Wandsworth Conservatives

It’s been yet another busy weekend as a Wandsworth Conservative Councillor. On Saturday morning we were out surveying residents in Putney asking for views on local issues. Who says we only talk to residents when elections are coming up? Saturday lunch was spent talking to our recently honoured Cabinet member Ravi Govindia and the Putney MP Justine Greening. Ravi was recalling his experience as a refugee in 1972 when he first came over to the UK from Uganda. I am constantly amazed at how varied and interesting lives our Councillors have led. I think it is a major factor in the effectiveness of our Councillors. On Saturday afternoon I went to the St Mary’s Church Oasis Garden Opening in Balham Town Centre. Cllr Sarah McDermott has been working really hard helping her residents to landscape the derelict land next to the church and the efforts that have been made are really worth it. The Garden is a really beautiful space and is truly an Oasis in the heart of Balham. It was good to see the Wandsworth Mayor cutting the ribbon to officially open the garden as well as enjoying the delicious cakes on offer.

I spent Sunday reading materials in preparation for the interview with the Audit Commission on Tuesday night (as well as nursing the celebratory hangover from the England v France semi-final - go Johnny go, go, go). 

What a great day to be a Conservative. David Cameron really hit our ‘Phoney’, disingenuous and bottling Prime Minister with both barrels at PMQ’s. Fancy using the excuse that only 26 people (Now up to 1775) have signed the Downing Street petition for an election as a reason not to call the election. As though it has nothing to do with the opinion polls. How stupid does he think the British people are? How much arrogance and contempt can one man show for the people he should be working for?

On a more local note: I have a workshop with the Audit commission next week as they assess our CPA score and have been getting up to speed on what it is all about.

For Balham: I have been working on a noise issue for some local residents who are currently getting woken up at the crack of dawn by some noisy trucks and lorries. I have also agreed to go to the launch of a new neightbourhood watch in Balham in a couple of weeks time. Crime is such a problem in London. It is critical that we do all we can as a community to support the Police in their fight against crime (and the red tape they are tied up in).

 Cllr Russell King, Balham Ward