All in One a Success for Heathfield
Nearly 200 people attended the All in One area planning meeting for Heathfield in the first of a series of events to involve residents in decisions regarding their local community. The event follows on from the All in One survey, sent to every home last autumn, asking residents about local services and finding out the issues that mattered most, and in particular which ones needed improving.
At the event residents were able to see the survey results for Heathfield, talk to other residents as well as local councillors, officers and representatives of other organisations, including the Police and local business associations. Visitors were also able to put forward their ideas and suggestions about what can be done to address issues together.
Issues raised in the survey included improving local shopping, the condition of roads and pavements, support for local businesses and crime and anti-social behaviour.
For those who were unable to attend the event, there is still an opportunity to have your say at the new online community – ‘My Richmond Villages’ , a series of forums, polls and blogs – giving you the chance to continue the debate online.
Attendees were also asked to think about what they can do themselves to address the issues that had been raised - for example by volunteering their time, skills or facilities through the new Community Resource Bank. Those interested in volunteering, go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/whitton_and_heathfield_village to complete the online form.
_____________________________________________________
Library Protest Demonstrates
Political Hypocrisy
National Library Protest Day, 5th February 2011 at Heathfield library was attended by nearly as many local politicians as there were concerned local residents.
Heathfield's Cllr Alan Butler says; "I arrived to be greeted by the local Labour Party activists who angrily interrogated me as to why libraries were closing in Richmond. Well, with the exception of Heathfield they are not closing and even that one is because the Liberals sold the site of the library for needless redevelopment in 2008. I reminded the boys in red that the reason there are cuts is that we have had thirteen years of Labour. "But you are cutting too fast!" they said. I countered "You spent too much too fast and this is the result".
Not to be outdone the Liberals were there in force: - Dr Cable MP, Cllrs Knight, Miller, Roberts, Lee-Parsons, Jaeger, Elloy, Elengorn, Coombs, Khosa, Allen, Acton and both the defeated ex Cllr Wilsons.
Cllr Butler continued; "John Coombs generously asked if I wanted to speak after him and I said yes, please. Having welcomed Dr Cable and congratulated him on winning Strictly Come Dancing (we both go to the same dance school in Hampton Wick) and also for the work he is doing as a Cabinet Member on behalf of the country, I said how marvellous it is that all three political parties are concerned about the future of the library service in Heathfield. It is just such a pity that eight are closing in Labour controlled Hounslow. Why were they not protesting there?
"So no one was in any doubt, I expressed my disappointment that the library site in Heathfield was sold by the Liberals. Funny isn't it that so many who are now opposed to the sale, voted for it to be sold in the first place?
"Although, when I went to the meeting I felt like Daniel in the Lion's Den, when I put my head in the mouth of the lion they didn't have any teeth!"
Conservatives have a long term strategy as well as short term solutions for the library service in Heathfield. Both the long term strategy and short term goal involve our local partners and we are focused on having a facility.
To support this the new Library Access Point at Whitton Community Centre is now open. It is fully staffed and allows library users to return existing books and borrow something new from a selection of adult and children’s titles. There is also access to local information, internet access and library favourites, such as children’s story time.
The Library Access Point at Whitton Community Centre is open:
Monday: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesday: 3pm – 6pm
Thursday: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Friday: 2pm – 5pm.
For more information, call 020 8734 3308
____________________________________________________________________
Football Star Joins Mayor to
Open New Sports Facilities
Football star Carl Cort joined The Mayor, Cllr David Marlow, in formally opening the new sports facilities used jointly by Heathfield’s Twickenham Academy and Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre.
The new facilities include a state-of-the-art, third-generation artificial grass pitch, which features one full size and three five-a-side floodlit pitches, which can be played on all year round. The pitches are especially designed to be suitable for rugby, as well as football.
The development of a site has also seen a re-turfed grass playing area and a brand new pavilion, with changing rooms and office space. Funding for the £1.1million enhancements were helped with a grant of £617,941 from the Football Foundation, with the Council providing the remainder.
The Mayor said: “The new facilities are outstanding. The artificial pitch is particularly impressive because it has been made in a way that makes it suitable for a variety of sports, and it can be played on in all weather. The grass pitch is also an improvement on what was in place previously.
“It was fantastic to have Carl come down. It is fitting that the Academy, which specialises in sport, will be able to use the facilities so extensively. It is also open to the public and I hope the local community gets huge benefit from it.”
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We are delighted that the local community will have access to these fantastic new facilities and commend the Council and the Surrey County FA for their hard work in making this happen. Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people.”
People wanting to use the pitches are asked to book through Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre or call 020 8898 7795.
