Justine Greening Updates Putney

District Line, Roehampton Trust, Thames Tunnel, Aircraft Noise and more

Hello everyone,

Parliament has been incredibly busy over the last few weeks with lots of late night votes. There has also been a lot going on locally in Putney, Roehampton and Southfields. Amongst other things I have met with the District Line General Manager, had discussions with Thames Water about the Thames Tunnel project and supported the Roehampton Trust at its launch at Roehampton University. There’s more besides, but read on for an update.

District Line
I know there had been a number of problems on the District Line over the summer with commuters experiencing frustrating delays. I am in regular contact with Mike Challis, the General Manager of the District Line, and have met with him to talk about some of the issues in person and to have a look at the District Line control room at Earls Court. Following the concerns raised, London Underground has decided to review performance on the Wimbledon branch during October so I will follow up with Mike Challis after the review to see what can be done to improve the service for residents. Again, I’m in regular contact with Mike Challis, particularly whilst the upgrade of Southfields Station is being finalised so if you ever have any issues with the District Line just email me on greeningj@parliament.uk so I can raise them at our next meeting.

Roehampton Trust
Last week I attended the launch of the Roehampton Trust at Roehampton University which has been set up by local residents and supported by local Councillors to look at how we can work together as a community to improve Roehampton for residents and businesses. There is also the redevelopment of the Kings Head pub and I met with the Chief Executive of Young’s, Stephen Goodyear, to talk about making sure the plans see the creation of a family-based pub for the community. I am very much looking forward to working with the Roehampton Trust on projects for Roehampton in the coming months and years. If you are a local Roehampton resident and want to get involved with the Roehampton Trust just get in touch with me.

Thames Tunnel
SW15 readers will know that I have spent a lot of time raising concerns about sewage in the River Thames with Thames Water in the past. One of the projects that will help to deal with this problem is the Thames Tunnel which is now being consulted on. Clearly the proposed Thames Tunnel will impact on our community as the tunnel is built and maintained particularly around Balm Elms, Putney Bridge and King George’s Park, and I have been in discussions with Thames Water over the summer to highlight the concerns of some residents. We do need to ensure the problem of sewage discharges spilling into the river is tackled, especially as it is our Putney stretch of the river that gets so badly affected. However, it is very important that residents have their say on Thames Water’s proposal which is online at www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk as the more people who can have their say the better. I will also make sure our views are fully considered by Thames Water as this project is developed.

Meeting with South West London Mental Health Trust
This week I met with the Chief Executive of South West London Mental Health Trust, Judy Wilson, to discuss the services provided locally and raise a number of issues on behalf of residents that have come up in my weekly MP surgery. I am in regular contact with our local NHS providers including St Georges Hospital, Kingston Hospital and Wandsworth PCT, so if you ever have any health issues please do get in touch with me so I can raise them at our next meetings.

Meeting with BAA on aircraft noise
Next week I am meeting with the Chief Executive of BAA, Colin Mathews, to discuss the next steps on reducing aircraft noise from Heathrow. BAA has to produce a noise action policy under EU law so I am keen to ensure it does actually make a difference. I’ll update you following our meeting in my next SW15 update.

Out and about
I met up with Age Concern in Wandsworth and I was also at the re-opening of Putney Samaritans in their newly refurbished premises in Felsham Road, having helped raise money for the refurbishment. Putney Samaritans is a fantastic charity, largely staffed by volunteers, that provides invaluable support to many residents. If you would like to find out more about Putney Samaritans or you think you may want to get involved you can contact Putney Samaritans directly on 020 8789 2743 or email putneysamaritans@gmail.com. I know your support will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, after recovering from doing the Pirbright army base assault course with young people from Roehampton and our local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, it was great to show the Putney Society around Parliament and it was also really good to have a discussion with pupils from Elliott School about Parliament when they visited the House of Commons.

I’m always around locally however busy Parliament gets so if you ever need my help please don’t hesitate to contact me either by email at greeningj@parliament.uk or by writing to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or you can come along to one of my weekly MP surgeries. To find out where my next MP surgery is please contact my office on 020 8946 4557.

Best wishes

Justine Greening MP

October 19, 2010