Andrew's Blog
The Cost of Boris
I have been shocked by the recent rise in fares on the bus and tube: a single ‘Pay as you Go’ Oyster journey now costs £1.20; whilst a weekly bus pass now costs £16.60, both are increases of 20%. Overall bus fares have increased 12.7% and tube fares 3.9%.
At the same time support to London’s [...]
We Must Work Together as a Local Community to Address Climate Change
The Copenhagen process was the start, not the end, of the long journey to combat climate change. The summit saw nations across the world, including the biggest polluters, sign up for the first time to take action on climate change in order to stop world temperatures rising by more than 2 degrees centigrade.
Ultimately, we need [...]
Andrew on Congestion
Our streets are currently too congested, creating needless delays and harming the environment. The key to reducing congestion is to have high quality shops and facilities in every neighbourhood and local schools that parents want to send their children to. I would like to see more people in Merton out on their bikes, and the [...]
Andrew on Parking for Residents
In a little over twelve months the cost of a basic visitor-parking permit has leapt up from £1 to £2.50. The Council acknowledges that the “potential” is to “deliver more money”. This amounts to a tax on relatives and friends and should be removed. Those who have joined residents’ parking schemes should not be exploited.
My [...]
Andrew’s On Open Spaces
Parks act as a ‘lung’: affording peace and relaxation. They need to be supported. When I was Council Leader, I invested an extra £1.5m in parks and encouraged local ‘Friends’ groups: including finding the money for new railings around South Park Gardens and making sure of support for the successful lottery bid.
My Priority:
-I will work [...]
Andrew on Education
Under the Tories, our schools were under resourced and in need of substantial investment. As Council Leader, I brought in that investment. Now our local primary schools are oversubscribed. Some of our secondary schools are good, but others must improve more. We can bring about that improvement.
My Priorities:
-Build additional primary schools across Wimbledon
-Attract the best [...]
Andrew on the NHS
Our National Health Service is one of the Labour Party’s greatest achievements. Since 1997 we have slashed waiting times, built new hospitals and improved cancer survival rates. Despite this, elements of the Tory Party still want to abolish the NHS, which has saved countless lives. Only Labour can be trusted with the NHS.
My Priorities:
-Protect the [...]
Keeping Us Safe
Keeping our streets safe is one of my top priorities, which is why I lobbied as a Councillor for a dedicated police team in South Wimbledon and found an office for them in High Path. Even so, there is general concern about anti-social behaviour and drunkenness, especially late at night.
My Priorities:
-A dedicated late night police [...]
Our Local Environment
When I was Council Leader, I ensured our streets became cleaner and graffiti free. Residents are now concerned about the levels of street dirt and litter, low levels of recycling and disintegrating road surfaces. The most effective step to improve cleanliness is to invest in proper waste containers with lids. Currently, plastic bags split open [...]
A Solution for Morden Park?
I note the results of the recent consultation on Morden Park. Local people have backed a sympathetically landscaped green open space that leaves natural habitats undisturbed. They would also like to see more community use of the park, through community events, increased use by schools, and more sports facilities.
Of course the question is, how do [...]
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