West Twickenham Winter 2007/8 Report

2.04.00pm GMT Mon 28th Jan 2008

By councillors Piers Allen, Munira Wilson and Helen Lee-Parsons . .

• Call for New A316 Crossing MP Vincent Cable has written to the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to demand that he puts pressure on Transport for London to challenge their decision to reject a crossing on the A316 as an alternative to the subway from running under the A316 from Meadway to Jubilee. The call follows a serious incident in June when a female was subject to a serious assault in the subway. Local MP Vincent Cable, supported by councillors and residents' associations, is campaigning for a proper, over ground, crossing with lights on the A316. In the meantime, local councillors, MP Vince Cable and Geoff Pope (member of the Greater London Assembly) have joined with residents in calling for TfL to give urgent consideration and implementation of a scheme to increase personal safety for all members of the community using this busy thoroughfare. West Twickenham Councillor Piers Allen said: "Residents were very disappointed and concerned that there are no firm plans by TfL to replace the temporary surveillance cameras installed by the Council for a period over the sum- mer but then had to be deployed elsewhere. TfL, who are responsible for security and lighting of the subway - appear to be dragging their feet over longer term measures - we are determined a new scheme should come in at the earliest opportunity"

• Staines Road: After many years of campaigning by local residents and the local MP and councillors, a safety scheme for Staines Road between Hospital Bridge Road and Glebe Way has finally got the go-ahead. The main features of the scheme include: Cllr Munira Wilson said, "This scheme will slow down traffic significantly on this very dangerous stretch of Staines Road. Although we are extremely disappointed that a controlled crossing close to the junction with Court Close Avenue was not included.. However, the design is such that the crossing could easily be added in at a later date. The campaign continues. " Transport for London safety regulations and the low number of pedestrians crossing have prevented its installation so far. A 6 month review date was demanded by Councillors so an early assessment can be made.

• Cllr Munira Wilson! Alert readers will have noted that Munira has changed her surname to Munira Wilson following her marriage in November. Pictures are promised in the next issue of Comments!.

More at: http://www.richmond.libdems.org.uk/pages/West.html