The Dangers of Level Crossings

I recently spent a day with a team from the British Transport Police in Chiswick. I visited the level crossing in Grove Park Terrace to find out about Operation Galley - London South's initiative to reduce non-compliance at level crossings. Operation Galley involves a specially adapted British Transport Police van, which is able to monitor vehicles and pedestrians crossing the level crossing. I was shown how the operation is conducted, as well as being given a full tour of the newly built vehicle which was sponsored by Network Rail. The new van allows the British Transport Police to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice of 3 points and a fine to drivers, and an on-the-spot fine for pedestrians, who chose to cross the level crossing once the yellow lights are flashing.

I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that the British Transport Police does in ensuring that our railways are kept safe, both for staff and rail users.

In July last year I was concerned to hear about a bus failing to stop at the level crossing in Bollo Lane, just outside my constituency. Although one passenger was showered with glass when the back window of the bus was broken by the descending barriers, miraculously no serious damage was done. But I am well aware that this was pure chance. Drivers who fail to heed signals at level crossings put not only themselves in danger, but endanger the lives of train passengers also. I therefore very much welcome this new initiative by the British Transport Police and Network Rail to catch and prosecute drivers who do not obey signals at level crossings.

Supporting the London Fire Brigade

I was recently invited to visit Chiswick Fire Station to find out more about their work in the local area. I was interested to meet active firefighters and to hear about the challenges they face in both preventing fires and fighting them.
No only is the local Fire Brigade on call 24/7 to deal with fires as they occur, but they work hard to raise awareness of preventing fires. Firefighters regularly visit schools to teach the students about fire prevention and safety, as well as providing a smoke alarm fitting service in the local area. The London Fired Brigade (LFB) carries out statistical modelling to determine which areas in London are most at risk of fire. This is done to ensure that community safety work is targeted where it is most needed.
The staff at the Fire Station also talked to Mary about the importance of sprinklers in preventing loss of life and valuables in a fire. There is clear evidence that installation of sprinklers can be effective in the rapid suppression of fires. In buildings that are fully protected by sprinklers, they can control 99% of fires. Sprinklers also greatly improve the safety of firefighters tackling a fire - they are effective in reducing the risks of flashover and backdraft conditions.
It was very interesting to meet the firefighters and the Borough Commander, to hear about their efforts to improve fire safety in the local area. I am delighted to be able to help support the London Fire Brigade's excellent work by sending out information leaflets to those of my constituents who live in high-risk areas. I do hope that these constituents will consider the matter very carefully and take up the LFB's offer of a home fire safety visit and possibly a free smoke detector. They really do save lives.

Threatened Closure of Chiswick Day Centre

On Saturday I joined residents in Chiswick to highlight the threatened closure of Chiswick Day Centre in Bridge Street. At an event held at the Crown and Anchor pub on Chiswick High Road, round the corner from the Day Centre, I met with a number of residents who use the facilities currently offered by the Centre, as well as their families, carers and local volunteers.

The event was organised to show support for the threatened Day Centre by Laura Ware and Pauline Hart (who organises and runs Pensioners Alone At Christmas). It had a 1940's street party theme, including music performed by the "Swingtime Sweethearts." Residents enjoyed singing along to wartime favourites, as well as an old-fashioned "High Tea." The get-together gave me the opportunity to speak to local residents directly affected by the proposed closure and hear their concerns over what will happen in the future.

Many of my constituents have contacted me to share their grave concerns over the threatened closure of Chiswick Day Centre, while a number of local GPs have indicated that they are concerned that some vulnerable patients may not be catered for under the proposed new arrangements. The Centre is a vital local resource - not only for those who use it themselves, but for their families and carers, for whom the care offered at the Day Centre provides some much needed respite from caring for loved ones.

I am concerned that the closure of the Day Centre by Hounslow Council has not been properly considered and that the loss of this important part of the community will have a serious and detrimental impact on residents in my constituency.

The recent refurbishment of Chiswick Day Centre would indicate that the Council previously saw the value in maintaining the facilities at this location. If Chiswick Day Care Centre were to close, the nearest centre with comparable facilities will be in Heston - a long way to travel on a daily basis, particularly for the elderly and those without private means for transport.

Hounslow Council is consulting on this proposal until 30 April 2011.

Support for Anti-Trafficking Campaign

On Friday, two members of my staff and I visited The Body Shop store in Chiswick to show our support for a campaign by ECPAT UK and The Body Shop UK to combat child trafficking. We met and chatted with staff (including the manager of the store), and discussed their new campaign. It was a great opportunity to hear more about the campaign and learn how they are supporting it. We had a wonderful time trying all The Body Shop lotions and potions, including a new limited-edition handcream called "Soft Hands, Kind Heart" - the profits from which will be going towards funding the campaign.

ECPAT UK (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) is a leading children's rights organisation campaigning against the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the UK and on its international aspects. In particular, it focuses on the protection of trafficked children and children exploited in tourism and the prevention of such crimes.
ECPAT and The Body Shop have partnered in a three-year global campaign to stop the trafficking of children and young people, uphold their rights to be protected from exploitation and inspire long-term change to strengthen the protection offered to these children and young people. Together, they are spearheading an international petition calling on governments across the globe to put child trafficking on their agenda and banish this modern-day slave trade.

In the UK, ECPAT UK and The Body Shop UK are specifically calling on the Government to offer greater care and protection to child victims of trafficking by ensuring every child is provided with a guardian to look after them.

I was really heartened to hear about the excellent work ECPAT UK and The Body Shop UK are doing to tackle the trafficking of children and young people for exploitation of many kinds. This appalling form of modern-day slavery must be stamped out and I am very happy to support such efforts by putting my name to the petition. I also call on people in my constituency to sign the petition too, which can be found at www.ecpat.org.uk or in any The Body Shop store. It will be delivered to the UK Government in 2011.

Don't forget to buy your handcream!

My First Surgeries

Yesterday was my first surgery as the local Member of Parliament. It was a packed schedule in Hounslow Community Hall, with lots of residents wanting to meet with me to discuss their issues. I followed this up with another surgery today in Chiswick Town Hall. I listened to a range of issues - all of which were really important to each person.

This is a major part of what being a Member of Parliament is about. Trying to help local people with their specific concerns and to improve their lives on an individual level.

I will follow up with all these issues when I am back in the House of Commons on Monday as it is important to get a response back to people as quickly as possible. I always try and put myself in their shoes...."if this was the issue affecting me, how would I feel?". At the moment, whilst we still don't have an office, it may not be possible to get back to residents as quickly as I would like, but I will make every effort to do so.

On the Campaign Trail

The first week of the election campaign has gone. It started on Tuesday, attending the David Cameron's campaign launch at County Hall and since then we have been at tube stations, train stations and on the streets to meet local residents.

The next four weeks will be the chance for each politician to put their manifesto to the British people. We do not know what the result will be ...but people will have their say at the ballot box.

This is your opportunity to vote for change. Change the Economy, change Society and change Politics. Your vote matters, now more than ever. Your vote can change the local Member of Parliament and can also change the government of this country.

Photo: with supporters outsideTurnham Green tube station

At the Boat Race in Chiswick

The Boat Race is always a great day and this year was no exception.

There was an excellent atmosphere at Chiswick Pier, as Oxford and Cambridge battled it out on the Thames, cheered on by locals. Thanks to the residents who offered me a glass of wine as I passed with a mass of blue balloons!

The Iron Lady in Chiswick

A crowd of local residents gathered in Chiswick on Saturday to meet Baroness Thatcher. I invited Lady Thatcher and Gerald Howarth MP, the Shadow Minister for Defence (who is also a local resident) to meet people at The Station House in Chiswick.

Lady T is an amazing woman who, in her time as Prime Minister, truly changed and shaped the world. She had courage, determination, a real vision and an inner strength to make difficult decisions.

Naturally, not everyone agreed with everything she did when she was Prime Minister, but I believe she was deeply respected as someone who believed strongly in the United Kingdom, stood up for our country, did what she thought was right and had a profound impact on the world.

We need more people in politics who, like her, speak their mind, who are focused on doing the right things for the people of this country and create a lasting legacy for future generations to come.

If I am given the honour after the next General Election, of being a Member of Parliament, my aim will be to also create a lasting legacy – one of a stronger community, where there is less poverty, more aspiration and hope, where people believe anything is possible, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Photo: Mary and Lady Thatcher in The Station House

Chiswick Remembers

A large crowd came out at the weekend to mark Remembrance Sunday at the War Memorial at Turnham Green.

Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Paul Lynch, our local VC veteran and many others. This was followed by a service in Christ Church Turnham Green, led by the Vicar, Mr Matt Boyes.

It was a lovely ceremony and service. The Mayoress' reading (Prudence Lynch) was especially moving as we remembered the brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and veterans who have played a vital role in the defence of our country.

We owe it to those in the military, many of whom are still in Iraq and Afghanistan, making sacrifices to ensure our security and freedom at home. We appreciate what they have done and are doing.

We will continue to remember them.


Photo: Mary Macleod with Mayor Cllr Paul Lynch, our local VC veteran and the Lord Lieutenant outside Christ Church Turnham Green

Labour cuts back on right to buy

With housing such a high profile issue locally, courtesy of a group of squatters, I thought it was worth highlighting what a Conservative government plans for social housing.

The goal is to extend the opportunity for social tenants across England, by:

• - Rewards for good behaviour: Offering tenants with a record of five years’ good tenant behaviour a 10% equity share in their social rented property, which can be cashed in when they want to move up the housing ladder.
• - A ‘Right to Move’: Introducing a comprehensive national mobility scheme for good tenants who wish to move to other social sector properties.
• - Supporting low-cost housing sector: Strengthening shared ownership schemes which allow those on intermediate incomes to part-own their home.
• - Cutting waiting lists: Relaxing the rules that prevent thousands of habitable empty properties being used to house those on local authority waiting lists.

Labour has cut back on council tenants' ‘right to buy’, making it increasingly hard for people on lower incomes to own their own homes. We want to find ways to help tenants get into the property ladder.

An independent report commissioned by the Government has highlighted the benefits of the Right to Buy in promoting home ownership, giving people a stake in the state of their neighbourhood and creating mixed communities:

“The Right to Buy was one of the most successful housing policies… because the policy enabled many households to become owner-occupiers who would not otherwise been able to do so… It has been a positive influence in maintaining mixed communities in spatial terms. It has also provided a cheaper access point into owner-occupation for lower income employed households helping to sustain mixed communities are these properties are transferred into the market.’

(ODPM, Lessons from the past, challenges for the future for housing policy)
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/evaluationenglish

I’d be interested in your views on this, of course.

And if you’d like to know more about Conservative policy in this area check this out:http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2009/02/Our_plan_to_tackle_Britains_social_housing_crisis.aspx

Fighting Crime Locally

Chris Grayling MP, Shadow Home Secretary, visited the Borough on Wednesday 25th March to look at crime locally in Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow.

Chris began his visit by being part of a panel in Chiswick Town Hall at a public meeting that was open to all residents to look at ways of reducing crime in the local community. Superintendent Phipps from the Metropolitan Police, Cllr John Todd and Margaret Bourne from Victim Support also joined us on the panel.

Superintendent Phipps gave an excellent overview of crime locally and described the complexities of policing in the Hounslow Borough with 140 languages, between 212-260,000 people living in the area and with half of those arrested for petty crimes, testing positive for drugs. Progress had been made though with surveillance on gateways into high-risk burglary areas, following suspect vehicles and removing Class A drug dealers from the area.

Cllr John Todd highlighted the initiatives that the Council have undertaken in relation to reducing crime, including increasing CCTV cameras in underpasses, organising a leadership course for young people who have been in trouble and creating drink free zones.

Chris highlighted four areas which he saw as a priority:
1. zero tolerance on low level criminality such as broken wing mirrors, anti-social behavior and graffiti before it leads to more serious crimes
2. ending the caution culture that has developed to save police paperwork and achieve targets
3. reviewing the licensing laws
4. reducing the amount of paperwork that the police have to deal with.

Chris and I then went on a tour of the Borough with the Drugs Squad to see the impact of drugs locally and to hear what the police were doing to identify those involved in selling drugs and the challenges they had to deal with to ensure a conviction.

We really need to deal with burglaries, vehicle crime and drug-related crime to make sure we all are safe at home, at work, on the street and in the community. Drugs are having a detrimental impact on the lives of local residents and this issue needs to be dealt with.

Photo: Mary with Chris Grayling MP and Superintendent Phipps

The Battle of the Giants

The 2009 Boat Race was as exciting as ever at the weekend.

It was the battle of the giants! When they weighed in at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, the Oxford crew was the heaviest in the 180 year history of the event and Cambridge was the heaviest ever Light Blue crew.

Oxford got it right on the day this year with a win... although Cambridge are still ahead with 79 wins over 75.

Everyone at the Race seemed to really it - the atmosphere, the anticipation and the ice-cream! It is such a good example of a great community event.

Photo: Mary with her godson Mal

Crime Summit in Chiswick

You are warmly invited to our Crime Summit tomorrow in Chiswick.

Date: Wednesday 25th March 2009
Time: 1230-1330
Venue: Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick, W4 4JN

Panelists:
Chris Grayling MP, Shadow Home Secretary
Superintendent Phipps, Hounslow Borough Metropolitan Police
Cllr John Todd, local Chiswick Councillor
Margaret Bourne, Victim Support
Mary Macleod, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate (chair)

The panel will be there to take your questions and dicuss any concerns you may have. This is our chance to focus on reducing crime locally together and make sure we all are safe at home, at work, on the street and in the community.

All local residents, businesses and local organisations are welcome to attend.

Chiswick pensioners - not alone at Christmas

On Christmas Day, I went along to the 'Pensioners Alone at Christmas' lunch in Chiswick with Cllr John Todd and Cllr Gerald McGregor.

It was a superb event and wonderfully organised by Pauline Hart. Pauline (who has been doing this for over twenty years) and her team of volunteers collect pensioners in the morning from around the Chiswick area and then give them a fabulous Christmas dinner in the Bridge Street Chiswick Day Care Centre.

The pensioners, who otherwise would have spent the day alone, were thrilled to have a Christmas lunch organised for them and to get together with others to have a fun afternoon.

Congratulations to Pauline and the volunteers for yet again making the day really special for so many.

Photo: Mary and Cllr John Todd with some of the pensioners attending the lunch

The crowds gathered in Boston Manor Park

It was a lovely day at the Brentford Festival this weekend in Boston Manor Park. The weather forecast did not look great...but thankfully it turned out fine (although in the photo my hair looks rather windswept!).

The organisation of the event was impressive and everything seemed to go like clockwork. There was something for everyone including our colourful Conservative stand. There was face painting for children, a dog show, live music, good food, funfair, arts, crafts and a range of stalls. Thanks to Jim for an excellent cup of tea and homemade cakes (I had more than one)!

I really enjoyed the Festival. These events are excellent to be able to meet and talk to local people - not just from the constituency, but also from the surrounding area. It is a day, where the community can come together, have fun, meet others and enjoy a day together.

The day for me finished with the Linden Gardens street party in Chiswick. Another fabulous evening, where everyone in the street had pulled together and organised food, drink, a slide show of years gone by and ending with a superb fireworks display. Well done to Ollie and the other residents in Linden Gardens. I hope it is the first of many!


Photo: Mary with Nowell Anderson, Cllr Barbara Reid, Cllr Lin Davies and John Davies at the Brentford Festival

Refuge speak out on increase in Domestic Violence

I was glad to see that domestic violence was given a headline this week. Too often, this is an issue that is ignored... but it is incredibly important, both locally and nationally.

The first women's refuge was opened in Chiswick and the charity, Refuge, have done tremendous work in trying to bring about change to support victims of domestic abuse.

The stark reality is that two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. Talking about it reminds women (and some men who are also abused) that they should be aware of the subtle signs. Jealousy, possessiveness and criticism can be indicators of future domestic violence, whether it is emotional, sexual or physical.

Be aware if your partner is:
- charming one minute and terrifyingly aggressive the next
- excessively jealous and possessive
- stopping you from seeing your family and friends
- constantly criticizing you and putting you down in public
- controlling your money
- telling you what to wear, who to see, where to go and what to think
- pressurising you to have sex when you don't want to

Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making him angry?

Please don't ignore the early warning signs...

Strand on the Green raising money

Last weekend I was at the Strand on the Green school fete.

There was a fabulous crowd of people there as usual. I bumped into Cllr Peter Thompson and his family amongst the crowd - everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves in the sunshine. It was different to last year when the heavens opened mid afternoon.

The food was excellent... I arrived just in time for lunch! Cllr Sam Hearn was helping at the burger stall but I headed for the excellent Thai food with Cllr Paul Lynch and his wife.

Well done to Mark Newton and the school staff, as well as the parents and locals who make this event a great success every year. Hopefully lots of money was raised for the school!

Photo: Mark Newton (Head of Infant School) with Mary and Cllr Paul Lynch at Strand on the Green school in Chiswick

Visiting the Chiswick Sea Cadets and the RNLI

Dr Liam Fox MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Cllr Paul Lynch, Cllr Sam Hearn and I visited the Chiswick Sea Cadets and the RNLI this week.

The Chiswick Sea Cadets were established in 1997 (not a good year for me politically or for several members of the then Conservative government!). At T S Stork we met some of the young cadets. They are aged between 11 and 18 and learn about boatwork, seamanship, canoeing, marine engineering, swimming, first aid, parade training, leadership and safety awareness. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn some great skills that they can use in years ahead.

Also at Chiswick Pier is the RNLI. Chiswick is one of four lifeboat stations on the Thames and gives a 24hr response service on the Thames. Wayne Bellamy and his team do a fantastic job covering the stretch between Richmond half tide lock and Battersea. Not many people could say that since 2002, they had saved the lives of 640 people. They are real local heros.

Photo 1 - Chiswick Sea Cadets (PPO Pearce OiC and PO Flann) with Dr Liam Fox MP and Mary

Photo 2 - RNLI Lifeguards with Dr Liam Fox MP and Mary

A Community Weekend

There was a party atmosphere in Chiswick this weekend with lots of community events, including:

- Bedford Park Festival
- Sutton Court Residents Open Gardens
- St Michael's fundraiser on Elmwood Road
- the Chiswick House Kitchen Garden Open Day.

The sun was shining and there was a great atmposphere at all the events. Lots of work by local people had gone into making them a huge success.

What made these events special, was that they were all community initiatives. Individuals had taken the initiative on a voluntary basis and had made a real commitment to make a difference locally. This was community spirit in action ... and greatly enjoyed by all who participated.

Well done to everyone involved. We need more people like you!

Photo: Mary with Cllr John Todd and Cllr Gerald McGregor at the Bedford Park Festival in Chiswick - Cllr Paul Lynch was there too but lost him in the midst of all the stands! Thanks to Margaret Chadderton for taking the photo.

Bank holiday stabbings

I heard today that there were two stabbings in Chiswick over the bank holiday weekend. Both happened in daylight around 5pm - one on Sunday and one on Monday. This level of crime is horrific. We are getting so used to shootings or stabbings that it doesn't even make front page news.

Something has to be done about crime in our local communities, or we will all be frightened to leave our homes. I favour zero tolerance. We also need more visible police officers on the streets so that we are doing all we can to prevent crime. We need to take control of the situation now before it gets completely out of control.