinking on this crucial decision.

To keep up with the debate visit the council's website on www.wandsworth.gov.uk/aviation.

It may be red nose day as I pen this column but it's 'orange sack day' that's occupying the attentions of recycling staff at the Town Hall. Monday March 31 will see the launch of the borough's first ever single sack collection service for recycled household waste.

Putney's turn will come later in the week on Friday and Saturday. Our new orange-clad recycling vehicles will be out on the normal collection days picking up orange sacks full of paper, card, glass, cans and plastic bottles.

It's a much simpler way of bagging up our waste - and there's no need to use different coloured sacks. If the orange sacks catch on we could be on the way to doubling the amount of waste we recycle in the borough.

If you haven't tried the Farmers Market at St Mary's Church recently than why not pop down next Friday. Town centre manager Louise Farshchi-Heidari tells me they've attracted some exciting new stallholders offering a mouth-watering array of fresh fish, meat and vegetables.

The market's such a success that there's a chance it could move to Saturdays.

Finally there's a new day for the Boat Race this year. It takes place on Sunday April 6 at 4.30pm. The festivities run throughout the weekend with many local bars and restaurants hosting events as part of the Putney music festival - now in its sixth year.

It's a great way to support local businesses and have some fun at the same time!

Edward Lister

elister@wandsworth.gov.uk

14th March 2003

"committed to keeping our bills as low as is sensibly possible"....Cllr Lister's Diary

There's not a council in the country that looks after its residents' money as carefully as Wandsworth........Cllr Lister's Diary

New school, new homes and a new-look park in 2003 ......Cllr Lister's New Year Message

A week of great achievements as both the Council and many of Putney's schools exceed in their individual grading systems. Whilst the failure of a resident management organisation (RMO) gives the Council concern.......Cllr Lister's Diary

Cllr Lister is not cheered by the Queens Speech nor the Chancellor's pre-budget statement..........Cllr Lister's Diary

Cllr Lister's Diary declares war on fly posters, and draws our attention to Connexions investment in Roehampton.

anti-third runway meeting bonfires and planning alert system.........Cllr Lister's Diary

Busy October 2002..........Cllr Lister's Diary .

Redevelopment of Roehampton Rec, the completion of Ashlone Wharf plus taking up the baton for a link between the Rail station & East Putney Tube........Cllr Lister's Diary .

Local impact of government housing policy, crime and news on Richmond Park...... Cllr Lister's Diary .

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 safety - 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 closing 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