Welcome to my February community email. Below are just some of things I have been doing since the last email:
· Compiled a list of useful links on Crossrail 2
· Asked the Prime Minister about his EU renegotiation.
· Spoken about the protection of the Police Budget.
· Met with Supt Wallace, head of Crime and Operations at Merton Police to discuss local policing priorities.
· Posted information on my Facebook page about the plans to build a Premier Inn on the Broadway.
· Met with Friends of Wimbledon Town Centre to discuss Crossrail 2.
· Wrote in The House magazine about Crossrail 2’s impact on Wimbledon.
Crossrail 2 Update
Last month I met Michele Dix, the Managing Director of Crossrail 2, and I asked for details of the next steps and when they plan to report back on the consultation.
I made the case once again that disruption must be kept to an absolute minimum and that other route options must be fully considered. I was pleased to hear that Crossrail 2 are now undertaking feasibility work on a number of alternative options.
Crossrail 2 are also currently analysing the 20,000 consultation responses and aim in March to produce a report on the consultation. This will set out the issues raised by respondents and I will meet directly with Michele soon after this is published to discuss it.
They will then re-assess their proposals in the light of the consultation responses and will aim to report back on this in late spring. This will then lead to a further round of consultation, hopefully at the end of the summer, at which point I will hold another public meeting.
I also wrote to the Department for Transport last month to ask about the decision making process for Crossrail 2 and its governance. You can see the reply I received here.
I will continue to work tirelessly to secure a route that works for Wimbledon and will continue to keep residents updated. To help do this, I have set up a dedicated Crossrail 2 Wimbledon website with your local Conservative councillors – do sign up here to receive the latest news.
Residents Association Meeting in Parliament
I have arranged a meeting for Wimbledon’s Residents Associations in Parliament for 21st March and I have written to over 100 groups to invite them. However, if your group has not had an invite, please reply to this email and let me know.
The aim of the meeting is to give you the chance to discuss a range of local issues with me, including Crossrail 2.
FutureWimbledon Masterplan
Merton Council is beginning to prepare a masterplan to guide the future development of Wimbledon Town Centre. I will keep residents updated as these plans progress.
Crossrail 2 could be a fantastic opportunity to regenerate the town centre, if the current plans are changed. To achieve this, a vision for its future is needed, as I said during the election. I will continue to work with the Council and local residents to develop this vision and present it to Crossrail 2.
European Union Referendum
The European Union referendum has been occupying my thoughts for a number of months.
My stance has been that I will see the outcome of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation and then decide. I was open to persuasion because although my first instinct is to be Euro-cautious, I can see the economic benefits of the Single Market of 500 million people that we Conservatives helped to create.
Following the renegotiation, I believe it is in the UK’s best interests to remain a member of a reformed European Union. I know many constituents will be interested in how I have come to this judgement, and you can read my full reasons here.
However, the most important point to make is that the decision on the UK’s future within the EU is up to you, you have one vote on this issue just as I do. I am proud that this Government has delivered this long overdue referendum, for it is only right that British citizens make a decision of this magnitude directly.
I know I shall have large numbers of constituents on both sides of the debate, just as I have many colleagues whose views differ on this. This is an issue over which reasonable people can strongly disagree, and whilst I have set out my views above I will not seek to convince any constituents who disagree with me. They key point here is that you, and the whole electorate, can make your own decision on this and vote accordingly.
Zac Goldsmith Town Hall Event
I'm pleased to share an invitation with you to join the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, Zac Goldsmith, for a “town hall” event next week in Wandsworth. Zac will be hosting a live Q&A with local residents – answering questions on the issues that matter most to you.
I've been thrilled to have had Zac visit our area a number of times over the last few months, travelling around the Borough and discussing local issues. On Thursday 3rd March at 6:30pm, Zac is coming to talk about his Action Plan for Greater London, his plans to improve our area and listen to residents views.
Everyone who lives in the Merton and Wandsworth area is invited to join Zac. To register to attend, please just email [email protected] with your name and address. Location details will then be shared with you in due course.
Merton Council Scrutiny Topics
Merton Council’s scrutiny panels investigate issues of concern to find out how local services can be improved. Over the last year there have been investigations of issues relating to the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, the education of children and young people with special educational needs and support for care leavers.
Now is your chance to let the panel know which services should be reviewed next.
To suggest a topic for review, e-mail the scrutiny team (before Sunday 20 March 2016) on [email protected].
Councillors on the scrutiny panels will consider all requests, but please note they are not able to deal with individual complaints through the scrutiny process.
Polka Theatre Seeks Trustees
The Polka Theatre is looking for exceptional individuals with experience in fundraising or capital project management/building development to join its Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the best children’s theatres in the country.
For full details, please:
Click here to download further information and specification.
Click here to download a Trustee Eligibility certificate.
Click here to download Polka's equal opportunities monitoring form.
The deadline for applications is Friday 18th March.
Raynes Park Community Forum
The next meeting of the Raynes Park Community Forum will be Thursday 3rd March from 7.15pm in Raynes Park Library Hall, Approach Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8BA.
If you would like to suggest items to be discussed at the meetings please contact the Raynes Park Association via [email protected] or contact one of your local councillors.
I will be attending briefly to give a quick update on Crossrail 2.
Facebook and Twitter
Finally, don’t forget you can keep up to date with my work locally and in Parliament by following me on Facebook and on Twitter.