MP for Putney's Diary
Tony
Colman MP for Putney writes
In this week's diary for PutneySW15.com our
MP covers the sad death of Jenny Adey, The future of Putney Hospital,
Winter Fuel Payments & Freedom Passes, the development at Whitelands
College and the Nike 10k run in Richmond Park
Jenny
Adey
Anyone who knew Jenny is still shocked by her death last month. She was a person with many interests. In Putney most know her from her beautiful garden in Oxford Road which she opened for Charity each year.
She changed the lives of so many Mitcham children in her years as Head Teacher at Tamworth Manor School and also in the rest of the UK as an OFSTED inspector in recent years. She was an accomplished painter, sculptor, musician and socialist.
Putney Hospital
I am pleased that the Wandsworth Primary Care Trust has decided they want the Hospital for NHS purposes. I am meeting with them to hear more about the proposals. My concern is that what emerges must be better for the people of Putney. But I echo the concerns of Edward Lister and hope that the PCT will be totally open about their proposals.
I want the remainder of the site proposed for housing to be affordable/rented housing for Wandsworth's key workers.
Winter Fuel Payments and Freedom Passes
You may have read elsewhere that I have reached the age of 60. I have therefore received two offers I hope all over 60s take up:
1. The Winter
Fuel Payment. The deadline is the 22nd of September. For details phone
08459 151515
2. Freedom Pass. The form for a freedom pass can be obtained from your
local post office. The Freedom pass gives free travel after peak hours
in London.
These offers are not means tested they are available for all over 60s.
Whitelands College Planning Application
I was disappointed that Wandsworth Council went ahead last Thursday to give permission for building over the playing fields on the south of the site - where for the last 100 years there have been tennis courts, football pitches and cricket fields (though not at the same time). My objection was not simply the loss of green space to build 23 houses (as part of a 396 home development) but also that we need to recognise the need for such facilities for local schools. Extraordinarily the new St Cecilia's School 400 yards away decided they did not need the playing fields but there are at least 4 primary schools in the immediate vicinity too.
The Powercut and London Underground's Response
Like very many commuters I was affected by last Thursday's power cut. Leaving the office at 6.20 I went to the Underground station to discover there was a power cut so walked across the bridge to Waterloo. At Waterloo power was restored at 7pm and we pulled out of the station at 7.10.
Apparently one third of the area affected had its power restored in 12 minutes and the rest within 41 minutes. Now this is bad enough and I look forward to the National Grid's explanation and assurance that such problem will not be regular. But I am finding it difficult to get an explanation from London Underground as to why problems remained for some hours to come and in particular why full service on the District Line was not restored until the following morning.
I have written to Metronet - who now run the District Line and Transport for London asking them why it took so long to resume full services and what action they intend to take to ensure that problems caused by any future power cuts are rectified as quickly as possible.
Nike Fun Run
Some of you will be taking part in the Fun Run around Richmond Park on Sunday others may be watching the spectacle.
Last year I was very concerned by the lack of separation of buses and pedestrians on Priory Lane and have insisted on separation of the traffic flows with a one way system utilising Priory Lane, Clarence Lane, Roehampton Lane and South Circular Road.
Also be aware
that Wandsworth Council does get money from the event organisers, I hope
local residents will join me in asking the Council to ensure that this
money is spent on the Roehampton area.
Tony Colman MP
For Labour Party information: www.labour.org.uk
For Government Headlines: www.ukonline.gov.uk
For Parliamentary Information: www.parliament.uk
September 3rd, 2003
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First Putneysw15.com Diary Entry 8.11.2001
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