Come and meet four authors of swimming books discuss how open-water, pools and their fellow swimmers have inspired them – and often kept their head above the water.
Alexandra Heminsley is the bestselling author of Running Like a Girl and, more recently Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves and the Will to Swim.
Jenny Landreth is the author of Swell: A Waterbiography. Part memoir, part social history, Swell is a joyful hymn to swimming and a celebration of the remarkable swimming suffragettes.
Joe Minihane is the writer of Floating: A Life Regained, about his personal project to reswim Roger Deakins’ classic Waterlog.
Libby Page is the first-time novelist of The Lido, which imagines Brockwell Lido being threatened by developers and a campaign spearheaded by 86-year-old Rosemary to save it.
Compere: Patricia Nicol, GBF director, journalist and Charlton Lido devotee.
This session will be followed by a book signing.
The event will take place in Charlton Lido’s upstairs cafe from 7pm, and tickets are available here. The Charlton Champion hopes the pool will be open for a dip beforehand!
The Victoria Way site last year. Demolition teams have now moved in.
A former Greenwich Council planning officer who is standing for election in Charlton this week says councillors acted “appallingly” when they decided to back a controversial development in Victoria Way without explaining why.
The eight-strong planning committee faced jeers from the public after after endorsing the Fairview New Homes proposals for a former warehouse site, which include two 10-storey blocks and 144 car parking spaces, as well as a nursery and office space.
Neighbours had called the plans “overbearing” and had voiced concerns about traffic congestion and the lack of facilities for residents. Others criticised a lack of consultation with residents about the scheme.
In the meeting overseen by vice-chair Ray Walker (Labour, Eltham West), councillors Mark Elliott (Conservative, Eltham South), Clive Mardner (Labour, Abbey Wood), Danny Thorpe (Labour, Shooters Hill – council deputy leader and regeneration cabinet member), Sarah Merrill (Labour, Shooters Hill), Norman Adams (Labour, Kidbrooke with Hornfair), Steve Offord (Labour, Abbey Wood) backed the scheme without discussig 125 objections from residents, three written objections from local councillors in Peninsula and Charlton wards and concerns raised by Transport for London and the Greater London Authority about the high level of car parking spaces.
Only Thorpe attempted to offer any explanation when it came to vote on the scheme. Conservative Geoff Brighty (Blackheath Westcombe) voted against it.
At the Charlton ward hustings on Saturday, Green candidate Clare Loops – a former planning policy manager for Greenwich who is standing in Thursday’s council election – condemned the way the councillors acted.
“Just looking at the way the committee is structured at the moment, they should be discussing the points raised, and that is appalling that it didn’t happen,” Loops – who now works for neighbouring Bexley – said.
But incumbent Labour councillor Gary Parker said: “What you have to remember is that the Planning Board is not whipped, and it wasn’t just Labour candidates that voted for it. They get the papers in advance and they get officers’ recommendations, and there was a recommendation in favour of it.
“I do think we should listen to residents a lot more, but the complexities of planning law make that very difficult.”
‘Charlton has no representation on planning committee’
It is normal convention in a Greenwich planning meeting for councillors to discuss the application – no explanation has been given as to why they didn’t on the Fairview Victoria Way case.
Parker agreed with Loops that the council needed to bring some applications to planning committees at earlier stages to obtain residents’ input.
Fellow Labour candidate Gary Dillon said that the Charlton area had no representation on the Planning Board, which is the council’s main planning commitee, “I hope that changes after the next election,” he said.
But Lib Dem candidate Ian Gerrard responded: “Parties decide who serves on committees – if Charlton isn’t being represented, that’s down to Labour.”
Planning issues dominated the hustings, with concerns raised about the fate of the Charlton Riverside masterplan in the light of the planning application by Rockwell for 771 new homes on an industrial estate at Anchor & Hope Lane including five 10-storey blocks.
“All residents of Charlton could be affected by this,” Ritchie said, adding: “We’ve already seen the segregation in Woolwich between the new-builds and the town of Woolwich.”
“I don’t like calling it Charlton Riverside,” Loops said. “The best way to integrate it would be to call it ‘Charlton’.”
Parker said the council was consulting via the Charlton Stakeholder Forum, which he called “a public forum”. “I’ve been at some of them, I haven’t seen any of the opposition there.”
(The Charlton Champion has never been invited or asked to publicise its meetings. Furthermore, this website understands that at the last meeting, representatives of developer Rockwell outnumbered all other attendees.)
He also pointed to the council’s Better Together meetings and public planning meetings – such as the one which discussed Victoria Way where councillors ignored residents.
Loops said it was “worrying” that council officers had recommended the Rockwell development even though it was contrary to the masterplan. “What’s the point in having a plan if you’re not going to follow it?,” Lib Dem Rome said.
There was also criticism of both council leader Denise Hyland and deputy leader Danny Thorpe sitting on the Planning Board – Greenwich is the only council in London where the leader sits on its main planning committee. Gary Parker said a leader or deputy leader on the planning board “leaves you open to potentially being compromised, blurring the distinction between the [council’s] planning function and being a member of the executive”. “If I was in that position, I wouldn’t be on it, but that is for them to decide.”
On Sunday, a resident at the hustings for Woolwich Riverside ward – which covers some of the eastern side of Charlton – also brought up former Greenwich Council leader Chris Roberts’ role as deputy chairman of Cratus Communications, which has acted for the developers of both the Fairview Victoria Way and Rockwell Charlton Riverside schemes. “I suppose ex-leaders of councils have to earn a living,” Labour councillor John Fahy said.
Ideas for Charlton’s future
Back at the Charlton ward hustings, candidates were also asked how they would improve Charlton Village and Charlton Church Lane. Conservative Macharia Gakuru said he would change Charlton Church Lane into a one-way street, while Lib Dem Gerrard suggested the council could temporarily lower business rates.
Loops said: “We need to make sure footfall in the Village is all of us using it. We could be changing some of the A5 uses – hot food takeaways – into more of a cafe culture, to provide more places to hang out. And slow down the traffic – 20mph is much better.”
Parker said: “We need to look at more pop-up shops and a range of other short-term measures to support businesses and people who want to get into business. I think the council could be more flexible about this.” Ritchie complained about the state of the pavements on Charlton Church Lane and suggested parking in that street could be moved.
All candidates also spoke out against the current plans for the proposed Enderby Wharf cruise liner terminal in east Greenwich, which will allow ships using it to use their own highly polluting engines rather than energy from the National Grid.
All 51 seats in Greenwich borough are up for election on Thursday – see candidates, manifestos and more hustings coverage over on 853. Of the councillors that passed the Fairview Victoria Way scheme, all are up for re-election in their various wards except Mark Elliott and Ray Walker; while Steve Offord was deselected in Abbey Wood and is now contesting Eltham North.
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Here is incumbent Labour councillor GARY PARKER…
1. Why Charlton? Two of our candidates live here and the other has represented the ward on the Council for 20 years. Charlton is a great place to live and work.
2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor? We bring a wide rang of skills and experience, from public service, small business, trade unionism, and life.
3. What is Greenwich Council good at? Greenwich Council has done a great job at managing to maintain quality services in the face of massive reductions in government funding, and in keeping services provided directly in house. Our primary schools rank as the fourth best in the country, and our secondary schools are not far behind.
4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at? Greenwich Council is constantly trying to improve all aspects of its performance.
5. What makes Charlton special? We have a great sense of community and good mix of residents from all walks of life and a significant number of community organisation, some of the most active in the Borough which enriches community life..
6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton? Housing costs, transport provision, air quality, poverty related issues.
7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough? Adequate funding, bad planning legislation, property developers putting profit before need.
8. Why should people vote on Thursday? It’s your opportunity to decide who should run the borough.
9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process? Keep residents informed about planning issues as they develop, hold surgeries, public meetings and walkabouts to listen to residents views, advise residents of their rights, put residents concerns at the heart of our decision making.Use the Charlton Riverside Stakeholder forum as a platform for significant engagement on the CR programme
10. Labour has been in power since 1971. Why should residents keep on voting for them? Because Labour has a very good track record in this Borough in providing quality services and in listening to residents’ views.
Gary Parker is Labour and Co-operative candidate for Charlton. To find out more, visit greenwichlabour.org.
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
Clare Loops (top left) with other Green candidates and Green MEP Jean Lambert (second right)
With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Here is Green candidate CLARE LOOPS…
1. Why Charlton?
Because it’s where I’ve lived for over 20 years; where I’ve raised my family. It’s my community, my neighbours, my friends.
2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor?
If elected as a ward councillor for Charlton, I can bring my experience working in local government (including Greenwich) for many years as a strategic planner, responsible for leading a team of planning policy, conservation, urban design and sustainability officers. This experience makes me well suited to address many of the issues that matter to local people and gives me an in depth understanding about how local councils work.
In particular, I consider that my experience would serve particularly well matters surrounding development, the environment and our heritage.
In addition, I can bring an understanding of education matters: when my children were in primary school, I was elected as a parent governor, served as Chair of the governing body, and also was elected the parent governor representative for all primary schools across the borough, sitting on Greenwich’s children and young people scrutiny panel.
And finally, but in no way the least important, I can bring my honesty, empathy and strong ethical principles to the role of councillor.
3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
I’ve worked for Greenwich and know how hardworking and dedicated the staff is.
4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
A key improvement would be a more open, transparent local government that involves residents and local businesses early and proactively in decisions that affect them.
One of my favourite walks takes me from my home near the station, down through the industrial area to the River Thames, past the Thames Barrier and then up through Barrier Park, Maryon Park and Maryon Wilson Park, then across to Charlton Park, past Charlton House, St Luke’s Church and then down home again.
Different routes take me past so many different landscapes, from the industry of the river to the hidden paths in the green spaces, and such a rich and varied history.. I love that all this – and more – is in my corner of London.
6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
Issues that I think are important in Charlton are: reducing air pollution through improved public transport and safe cycle and walking routes; keeping our parks and streets and public spaces clean and in good repair; investing in Charlton Village to address its deteriorating condition (and high number of fast food takeaways); and, making sure that new development creates housing that is truly affordable for residents and also provides different types of homes so that we have a choice, particularly for young people, families, and seniors.
7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
Addressing dangerously poor air quality! Particularly bad along Woolwich Road, Trafalgar Road and the Blackwall tunnel approach, and this is very likely to get worse when IKEA opens for business. The recent Council approval for a cruise liner terminal without clean onshore power, and the Silvertown tunnel, which is proposed only for road traffic, will only compound the problem, if they are built as currently proposed.
Ensuring that new housing is actually affordable for Greenwich’s residents, and that is the right type for young and old, families and singles, built together alongside social, community, green and transport infrastructure to create mixed, sustainable communities.
Providing good quality Council services even as funding continues to be cut by central Government, with a focus on health, social care, education and housing those most in need, but also services such as street cleaning, waste collection and repairing potholes, which can really make a difference to how people feel about their neighbourhoods.
8. Why should people vote on Thursday?
Voting for your local councillors is really important. It is our right to be represented by democratically elected people, who take the time to understand our issues and are the voice of Charlton in the town hall. Everyone who is eligible should register to vote and then vote! It’s the best way of ensuring that we are heard.
9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
Charlton, to the north of the railway line and south of the River Thames, which some people call ‘Charlton Riverside’ but to me is just another part of Charlton, has been changing over the last 25 years from an entirely industrial area to a major out-of-town centre retail area that is almost entirely car based.
Now that the industrial land use designations have been removed, residential development proposals are beginning and it will probably take another 25 years for the area to transform into a more residential neighbourhood.
The area benefits from a recently adopted master plan, which includes as part of its vision the objective of new development being integrated with the rest of Charlton.
For this to be successful, Charlton’s residents (and councillors) need to be involved in development proposals as they are being shaped, well before they are formal planning applications, so that they can actually influence what is being proposed, to ensure that new development will benefit existing and new residents.
If elected I would put forward a motion for residents and councillors to be consulted formally at the beginning of the pre-application process, before plans are drawn up. For Charlton in particular I know this will be effective, as Charlton already has a number of well organised residents’ groups that are keen to be involved. Charlton’s councillors need to be as well.
10 How can a Green vote make a difference?
Having even just one Green on the Council will make a difference. I think it’s safe to say that Greenwich is a Labour borough and will remain so. One feels though that Labour has become complacent as it has been in power in Greenwich since 1971.
If elected to represent Charlton, as a Green I will bring refreshing independence, and scrutiny: I’ll ask awkward questions when needed and challenge when things go wrong. I’ll work to make sure things are tackled properly.
Clare Loops is standing in Charlton ward for the Green Party. To find out more, visit greenwich.greenparty.org.uk
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
Pamela Ritchie (second right) with campaigners and Women’s Equality Party leader Sophie Walker on the campaign trail in Nadine Street
Charlton goes to the polls on Thursday in the Greenwich Council elections. Women’s Equality Party candidate PAMELA RITCHIE answers our questions on what she hopes to achieve…
1. Why Charlton?
I’ve lived in Charlton for 14 years, having grown up just the other side of Shooters Hill in Welling. I love the area and the diverse community we have and I want to make sure Charlton gets its fair share of investment to make sure it remains a vibrant, diverse and desirable place to live.
2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor?
I like to get things done, and I am dedicated and not afraid of working hard. The best results come from being able to work collaboratively, setting aside differences and focusing on what we all have in common in order to achieve good outcomes for everyone. As a party WE were created to be a new collaborative political force in UK politics uniting people of all genders, ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs and experiences in the shared determination to see women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities so that everyone can flourish.
I’m a computer programmer in my day job, working with data collection and reporting. I’m good at working through requirements of a client, turn that into a technical spec and explain the process in plain language for everyone to understand.
I’m a problem solver and a creative thinker, often able to come up with a different approach to a task, when all options look like dead ends.
I am an approachable, adaptable person who is not afraid to speak up, which I would always ensure I do on behalf of residents.
3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
I love the arts and cultural events that the council help fund and support in Greenwich. I am a big fan of the variety and innovative use of space – along with the spectacle that the Greenwich & Docklands Festival brings each year and particularly bringing Greenwich Pride to the centre of Greenwich town, closing the roads around the market.
I am proud to see so many visitors come and see our home borough stand out with the Cutty Sark & the maritime museum, the Tall Ships festival and the fantastic viewing points for the marathon.
4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
Communication and accessing information. The website is a very difficult place to navigate – even if you know exactly what you are looking for & have found it before on the site, its not intuitive and the search function doesn’t seem to help you get the information you need to.
There are so many resources that are available to residents that I have only become aware of in the last couple of years since getting involved with the Women’s Equality Party, that had I known about could have really helped me in the past, particularly when I was unemployed. I want to make sure all residents are aware of the help and support for carers that’s available locally.
If I am elected, I’ll be making sure I am available regularly to listen to residents’ concerns, creating a hub of information, bringing together different service providers to ensure residents have access to any support they need.
5. What makes Charlton special? Charlton has some unique characteristics, the big one for me is Charlton House. It’s a beautiful building in fabulous surroundings, however I would like to bring it more into use by the public. I’d like to see the café open some evenings and weekends and to encourage different community groups to meet there at no charge. I’d love to walk in to visit the library and see a vibrant mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, knitting, playing board games or chatting about the latest Charlton Athletic result.
This would be the centre for my ideas around tackling loneliness, ensuring this space is accessible for all and having information on hand for further help sign post anyone in need to local support and help that is available.
6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
I’ve heard lots of things on the doorstep during this campaign, from pavements, pot holes and tree trimming – all things that can be solved if the funding can be allocated. Then there are the more complex issues such as housing and schools.
There is no simple solution to the housing issue, we have more than 10 thousand people on the housing waiting list in Greenwich. The current target of 35% affordable needs to be more ambitious, especially when we look at how a truly affordable rate is set within the context of the gender pay gap. We also need to ensure we are building the schools, doctors, dentists and transport network alongside so that all residents needs are met.
7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
Air quality in Greenwich is a serious issue that demands immediate intervention, and yet we see plans in place with the cruise ship terminal, the Silvertown tunnel and Ikea set to open early 2019 – that will exacerbate the problem.
Toxic air is harming the health of all our residents, but especially those who spend more time outdoors in green spaces – namely, the children and predominantly female carers who are looking after them. With illegal levels of air pollution being recorded outside of local schools.
I want Greenwich to be leading the way with the diesel ban, encouraging electric vehicles and ensuring any planned housing has electric charging points in its plans.
The cost of childcare can be punishing, in particular for those on low incomes or wishing to undertake training or education. In the UK, the cost has been rising up to seven times faster than wages, with the greatest gap growing in London.
Nursery care providers are struggling to offer the 30 free hours of childcare as the government funding falls short of the actual cost. With 36% of children in Greenwich & Woolwich living in poverty, we need to ensure we are protecting vital services for families.
8. Why should people vote on Thursday?
Because representation matters, the people you have speaking up for you on the council chambers need to reflect the diversity of voices from the area.
Too many people choose not to vote in the local elections, however I would say they are more important to your every day life than a national election. Your local council control more than just bins and pot holes, it’s the planning applications, the trading standards and social care.
With the imminent arrival of universal credit, central government is devolving some of its financing to locally, one such example which will remove the ring fencing of funding for refuges putting this into the hands of the council to decide how much to allocate from a general pot of emergency accommodation.
We need to ensure we provide a secure and consistent pathway for women fleeing domestic abuse and that this is something that is prioritised from the emergency accommodation funding.
9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
I would make sure that all public meetings are widely advertised, with recordings and minutes of the meetings available for those unable to attend.
Consultation must be widely publicised & open for all to comment and raise concerns, not just those deemed immediately affected by the development.
I would make sure we push back to the developers to make sure the plans remain within the originally agreed master plan.
10. Why should the people of Charlton, whatever gender they are, give the Women’s Equality Party a vote?
Because equality is better for everyone.
Pamela Ritchie is standing for the Women’s Equality Party in Charlton ward. To find out more, visit womensequality.org.uk.
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Conservative candidate MACHARIA GAKURU has his say…
1. Why Charlton?
I have lived in Charlton, Cherry Orchard Estate since 1995. I have raised my children here and I work in the local hospitals as a biomed. I am the founder of a charity that offers scholarships to renal doctors Kenya to the UK, Egypt and other developed countries.
Charlton is my home and I want to do more for the local residents, especially engaging young people and showing them opportunities within and beyond.
2. What can you bring to the job of being a councillor?
I care about Charlton ward and my borough. I am called to serve. I am a good leader and I love being involved in finding local, national and international solution to people’s problems. The democratic process is something I cherish and hold dear to my heart because building a free, fair and just society is good for all the people in our society. I love politics and the intellectual debates that goes along with it.
3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
I have seen good development projects in some parts of the borough over the years. I have seen shopping malls and business centres spring up, especially the one in Bugsby Way, Charlton, which are positive. There are many families that enjoy the Riverside Leisure Centre in Woolwich where I am a regular. Greenwich is a very cosmopolitan borough; the council is a reflection of it.
4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
Listening to the community, its clear that the council needs to listen to what the local residents wants and implement their decisions.
It’s very clear that residents are opposed to the Silvertown Tunnel, the large Riverside and Greenwich Peninsula development and the Cruise Liner terminal – and yet these projects may still go ahead.
5. What makes Charlton special?
Charlton is my home. In SE7 I have raised my children and work locally. I have lived here for over 20 years. I’d like the best things to come and happen here as it will improve our lives.
6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
Air pollution is a big issue
Community involvement in decision-making.
Youth Involvement in local issues and engagement with local politics
Social care
Affordable housing / social housing
7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
There’s not much difference in the issues that affect Greenwich as a borough to those that affect Charlton, due to the ripple effect. Therefore the issues of air pollution will dominate the political agenda and it’s also very clear that the local council, due to domination by one party, is not listening to the local residents.
8. Why should people vote on 3 May?
One party dominating our local politics should be a cause of concern, especially when it’s clear they are not listening to the local residents. It will be of paramount importance that a strong opposition is in a position to help balance decision-making for local people. Therefore people should go out and vote in large numbers and vote for independent local candidates who listen to the people.
9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
If I am elected I will make people of Charlton ward involved in every major decision that happens by:
· Regular surgeries – suggesting twice a week whereby I’d ask for peoples suggestions and their input in issues that affects council decisions
· Open people’s forum
· Sharing information through newsletter / blogs / website
· I would propose a policy that will enable a peoples’ vote on major development in Charlton
10. Has Conservative economic and transport policy been good for Charlton?
This isn’t a national election, but I think the work Conservatives have done in government to help create record numbers of jobs are good for local people. And the support for big transport projects like Crossrail will help make this part of London much better-connected.
Macharia Gakuru is standing in Charlton ward for the Conservative Party. To find out more, visit www.greenwichconservatives.com.
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
With Charlton going to the polls on Thursday to pick new councillors, The Charlton Champion asked each party if one of their candidates could answer a questionnaire about why they’re standing, what they’ve done, and what they can do. Liberal Democrat candidates IAN GERRARD, REBECCA IRELAND and CHARLIE ROME answered as one…
1. Why Charlton? Ian: I’ve lived in Charlton since the mid 1990s and have worked in schools in south east London since 1991. I’m proud to call Charlton my home and I would be hugely proud to represent our area on the council if I were elected. Charlton has a real sense of community and I would love to play a part in protecting and enhancing the things that make it so special. Charlie: I have been a Charlton resident since 2010, and I want to represent the area I’ve chosen to call my home. As a newcomer to the political scene I became more interested in local politics in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, and felt I needed to get involved to make where we live a better place. Rebecca: When I first moved to London several years ago, all I wanted was to find a homely neighbourhood which had plenty of open space and a good (preferably heated) 50m lido. I feel spoiled to have found not only that, but also local friends, a station community garden, the Thames a short hop away, and great views of the London skyline from Charlton Road!
2. What can I bring to the job of councillor? Ian: I have experience of serving as a local councillor in Greenwich and so I can bring an understanding of the role and the importance of it. I have worked as a teacher for 27 years (and counting!) and am passionate about the importance of education. I would bring the determination to listen to the views of local people and to represent them and serve them to the best of my ability. Rebecca: I would say dynamism, an interest in a wide range of issues and tenacity! I like to get things done by consulting and working with others. Ultimately, I am a caring and approachable person and like to feel that the work I am doing helps to make tangible improvements to people’s lives. Charlie: My background is in finance and I spent many years as a project manager for a large Government agency that worked with different parties who all had different priorities. I would be able to perform well as an opposition
councillor, working with Labour to best deliver effective services, represent local residents and deliver positive change for the ward and the wider borough.
Rebecca Ireland3. What is Greenwich Council good at?
We feel that early years education is well provided for, given the pressures of funding cuts and an increasing population. For Charlie, being a stay at home dad to a toddler, he feels there is a wealth of activities and a good choice of successful nursery and primary schools, but it is a shame that this doesn’t seem to continue into secondary education. Also, we feel that Greenwich has a positive record on recycling which should be applauded.
4. What does Greenwich Council need to improve at?
One serious area of concern is how the council sees the area developing and how it handles planning. There are master plans that are woefully out-of-date and even where they exist they are not followed. Developments are seemingly pushed through by the Council leadership with local representation made to abstain in decisions and public consultation nothing more than a box-ticking exercise. It is hard to see this changing without more opposition elected to the Council in the upcoming elections.
5. What makes Charlton special?
There is a tremendous sense of community, which is difficult to find in London. Whether it’s those that share a love for our communal spaces, such as Charlton and Maryon Wilson Parks or those that share a love for an activity such as swimming at the Charlton Lido, all are very welcoming and work hard to make Charlton a friendly place to live.
6. What are the biggest issues affecting the people of Charlton?
As a councillor, it’s crucial to listen to people’s concerns and act upon them. Having spoken to people on the doorstep and on local community groups on social media, it’s clear that they way Greenwich Council handles planning is a major issue for residents in Charlton. There have been nearby developments approved despite great number of objections from local residents. Other developments have been cynically deferred until after the local elections, and the council have not followed their own master plans which called for mixed use developments, ruling in favour of large retail parks which put huge additional pressures on local roads. A long running theme is the lack of representation by local councillors on issues that affect the ward whilst the council leadership push applications through.
This needs to change, and this can only happen if meaningful opposition is elected to challenge the council’s leadership and stand up for residents’ concerns.
Ian Gerrard7. What are the biggest issues affecting Greenwich borough?
Having talked to local people, we think a huge issue affecting residents across the borough is air quality. Local group, Valley Hill Hub did research to show that we suffer from illegal levels of air pollution here in Charlton and it is a threat to every resident’s health and wellbeing, especially the young and old. We will firmly stand against the proposed development of the polluting Silvertown tunnel as well as the current plans for Enderby Wharf, which the Labour council has approved twice with no shore-side power supply. We will call for continuous air quality monitoring outside all schools in the borough and for the Low Emissions Neighbourhood in East Greenwich to be expanded to Charlton and beyond. We will also push for a resident led review of cycle routes in the borough and how they can be improved, and make sure buses and council vehicles are electric or hybrid as soon as practicably possible.
8. Why should people vote on Thursday?
Democracy is incredibly important, and is something that we should always cherish. It is always sad to see low turnouts for local elections, which arguably have a larger impact to the day-to-day lives of citizens than at a general election. There are huge decisions and developments ahead for Charlton and Greenwich and we want everyone to have their say. We hope that everyone who is eligible can spare just a few minutes out of their day on the 3rd May to vote on how the Council is run and how the area will develop over the next four years.
9. Charlton is on the brink of huge change with redevelopment due in Charlton Riverside. What will you do to make sure residents’ voices are taken seriously throughout this process?
We think the council needs to urgently update the master plan for the area. This should be undertaken with a full and transparent consultation of residents. Where concerns are raised, these have to be taken into account in planning decisions. The Council should report on feedback received and hold open debates in order to include the voices of residents in the framework for future developments. After this, the Council must then keep to the plan and not succumb to developer pressure to allow deviations from these plans.
10. How is a Liberal Democrat vote relevant in Charlton?
The Lib Dems believe wholeheartedly in the importance of local government. Moving power closer to the people is a fundamental value of the party. Lib Dems would supply fresh eyes to scrutinise the proposals put forward by council officers and other parties. We’d take a more serious approach to protecting air quality than the current Labour administration. Above all else, as local residents, your Liberal Democrat candidates will work hard to understand and champion the interests of the communities that we seek to represent.
Ian Gerrard, Rebecca Ireland and Charlie Rome are standing in Charlton ward for the Liberal Democrats. To find out more, visit www.greenwichlibdems.uk.
Charlton ward candidates (three are elected): Gary Dillon (Labour), Macharia Gakuru (Conservative), Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrat), Rebecca Ireland (Liberal Democrat), Catherine Latham (Conservative), Clare Loops (Green), Maya Mann (Conservative), Gary Parker (Labour), Linda Perks (Labour), Pamela Ritchie (Women’s Equality Party), Charlie Rome (Liberal Democrat). Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 May.
Charlton has some unique characteristics, the big one for me is Charlton House. It’s a beautiful building in fabulous surroundings, however I would like to bring it more into use by the public. I’d like to see the café open some evenings and weekends and to encourage different community groups to meet there at no charge. I’d love to walk in to visit the library and see a vibrant mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, knitting, playing board games or chatting about the latest Charlton Athletic result.
The Charlton Champion 