From The Editor

I can see why he's been promoted..read on to find out what's he doing about one local issue close to the hearts of many of us who use Tooting Bec Common...

I can see why Sadiq Khan was recently promoted in the latest Government reshuffle.

Previously an assistant whip, Mr Khan has now become parliamentary under-secretary of state in the department for communities and local government and it is widely assumed he will take over responsibility for community cohesion, equality and local government.

I contacted Mr Khan recently about a dangerous crossing (or lack of crossing) near the Tooting Bec Athletics Track. It's something a number of you have commented on in the chat room. The problem lies at roundabout at the junction of Thrale Road, Furzedown Road, West Drive and Ullathorne Road (and the pedestrian path though the park). According to one chatroom user and local Mum, "it's also a blindspot when you are trying to cross from the park as the bushes mean you can't see further than 50 metres down the road". Another added, "a number of years ago there was talk of traffic calming measures. Sadly nothing happened, maybe we could petition the local councillors."

I figured that perhaps Mr Khan could help, so I contacted him (using this website - see the front page) and I got a reply just two days later. Pretty impressive for someone who's just taken on a new job!

The junction in question is seriously dangerous - people cross with buggies, in wheelchairs, with small children, on their bikes, and there's nowhere safe for them to do so. Something dreaful will happen unless we all take action. It seems Mr Khan is already doing his bit.

Mr Khan said that this is an issue that he is "also very concerned about" and that he has been "campaigninhg to make sure Wandsworth Council, who are responsible for road safety on Thrale Road, take action".

He has handed in a petition to lobby Wandsworth council about road safety on Thrale Road and in May he followed this up with a letter further outlining his concerns. Like those who posted their comments in the chat room, he is "particularly worried about the problems pedestrians face trying to cross the end of Thrale Road to get to Tooting Bec Common".

Mr Khan tells me that as a result of the pressure he and other local residents have put on the Council there has finally been some progress. The council has agreed to run a formal consultation with a view to agreeing proposals to improve pedestrian safety across Furzedown Road at the juntion with Thrale Road.

This is an excellent result for local residents. But Mr Khan urges us all to contact Wandsworth Council directly about the issue to ensure that change actually happens. The address to write to is Isaac Kwayke, Highways and Traffic Section, Engineering and Design Services, Technical Services Department, Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 2PU, or email highways@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 0208 871 6690.

It's a small thing but we can all make our voices heard and make where we live better for it. Please back this campaign. Thanks!

From The Editor

I can see why he's been promoted..read on to find out what's he doing about one local issue close to the hearts of many of us who use Tooting Bec Common...

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