Old Co-Op Site - New Owners

Lidl are working to open their new store in 2011.  Cllr Gareth Elliot (left) visited for an update.  He said; "I was recently invited to see the progress at the Lidl site now that the hoardings have gone up.  I must say that from behind the blue banners there has been a lot of work going on.  All the shop units have been cleared out and cleaned so that there is no longer any trace of the dead birds that used to live there.  The yard at the back has been cleared and is now accessible for site traffic.  I will keep you updated as an when I hear more but it is refreshing to see that this site, which has been derelict for so long, is now on its way to being brought back into use".

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WBA Engagement - Invest in Whitton

During the election we stressed that if elected we would actively engage with the Whitton Business Association to strengthen the voice of Whitton traders.  We have acted on this pledge.  Recognising the importance of building strong partnerships with businesses and commercial landlords, in order to strengthen local economies and ensure a strong and robust recovery, the Council has launched its Invest in Richmond Upon Thames Programme, including the Invest in Whitton website.

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/business/invest/invest_locating_your_business/invest_whitton.htm

Cllr Nicholas True, Leader of Richmond Council, who was once a business owner in the borough, said: “It is the private sector that is going to drag the country out of the hole it has got into and I am extremely conscious that councils can do many things to help business but they can also get in the way.  If there are silly rules that exist which hinder businesses, they will disappear."

“We are keen to help our smaller businesses and we very much welcome our larger firms that are already here, and those we look forward to bringing in through this investment programme.  We have a cabinet member dedicated to supporting firms and shops and a Council that is pro-business, surely there is nothing that can stop us?  We believe in business, welcome business and are open for business. I am looking forward to working towards a prosperous future for all in this borough.”

A comprehensive inward investment information pack and website at www.richmond.gov.uk/invest will be used as reference materials for commercial agents, chambers of commerce, traders networks and investment agencies like Think London, which specialise in attracting new businesses, as well as individual firms.

Cllr Gareth Elliott said: “Private enterprise is crucial to economic recovery and the Invest in Whitton and Richmond programme offers current and potential businesses a clear point of contact and a commitment from the Council to review policies to make life easier for businesses. This is great news.”

and...

Reversing the Liberal policy of ignoring the RFU, Cllr Gareth Elliott has revived links with the sporting body.  In developing a close relationship he has re-introduced the RFU into the Whitton Community.  Already we can announce the RFU has agreed to fund Whitton’s community website www.whitton.ning.com and is continuing to discuss how they can become more actively involved in Whitton.

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Whitton Leads in Change4Life

Children from Nelson Primary School officially opened the borough’s first ‘Change4Life’ shop in Whitton.

Costcutter in Whitton was the first store in the borough to sign up.  They have agreed to sell a wider range of fruit and vegetables and prominently display the produce.  In return, the DoH has provided funding to buy food chillers and stands, as well as providing advice about maximising profits, minimising waste and promoting the produce to the local community.  To mark the opening, children from nearby Nelson Primary School, visited the shop on its opening day to learn more about the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

Cllr Nicola Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said:

“We all know that eating healthily is a good thing, but we also need to make it easier for people to actually buy fruit and vegetables near where they live. These stores are all about making quality, healthy food more accessible and affordable and the NHS-Council partnership is working hard to make this happen". 

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Twickenham (Whitton) Academy
Funding Secured

With a new Government determined to put the public finances back in order, your new Council negotiated hard to ensure the funds set for the new Twickenham Academy are secure.  This was confirmed and the school opened in September as normal.