LISTER ON PUTNEY

Edward Lister is the Leader of Wandsworth Council and a member for Putney's Thamesfield ward.

Few people would deny the transformation that has been achieved on housing estates in Putney and Roehampton by the council's enthusiastic promotion of tenants' rights to buy.

It enabled a whole new generation of families to become home owners. The revitalising effect on estates which had once been wholly rented was widely welcomed.

Now all this is under threat. There are fears that tenants in different parts of London may in future be prevented from buying.

Ministers say tenants who exercise their right are undermining the drive for new affordable housing. But it's hardly fair to blame tenants for the Government's own failings.

It's not as if a home is lost when it is bought. It is still there and in almost every case continues to be a source of affordable accommodation even after the original purchasers have moved on.

The new affordable homes being built by the council in all parts of the borough are part of a 1000-home programme of new provision.

We think the Government should be doing more to help by making it easier for key workers and young families to afford the costs of buying in the capital - rather than closing the door on today's council tenants.

Sadly there's been another dreadful robbery involving use of a gun in Putney. Again it happened in the middle of the afternoon and again it was a woman who was the victim.

The incident took place on July 15 in Howards Lane on the corner with Parkfields. A young mum was forced to hand over her ring to the assailant.

If you have any information call Steve Charles at Putney Police Shop on 020 8785 8874,

A regular update on local crimes is provided on the council's website www.wandsworth.gov.uk/crime. It's worth keeping an eye out for these street-by-street bulletins as they can keep us all aware of current crime trends in our area.

On a more upbeat note it's good to see the shops on the Lower Richmond Road flourishing. There have been a number of exciting new arrivals recently including a mens hair stylists and a family-run Italian restaurant.

These local shopping parades really are the heart of the community - I know how highly they are valued by residents.

Finally there's a little more time to let the Royal Parks Agency know what you think about its plans to close Robin Hood Gate and the Pen Ponds car park. The closing date for consultation has now been put back to October 25 following pressure from the three boroughs of Wandsworth, Kingston and Richmond.

Edward Lister
Leader of the Council

02 August 2002

You can contact Edward Lister at the Town Hall on 0208 871 6041 or by email at elister@wandsworth.gov.uk

Previous Diary entries by Councillor Lister

The Council leader on a new on-line service for people moving house in Putney, the latest developments on crime, night flights, Richmond Park ..... Cllr Lister's Diary

Open studios, consultation on the Royal Parks closures, Putney School of Art, more affordable homes and the night flights case..... Cllr Lister's Diary

New Surgeries - a new ways to meet your councillor plus the Leader expresses his concerns over the news of gun crimes in Putney ..... Cllr Lister's Diary

Jubilee celebrations, the 3 star service offered by Social Services and name change for Lavatory Gardens ...Cllr Lister's Diary.

The state of the NHS in Putney and the fight against night flights ....Cllr Lister's Diary

Pedestrian safety - especially around schools and Neighbourhood watch .... Cllr Lister's diary

Car tax dodgers, Dryburgh Road development, Robin Hood Gate and night flights..............Cllr Lister's diary

Church cheer, wharf worries and Richmond Park relief - Cllr Lister's diary.

Cllr Lister speaks against the Dryburgh Rd plans, the threat of closing Pen Ponds to traffic and litter.

The Postal Service, Richmond Park and Council Tax changes are all on Cllr Lister agenda.

Cllr Lister comments on the current planning furore, pigeon mess, cctv and policing.

Cllr Lister writes on Pensioners Freedom Passes, good news re Hotham School, development progress at Ashlone Wharf and aircraft noise from Heathrow Airport.

Recent visit to the Leisure Centre was less than enjoyable - see forum.

Cllr Lister writes on the new school for the area, housing development and Heathrow.

Cllr Lister writes on developments at the Putney School of Art & Design, The Leisure Centre and the excellent league results for local schools.

Other links

Tony Colman MP for Putney speaks about current local issues