Richmond Park News: 8 May 2026
- Sarah Olney MP
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Parliament was prorogued last week, which brought a close to the current Parliamentary session. This has allowed all MPs to return to their constituency until the state opening of Parliament on the 13th of May, with the King's speech.
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S 100th BIRTHDAY
Today, Sir David Attenborough is celebrating his 100th Birthday.
He is a long-standing constituent, having lived in Richmond for over 70 years and has said “Richmond Park is one of my favourite places”. He is a patron of The Friends of Richmond Park and The Holly Lodge Centre.
To commemorate his centenary, I tabled an Early Day Motion, wishing him "a very happy 100th birthday, and commend[ing] his advocacy for the natural world, conservation and biodiversity”.
The Friends of Richmond Park have also produced a booklet to commemorate his 100th Birthday, which is available at the Visitor Centre at Pembroke Lodge, online, and at the Friends stall at the Richmond May Fair.
RICHMOND HILL BURST WATER MAIN
On Sunday evening there was a burst water main at the top of Richmond Hill, and I saw for myself on Tuesday, the traffic chaos it caused in the surrounding area.
Thames Water confirmed the pipe had been repaired on Wednesday morning, and water has been restored to affected properties; however, ongoing works were causing disruption in the local area.
I contacted Thames Water to gain clarity over the situation, and following representations by myself and others, Thames Water had removed the traffic restrictions and were planning on meeting with Richmond Council officials on Thursday to plan next steps.
I’m hopeful that the final repairs will be carried out swiftly. I have, in the meantime, written to Thames Water to ask them to prioritise the infrastructure upgrade that is so urgently needed at this location, to save local residents from needless further disruption if temporary repairs fail again. You can find my letter here.
BRITISH BEAUTY COUNCIL THINK TANK
On Thursday morning I attended the British Beauty Council Think Tank, where they presented the highlights of this year’s Value of Beauty report.
The beauty industry is growing four times faster than the UK economy, and their 2025 report highlights that the sector contributes £30.4 billion to the UK economy, a 9% increase on last year.
As the Liberal Democrat Business spokesperson, I’m keen to see how we can support businesses, which is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and the wellbeing of local communities. It is therefore exciting hearing how successful the beauty sector in the UK is, especially when looking at how we can replicate this success across other sectors.
LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
The local elections took place across London yesterday, and I would like to thank all candidates who stood across both Kingston and Richmond boroughs. The results were confirmed in Richmond overnight - 54 Liberal Democrats - and the count is underway in Kingston today.
Congratulations to all the new councillors, who I look forward to working with over the next few years.
COMMUNITY NEWS
BIG SHEEN CLEAN:
On Sunday 17th May 2026, 9:30am to 11:30am, East Sheen residents will be coming together to give the streets and green spaces of our wonderful community a thorough spring clean.
Every helping hand counts and it will be a brilliant way for children to learn about caring for their local environment. There will be plenty to do with all equipment provided plus refreshment afterwards!
If you’d like to take part, please register through the QR code or contact cleansheen@habitatsandheritage.org.uk.
