This week, it was confirmed the Brunswick Club for Young People will continue to receive council funding. Earlier this year, Labour-run LBHF suddenly cut the club’s funding. Together with local Conservative Councillors I campaigned to have this vital funding re-instated. 2,837 residents signed my petition and the Council have listened to this local protest.
Over the summer, I had the pleasure of launching my Summer Survey, seeking your views on local and national issues. I am never complacent about improving our local area, with the main part of my job being campaigning on issues that are important to Chelsea and Fulham residents. I look forward to the upcoming Parliamentary session.
Constituents began to feel the impact of the closure of the Wandsworth Bridge, and the devastating impact on other traffic bottlenecks across Fulham and Chelsea. The closure is planned to continue for 10 weeks, creating enormous disruption to those who use the bridge frequently, including those on the 28, C3 and 295 buses, as well as placing further strain across south Fulham.
Last Friday, I presented my petition to Save the North End Road Post Office to the Post Office. I would like to thank all those who took the time to add their signature to this important petition. I continue to urge the Post Office to fulfil the pledge they made in 2003 to keep a major branch on or just off the North End Road. It would be devastating for local residents if no alternative location could be found for this Post Office branch.
Last weekend, I was able to catch-up with hard-working, local business owners along the Wandsworth Bridge Road. It was worrying to hear about their thoughts on Labour H&F Council's ill thought-through traffic scheme, and how it is currently negatively impacting their businesses. Transport for London (TfL) have finally published their plans for our local bus routes during the upcoming full closure of Wandsworth Bridge. Buses will stop either side of the bridge and passengers are being asked to walk across the one-way walkways.
Earlier this week, we celebrated 75 years of the NHS. As part of the NHS celebration, it was an honour to attend a reception at No10 Downing Street, with Lee Watson who is Director of Nursing at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. The hospital is itself celebrating its 30th anniversary in Chelsea.
As you may know, improving safety at the dangerous northern junction of Battersea Bridge has been a long-standing concern of mine. Therefore, I am pleased that Transport for London (TfL) have published their report on the Battersea Bridge safety improvements scheme consultation and that we will finally see action materialise.
I would like to inform residents that Heathrow have just started a consultation on noise. I have had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Museum of London at London Wall. The museum is currently closed before the big relocation to Smithfields. I was fascinated to see an antique Chelsea Bun. I am concerned about the continued closure of the Fulham Bilingual School, L'Ecole Marie D'Orliac.
I am greatly saddened at the loss of Charles, Earl Cadogan. He was ever-present in Chelsea, and cared deeply about this very special part of London, the community, the history, the buildings and the environment. Charles leaves an enormous legacy of good works and service to Chelsea. He will be very fondly remembered by the whole community.
The 10-week closure of Wandsworth Bridge will impact Fulham residents and businesses enormously. I have started a petition this week, calling on Wandsworth Council to provide funding for a business rates rebate and to carry out the fastest repair possible for Wandsworth Bridge and calling on the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to suspend the SW6 Traffic Scheme during the bridge closure.