The People’s Riverside
After 30 years of being closed to the public, less than 9 months after being elected, the Conservative administration has opened up a second section of the Riverside for everyone, young and old, to enjoy.
Even on a wet January day, the view from the ‘secret garden’ was wonderful. Your three local councillors are looking forward to Twickenham’s residents being able to enjoy this haven of tranquillity next to the ever popular cafe and playground built by the Conservative administration in 2004.
Cllr Sam Salvoni commented “ It’s such a lovely space with beautiful views of the River. It’s great to have this stage open for everyone to enjoy over the spring and the summer”.
Cllr Susan Chappell added “I’m delighted that we have been able to open up the Riverside again so soon after being elected. I look forward to the next stages of this ongoing regeneration of Twickenham, as we work with residents to develop a Riverside for all.”
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Riverside Councillor Runs
Marrakech Marathon
Having only taken up running a few years ago, Cllr Sam Salvoni first ran a marathon for the Stroke Association in London in 2006.
The lure of a weekend shopping in New York in 2009 resulted in her completing a gruelling 26 miles for the James Whale Kidney Cancer Fund.
Having got the bug, she now plans to run a marathon on every (temperate) Continent (Antartica doesn't really appeal!)
Over Christmas, she decided on the next stage - to run the Marrakech Marathon on 30th January! This time, she has run for the wonderful Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hampton, our Mayor's chosen Charity for this year.
Sam raised over £1,500. If you want add your support to this terrific local charity or see how she got on please go to www.justgiving.com/samsalvoni3
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The Piano Lounge Faces
A Three Month Closure
Twickenham Riverside has the borough’s only Lap Dancing Club which has long caused problems for local residents.
On the 20th January the Council’s Licensing Committee heard from the police who, following serious breaches of the club’s licence, had asked for a revocation of the licence on a permanent basis.
Councillors Susan Chappell (pictured second left outside the piano lounge) and Clare Head (far left), who have been working with residents for many years, asked the committee to listen to the concerns of residents and the police and to act to close the club in this primarily residential area.
The committee, however, decided to add a number of conditions to help safeguard both the club’s female employees and the residents and to take the club’s licence away for 3 months.
Commenting on the decision Cllr Chappell said “This is a residential area and so I spoke in favour of revoking the licence as the club has shown that it cannot comply with conditions imposed upon it.
However, I’m pleased that at last the committee has recognised the problems the club causes and has acted. I hope that Mr Anglis will now understand that he must run a club in accordance with the licence conditions.”
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High Rise Views?
Following the deferral in December of Solum's plans for a podium over Twickenham Station by the Planning Committee, residents are now being asked their opinion on an amended application for the station in a glossy brochure.
This is your opportunity to make your views known. Whilst it is generally acknowledged that the station needs upgrading, does Twickenham really want another high rise of 8 storeys?
Since being elected last May the Conservative administration has drawn up a new Supplementary Planning Document to deal with a variety of issues including the height of buildings throughout Twickenham.
Cllr Scott Naylor spoke against the podium at December's meeting and says; “The decisions made in the coming months will affect the people of Twickenham for the rest of their lives. If they want another tower block in the town centre so be it. But if not now is the time to say so. Don’t let others make such a big decision for you.”
