Have Your Say

If you have any comments or ideas that you'd like to share about local issues affecting the constituency of Wimbledon, please fill in the box below. Your message will be posted shortly afterwards, along with other recent submissions.

For help with individual cases or to send a message direct to Stephen Hammond MP please use the Contact Form.

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Added: 01 April 2008, 06:13
Dear Stephen - Can you see your way clear to signing up to Early Day Motion 658 dated 8th January 2008 which calls for "the Government to mark the centenary of the state pension in 2008 by raising the basic state pension for all pensioners above the official poverty level and restoring its link with earnings or prices, whichever is the greater"?. Regards RE

Roy England

I am very concerned about the serious plight of today’s pensioners. It is disgraceful that over two million pensioners are living in poverty.

Despite Labour’s promises, 5 million pensioners are now suffering from complex and degrading means-testing. The pension credit is so complicated and unpopular that up to 1.6 million pensioners are failing to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

You may be aware that Parliament has recently passed the 2007 Pensions Act. I support the Government’s aspiration of restoring the link between the State Pension and earnings, funded by an increase in the retirement age. Re-linking the Basic State Pension to earnings was our policy at the last election and we are delighted that the Government has adopted this.

Conservatives are now considering the best way in which to build on these reforms. As such, I cannot at present sign EDM 658. I will, however, make sure your views are considered as we look to creating a fair and sustainable pensions system.

Added: 14 March 2008, 14:43
THE CLOCK AT THE PRINCE OF WALES IS NOW WORKING

DONALD PAUL WILIAM DEANS

I am delighted the clock is ticking again.  I have been working for a long time with the Council and Punch Taverns to get the clock working again, and I welcome this positive outome.

Added: 07 March 2008, 15:15
Dear Stephen, I am a Northern Rock Shareholder. do you have a stance on this subject. I only have £500 worth of shares, i.e. not a lot, but it does seem to me blatant robbery that the government should just assume ownership, and I get nothing. I understand Parliament is to debate compensation for Northern Rock shareholders. Can you let me know what your views are please. Yours ever, Guy Hoogewerf

Guy Hoogewerf

I appreciate the concerns of Northern Rock shareholders who are faced with the prospect of their shares having little or no value. This is the consequence of both the flawed strategy pursued by Northern Rock’s management and the way in which the Government has handled the crisis over the last six months.

From the moment that the Government botched the announcement that the Bank of England was providing support, Northern Rock’s value deteriorated and made it more difficult for there to be a successful private sector solution to its problems. Indeed, although the bids by Virgin and Northern Rock’s own management would have given existing shareholders some hope for the future, both bids would have reduced the value of your shares.

Now that Northern Rock has been nationalised, a move that the Conservatives opposed, the Government has set out plans for the compensation of shareholders. In the debate on the Compensation Order, Shadow Treasury Minister, Mark Hoban MP, responded to the concerns of shareholders and demanded that the Government offer a clear explanation as to why the Order assumed that Northern Rock was in administration and not a going concern.

However, the reality of the situation is that Northern Rock has only continued to trade because of Bank of England and Treasury support and that has to be recognised in establishing the value of the business.

I believe that the Government has to take responsibility for the way it has dealt with the problems at Northern Rock over the last six months.

Added: 28 February 2008, 22:49
Will anything be done to discourage young people from buying "trophy" dogs eg pitbulls to match their image, it is becoming dangerous and unerving walking my own dog now incase i am attacked by one of these dogs as they seem to be growing in numbers, i say bring back the dog licence!!!

gary marshall gleghorn

I recently took up the issue of dangerous dogs with the Government. The DEFRA Minister responsible for animal health and welfare issues in England, Jeff Rooker, told me that all dog owners need to be aware of their responsibilities and the need to keep their dogs under control. There is robust legislation in place to deal with any individual dog that is considered to be dangerously out of control, regardless of its breed. Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended, 1997) makes it an offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, or a place it has no right to be, whether or not it actually attacks someone. The maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment, or a fine, or both.

The Minister went on to say that all owners need to be aware of their responsibilities and to this end his officials are working with the police and others involved with issues relating to dangerous dogs to provide guidance to those enforcing the law that is easy to understand and makes it clear what the responsibilities of law enforcers are. Simple guidance will also be made available to the public as to what the law is. It will be targeted at those most likely to be at risk from dog attacks. The Minister wished to stress that the Government remains committed to the vigorous enforcement of the law relating to dog attacks.

Only this week I have again written to the Minister regarding the question of bringing back dog licences, and will keep you informed.

Added: 02 February 2008, 17:32
Dear Mr Hammond. I am concerned to hear that the job centre in Wimbledon is going to close, rather than move, later this year. Are you aware of this?

Steven Bird

I too am concerned to hear this news. I am having a meeting tomorrow (6 February) with a representative from Jobcentre Plus on the subject of the Wimbledon centre, and I will post an update on this page afterwards.

------------

Further to my earlier posting, I have now met with a senior representative from Jobcentre Plus.

The disappointing news is that is seems inevitable that the Jobcentre in Wimbledon will close. The lease on the current premises has expired, and it has proved impossible to find a suitable alternative site.

It is likely that Wimbledon clients will be able to use the Jobcentres in Kingston, Sutton and Mitcham. There is also a Jobcentre in Wandsworth Town Centre.

I am extremely disappointed by this development, but please rest assured that I intend to work extremely hard to ensure that an adequate solution is found, and that the people of Wimbledon continue to have the access to Jobcentre services they require.

Added: 02 February 2008, 08:57
I note, from various news sources, that you employ your wife, who according to one newspaper has worked in the House of Commons for much longer than you have been an MP. Why did you choose to do that and do you employ any other members of your family?

Old Central

My wife has worked for Members of Parliament since 1984. The Hertfordshire MP for whom she was working before the last General Election retired and she was offered a job by his successor. However, when I was successful at the General Election, after much discussion, we decided that she would be more useful working for me than for another MP. We have lived in Wimbledon for nine years and felt that her local knowledge would be helpful, and this has indeed been the case.

I do not employ any other family members.

Added: 02 January 2008, 14:35
Mr Hammond, I used to live in Kingston - the Conservative candidate for MP there, Kevin Davies, was sceptical about the true effect of climate change. I wondered if you could tell me what you think about climate change and what we should do about it?

John

Climate change is a very serious global issue, which is why we put pressure on the Government to introduce a Climate Change Bill in 2006. 

I share the Conservative Party's thorough commitment to tackling climate change and we will continue to press the Government to include rolling annual carbon reduction targets and the establishment of an independent body to set targets and monitor the UK’s progress in reducing carbon emissions.

Added: 09 December 2007, 10:39
Dear Mr Hammond What is your opinion on the following: 1. The fact that Scottish MPs may vote on matters that concern only England and Wales and do not apply to Scotland whereas English and Welsh MPs may not vote on Scottish matters. 2. The fact that Residents of the UK (except Scotland) must pay tuition fees to go to university in Scotland whereas Scottish and EU students do not have to pay tuition fees. Do you find this system unfair?

R Baker

I do agree that there is an innate anomaly here – the so-called ‘West Lothian Question’.

I support the Union, which serves all four parts of the United Kingdom well and enables us to achieve much more together than would be the case if we were separate nations. However, the Government’s failure to address the unfinished business of devolution has created a constitutional imbalance which, if ignored, could create tensions that would result in a fracturing of the United Kingdom itself.

I think that English MPs, elected by English constituents, should have exclusive say on English legislation. Something must be done to remedy the inconsistency whereby MPs elected for English constituencies cannot vote on Scottish issues, yet Scottish MPs can vote on everyone else’s laws but their own.

With this in mind, I think it would be hypocritical of me to comment on tuition fees in Scotland, which is a matter for the devolved administration in Edinburgh.

Added: 03 October 2007, 18:04
Dear Sir, The Merton-Hackney Tube ("Crossrail 2") not only stands to relieve overcrowding at more London termini than Crossrail 1, but it will also offer more relief on the tube as well (particularly as the proposed alignment will take over part of the Central Line). Crossrail 2 will also be able to link up to Heathrow airport using South West Train's existing tracks and building onwards from Feltham. All these benefits plus finally a link between SW and NE London! What are your personal opinions in terms of the Government favouring Crossrail 1 over The Merton-Hackney tube given the benefits of Crossrail 2 are far more apparent? Why is Wimbledon missing out on yet another transport project despite being one the most overcrowded and busiest railway junctions in the country?

John Havern

Wimbledon faces several transport issues. Firstly, the problem of overcrowding on the trains into Waterloo and I will try to ensure that the ex Eurostar platforms are used to expand capacity.

Secondly, the Northern Line is all too often a dismal experience for passengers. We need an upgrade to South Wimbledon tube station and a signalling upgrade.

Thirdly, the District Line is going to suffer from the Metronet fiasco and the possibility that the sub-surface line improvements might not happen. I will continue to press the Mayor for reassurance. The operational managers of the line are extremely poor and need to be replaced.

Finally, I am entirely supportive of the Merton-Hackney line. I agree it could bring huge benefits. I also support Crossrail. I see no reason why they both cannot occur- if Livingstone did not waste so much of tax payers’ money!

I recognise the need for excellent transport links for Wimbledon and will continue to fight for it.

Added: 24 September 2007, 09:15
Dear Sir, Firstly may I congratulate you on cleaning up Raynes Park station. As a frequent user it always upset me how graffiti would spring up overnight - and I do not exaggerate here, in the morning I would notice graffiti being cleaned away or painted over and by the following morning a new set of graffiti had appeaedin its place. Would it not be prudent to try to deal with the problem at the root? It seems to me that it is easy to gain access to the station at night thus resulting in graffiti popping up like rabbits. Logically if it were harder to gain access at night we'll see a reduction in graffiti. My second point is also linked with the station and the transport costs. I have witnessed huge price hikes over the last 5 or 6 years with very little improvement to the service. I have noted that certain stations, such as Raynes Park and Norbiton, do not have ticket barriers. What many people do is take a free ride to a station. Norbiton station is only 5 minutes walk away from Kingston, and so many school children simply get off at Norbiton and walk, without paying for their journey, or in some cases no doubt buying a ticket to get through the barriers at their home station (if it has any) which is only valid for one station. If we were to introduce barriers at these stations, more people would be forced to pay for using public transport and perhaps some may be deterred from using what seems to be a freebie service. This would inevitably leave more money for reinvestment into the stations and into the service itself. And maybe, just maybe, we could see a halt in the ever rising prices of our public transport. Can you promise me that you will at least look into these ideas and using your powers as Shadow Minister for Transport actually take these views to parliament and generate a real debate? Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and I wish you good luck for the future.

Konrad Bukowski

Thank you for your comments about the clean-up of Raynes Park Station. The state of the station has improved noticeably, but I recognise the need to be ever vigilant. Graffiti is still a problem and I will continue to do all I can to combat it.

In general, I agree that we must put a stop to passengers getting free rides on our trains and we need to have a serious look at station security and revenue protection.

South West Trains, which operates the station, has a responsibility to make its stations better. I have therefore written to South West Trains with regards the specific proposals you make.

 ---

 I have now received a response from the Managing Director of South West Trains. On the question of graffiti, he says that part of the current franchise commitment is to place CCTVs at every station managed by South West Trains, in an effort to deter vandals and to provide a safer travelling environment. Raynes Park currently has CCTV and the local Police Community Liaison Officers regularly patrol the station.

 As for ticket barriers, you will be pleased to hear that South West Trains intends to install barriers over the coming months at both Norbiton and Raynes Park. Like you, I hope this will help reduce the number of people travelling without buying tickets.

 

 

Added: 21 September 2007, 21:43
Having recently checked the Breastfeeding Manifesto MP supporters, as published on their site, I was surprised to see that you were not on it. Is this a case of you not being in support of it, or have just not signed your name?

E Dar

I have read the Breastfeeding Manifesto with interest.

I find the arguments in favour of breastfeeding compelling. There is strong evidence that babies do best if they have nothing but breast milk for the first four to six months of life, and that this is particularly important if there is a history of diabetes or allergies in the mother’s family. Moreover, breastfeeding babies protects them from infections and illnesses including diarrhoea, ear infections and chest infections, and for many babies this protection from infection persists even after breastfeeding has ceased. In addition, mothers who breastfeed are less at risk from pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and broken bones due to osteoporosis in later life.

I fully agree that the government should do all it can to promote breastfeeding. I would be concerned, however, at any suggestion that legislation should be the means of achieving this.

I do though support the sentiment behind the Manifesto and many of its recommendations. I will follow its progress closely.

Added: 02 September 2007, 09:27
Dear Sir, Being woken by fox screams has become a nightly event on Vineyard Hill Road. As is the cleaning of fox excrement from our patio, paths and lawn. I'm not against having foxes within the urban community per see, but it does now seem that the fox population has increased beyond a point at which it can tolerably co-exist with the urban community. Does the council have any thoughts or plans or reducing the fox population?

Kevin Cunnington

I have great sympathy with what you have to say about the number of foxes in the area. I live near to you and foxes have been living under the shed of the overgrown garden next to mine and have been in and out of my garden leaving excrement and a corner of the garden is now ruined where they scramble across our fence to next door.

On behalf of other constituents I have written to Merton Council about problems with foxes. I received a response from the then Head of Street Management, Mrs Alison Broom. She indicated that the Council have no direct policy regarding foxes but that advice is offered by the Pest Control team who can be found on 020 8545 3033.

There is, of course, nothing to stop you paying to have the foxes culled privately as they are considered to be vermin but this would of course be expensive. It is a sad fact that some people actively encourage the foxes and feed them which makes it more difficult for the rest of us.

Added: 22 July 2007, 10:39
Why is it that even small amounts of rain cause localised flooding in the Home Park Road areas? The road was flooded twice this week within minutes of rain starting. Is this a result of the lack of street and drain cleaning?

Jon

I know that the current Council administration increased the level of drain cleaning as part of the first changes that it made. However, I will press them to ensure that this is sufficient to handle heavy downpours.

Added: 26 May 2007, 20:08
Why do we go to all the effort to seperate our rubbish for recycling when i witnessed the rubbish collectors tipping contents of purple box and green box into the one collection yellow wheelie bin? Do they then spend all day seperting it all again afterwards?!!! I think not!!! Seems like a waste of time to me.

Gary Marshall-Gleghorn

I am surprised to hear that you have seen the two different boxes being emptied into the same bin. On my road they are collected at different times of the day. If you could let me know what road you live on and what day your collection is then I will take it up with the Concil. You can use the 'Contact' page of the website to send me your details.

----

I have now been informed by the Council that a trial joint collection of recyclables is taking place in part of the Borough of Merton. However, this is only temporary and residents should continue to separate their recyclables as normal so that that separate collections can resume efficiently as soon as the trial period ends.

Added: 21 May 2007, 15:58
Disappointed to see that you voted for the amendment to the FOI bill, which would exempt Parliament from this act. The Data Protection Act is there to protect individuals and organisations so I fail to see how a new act would be any better. It is clear to see that this is a self-serving piece of legislation, designed to hide your expenses, among other things, from those whose interests you are supposed to represent. It was a sad day for parliament and I am sad that you are our MP.

Jeremy Thomas

As the voting record clearly shows, I absolutely did NOT vote for the Bill to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act. I am afraid that in this case you are simply wrong. I voted for the closure motion which enabled a vote to be taken - I did not support the Bill.

Furthermore, as you will see from last year's published figures, my total expenses are low in comparison to most other MPs. Crucially, I do not claim the Additional Costs Allowance to which I am entitled, unlike my Labour predecessor. I believe that the public should be able to see what I spend. I certainly have nothing to hide.

Added: 17 May 2007, 17:07
I would like to know why we cannot recycle our plastics in local businesses. With all this talk of being more green lets start this in our own area. We are a local business with loads of plastic that is going into general waste. Also, because we are a childrens theatre we feel we are giving the wrong message about recycling when they visit since we have no facilties to do so. Please help by making Merton more green!

Kim

Clearly, local businesses should be recycling as much as possible. I will write to the Council to ask them if facilities can be made available for them to recycle plastic waste.

---

I have now had a reply from the Council. Businesses are allowed to recycle whatever they can but there is currently no collection service for plastics, unlike paper, card and glass. A specific collection for plastics is currently thought to be prohibitively expensive - and the costs of the service would have to be passed on to local businesses.

Added: 10 May 2007, 17:17
Dear Stephen, The state of Wimbledon town centre's public areas is getting worse and worse. The pavements around bus stops and the Centre Court building in particular are caked with gum and at weekends, one often sees dried pools of blood (from fights I presume) and vomit scattered about the place. My council tax has risen by over 100% since 2000 but the service the council provides is on a downward spiral. Keeping the streets clean is hardly rocket science would you not agree? Routine sweeping is clearly insufficient and I suggest that the roads are jet-washed on a regular basis.

Simon Hewitt

One of the first things the new Conservative Council did when it took over was to introduce more frequent street cleaning: extra rounds were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings to clean up after people go out on Friday and Saturday nights; the number of 'deep cleans', which involves clearing out the gutters and removing gum, has been increased; and the Council has just introduced £75 on-the-spot fines for dropping litter, to be enforced by Police and PCSOs. However, I will continue to press the Council to take further action where necessary.

As for the Council Tax, it is a well-known fact that it has doubled under the current Labour Government. By loading repsonsibiltiies onto local authorities without providing the necessary extra funding, it has effectively been employed as a stealth tax.

The new Council in Merton has promised to keep tax rises below the rate of inflation over the course of its term. However, what is clearly also required is a change of Government.   

Added: 30 April 2007, 10:22
What is your opinion about the increased level of surveilence over the country but particularly in London. Do you think that it is inappropriote for cameras to not only watch you but also shout at you (in an innocent child's voice!), listen to you, read you lips (the latest home office plans) and scan your naked body (as in Paddington station). Have votes actually taken place on these changes? Also, do you approve of the mosquito (high pitched noise) that can only be heard by under 21s such as myself by the "two fat ladies", Wimbledon's main meeting spot for everyone. Do you think it's wrong for the state to be so mistrustful of everyone?

Catherine Morgan

We need to strike a balance between, on the one hand, making people feel safe and helping to detect crime and terrorism, and on the other hand, avoiding 'big brother' surveillance and unnecessary interference in our lives.

I would say that the balance is currently about right but that the Government shows signs of wanting to take increasingly intrusive measures. I and my colleagues in the Oppositon have opposed ID cards on the basis that they will be expensive, ineffective and involve storing large amounts of personal data.

Added: 18 April 2007, 12:13
I would like to know why the footpaths around Church Road / Kingston Road are currently being widened. There is very little pedestrian traffic along this road to warrant wider footpaths and the narrowing of Church Road is only adding to the already-congested traffic. Surely Merton Council could have better spent its excess funds on more pertinent issues such as potholes or improved cycle lanes.

Sinéad Cregan

i have to admit I do not know why the Council is doing this. I would be happy to write to them to find out - you just need to send me your address and postcode. You can use the message box on the 'Contact' page of my website.

Added: 16 April 2007, 19:36
Stephen, whilst perhaps not as significant as nuclear disarmament, I write to query why we cannot expect basic services such as simple as garbage collection, and street cleaning to be undertaken to a standard which would be considered acceptable in most developed nations. As a resident in the streets surrounding South Park Gardens in Wimbledon, I am continually staggered at the atrocious quality of garbage collection, the so called "recyclables" blowing down the street from the open bins, and the general lack of street cleaning which takes place in one of London's most affulent towns. What particularly irks me is the fact that we see a dozen parking inspectors plying their trade in our street, while litter, household waste, and long-stranding piles of rotting leaves from last Autumn lie unremoved in the street. Perhaps you could explain what the extortionate council taxes pay for, and why I have been to third-world countries in South-East Asia which manage a better performance than what we've been witnessing for the past several years of living in Wimbledon. Regards S French

Steven French

One of the new Conservative Council's priorities has been to improve street cleaning so I am sorry to hear that there are still problems in your road. I understand that the Council has resheduled litter picking so that teams follow behind rubbish collection lorries later in the day to pick up loose items. I also know that they have introduced extra litter picking on Saturday and Sunday mornings to clear up after people have been out on the town.

However, I am more than happy to write to the Council on your behalf to ask for the problems on South Park Gardens to be dealt with. You just need to send me your address and postcode via the message box on the 'Contact' page of my website.

Added: 05 April 2007, 17:04
Stephen, the 2007 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee will meet beginning on the 30th of April to work on an agenda of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The agenda will be discussed in full at the 2010 NPT Review Conference. Britain and the other Nuclear Weapon States are required under Article VI of the NPT to 'pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a Treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.' From your previous responses, you clearly believe that some Countries can have shed-loads of expensive nuclear weapons, yet other countries don't need the same "deterrent," what input do you think the government should have into convincing the public that agreeing to renew trident is not hypocritical and is reconcilable with britain's obligation under the Non-Proliferation Treaty? Regards, M Emerson

Michele Emerson

As I have said in one of my previous responses, I am happy for Britain to 'pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament' - ie multilateral disarmament.  However, I strongly belive that unilateral disarmament would be foolish and dangerous - and, indeed, unilateral disarmament is not required by the NPT.

As for the 'arms race' that the NPT mentions, Britain has already cut its number of warheads and the Government proposes to do so again - we are not taking part in any race.

Added: 12 March 2007, 13:30
How do you intend to vote on Wednesday for the renewal of our own new set of weapons of mass desruction? Do you think it is wrong to spend tens of billions of pounds on the trident scheme which could be spent on health, education, transport etc? Just one of these nuclear warheads proposed would have 8 times the destructive power of Hiroshima. We could never justify the use of one of these weapons and to call it just a deterent sound a lot like Iran's stance on the issue. You cann't agree to such hypocracy. When we are treatening other countries with war if they do not disarm. Please tell me you are going to vote against trident on Wednesday.

Cath Morgan

I understand that Trident is an issue that people have strong feelings about - and with good reason. However, I am afraid that I do not agree with your analysis of the situation.

The point of our having nuclear weapons is not to use them against others but to prevent other countries from using them against us. You might say that there are currently no countries that would attack us. However, we don't know what the situation will be in ten, twenty or thirty years time. If we let Trident lapse now, it would be too late to replace it at a later date, should new threats arise.

You state that it is hypocritical for us too have nuclear weapons while trying to prevent others from building them. However, the UK is a stable parliamentary democracy where such weapons are very tightly controlled - and we have always stated that we possess them for deterrent purposes only. On the other hand, the President of Iran, who seeks to build nuclear weapons, has publicly declared that he wishes to wipe Israel off the map. It is also possible that elements even more militant then even President Ahmadinejad might seize control of any such weapons once they had been constructed.

You mention the cost of replacing Trident. It is true that Trident may cost £20billion. However, this would be over the lifetime of the system, ie twenty to thirty years. So, a potential cost of around £1billion per year. The current budget for health and education combined is currently over £150billion per year. In this context one can see what a comparatively small sum of money is being talked about.

Finally, although I would be prepared to support the UK's participation in genuine and monitored multilateral disarmament, I firmly believe that to disarm unilaterally would be both ineffectual and dangerous.

It is for the above reasons that I will be voting in favour of replacing Trident.

Added: 07 March 2007, 14:38
I wish to know your voting intentions on House of Lords Reform. I am not pursuaded that we need another elected chamber to any degree. A second chamber with more professional 'politicos' is a recipe for greater conflict with the Commons rather than better legislative scrutiny. I would much prefer to see a more effective system for an appointed chamber that would bring in experienced and knowledgeable achievers from different walks of life. The current House of Lords appears to be fairly effective so I cannot see that wholesales change is required, just a better mix.

David Brunsdon

I, too, am not persuaded that we need another elected chamber. I certainly do not believe that people are crying out for more elected politicians! I also think that the current House of Lords does a good job - it contains people of considerable experience and expertise who, most importantly, are not beholden to anybody.

However, I have to now accept that the Government is determined to press ahead with reform. Given that, I have to decide which of the options that they have presented is the best one. Crucially, I do not want the Government to introduce a wholly or largley appointed second chamber, full of cronies. I am therefore left with the option of a largely elected chamber.

Thus I am going to vote for a second chamber that is 80% elected and 20% appointed.

Added: 28 February 2007, 22:17
Further to the previous message I note that your name is not presently listed as a signatory to EDM 992 which criticises the FA for its "excessive punishment" of AFC Wimbledon. Please could you confirm if you intend to sign this EDM?

Mike Dowek

I can confirm that I have signed EDM 992. 

Added: 28 February 2007, 12:05
Could you please tell me what is happening at the end of seaforth avenue ( station end) there is a house with a small extension which is boarded up. The wooden gates have collapsed and hanging on their hinges and it looks so unsightly. I would also like to take this opportunity to tell you what a great job the PCSO's ( community policemen/women) are doing. It's so nice to see them walking the streets and makes a safer and more pleasant place for us to live. They even shook my hand in the street last week as i was walking the dog. WELL DONE ALL!!!

Gary Marshall-Gleghorn

I am glad to hear that you feel the PCSOs are doing a good job. As it happens, I recently went out on patrol with the police. I, too, felt very reassured by their professionalism.

With regard to Seaforth Avenue, if you wanted to write to me with the details I could certainly look into it for you.

Added: 15 February 2007, 10:57
I write to ask if you have heard about the problems faced by local club AFC Wimbledon who face an 18 point league deduction as a penalty for a techinical breach of the rules. It is public knowledge that Ms McDonaugh, Mitcham and Morden MP is supporting the club and planning to take the case to the Sports Minister and Shadow Sports Minister because of its unairness. The club have already been removed from the FA Trophy, lost potenially the higgest gate receipt of the season, been forced to repay £12000 and then this further league action on top is not natural justice. The main points are: This was a victimless "crime" - noone was cheated of points and there was no deception on our part Deducting 18 points is a totally disproportionate penalty compared to the offence AFC Wmbledon are being treated very differently from bigger clubs such as Liverpool and West Ham United who have possibly signed players owned by a third party, banned by FA Premier League rules. The club and its supporters don't begrudge them the treatment they are getting - we just want the same The minister (and shadow minister) should intervene with the football authorities to ensure that the football regulations are applied in line with natural justice - the current decision does not do that Please could you inform me and other viewers of your website what contact you have had with the club in the matter, whether you will join the Mitcham and Morden MP acting on behalf of her resident supporters in lobbying the Shadow Sports Minster and the Sports Minister to ensure that this matter is dealt with fairly by the football authories who have punished Wimbledon fans once before and seem to be doing it again.

Wimbledon fan and resident

I am a keen supporter of AFC Wimbledon and know the Directors very well. I am also very supportive of AFC’s Community Football Scheme which does excellent work for local children. I was therefore shocked to hear of the penalty that has been imposed upon it by the FA. I accept that the Club made an administrative error but it was an honest mistake and it has been treated far too harshly.

I have written to the Club Chairman to ask if he would like me to write to the Chief Executive of the FA. I have also made a statement to the local papers condemning the severity of the fine. I note that Siobhan McDonagh has written to the Sports Minister but I suspect that he will respond that this is a matter for the FA, not the Government.

Added: 05 February 2007, 09:29
You say: "I can assure you that Safer Neighbourhood teams have nothing to do with Ken Livingstone. " But I thought I remembered some of his propaganda saying that the GLA provided funding - and I looked and found: http://www.london.gov.uk/news/2006/budget-speech-150206.jsp Which notes that extra funding has been made available to bring in safer neighbourhoods teams across London earlier than the original deadline. So to say that Ken has nothing to do with it is not quite right? I was originally asking about what you'd done as our MP to achieve your election pledge of more police in Wimbledon?

James Fox

The fact remains that Safer Neighbourhood teams were a Government initiative. Ken Livingstone, as Mayor of London, is obliged to use his precept to fund the Metropolitan police (amongst other things) - so the fact that he is doing so is no great revelation.

You ask what I have done to achieve my election pledge of more police for Wimbledon. Clearly, as the Conservative Party did not form the Government after the last election, we were not able to implement our manifesto. Hence, as a member of the Opposition, all I can do is seek to put pressure on the Government. This is what I and my colleagues in the Opposiiton have done.

If you wish to debate this issue further, please do write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA. This message board is not ideal for long discussions because each point becomes detached from the previous one by other comments posted in the intervening periods.

Added: 27 January 2007, 21:35
Having read a recent article about Mitcham and Morden MP, Siobain McDonagh's interference in operational police matters, can you assure your local residents that the police will remain free from over zealous political control?

Kathy E

I am in regular contact with the Borough Commander because I feel that it is important for me to know what the key problems are that he and his officers are having to deal with. However, I certainly never seek to interefere with operational police matters.   

Added: 23 January 2007, 11:39
Why is it that when I go to wimbledon on a friday night I feel very intimedated by the youths that hang around centre court. What can you do to change this - and when can you do it?

Charlotte Cleaver

Safer Neighbourhood policeman and Police Community Support Officers have been introduced into all wards since April last year. The town centre also has a bespoke squad to counter problems with youths who hang around after school each day.

I will continue to work with the police to try to make the town centre a safer place, free from intimidation. I have also discussed the provision of youth services with the local voluntary sector and the Council. This would offer an alternative to hanging around the Centre Court area.   

Added: 17 January 2007, 14:11
But the safer neighbourhoods teams are one of Ken Livingstone's initiatives aren't they?

James Fox

(See previous comment from James Fox and my answer below)

I can assure you that Safer Neighbourhood teams have nothing to do with Ken Livingstone. They were a Government initiative - announced, by no coincidence, after a lenghty Conservative campaign on crime. Further, the Government originally only planned Safer Neighbourhood teams for Inner London - it was after pressure from  local Conservatives that Wimbledon gained them too.

Added: 11 January 2007, 15:12
I do hope that you will be considering rejection of the lastest plans for the redevelopment of the King of Denmark Public House as the local residents do not wish for a repeat of the eyesore that is No.87 Ridgway to occur. No. 87 is not in keeping with the locality or scale of adjacent buildings and should not be seen to lend weight to the proposals submitted and your support on this would be appreciated.

Mr I Long

I have written to the Head of Planning at the Council to ensure that the concerns of local residents regarding the King of Denmark pub will be properly taken into account. 

Added: 03 January 2007, 12:47
One of your excellent election promises was for more police in Wimbledon. I just wondered what you'd managed to achieve on that?

James Fox

I have long campaigned for increased numbers of police officers in Wimbledon, both before the General Election and after it. I am pleased to say that we now have Safer Neighbourhood teams - consisting of a sergeant, two constables and three communtiy support officers - in every Council ward. You can find their contact details on http://www.safermerton.org.uk/index.php?id=168

Added: 22 November 2006, 20:05
It has become common practice in our neighbourhood that foxes open up our black bags and the street becomes littered overnight with bones and debris. However, I decided to leave bags inside our green paper recycling bin to see if that helped the situation, only to find the guys who were collecting papers from the green bin were too lazy to move the bags which were not heavy so left my green bin unemptied. Would you please take this up with merton council? I would also like to disagree with the government's plans to charge londoners/southern counties more concil tax to cover shortfall in olympic games site. if this is going to be a success it will be enjoyed by the entire country, so why is the shortfall not taken on by the entire country. Don't we pay more as it is in the south!!!!

Gary Marshall-Gleghorn

Foxes are certainly becoming a real problem and I shall chase Merton Council about dealing with the fox population. However, people need to make sure that they only take their rubbish out on the day of its collection - or place it in a secure outside bin. I understand your thinking behind putting your rubbish bags in the recycling containers but waste and recycling are collected by different teams and they need to be clearly separated. 

With regard to the Olympics, you are absolutely right that the cost should not be borne only by London taxpayers. After all, the whole economy will benefit. Mayor Livingstone promised that the Olympics will only cost Londoners £20 per year in extra Council Tax - and yet the Government has just announced that another £400m will have to be raised.  We shall soon see what Livingstone's promise is worth!

Added: 14 November 2006, 10:36
I voted for you largely in protest at Roger Casale's 'staying away from main home' expenses claim. I am delighted you have not let me down.

David Lindsay

I am very glad to have lived up to my promise!

Added: 09 November 2006, 13:11
Do you live in Wimbledon?

Henrik - The Norwegian School in London

Yes, I have done since 1999.

Added: 05 November 2006, 19:26
As an avid pet owner i do feel that firework displays should be confined to one night per year which should be agreed by the government. Fireworks start to be used in early october and go through into december as sold half price after november 5th. Why cant one night a year be agreed the pet owners can make arrangements for their pets for the upcoming event rather than spend weeks trying to pacify our pets who sit in corners trembling. I also believe private firework displays shoudl be banned which will prevent the many injuries that happen at this time of year and leave organised events wide open for the public to attend. I hope you take this seriously as i would like to push for a parlimentary agreement on this matter

Gary Marshall-Gleghorn

As a dog owner, I recognise that fireworks cause many pets distress and I would encourage attendance at safe and well organised public events. However, I would be reluctant to restrict the use of fireworks to one day a year and I would certainly not wish to actually ban private displays. Most people behave responsibily and host very enjoyable evenings for family and friends. I will therefore continue to support the sensible, safe and restrained use of fireworks.  

Added: 31 October 2006, 11:31
Congratulations to Stephen Hammond, Wimbledon's MP. It seems that by the simple choice of living in the constituency and using public transport, he has reduced previous incumbent Roger Casale's £20,000 per year "staying away from main home" cost to zero. I also see that the total cost of Hammond's full team was £97,403, compared to Casale's final year cost of £180,000. That's around a 50% saving, for which we thank him. It seems that, unlike Hammond, Mitcham and Mordern MP, Siobain McDonagh, continues her spendthrift ways with our money, clocking-up two top ten performances. She moves up to 4th place nationally for stationery costs of £7,167 - if only that went through Mitcham shops. By contrast, Hammond spent just £725 of our money. Ms McDonough takes 2nd place for postage costs nationally, with an amazing £22,339. Perhaps she should open a sub-post office in Mitcham? Will fellow readers please urge Stephen to meet Siobain and help her reduce the £137,336 she cost national taxpayers this year.

Chris Mclaughlin, Resident and Taxpayer

I am happy to report that Mr Mclaughlin is correct about my expenses. I am very proud to be one of Parliament's most cost-conscious MPs. 

 

Added: 29 October 2006, 10:41
I share Ms. Entwistle's concern re planning. The abomination recently built at 26 Arthur Road ( after much objection) is apparently over a metre too high ! A neighbour alerted LBC in August but presumably the message was not passed on to the relevant department. Other people have also written and now the plannning enforcement officer has acted quickly and asked that building should cease and also advised that he would recommend refusal of any further planning request. Building continues which is a blatant disregard of these rules. One assumes that the developer has found a loop-hole round the planning rules. What can the general public do to stop these practices ? ( we have already complained )

Margaret Rubens

Unfortunately, Merton Council has a long history of not enforcing its own planning decisions as vigorously as it should. I will write to the Council and ask for a full update and proposed plan of action.

Please continue to be vigilant and write to your local Councillors, myself and Merton Planning Department if deveopers are infringing planning regulations. I am hopeful that the new Conservative Administration will bring a fresh approach to Planning and Building Enforcement, focused on the quality of individual projects and on what local residents actually want. 

Added: 13 September 2006, 15:26
Grave concern over borough's implemention of planning policy. Town cramming is leading to the loss of green spaces and large gardens. LBM's planning department has devolved powers and deliberately tries to stop planning applications going to committee. I am the victim of a campaign shrouded in secrecy and where planning is decided on the subjective interpretation of a couple of civic servant planning officers and not by elected representatives. My case is now coming to Committee but only after I got 10 letters of objection (the council would never tell me how many I needed to get a committee hearing of my case) The planning law is a) biased in favour of the applicant b) open to abuse when developers can openly offer council money for amenities under Section 106 c) does not give equal rights to the residents who have paid council tax for years and are effectively 'gagged' from having their say! Please reply with your views on this iniquitous process and on the way it is implemented by Merton planning department.

Elizabeth Entwistle

I am constantly writing to Merton Council's planning department on behalf of people objecting to planning applications. In conservation areas I am especially keen to prevent new developments spoiling the character of the locality. Also, it is important that houses suitable for families are not always converted into flats.

Of course, Merton Council has to operate withing the guidelines set down by central government, as well as its own Unitary Development Plan. Unfortunately, the current Government has decided that gardens, for example, count as brownfield sites. This allows developers to build over them more easily.

If you want to write to me directly (you can do this from the 'Contact' page), providing your full postal address, I will be happy to look into your particular case. 

Added: 20 April 2006, 21:00
I was recently asked who was my MP - and I couldn't answer! I didn't even know what party they represented! I know this says something about my local political knowledge but I also think it says something about the visability of my member of parliament.

Mary Harvey

I am very sorry that you have not seen or heard anything about me! I am also vey surprised and I shall explain why.

I was elected in May last year but I also stood for election in Wimbledon in 2001 - so over the last six or seven years I have knocked on almost every door in the entire constituency. I also have posters with my contact details pinned up in many post offices, libraries, church halls and other public places. Every four months I send out around 30,000 newsletters explaining what I have been up to in Wimbledon and Westminster. I hold regular surgeries in Wimbledon where constituents can come and see me about problems they have. I often open new stores and charity shops - recent examples being the new Post Office on WImbledon Hill Road and the new British Heart Foundation shop on the Broadway. I sometimes appear in the local press - though perhaps not as often as I'd like! I regularly attend church and am a sidesman at St Mary's. I also attend as many Residents' Associations meetings as I possibly can. Finally, I live in Wimbledon and have been a local Councillor here since 2002.

For all the above reasons I would hope to be quite visible but I shall certainly try harder!  

Added: 12 April 2006, 14:33
With regard to the article about graffiti in Wimbledon park, I seem to recall Merton Council being committed to removing graffiti within a certain amount of time after it has been reported but am not sure on this. Has Mr Hammond reported the Wimbledon Park graffiti to the Council? Thank you for your time. Jean Smith (Mrs)

Jean Smith

Merton does indeed have a target for graffiti removal - that is, within five days from when it is reported. I have contacted the Council on a number of occasions about the graffiti in Wimbledon Park. Of course, it is very hard to prevent it from re-appearing. I shall raise the matter of graffiti at my next meeting with the police Borough Commander.  

 

Added: 01 March 2006, 15:34
I would like to know if Mr Hammond will encourage the council to improve both information and services regarding recycling. Having lived in Wimbledon for two years, I was not aware of any scheme for the collection of tins, plastic or paper even though I have recently discovered such a scheme appears to exist. Our local recycling station (by Wimbledon Theatre) also does not accept plastics, which leads to a lot of unnecessary waste. I would hope Mr Hammond would agree that conservation efforts in the home are extremely important and the council must make it as convenient as possible for us to recycle.

Andrew McLachlan

I very much agree with the above. I am extremely concerned that Merton Council should be doing more to increase the amount of waste that is recycled across the Borough. Recycling should be made as easy as possible and the Council should make people aware of the facilities for doing so. I have today written to the Council to press for a plastics recycling container at Wimbledon Theatre and other locations.  

Added: 28 February 2006, 04:31
I would like to know what Mr Hammond feels about the comments made by Ken Livingstone to the Evening Standard journalist. Personally, I feel that Livingstone should have been made to apologise or resign. I feel that people in public office are entitled to a private life and entitled to their own personal opinions - as long as those opinions and lifestyles are kept private. Any comments made to a journalist are in the public domain - and therefore emanating from his office. How would the police have reacted if they had been called to the scene? also what makes Livingstone an expert on concentration camp guards?

Robert Rees

My feeling about the above is that Mr Livingstone should spend less time absuing journalists and more time attending to his job. Moreover, as you rightly say, politicans are entitled to their personal opinions but must show restraint in the interests of their office; the Mayor's comments demeaned his office. 

You may have read that Mr Livingstone has been suspended from his position for a month - though what sort of punishment it is to be suspended on full pay, I am not sure.  

Added: 14 February 2006, 13:06
The Travellers estates at both ends of Weir Road in Wimbledon Park "appear" to be a significant source of local crime. The river Wandle has over 12 abandoned motor scooters etc which "appear" to have been stolen. There are two estates on Weir road one that has egress from Earlsfield (but is in Wimbledon Park) and the other near the old football Wimbledon Stadium. There have been numerous reports of anti-social behaviour in that area and Weir Road needs to be cleaned up. We need the local police, councils (Merton and Wandsworth) to look at the crime generated by these sites and take action to stop the current status quo.

Concerned Wimbledon Park Resident

I have been in contact with the police about the above matter and will continue to press for firm action to reduce crime levels in and around the Weir Road Trading Estate.

Stephen Hammond MP  

Added: 14 February 2006, 10:08
I would like to know how Mr Hammond intends to vote on the issue of Smoking in Public places. I am looking forward to a complete ban in all areas including private members clubs.

L Regan

I voted to ban smoking in public places, pubs and clubs. I initially voted to exempt private clubs as I am extremely concerned about unreasonable government interference in private space. That amendment was then defeated, so on the Third Reading I voted to support the total ban.

Stephen Hammond MP