A LEVEL RESULTS DAY
I was deeply saddened to hear from many young constituents yesterday and today that the A Level results their schools submitted for them have been downgraded and they have lost their university places. According to the data I have seen, the adjustments applied to the grades submitted by their schools have been both arbitrary and extreme.
I wrote to Gavin Williamson about this yesterday, calling on the Education Secretary to recognise the serious problems with his system and award the Centre Assessed Grades, the grades submitted by the schools, instead.
You can see my reasons for calling for this in this letter to Mr
Williamson. I hope the Government will see sense on this and scrap their problematic algorithms, both for the A Levels awarded yesterday and for GCSEs next week.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE CLOSURE
Hammersmith Bridge is closed to all traffic, including foot and cycle traffic as of yesterday. This is because engineers have observed widening cracks in its structure, which they are saying may be attributable to the recent heat wave. They are now stopping boat traffic from passing under the bridge as well.
The progress on both the repairs to the bridge and the erection of a temporary cycling and walking bridge has been impeded by the Department of Transport's delay in allocating funding for it. The repairs and the temporary bridge were to have been funded by Transport for London, but the effects of coronavirus on TfL's financial position has rendered this unfeasible. The Government will have to step in and fund this project.
I have been pushing to expedite this project since I was elected and have written to the Department of Transport today to renew my call for funding to be allocated immediately.
We are also acting on behalf of residents in pushing TfL to put in more mitigation measures, such as additional buses and signage.
I am keenly aware of just how inconvenient the Bridge closure is for local residents, and I assure you that addressing it is a top priority.
KINGSTON NEWS
GAS WORKS ON MALDEN WAY AND THE A3
SGN have sent an update on their essential replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe on Malden Way and the A3. They will be restarting this project on 15 August and expect it to last approximately three weeks, working seven days a week.
Engineers will start working in the footpath adjacent to 48 Malden Way to College Gardens, for approximately one week. For the following two weeks, engineers will move onto the A3, closing the slip road at the Malden Way roundabout and the outside westbound lane of the A3. During this time it will not be possible to exit from Stanley Avenue onto the slip road.
A diversion will be in place via Burlington Road and Malden Road, as well as Stanley Avenue, Blakes Terrace and Blakes Lane. Buses will be follow the same diversion routes.
RICHMOND NEWS
RICHMOND COUNCIL WINS COUNCIL OF THE MONTH
I was delighted to hear this week that Richmond Council has won the Public Sector Executive 'Council of The Month' award for its innovative approach to communicating with residents during the pandemic. Richmond Council has been a model of good leadership and governance throughout this crisis and the acknowledgement is well-deserved.
You may have seen the videos from Council Leader Gareth Roberts and other councillors, the information updates and their special online events such as the Children's question and answer session with UK astronaut Helen Sharman.
Richmond Council also has developed very successful Online Community Conversations, covering six wards so far with more to come. Full details about them can be found here.
MORTLAKE BREWERY UPDATE
The Mortlake Brewery development proposals have been called in by the Mayor's office for a planning decision, despite being approved, with conditions, by Richmond Council. I am awaiting further news on this development and will share any further news with constituents as soon as I have it.
NEW PATRONS OF AGE UK
Munira Wilson and I are proud to have been named Patrons of Age UK Richmond this week. Age UK Richmond is the local independent charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers. During my short time as MP for Richmond Park, I have become very aware of the needs of our older residents and the challenges they are facing. Age UK Richmond is an invaluable source for support and information in the Borough.
As Munira said: “The voluntary sector is carrying a large share of the burden of supporting older residents, which has been especially highlighted during the current global pandemic. Age UK Richmond makes a massive contribution here in Richmond."
To find out more about Age UK Richmond’s services and the support available please visit www.ageukrichmond.org.uk or call 020 8878 3073.
ONERICHMOND CHARITY RAISING VITAL FUNDS FOR LOCAL GROUPS
OneRichmond has launched an appeal for funds to support our local charities who work so hard to help those that need it most. Our local charities are under increasing pressure due to the loss of income through Covid-19 and face an increased demand for services. They are asking for donations to sustain vital projects and services most affected by loss of income during the pandemic, supporting the most vulnerable in our community. Your donation will be doubled by local grant makers Hampton Fund and RPLC, up to £100,000.
You can donate here
And you can find out more about oneRichmond here