Councillor Lister writes to Putney
footbridge to Putney Bridge Station, Putney Hospital & Flight paths....
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Anyone who uses the footbridge linking Deodar Road to Putney Bridge station will know just how vulnerable they can feel at night if they are walking on their own.
The bridge is owned by London Underground and of course straddles two boroughs - Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham.
Now following pressure from Wandsworth Council and Putney residents we are hoping to get cameras installed at three points on the bridge.
Most of the £80,000 costs will be met by Transport for London while pictures will be relayed to the council's CCTV control room. We are currently consulting with local people with a closing date of September 2.
Many residents have already come back to us saying how keen they are for the project to go ahead. But it is important that as many people as possible respond so we can get an early approval for this much-needed safety improvement.
Over at the long neglected Putney Hospital site we are at last seeing signs of stirring. To make sure that people in the area have every opportunity to influence the proposals I plan to organise a residents meeting in the area towards the end of next month.
Helen Walley from the PCT will be there to present some of their ideas for developing the site to include new health facilities and housing.
The PCT is not yet in a position to submit a planning application but will be taking the opportunity to explain their current thinking to residents.
Look out for details of this important meeting on www.putneysw15.com
The PCT of course is under fresh attack from the Government with its latest plans for yet another round of NHS reorganisation.
The trust is being forced to find 15 per cent savings and consider mergers with trusts in other areas.
Just as worrying it would mean the PCT relinquishing control of Queen Mary's Hospital which could find itself managed as an outpost of St George's or Kingston.
Wandsworth Council will be opposing these changes and arguing for truly accountable local primary care services.
Finally a reminder to people fed up with being woken by the first planes overhead at 4.30 in the morning. A public meeting on night flights will be held at the Methodist Church, corner of Gwendolen Ave and Upper Richmond Road, on Wednesday September 7 - start 7.30pm.
Puntey MP Justine Greening and HACAN's John Stewart will be joining me on the platform to explain how we intend to fight the latest plans for an increase in the number of early morning arrivals at Heathrow.
Edward Lister
Edward Lister is the Leader of Wandsworth Council and a member for Putney's Thamesfield ward.
25th August 2005