The end of the campaign So the campaign is all but over* and now its your turn to decide which of the candidates you want to represent you for the next four years, and the sort of politics you think will be best for Blackheath and Lewisham. I, of course, hope you want to return Gavin and me and to elect Rachael so that we can continue to work hard on your behalf. I have to say I'm proud of the campaign we've run; we chose to focus on our positive vision for the ward and to fight on our record, rather than smearing our opponents.  In Blackheath we have delivered more than 25,000 leaflets, knocked on thousands of doors, spoken to many hundreds of people, collected hundreds of signatures on our petition to improve access to Lewisham and Blackheath stations for those who have mobility problems, and held 2 street stalls.  There are some people I and my fellow Labour candidates need to thank.  Our volunteers who gave up their evenings to canvass with us or to deliver our leaflets, in particular Ann, Alan, Jenny, Martin, Christine and Paul.  We also need to thank our families, who haven't seen much of us this past month. Personally I want to thank all of those who have sent me messages wishing me luck; its nice to know people are thinking of me.       *We'll be working like dogs tomorrow trying to persuade as many of you as possible to come out and vote.  And then once you're thinking of going to bed we'll go to a school hall in Forest Hill and wait there to find out whether we've been successful at some very small hour in the morning.

3.5.06 16:22 Permalink

Collage of photos from our campaign I've used Picasa to create this collage of some of the photos that Rachael, Gavin and I have used in our campaign this year.

28.4.06 16:44 Permalink

Heathside and Lethbridge Recycling At yesterday's Heathside and Lethbridge TRA meeting I was asked if it would be possible to either add more recycling bins or to have them emptied more often.  I've now had a response saying they will now be emptied on Tuesdays as well as Fridays.

28.4.06 14:54 Permalink

Weekend Voting Why wait until Thursday when you can get out and vote for your local councillors and Mayor this weekend! You can vote early on: Saturday 29 April, 8am to 8pm Sunday 30 April, 10am to 6pm Polling stations will be located at: Sainsbury’s Car Park 263 New Cross Gate SE14 5UL click here for map Lewisham Market Focal Area Lewisham High Street SE13 6AT click here for map Savacentre Car Park Southend Lane SE26 4PU click here for map

28.4.06 10:21 Permalink

Hustings for Blackheath (2) I won't comment on the performance of the candidates, other than to say that I thought that Gavin and Alex did us proud*, and to note that none of the Lewisham Blackheath Green Party candidates made it (but they did send a ringer, someone from Lee Green).   However, I thought you might be interested in the questions that were put by members of the audience at last night's hustings: Education Policy The possibilities of a multicultural society The balance between biodiversity and housing need The local NHS Thinking globally and acting locally Housing policy Defending local shops Council tax rates The Olympics and transport investment The use of the Thames for transport The top priority for the area   * The rules laid down by our hosts said that only one candidate from each party in the two wards could speak, so I was there as an interested spectator rather than an active participant.

27.4.06 13:17 Permalink

Our Local Pledges for 2006 The Labour Party has a manifesto for these Council elections, which we will work to implement over the next four years.  As local candidates, Rachael, Gavin and I have also made pledges for Blackheath: Every Home a Decent Home Every Council home in the ward will be brought up to the national Decent Homes Standard. Work is already under way on the Baizdon Road estate, and we have won a commitment to demolish the Heathside and Lethbridge estates, replacing them with modern family homes. We believe the Decent Homes standard should be applied to every Council house and estate in the ward, and will campaign to make this a reality. A Green Flag for Blackheath The Green Flag is the prestigious award given to parks and green spaces that meet the highest standards for the environment. We’ve already met this standard for Lewisham parks such as Manor House Gardens and Telegraph Hill. Now it’s Blackheath’s turn. As the borough’s most important green space the heath should have a Green Flag. The heath is a unique asset for local people, whether you are sporty, a “Blackheath pedestrian” or just need time to relax. We plan improvements to the heath to match the recent investment in the Prince of Wales Pond, and will work with our Greenwich neighbours to ensure that day to day management of the heath is of the very highest standard. Safe Travel Building on the improvements to Blackheath village itself, we will ensure that all areas of safety concern in the ward are assessed and action taken to reduce accidents. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists deserve to be able to travel safely and smoothly. This means improvements to safety, but also continuing the innovative programme of investment in road and footpath resurfacing, and new street lighting, that saw Lewisham win first place in the London Transport awards last year.

24.4.06 07:00 Permalink

What? You didn't know there is an election on. Why not set your election alarm clock so you don't miss your chance to vote. Via The New Statesman's New Media Awards

21.4.06 11:35 Permalink

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