Hello,

Here's my latest MP update - Parliament's back and there's never a dull day, whether I'm in Westminster or back home in the constituency.

Civil Aviation Bill – Movements Limit Stays in Place, All Day Flights Consultation Delayed
Many PutneySW15 readers will be aware that recently, the Government agreed to scrap the clause in the Civil Aviation bill to remove the movements limit on how many planes can fly into and out of Heathrow every day.  My first amendment to any bill as a new MP was to propose to delete that clause allowing more flights, so it was a relief to see the government finally backing down and proposing to delete the clause itself.  So many people and groups were involved in the campaign against night flights - Wandsworth Council, the Putney Society, thousands of local people - it was people power that won out.  The planned consultation on all day flights is also delayed - but I understand it's still on the agenda, and is now expected it early next year, unfortunately - the battle goes on!

Meeting with Metronet
I met with Metronet senior management (Metronet look after infrastructure and trains for London Underground), to find out what is being done to improve services locally. East Putney Station is due to be refurbished/modernised in 2009, but planning is already underway, which is very encouraging.  If you use East Putney Station and have suggestions about what needs to be improved, please do let me know – you can find my contact details below. I'll make sure they all get fed into the planning process and do my best to make sure they are addressed when the station is modernised.

London Underground have told me that the planning application for Southfields station lift is with the Council and work is due to begin in the early months of next year.

Metronet re-confirmed that vital improvements such as new trains and works on track are not planned until 2012. It is incredibly frustrating that these improvements are going to take so long to take effect.  Like lots of residents, I use the tube service every day to get to work, so its depressing, not to mention unacceptable, to think we've got 6 long years to wait for improvents.  2012 is the date in the contract between London Underground and Metronet, but I'm doing what I can to get the works brought forward.

Sewage dumping in the Thames
As I wrote in my last update, the recent rain downpours have caused a massive amount of sewage to flow directly into the Thames causing an environmental and public health disaster. Having fired off a number of Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Defra, Rt. Hon. David Milliband, I have now discovered that 40 Million tonnes of sewage has entered the Thames in the last three months which is shocking. Having pressed him to do something about our antiquated sewer system, David Miliband has said he'll be taking a decision on this matter in early 2007.  I very much hope his decision will be to sort out this problem.  I've also exchanged correspondence with the Mayor on this to make sure he's making the case for Londoners too. 

And Finally,

Don't forget, if you need my help as MP, you can contact me by calling 0208 944 0378 or come along to my weekly MP surgery (call 0208 944 0378). Alternatively, email me on greeningj@parliament.uk, or write to me at the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA. Please do get in touch if you need me - I can't solve every problem, but I will certainly try.

Best Wishes,
Justine Greening MP

October 26, 2006