Liberal Democrat Londonwide Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, after the continued failure of the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council to answer her questions about how long Hammersmith Bridge will be closed for, said:
“No one underestimates the challenges of finally repairing and strengthening this historic bridge.
“However just because the issue is challenging is no excuse for not being open with the public.
Caroline Pidgeon joined Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Richmond Park by-election, campaigning for the Cycle Hire scheme to be extended to Richmond and Kingston.
The Liberal Democrats have formally requested this from Transport for London, which has confirmed it will consider further expansions of the scheme if local councils make a funding contribution.
As the Southern Rail situation gets worse and worse for passengers, Caroline Pidgeon told the SWLondoner website that both management and unions have failed and a change in control is needed:
The dispute over conductor-free trains has reached a point where it does not matter what assurances Southern offer because the RMT union is now striking for the sake of it.
I am hugely concerned about the additional stress this is having on London.
You see the stress on passengers’ faces and it’s not good enough.
Here is Caroline getting the vote out in the sunshine in Richmond. She is with Lib Dem London Assembly candidate Merlene Emerson and some members of the Richmond Lib Dem Campaign team. The response on the doorstep from local residents in Richmond is very positive.
Caroline joined her Liberal Democrat London Assembly candidate colleagues Rosina Robson and Merlene Emerson to campaign in Teddington in Richmond. They were joined by local Liberal Democrat Richmond councillors and campaigners, including Baroness Sheehan and veteran Lib Dem campaigner Chris Maines.
The team received a fantastic response on the doorstep and then went to see Mo Farah’s gold post box from the London 2012 Games.
Caroline Pidgeon visited Twickenham to campaign with the local Lib Dems to save Knellar Hall. The MoD has proposed to dispose of this Grade II listed building and grounds to make room for housing.
Caroline Pidgeon joined local Lib Dem Richmond Councillor Piers Allen at Whitton Station. The step free access works here have been significantly delayed due to poor project management. The works ceased due to line closures as they could not get a crane in place to carry on the works.
Caroline Pidgeon AM joined Assembly candidates Merlene Emerson and Rosina Robson and local members at a street stall in Kew on 6th February. The team talked to local residents about concerns from Heathrow expansion to transport and affordable housing.
Caroline has responded to Transport for London’s recent consultation on Crossrail 2. You can see a full copy of her response here.
Caroline sets out the long standing support of London Assembly Liberal Democrats for Crossrail. Her consultation response also reiterates the vital importance of every station on the route, from the first day of operation, providing step-free access.
Commenting on reports of a potential six month delay on a decision over Heathrow, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon said:
"Londoners opposed to expansion are fed up of being lied to. A decision is needed now.
“Heathrow is not, and never will be, the place to expand airport capacity and the sooner this Tory government accepts that, the sooner we can get on with developing a sensible aviation policy for the UK."