We attended the rally in Richmond Park with Helen Whately. Zac Goldsmith organised it to oppose parking charges in Richmond Park. The Lib Dem MPs also spoke on the subject along with Justine Greening the MP for Putney.

It was a great success, over 1,000 people attended and caused even more chaos near Pembroke Lodge than normal.

Zac’s argument is, apart from the fact that I understand the Royal Parks were given to the people to provide free access to open spaces in perpetuity but that the costs of these charges would fall disproportionately on those least able to afford it. In addition the cost of urbanising our park would cost nearly £3m and generate £400k a year. The sums don’t really add up!. One has to think that Margaret Hodge, the Minister who has approved the charges, is just having fun with all of us in South West London as we appear to be either Lib Dem or Tory voters but no voters for the current Government.

Zac said ‘I am confident we can and will stop the charges, and if the Conservatives form the next Government, I will ensure that we do’

So, Vote Conservative and aim to stop any charges in the Parks

Green Spaces in terms of garden grabbing is also one of Zac’s passionate campaigns. www.protectourgreenspaces.com
We are dismayed that the planning application for 30/32 Somerset Avenue has finally gone through and the two gardens will now house 7 new houses in what is already a very narrow road, on a sharp bend and with extremely limited parking.

It is a shame the Council didn’t have an ‘Approved Character Study’ in place. It would have better protected the green spaces in the whole Borough in the last few years of the frantic property bubble and we can never get them back. Our Green Borough, a haven for many, is fast becoming as urban and polluted as the central London Boroughs. A Conservative Council would treat this as a priority.