2008 Christmas Message

As 2008 draws to a close, your local councillors wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We would like to reflect on some of the achievements of the year, and our plans for next year.

2008 will be remembered as a year of turmoil in the financial markets around the world.

In Britain, the problem was made worse by the Labour government failing to supervise the banks properly, over-taxing, over-spending and over-borrowing. We finish the year with borrowings at record levels and the value of the pound has collapsed against the dollar and the euro.

In its own small way, your Conservative Council has sought to help hard working residents by reducing the Council Tax. Hammersmith & Fulham residents enjoyed the biggest reduction in Council Tax in the country.

In addition, our “zero tolerance” approach to crime is working. Around the clock police teams are now patrolling the borough, reducing crime levels year on year.

Sadly, for some, 2009 will be a difficult year as the economy is predicted to worsen. That is why we are currently working on plans for further reductions in tax.

You will also see a major refurbishment of Brook Green as the Council invests in our parks.

We wish you well in future endeavours.

Blythe Road Shops

There is considerable concern among residents in the Brook Green area about the future of local shops on Blythe Road. The Council is working with existing tenants to try and accomodate them at reasonable rent levels, within the boundaries of acceptable practice. However, we understand there are other business and personal reasons why there may be some changes to the current leaseholders. We are also in the process of developing a policy on local shops to encourage diversity amongst the retail sector in the borough and to ensure that communities are appropriately catered for.

Hammersmith Candidate Selected

Shaun Bailey to represent the Conservatives in Hammersmith

Shaun Bailey (pictured with David Cameron, Greg Hands MP and Stephen Greenhalgh - Leader of H&F council), a youth worker from North Kensington, was chosen last night at an Open Primary to represent the Conservative Party at the next General Election for the new seat of Hammersmith.

Click here for more details on Shaun.

Parliamentary Candidate - Final Four

The local Hammersmith Conservative Association has selected the final four candidates for the Parliamentary seat: Anthony Frieze, Shaun Bailey, Helen Grant and Kedra Goodall. The candidate will be chosen at an Open Primary on 29th March – this will be open to all registered voters in the new seat of Hammersmith.
To register for the Open Primary contact:

Hammersmith Conservative Association - 020 7385 1002

Email - office@hammersmithconservatives.com

www.hammersmithconservatives.com

Each candidate comments below:

Shaun Bailey
“I lived in Hammersmith & Fulham for 15 years when I was growing up and attended Henry Compton School. I now run a charity working with the situations facing young people today, such as poor education and anti-social behaviour, and have a proven track record with how to tackle these issues. My priorities include good local amenities, safer streets, good policing, business investment and youth development.”

Anthony Frieze
“I live in Hammersmith with my wife, Susannah and my two young children, Adelaide and Winston. I believe in giving greater powers back to local councils and not centralising more in the hands of Ken Livingstone and TfL. I strongly support the new council’s agenda for lower council tax and value-for-money services.”

Note - Anthony Frieze is Chairman of ABG Conservatives and a long-term supporter of the efforts to win the Council in 2006.

Kedra Goodall
“I believe in lower taxes, such as the three per cent reduction in council tax in Hammersmith and a strong business economy. Unfortunately, here it’s under threat from Labour’s extended congestion charge. But I believe an MP should be interested in more than policies. An MP should acts as a voice for everyone, regardless of political views, suing their power to ensure their residents get a fair deal.”

Helen Grant
“I am a businesswoman and a solicitor, and married with two teenage children. I believe I have the broad appeal, the determination and resources necessary to win this seat together with the skills and experience required to care for Hammersmith constituents. My priorities include tackling crime, preserving our NHS, improving public transport, further reducing council tax and campaigning against the tram scheme and congestion charge.”

Local Libraries - Consultation has begun

The Council is proposing to extend opening hours and reformat libraries - to find out more about these proposals and to have your say about improvements you would like to see download a consultation form here (PDF) and post it to David Herbert, head of libraries, Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith W6 7AT or put it in the box provided at your local library.

Crime Summit - Have your say

We would like to invite you to a major event designed to give you a role in shaping the future of crime prevention initiatives in the borough. Have your say on crime and policing in H&F. The Crime Summit will include workshops with the local police and council staff, where you can air your views with the people who patrol the streets - day in, day out. In addition there will be speeches from leading politicians, police and community leaders.

If you would like to attend the Crime Summit please email: tamara.gray@lbhf.gov.uk
Places are limited. For more information call 020 8753 2152 or click here

Date: Saturday 24 March 2007
Time: 9.15am to 2.00pm
9.15 to 10.00am - registration, tea & coffee
1.00 to 2.00pm - lunch & information stands
Location: Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street

Drugs & Violent Crime - Arrests Made

Avonmore & Brook Green Safer Neighbourhood Team message:

For a while now we have been receiving information regarding various activities and addresses. As a result, on the 28th February, a number of search warrants were executed at addresses in the area. These search warrants resulted in the seizure of a hand grenade and some substances believed to be Class A drugs. Pending the analysis of these substances, a number of arrests are expected to be made. A lot of good intelligence has been gathered as a result of these search warrants also. As a result of the activities on 28th February, a number of cordons were put in place at the time in order to protect the public, which necessitated a high level of police presence. Whilst this was happening, a person known to be wanted by police turned up in the area, which further complicated matters.

Please pass this information on to your neighbours.

TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

Your Safer Neighbourhood Team makes regular patrols through the area in an effort to identify potential offenders and to prevent further crimes. I encourage all of you to contact the police if you see anyone acting suspiciously. We can be contacted on 020 7161 0170, however, if you are witnessing a crime being committed then please call 999.

Phone 0207 1610170 Team Office Voicemail
Metphone 0207 1610159 Personal Voicemail
Fax 02071613901
Email Fung.WY.Wien@met.police.uk
Email Avonmore.BrookGreen.SNT@met.police.uk
Mail Avonmore & Brook Green SNT
1/F Empress State Building Annex
Lillie Road SW6 1TR