Christmas and New Year message 2017

Over the past year we have seen a number of incidences where the outlook for many residents in our area is getting worse not better.

Brexit is affecting London and certainly the boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow. Many banks and financial companies are moving jobs from London to France and Germany meaning that Chiswick residents are losing their jobs.

Liberal Democrats have observed that continued government cuts have resulted is a greater number of people being displaced from their housing and some being homeless. The truer level of homelessness is much higher as there are a large set of residents who move from the homes of friend to friend, staying for a few days or a week before moving to another temporary home. There needs to be more investment in providing shelters and the services so that those who are homeless can have a better chance of getting a job or into education.

In May 2018 there will be the local elections. I hope, despite many people’s views of politicians, that everyone will reflect on which political party or councillors have been the most active in their area to make improvements. The Liberal Democrats have been fighting to get the council to keep the streets clean from fly-tips, litter and leaves. We also want to see the police continue their hard work to keep crime low and to catch drivers who speed.

I would like to end my putting on record, a big thank you to the many thousands of residents who take part in volunteering to raise money for good caused, care for family members or vulnerable residents. You all have improved the lives of many people. In addition there are many residents who have helped to set up or maintain residents’ bodies. These groups make a positive difference in Chiswick.

I wish everyone a great festive period.

My Christmas and New Year message

Christmas is a time where we all reflect about our lives; that of our family, our friends and others around the world.

At this time I think of those injured or have lost a family member in the sadly frequent terrorist events. One of my friends was shot in the Paris Bacalan music venue but left hospital recently. If you spot any of your friends who are not as happy as they usually are, please make sure you speak to them as this can be a time when people's mental health suffers to check they are okay.

Looking specifically to Ealing, next year will have seen Ealing Council close days centres and they still look to introduce policies which will cause problems to our most vulnerable residents.

Our biggest danger will be threat of expanding Heathrow, given the recent decision to pause for six months, so the government will make its decision in June. I hope you will join the Liberal Democrats in the campaign to improve the levels of air pollution across London.

I hope you all have a great vacation over this time.

My New Year message for Ealing

As the current year comes to an end I have looked forward to the promise that 2015 brings.

Sadly I fear that life for many people in Ealing will not fulfill that promise and indeed could be worse than it has been. The reason for this, are the range of cuts that Labour run Ealing Council have recently announced including the closure of many day centres and the introduction of fortnightly collections of waste.

By announcing fortnightly refuse and recycling collection when they were adamant during the May local election campaign that there would not be such a change, Labour have shown what little respect they have for the residents of this Borough. Liberal Democrat Sutton Council guaranteed the funding for weekly waste collections until 2018!

Liberal Democrats against day centre cuts 

Additional cuts include day centres such as the Carlton Road Day Centre and the Solace Day Centre.

Both face closure, which will leave many vulnerable people and their carers facing an uncertain 2015.

Day centres are a safe and welcoming place for physically disabled people to go to. They offer family carers a way to get a break from their caring duties, to get a haircut, visit the doctor, or just to have a coffee. The day centres are often the only way that the users can socialise.

These centres save the NHS so much money by reducing the incidence of depression for all those concerned. So, by choosing to cut services in this way, Labour has shown us how truly callous they can be towards the most vulnerable in our society.

The Liberal Democrats acknowledge the time people spend caring for relatives and participating in community activities across the Borough. We support those who help others make Ealing a better place for everyone. This is why the Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the residents of Ealing in the coming year.