Out and about in Horne Way

My campaign team and I, along with local London Assembly candidate Councillor Leonie Cooper, were in Horne Way - also known as the Ranelagh Estate - just beside Putney Common earlier today. This is a pleasant estate of nine 1930s blocks, nestled alongside Beverley Brook at the end of Sefton Street.

But it could be even better with a little more care and attention from the Council. We spoke to almost 100 residents in just a couple of hours. Several residents had complaints about outstanding repairs, problems with rats (given the proximity to the Brook), and no-one had ever seen their Conservative councillors - who include the Leader of the Council - on the estate.

Some residents were also really concerned about the plans by Richmond's Liberal Democrat-run Council to sell off a huge chunk of next-door Barn Elms playing fields when we told them about it. And some residents were also very keen to get the ball rolling on the redevelopment of Putney Hospital, so that they can benefit from excellent NHS healthcare on their doorstep once again.

I have recently been in touch with the office of the Minister responsible for sorting out the legal technicalities that have been delaying the work to the Hospital, and hope to be able to report progress soon. I want work to be able to commence later this year so we get these new health facilities we all deserve.