110 BUS EXTENSION WELCOME BUT NOT ENOUGH
February 5, 2012
South West London campaigner, Munira Wilson, has welcomed news that the 110 bus route will now serve West Middlesex Hospital, but over 2000 residents’ wishes continue to be ignored – the bus must be re-routed via Whitton High Street.
The news is a victory for local Lib Dem councillors who have long campaigned for a direct bus from Whitton to the West Mid, to prevent residents having to change buses at Hounslow.
However, residents’ calls for the 110 to serve Whitton High Street are falling on deaf ears.
Munira said, “I’m really pleased that Whitton residents will now have a direct bus to the hospital, without the inconvenience and added expense of having to change buses. However, more than 2000 residents have signed a petition to say that the 110 should serve Whitton High Street. Local councillors have been working with council officers to find a viable route, yet the Mayor of London and Transport for London are refusing to listen.”
“The Woodlawn estate has no direct link with Whitton High Street which means local traders lose out and, since the Tories axed Heathfield Library, residents now have to take two buses if they want to use a local library (in central Whitton). There is quite clearly a demand for re-routing the 110 – it’s high time Transport for London listened to the local community.
“I will work alongside local residents and councillors to continue the campaign to get the 110 re-routed via Whitton High Street”.
LIB DEMS PICK MUNIRA WILSON TO CHALLENGE FOR LONDON ASSEMBLY
February 5, 2012
Former Twickenham councillor Munira Wilson has been selected by local Liberal Democrats to stand for the South West London constituency at next year’s Greater London Authority elections.
Munira will challenge Conservative GLA member, Tony Arbour, in May 2012 when elections to the London Assembly and for the Mayor of London will be held.
Speaking at a selection meeting with local members Munira said, “South West London has been let down – let down by an invisible Tory GLA member, and a Conservative Mayor who is more interested in his pet projects than the problems we face in Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow boroughs.”
Munira highlighted improving transport services, increasing affordable housing and protecting frontline police services as her three top priorities. After the meeting, Munira said “It’s a huge privilege to have been selected to stand for South West London. I’m looking forward to talking to local people and campaigning about the issues that really matter to them, such as the problems with their commute to work, the struggle to get on the housing ladder and how safe they feel in their neighbourhood.”
Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham, said, “I am delighted that Munira has been selected by local members to stand for South West London. As a former Twickenham councillor, Munira has a track record locally of turning promises into action”.
Ed Davey, MP for Kingston added, “I look forward to campaigning alongside her over the coming months, to ensure we get a strong voice elected who will hold the Mayor of London to account on behalf of local residents.”
Supporting charities and local community groups at HANDS fair
May 30, 2011Munira attended the HANDS (Help A Neighbour in Distress Scheme) fair on Twickenham Green today, an annual fair for charities and community groups to raise funds for and awareness of the issue they support. HANDS is a local charity which provides practical help and support for anyone in need in the Twickenham and St Margaret’s local area. Munira said, “The work that HANDS does is absolutely fantastic and provides a lifeline to many local residents. They rely on the good will of many committed local volunteers. The annual fair is particularly valued by local organisations and many families get to enjoy a fun day out in aid of excellent causes.”
FORCE (Friends of the River Crane Environment) updated Munira on the progress of the Help a London Park project at Crane Valley Park. She was also concerned to hear that s.106 funds (development monies allocated to local community projects) for improvements to the Duke of Northumberland River were still unspent, and committed to raising this with local councillors: “There’s no reason why this money should be sitting around in council bank accounts when FORCE are ready and willing with plans to improve the river environment for the benefit of all.”
Heathfield Junior School
May 24, 2011Heathfield Junior School (HJS) is going from strength to strength. As a governor, Munira was excited to hear the Headteacher’s vision this evening on how HJS can improve even further, following its recent Ofsted inspection which rated the school as “Good”.
Munira said “Four years ago when I joined the governing body, the school was struggling on a number of fronts and had recently been put on notice to improve by Ofsted. The fantastic management team, all the staff and pupils have worked incredibly hard to turn the school around, improve results and make the school a caring, welcoming environment where the kids enjoy learning. Like all Richmond schools, HJS faces challenges with growing pupil numbers and bulge classes coming through the infants, but the future certainly looks bright.”
Empty Council Homes Across London
May 15, 2011The BBC has revealed more than 6,000 council homes across London lie empty, whilst thousands of people are either homeless or live in overcrowded accommodation.
Munira is campaigning for empty homes to be identified and brought back into use, as part of the solution to London’s housing problem. Munira said, “In Richmond, Hounslow and Kingston alone, there are just approximately 4,800 empty homes.
Although only a small fraction of these are council or social housing, we need to start with bringing those properties back into use first, as they are the easiest
to tackle.
We also need to work at all levels of government – local council, GLA and central government to ensure the right regulation and incentives are in place for private landlords to bring the vast majority of empty homes back into use.”
Twickenham Station Re-Development
May 12, 2011Revised proposals for the re-development of Twickenham station have been submitted by developers Solum.
The plans, which have been scaled back from the original application, include a modern station, public square, 115 flats, a four storey Georgian terrace and a riverside walk linking the station to Moormead Gardens.
Munira said, “I’m very disappointed to see that there is no affordable housing in the new scheme, and I very much hope the council will press for affordable housing units to be included. Whilst Twickenham station is in desperate need of re-development to make it fit for purpose, especially ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, any proposal needs to be sensitive to the local environment and address community needs.”
Yes to Fairer Votes
April 28, 2011
Munira spent the morning talking to students at Richmond College about the importance of the YES to Fairer Votes campaign.
Munira said “A number of students were unaware of what they were being asked to vote on and were interested on engaging on this issue. Some had seen / heard the misleading claims of the NO campaign, but as soon as the record was set straight, many of them were delighted to support the YES campaign.”
Munira on Facebook
