Welcome to my June and early July community email. Below are some of things I have been doing since my last email:
- Watched AFC Wimbledon’s fantastic victory at Wembley.
- Met with the Minister for Refugees to discuss what Merton can do to help
- Met with Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of St Helier Hospital to talk about his plans to improve the hospital
- Met with the Chief Executive of Merton CCG to discuss local health provision.
- Held a meeting with Cllrs Brian and Gilli Lewis Lavender and residents to discuss a possible new planning application on the Lessa Field.
- Attended the service of thanks at St Paul’s Cathedral and various Street Parties for the Queen’s 90th Birthday
- Visited the Open Day of Queens Court and Kew House Care Homes
- Visited Queen Alexandra’s Court for their Armed Forces Day celebrations
- Visited St George’s Mental Health Trust
- Attended Merton’s Armed Forces Day service of dedication
- Talked to Dundonald Primary School about micro society and politics.
- Asked the Minister for Schools when changes to the schools admissions code will be made to provide flexibility for summerborn and premature children
The EU Referendum
I have been receiving a great deal of correspondence from constituents about the result of the EU referendum.
This was a referendum that many of our citizens had called for and I believe the question needed to be democratically decided by the citizens of our country. The most important thing in the whole referendum debate is that each voter had the chance to have their say. There is a very good argument that the most serious of constitutional decisions cannot be made by politicians alone, but must have the support of the people.
I made it clear to my constituents that I had hoped we would vote to Remain and urged people to do so. Indeed I share the frustrations and disappointment of many in Wimbledon that so many across the country decided to vote to Leave.
Some of the correspondence has called for a second referendum and some for Parliament to impose a threshold for the result and turnout.
I cannot support a call for a threshold being applied retrospectively, causing a new referendum to be held. The rules under which the referendum was held were made clear in advance, and therefore to change them retrospectively would be grossly unfair. Indeed the anger of Leave voters would not only be understandable, but fully justified if that were to happen. Additionally I suspect the last thing we need as a country is an immediate return of a divisive referendum campaign.
As exit negotiations proceed, or indeed if a new deal could be offered, then the prospect of a second referendum or another solution might be an option. Should any such an opportunities arise to test the will of the people again I shall carefully examine them.
Many constituents have also pointed out correctly that the referendum was not legally binding, but I stood on a manifesto promise to deliver a referendum and respect its result, and that is what I will do. The referendum would have been a pointless exercise were its result not to be respected. Voters are already disillusioned by politics, and I will not take any action to make this worse.
However, my key priority as exit negotiations commence will be working to ensure we get the best deal possible for our country, London and Wimbledon. We must protect jobs and livelihoods.
This referendum has exposed a worrying level of division in our society. We must all speak out against horrific examples of racism that have been seen since the referendum. We must also continue to strive to make sure nobody feels like they are being left behind, and that everyone can benefit from economic growth. This is a very difficult task, and one not only the United Kingdom is facing. The referendum result should cause everyone involved in politics to have a long and serious think about the consequences of this vote.
Finally, I remain devastated that we have chosen to leave the European Union. However, we must accept the will of our fellow citizens and move on as a country.
Conservative Party Leadership
As a Conservative MP I am proud that we have a strong and talented field of candidates.
As a London MP I want a principled Prime Minister who will be resolute and resilient for our country and our city, especially as negotiations following the referendum begin.
I believe that Theresa May is the best person to do this, having known her for over 20 years. Her successful 6 years in the Home Office, one of the toughest jobs in Government, show she has the experience needed to lead our country at this difficult and complex time and provide the best Government for my constituents, London and the United Kingdom.
Crossrail 2
Following my meeting with Michele Dix, Managing Director of Crossrail 2 recently, and other discussions with the Crossrail team, I wanted to provide you with a quick update. Last week I asked the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure residents are properly consulted regarding Crossrail 2, you can read his response here.
Response to Issues Raised Report
Today Crossrail 2 have published a report entitled Response to Issues Raised. This reflects upon the ideas brought forward during the consultation, including confirming those which will and won’t be investigated further. You can read the full report here, or just the Wimbledon sections on my website here.
At this point Crossrail 2 feel unable to commit to any one solution for our area, and so the report primarily only tells us what investigations they are undertaking and what concerns the previous consultation has raised.
The report states they are considering in depth a number of potential solutions for our area, including a tunnel for the fast trains or a reconfiguration of the station. I am also pleased that specific concerns in the Raynes Park and Motspur Park areas about noise, traffic and level crossings are receiving attention.
Next consultation in autumn
Crossrail 2 still expect to publish their new route option in the autumn, alongside a new consultation. At this point I will do everything I can to publicise the consultation, as well as holding another public meeting with the Crossrail 2 team in Wimbledon.
Whilst I want to find out what the new plans are for Wimbledon as soon as possible, I am pleased to see that Crossrail 2 are taking our concerns very seriously and are putting significant time and resource into considering alternative routes. One criticism of the previous consultation was that it seemed rushed and that it lacked detail, so I hope that the work put in at this stage will mean the new consultation does not suffer these flaws.
Finally, I have put together a series of useful links about Crossrail 2 and its impact on Wimbledon on my website here. You can also keep up to date with my work on this and other local issues by following me on Twitter, Facebook and by signing up to the dedicated Crossrail 2 website I set up with your local Conservative Councillors.
Rutlish School Pathway Consultation
Last month I met with the head teacher at Rutlish School to discuss the open public footpath that runs right through the school grounds. This footpath runs between John Innes Recreation Ground and John Innes Park.
In 2012 there was a consultation on the path, from which the Council decided to keep the path open.
This decision is now being reviewed following representations from me, the school and recommendations from the police. Following my visit to the school last month I was astonished about the security issues that the path raises for the school and its pupils, especially following the bomb hoaxes earlier in the year.
The Council is consulting on a proposal to allow the school to close the gates at either end of the footpath during school hours. It is proposed that the gates would be closed between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. They would only be closed during school term time and remain open at other times of the year.
I support these plans and have fed this into the consultation. I believe they provide a sensible balance between protecting the school, its students and staff, and giving easier access for local residents to the two local parks.
The consultation is open now, and closes on 25 July 2016. If this affects you please do have your say by clicking here.
Kingston Road – Burst Water Pipe
On Sunday morning a large water pipe burst on Kingston Road, leading to many in Wimbledon and beyond having no access to water, and some power supplies were disrupted too. This also caused flooding to some residents’ gardens in the area.
Thames Water have now completed the repair and are now cleaning up the site and will work to return the road to normal. Kingston Road will remain closed between Hartfield Road and Merton Road while this work takes place. A road diversion is clearly signposted.
Thames Water tell me all residents should have a normal water supply. If this is not the case, and you are struggling to get through to Thames Water directly, do let me know.
ANPR Cameras in Merton
Very shortly new cameras will be installed across Merton with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) – designed to enforce the law at bus lanes, banned turns, and box junctions.
ANPR works by recording offences automatically and processing penalty charges. New signs will be installed at every location to make motorists aware that enforcement cameras are in use.
Further information about ANPR including the location of enforcement cameras, is available on the council website here:
Ride London – 31st July
The Ride London event will be returning to Wimbledon this year, on the same route as last year. This will mean road closures for most of the day on Coombe Lane, Lambton Road, Worple Road, Wimbledon Hill Road and Parkside.
There will be two all day vehicle crossing points:
- Approach Road to Lambton Road (northbound) and Pepys Road to Approach Road (southbound)
- Ridgway to Belvedere Grove (both directions).
Then there are three crossing points available until 8.45am and after 6.30pm
- Copse Hill to the A3
- West Barnes Lane to Durham Road
- Lower Downs Road to the Downs
Pedestrian crossing points will be located at the existing signalled crossings, and will be supervised by marshals. I have been reassured that the marshals will be better trained than last year.
I have attached a pdf flyer with much more information about the arrangements for the day. I hope to see as little disruption as possible to those living in the surrounding streets.
Wimbledon Park Masterplan
Merton Council have begun a process of developing a masterplan for the future of Wimbledon Park. The three options the Council have identified are:
Option 1 - Minimal intervention – representing the least amount of change through minimal intervention. All existing uses and most existing facilities retained. The existing café building is demolished, with existing staff accommodation relocated to a new structure.
Option 2 - Maximising landscape character – representing a large amount of change while retaining all existing uses. The existing Athletics Compound is demolished and replaced with new facilities on the eastern edge of the Park alongside the railway line.
Option 3 – Expanding Commercial Opportunities – representing a substantial amount of change including a new (3 storey) Watersports & Outdoor Centre building and Café. Improved setting for the Lake and providing opportunity for enhanced sight lines from the Great Field.
There will be a consultation running from 3rd July to 22nd August – and you can find out more on their website http://wimbledonparkconsultation.com/
There will also be two more drop in sessions where you can see and review the proposals, meet members of the project team and share your views on the park. These will be held at the Wimbeldon Park Bowls Pavilion, Revelstoke Rd, London SW19 7HX on the following dates.
Tuesday 26 July 2016 5pm-7pm
Sunday 14 August 2016 11am-3pm
I am surprised that Merton Council is spending money on the Wimbledon Park and at a time when they are cutting funding to Adult Social Care. Moreover, I understand the Council have not taken advantage of offers from the private sector to help provide facilities in Wimbledon Park. Whilst even the much loved and used Wimbledon Park could be improved, I am not convinced this cost is justified.
The consultation also provides no costings, which residents should be aware of when weighing up the options, and I believe there should have been a status quo option. I recommend that residents carefully consider the validity of this exercise, and I shall be writing in to suggest the status quo, or at worst, minimal intervention.
Town Centre Planning Applications
There are currently three significant planning applications affecting Wimbledon Town Centre which I would encourage residents to have a look at. In particular, I am concerned about their effect on building height and the way they will make our Town Centre look and feel.
Seven storey hotel on Hartfield Road – in place of the Slug Pub. The Hotel would have 150 rooms and a ground floor restaurant. Find out more by clicking here, and searching for application number 16/P1374, although comments are now closed.
Nine story Premier Inn hotel on The Broadway – in place of Henry J Beans, next to Majestic Wine. The hotel would have 176 rooms. Find out more by clicking here, and searching for application number 16/P1149, although comments are now closed. I also reported back on Premier Inn’s February Drop-in session here.
New office block on the Broadway – opposite Holy Trinity Church. This would replace the existing office block with a 5 storey building with a car park. Find out more by clicking here, and searching for application number 16/P1623, although comments are now closed.
Kew House Care Home – Networking Breakfast
Kew House Care Home, at 58 Spencer Hill Road, SW19 4EL, are holding a networking breakfast for local professionals with an interest in the care of older people on Monday 25th July from 8.30am.
If you are interested, please call or email Jenn on 020 8971 0190 or [email protected]