The Twickenham Riverside Lib Dem team: David Trigg, Denise Carr and Michael Wilson

• May 2010 Election %s: C 45.3; LD 38.4; L 10.9. C 3.

• Page 2: Comments and news from 2008, 2007 & 2006

• [Feb 27] St John's Hospital site secured for primary school places

• [From Comments Spring 2010] New school places for Twickenham: The Lib Dems want new school places to be built in Twickenham as a priority. Part of the St John's former hospital site in Strafford Road could be used for new school classrooms. This is part of the Council's £32 m programme to expand primary school places. Terms have been agreed to purchase the land from the South West London & St George's Mental Health Trust, provided that planning permission can be obtained for a school.

Cllr Denise Carr welcomed the news, adding "The Council has expanded Orleans Infants school and must plan ahead for the increasing demand for places in our excellent primary provision. This site in the centre of Twickenham is ideally located to meet the needs of many parents, but the interests of residents living in the vicinity of the site must also be taken into account. Ward councillors will be ensuring that pre-planning consultation is undertaken on the design proposals, including re-use of the existing buildings and transport matters".

• SUPPORT Growing For Riverside Renewal: A recent survey shows people are in favour of the Council scheme to redevelop the old baths site on Twickenham Riverside. For nearly 30 years most of the site has been derelict and inaccessible. The Council scheme includes a River Centre with café/restaurant overlooking a new children's playground, toilets, education space, exhibitions, events and activities for all ages; green open space; and refurbishment of the Embankment. Cllr Michael Wilson welcomed the support "With 3 to 1 responses in favour, we know that most residents support our plans".

• TWICKENHAM Station: Liberal Democrat councillors want to see big improvements to Twickenham station in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Network Rail and Kier Property have joined forces to create Solum Regeneration, a partnership to oversee the development. Cllr David Trigg says "Twickenham deserves a modern mainline station which is welcoming and fully accessible, and can cope with the increasing demand from commuters, RFU event crowds, Richmond College students and people who live or work in Twickenham and want to use good quality public transport. The investment planned could also deliver huge benefits for the town, but ward councillors will expect the design and scale of the residential/ commercial mix under consideration to enhance this key gateway to the town centre and we have insisted on full pre-planning consultation with residents and businesses to ensure that we get the best development possible".

• LIB Dems help to cut crime: Richmond upon Thames is the safest borough in London and has been since 2007. Reported crimes are below 1,000 a month and with active Safer Neighbourhood Teams in every ward, policing is intelligence-led and responsive to local needs and conditions. Keeping our streets safe Cllr Michael Wilson said, "In Twickenham, we have a thriving Police Liaison Group which meets regularly and demonstrates the support the police have in keeping our streets safe, preventing and defusing situations, and working in partnership with local residents and businesses. If you would like more information and would like to attend then please drop us a line and we can let you know when the next meeting is being held". The policing priorities in Twickenham are - Robbery, Burglary, and Anti-social behaviour in the town centre. Please contact Cllr Michael Wilson to put an item on the agenda of a future meeting.

• POTHOLES: The Council has earmarked extra funds to repair potholes after the bad winter weather. Cllr David Trigg said, "We have secured a budget to resurface King Street and also part of Queen's Road which are in need of repair and upgrading. These are heavily used borough roads and this will be another measure to help enhance Twickenham for residents, businesses and visitors alike. We are looking to put this in place imminently". If you know of potholes that need filling please report them to the Council on 08456 122 660 or via http://www.richmond.gov.uk/potholes

• [Mar 05]: CHURCH Street in Twickenham is now fully open to traffic again, after it was partially closed for several weeks following a burst 36 in water main which damaged the road. The water main has now been repaired by Thames Water, which was responsible for it. Richmond Council will continue to make sure the company repairs the road to an acceptable standard. A section of it had sunk and some of the concrete and sand between the cobbles had been washed away making them loose and potentially dangerous to drive over.

Cllr David Trigg, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said: "Getting this road open again is something we wanted to have done as quickly as possible, so traders were not unduly affected. Church Street is the 'shop window' for local business in Twickenham and I'm glad to see it has now been done and shops can again take the maximum benefit from passing trade. I know this was an unexpected incident, caused by the extreme weather earlier this year, but hopefully the repairs Thames Water has carried out will mean the pipes will be able to withstand any further bouts of freezing temperatures in the future."

In order to minimise disruption in the area, a sewer which was also due for repair has been upgraded at the same time, meaning there will now be no need to close the road again in the future to do this. The water main which cracked carried water from the Hampton pumping station to Barnes reservoir

• COMMUNITY toilet scheme: One of the popular initiatives started by the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council has been the Community Toilet Scheme. 90 toilets in pubs, cafés, and offices around the borough are now open to the public. The Council pays the venue £600 a year to allow unrestricted access to the toilets. This is very much cheaper, and offers many more toilets, than the traditional public toilets, which are very expensive to maintain. Just look for the Community Toilet sign outside.

• 17 places in TWICKENHAM and ST MARGARET'S have joined the scheme: Alexander Pope; Arthur's on The Green; Barmy Arms; Bloomsbury; Cabbage Patch; Cambridge Gardens Café; Civic Centre; Cricket Pavilion; Crown; The George; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Orleans Garden Café (summer only); Orleans House Gallery; St Margarets Public House; Twickenham Library; Waitrose; and the York House Gardens urinals.

• The Borough's 90 Community Toilets

• [From Comments Winter 2009-10] River Centre: The Lib Dem Council will put a plan to renew and regenerate TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE to the people next year. The plan includes the riverside opened up, improved public space, a community River Centre with cafe and public toilets operated by the Environment Trust and supported by Sir David Attenborough, improved street furniture and an improved and permanent playground. The Environment Trust is taking advantage of the delay in signing the development contract for the riverside site to focus on the education and leisure opportunities the new River Centre could provide and to seek residents' views and preferences. Cllr Denise Carr said, "We want the River Centre to be a buzzing hub of activity, with a cafe/restaurant overlooking the new children's playground and the river, an aquarium, exhibitions on river ecology, and leaning activities ranging from sustainability forums for adults, rowing, fishing and boat-building qualifications for youngsters". To contribute your views, please visit http://www.RiverCentre.org.uk

Cllr Denise Carr said, "This is a fantastic scheme which will see the site transformed into a thriving, accessible space after nearly 30 years of waste. Pressures on Council finances mean that the plans must be self-financing, and this will be achieved through a small amount of housing at the rear and on Wharf Lane, which will have the added benefit of building in security to a site that has been plagued by petty crime and anti-social behaviour. A win-win for local residents, businesses and Council Tax payers". Cllr David Trigg said, "There are a number of myths and lies being circulated about our scheme, but we believe this is the best opportunity we've had in a generation to improve the site and bring regeneration to the town centre". Cllr Michael Wilson added, "The Council will not sign the plan until after the local elections. This will give people a full and democratic say over the council scheme. The improvements seen at the other end of the embankment are only the first step to a complete renewal".

• The TWICKENHAM EMBANKMENT works are now complete, with an avenue of beautiful pin oaks, hard and soft landscaping, new benches and bins with tops and curtains to deter the birds! The railings and lamp posts have been painted and an Eel Pie Legends board highlights the musical history of the island. Funded by Arcadia in the City, the Council and local residents, this part of the Embankment is now a real pleasure to sit and chill out in.

• We have been working with the local POLICE team to tackle town centre disturbances and anti-social behaviour hot spots. Cllr Denise Carr said, "Our Twickenham Riverside ward Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Sergeant Tony Lovegrove and PC Phil Ure, ask local residents to be particularly careful in the run-up to Christmas to prevent the opportunistic theft of Christmas presents". At a recent meeting of the ward Police Liaison Group, residents were asked not to leave these valuable items on display in cars or in front rooms which might attract attention from passers by. Cllr David Trigg said, "The Team will also be patrolling the town centre and keeping a close eye on the pubs and clubs as alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour remains one of the 3 priorities which local residents want the police to address. The other priorities are tackling burglaries and preventing robbery and personal safety".

Cllr Michael Wilson added "Your ward councillors work closely with the police and are delighted that the team who know our patch so well will be on duty on New Year's Eve to ensure that all of us have a happy and safe time as 2010 dawns - contact them on 07768-178989". The date of the next Police Liaison Group meeting on Wednesday 3 March, 7 pm in York House. • Local police officer Rupinder Dusanjh and Council Area Champion Carol Lee joined Cllrs Denise Carr and David Trigg to walk the ward. This is to identify issues for improvement from graffiti to pavements, trees to chewing gum, parking to lighting and much more. This is part of the regular ward walks we do to ensure that environmental issues are picked up and addressed as quickly as possible.

• FLAT recycling: Cllr Michael Wilson wants to hear from residents in flats about how we can help them to improve their recycling. Cllr Michael Wilson said, "Although we've rolled out an improved recycling scheme for residents in houses, a lot of residents in our area including myself live in flats. I would like to hear from those people who would like to see an improvement in recycling facilities available to people who live in flats".

• YORK House - following repair and repainting of the frontage last year, a specification for the rear of the house is being finalised and works should be completed by Spring 2010. In addition, York House Gardens won Green Flag status again this year (one of 7 in the borough) and there is an active management plan to continue to improve these beautiful gardens.

• TWICKENHAM Town Centre - the effects of the recession are plain to see in the empty shop units and bars in the town centre. We are monitoring this and working with landlords on temporary uses; have introduced free bank holiday parking; have improved the area at the junction of Arragon Road/Amyand Park Road; and are developing a Marketing Pack to attract quality businesses.

• WARREN Footpath - new, bat and human friendly lighting has been installed along this scenic towpath as part of the Arcadia in the City works. The lights give a more even light distribution for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce light pollution and save money as they use 40% less energy and can be dimmed down at night.

• The Lib Dem Council has restored RICHMOND BRIDGE at a cost of £360,000. Cllrs Carr, Trigg and Wilson recently visited to see the work being completed. Cllr Michael Wilson said, "This is an important bridge, both in terms of access and history, and this investment was need to repair and improve the bridge stonework".

• RICHMONDCARDS are free till January 2010 - for cheaper parking and no need to fiddle around looking for change, residents and businesses should apply now for the new RichmondCard. Discounts of up to 60 % are available for low CO2 emitting vehicles at all street parking meters.

From Comments Summer 2009:• LOCAL green groups back riverside plan Riverside plans set to renew derelict site and provide economic boost for town centre: The Lib Dems have been working in partnership with the Environment Trust, local residents and community groups on the future of Twickenham Riverside. The Council have now selected the scheme submitted by Countryside Properties and Eel Pie Island architect Clive Chapman. There will be a River Centre, with a boathouse, café, public toilets, and community facilities offering a range of education and opportunities for all ages.

There will be a children's playground, river-themed and overlooked by the café. For the first time in nearly 30 years, there will be quality, public open space, including a swath of green running up and over the River Centre and offering spectacular views of the river and the busy working riverside at the heart of the town. And there will be dedicated space for craft markets and other community events, created by the removal of some of the car parking on the riverfront to the rear of the site.

Cllr Denise Carr says "Priority has been given to pedestrian use and quality landscaping, with no loss of parking; public open space is maximised; and the stunning River Centre will be an exemplar of sustainable development. A mix of houses and flats at the rear and the Wharf Lane end of the site will build-in safety and deliver over £4m of public gain, including the shell of the River Centre, the public open space and playground, and improvements to the Embankment and river front, at no additional cost to the Council taxpayer.

Cllr David Trigg adds "The Twickenham Society has given its support and the Twickenham Town Centre Management Board sees the redevelopment of this site as the key regeneration opportunity in the town centre which will bring much benefit to businesses and residents. Cllr Michael Wilson adds "Sir David Attenborough is an enthusiastic supporter of the River Centre. A free, fun and informative community building which is a beacon of sustainability will bring so many benefits to the town and its residents and will help everyone to understand and enjoy the river."

• WARREN Footpath consultation: Local residents have responded positively to plans for new lighting on the Warren Footpath (the river tow path by Marble Hill Park). All the existing columns will be removed and new columns with LED lighting will be placed at regular intervals along the path. Cllr Carr says "These lights will be turned off at less busy times of the night, but the intelligent lighting technology will respond to human movement and switch on if needed while ignoring wind blown branches or wildlife movement . The path will be safer for pedestrians and cyclists alike." Cllr Wilson added "This lighting will save energy and is funded as part of the Arcadia in the City scheme which has benefited so many parts of the borough a win-win all round."

• AS well continuing to roll out the Council's CO2 emission based parking to on street car parking and car parks the Council has also introduced over 70 new car club bays across the borough. Cllr Denise Carr added, "The 4 new bays in our area and 6 more across Twickenham from City Car Club will increase the number of street car bays to 14 across our area including St Margaret's and Twickenham." The new bays are located on Strafford Road, Cambridge Road, Sion Road and Arlington Road. There are a further 5 in St Margaret's and one more in Twickenham. Car Club Contacts: http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/ http://www.streetcar.co.uk/ http://zipcar.co.uk/

• The Liberal Democrats have been working hard to improve the local environment across Twickenham. The areas upgraded include an area by Twickenham Riverside known as Champions Wharf, an area by St Mary's Primary School on Arragon Road and new facilities in Cambridge Gardens. Cllr Denise Carr said, "These new enhancements show just how much of a priority improving our local environment is for the Liberal Democrats". The features include new plants and shrubbery, more trees, better paving, additional cycle stands and new equipment like the Fit Point in Cambridge Gardens. Cllr Michael Wilson added, "We are always looking for ways to improve our local area and we will continue to push for extra funding to do so. The environment is a top priority for us."

• CAMBRIDGE Gardens: The demolition of the derelict toilet block in Cambridge Gardens is scheduled to begin on Monday 8th June. The work is set to be completed on Friday 3rd July. Cllr Denise Carr said, "Once the block has been demolished the site will be landscaped to make the area even nicer".

• Councillor Allowances: The Lib Dems have frozen councillors' allowances this year. At this difficult economic time, we do not think allowances should increase.