Subject: News

Bulletin from Greg Hands M.P. #308 Date: Friday, 12 August 2011 15:45:10 United Kingdom Time From: To: Greg Hands M.P. [email protected]

In this edition:

Issue 308 Friday 12th August 2011

Greg Hands M.P.s Diary Website of the Week: London Disorder Images Cameron outlines action against riots Hands welcomes Government support for Londoners affected by riots Where to get the latest updates on any local disorder and the clean-up Hands in Parliament: Hands questions PM after riots statement Absent Andy ignores recall and riots 50m to help London's damaged town centres Kensington & Chelsea Council Leader's Statement on recent disturbances Hands in the papers: Nine arrests as violence spreads to Fulham Cycle race road closures explained Fulham Town Hall is hot property Jobs Fair in Kensington & Chelsea How to contact Greg Hands M.P.

Since the last edition, Greg:

Attended the Emergency sitting of the House of Commons to debate the riots. Greg told the Prime Minister that Chelsea and Fulham had also seen trouble, but were welcoming the tougher policing in London since Monday. For Greg's question to David Cameron, see below. Praised the work of local police in Hammersmith & Fulham and in Kensington & Chelsea which kept trouble and damage to a minimum locally. Visited some of the (thankfully limited) scenes of riot damage in both Chelsea and Fulham. Set up an emergency surgery to help those affected by the riots. The surgery will be at Fulham Town Hall on Wednesday, 17th August, from 9 to 11a.m. To make an appointment, call 020 7219 5448 or email [email protected].

Website of the Week:

www.met.police.uk/disordersuspects
The Mets website of London Disorder Images. Operation Withern is investigating the serious disorder and violence that has been affecting parts of London. Operation Withern's priority is to bring to justice those who have committed violent and criminal acts. As the detailed and thorough investigation progresses we will be issuing photographs of people we want to speak with. If anyone recognises individuals in the photographs on this website or has any information about the violence and disorder that has occurred they should contact the Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively anyone can report crime and provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cameron outlines action against riots

Prime Minister David Cameron has said that every contingency is being looked at to restore law and order and that 'picture by picture' the criminals are being identified and arrested. "We will not let any phoney concerns about human rights get in the way of the publication of these pictures and the arrest of these individuals," he added. Speaking after a further COBRA emergency planning meeting, the PM said a "major fightback was working" with over 750 arrests so far and sentences being passed round the clock with courts sitting through the night last night to prosecute those involved. Mr Cameron also said a "more robust approach" by Scotland Yard last night had prevented a repeat of the worst trouble. Continued violence was unacceptable, the PM said, and stressed that "whatever resources the police need they will get" including contingency plans for water cannons to be available at 24 hours' notice. The PM, who called for a clearer code of responsibility to fix the pockets of "broken and sick society", said we had seen the worst as well as some of the best of Britain. "We need to have a clearer code of values and standards that we expect people to live by and stronger penalties if they cross the line. Restoring a stronger sense of responsibility across our society, in every town, in every street, in every estate is something I'm determined to do." Tomorrow, there will be a COBRA meeting as well as a Cabinet meeting. The PM will then deliver a statement to the House of Commons setting out in full the Government's response to the violence in England.

Hands welcomes Government support for Londoners affected by riots

Greg Hands MP has welcomed a package of measures that will help Londoners affected by riots to get back on their feet with financial support for residents and businesses. As part of concerted, cross-Government action to help open up shops, rebuild damaged buildings, and make sure people who lost their homes are re-housed, Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles announced a package of support including: A 10 million recovery fund to help councils with the immediate costs of making their areas safe, clear and clean again. A 20 million High Street Support Scheme, which will be made available immediately, for the streets and areas where businesses were affected by the rioting. In addition, seriously damaged homes and businesses will be taken off the respective valuation lists, which removes any liability for council tax or business rates. Councils already have the power to offer rate relief for local firms, while paying a quarter of the cost; central government automatically pays for three quarters of the cost. This Scheme will help reimburse councils for their costs, to facilitate immediate and real financial help to be given to small and medium firms to rebuild their local businesses. Re-housing funding to meet the immediate costs of emergency accommodation for families who have been made homeless by the disturbances.

Mr Pickles also signalled to councils that the Government stands fully behind councils seeking to evict tenants that are found to have taken part in the looting and rioting across the country in recent days this will send a strong message that crime does not pay. Greg Hands MP said: The Government is standing side-by-side with Londoners as they rebuild their lives. This assistance, combined with the Mayor of Londons 50 million fund, will make a real difference. I am also fully behind the efforts of our local councils to evict any tenant found to have taken part in the disorder. Those who riot or loot must face the consequences.

Where to get the latest updates on any local disorder and the clean-up
In Kensington & Chelsea click here. In Hammersmith & Fulham click here.

Hands in Parliament:

Hands questions PM after riots statement

Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham, Conservative): My constituents have also been victims of some of the disorder in recent days and strongly welcome the much tougher policing that has been launched since Monday night. The Prime Minister mentioned Bill Bratton, who has done such fantastic work in reducing crime in Boston, New York and Los Angeles. Can he mention some of the things that we might be able to learn from the excellent beat and street policing that has been used in many cities in the United States for the past 17 years? David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative): This work that is done in the United States is also done in the United Kingdom. One thing we can do is just work harder to map and understand how many gangs there are, what their membership is and what they are doing so that we have better intelligence, but I am sure that there will be many things I can discuss with Bill Bratton when he comes to meet me shortly.

Absent Andy ignores recall and riots Slaughter has no time on holiday even to comment
There is confirmation that Labour MP for Hammersmith, Andrew Slaughter, ignored the recall of Parliament to stay on his holiday. Thursdays emergency session was held to debate the riots in London and other cities. Local blogger, Chris Underwood, broke the news this morning, describing Slaughter as in the firing line after deciding to stay on holiday instead of returning to the emergency Parliamentary debate. The Commons chamber was packed for the debate. Some MPs flew back from across the world to attend, despite representing seats that were completely uninvolved. Dozens of London MPs questioned the Prime Minister and spoke about how their constituencies were affected. Mr Slaughter is the only London MP known not to have been present. There have been tensions across West London since the riots began, with horrific scenes in neighbouring Ealing, where an elderly man was murdered. Police from South Wales and Hampshire have been patrolling the streets of Shepherds Bush. Although many of his constituents have been terrified, Slaughter has yet to make any comment. At least one Hammersmith resident tried to contact him via Twitter with concerns about her area, but did not appear to get a response. Many people are now questioning his judgement.

50m to help London's damaged town centres

A 50 million fund has been created to help local businesses and improve town centres and high streets damaged by the riots. The money, made available by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, will be invested in large scale projects which will be developed in conjunction with communities and the local councils. The Mayor will also ensure that the contracts for the work are awarded to as many local businesses and employ as many local people as possible including offering apprenticeships to unemployed people in the affected areas. The new fund will work alongside the governments plans for medium term relief to support businesses. This fund is on top of the Mayor's 50 million Outer London Fund which is designed to boost the economy and drive employment in parts of London that are benefitting less directly from major infrastructure improvements like Crossrail and the 2012 Games. Announcing the fund while meeting business owners and residents affected by the riots in Ealing, Mayor Boris Johnson said: "We have always recognised the importance of improving London's town centres and clearly after the destruction caused by the recent events across the city this is a bigger challenge than ever. "That is why I am allocating 50 million to ensure that these areas are regenerated quickly and transformed into safe, attractive, vibrant and economically successful places to live, work and invest in." Mr Johnson has been meeting and listening to residents and business owners in the worst hit areas of the capital, including Clapham, Croydon, Enfield, Tottenham and Ealing. He will be meeting more people and local businesses across London today and into next week. Speaking about those involved in the unrest, the Mayor said that "people should be in no doubt that if they riot they will pay penalties that they will come bitterly to regret." For more information, please visit http://www.london.gov.uk/.

Kensington & Chelsea Council Leader's Statement on recent disturbances

The Council this morning (9 August) forcefully condemned the outbreaks of violent disorder that took place in Kensington and Chelsea overnight. Though not on the scale experienced by Croydon, Ealing and elsewhere, a series of incidents took place in the north and south of the borough that damaged property and alarmed law abiding citizens. "The behaviour seen last night is utterly intolerable," said Council Leader, Sir Merrick Cockell. "I, like many others, look forward to a day in the not too distant future when the courts send a clear message to these thugs and thieves that the streets belong to us, not them. "Our job now is to clear up the mess and get the borough back to normality and we are hard at work on that already." The Leader also paid tribute to local police, who bravely confronted the gangs. "For obvious reasons, local police were under strength last night," said Sir Merrick. "Thats plainly not ideal when you find yourself up against a disinhibited 70 strong gang. We salute our police for their courage."

Hands in the papers:

Nine arrests as violence spreads to Fulham

Adam Courtney, Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle Monday 8th August 2011 Frightening tales of violence and disorder have begun to emerge from Hammersmith and Fulham the day after riots spread to west London. The borough escaped relatively unscathed compared to other parts of the capital. But police made nine arrests and had to fight sporadic outbreaks of criminality. Confirmed incidents include: Officers being pelted with missiles in a battle with 15 youths in Lillie Road, Fulham A taxi driver and his female passenger being robbed in nearby Chaldon Road. The windows of a nursery being smashed on the Bayonne Road Estate, Fulham Shops being attacked in North End Road while riot police lined up Looters trying but failing to ransack PC World in Wandsworth Bridge Road

Witness Rebecca Smith, a 21-year-old Imperial College student, saw the disorder unfold on North End Road. "There were a few people spilling into North End Road from the Clem Attlee Estate. At first they were just shouting a bit and mouthing off. "Then the riot police arrived and it kicked off. Cars were forced to turn in the middle of the road as about 30 youths, some with wooden sticks, charged into the road. "The police response was immediate and they rushed at them straight away, batons in hand, as some of the youths threw their sticks at the officers." The area was cleared by about 1am, while damage was limited to a smashed window at Foot Locker. Outbreaks of disorder also occurred in Lillie Road, with skirmishes between youths in Normand Park, while the brand new Bayonne Nursery, in the Bayonne Estate, had its windows smashed. One staff member said: "It's just mindless violence and very upsetting as the building is in the middle of a refurbishment. It's pretty low for them to target a nursery." In the Clem Attlee Estate, minor fires burned as yobs set fire to bins. One resident called their actions pathetic, "They're just kids who want a fight with police but it's worrying when you hear about major fires in other boroughs. I hope nothing major happens but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Things have been getting worse and worse around here." Further south of the borough, officers stood guard outside PC World in the Wandsworth Bridge Road business park, as looters threatened. Contrary to reports, nothing was stolen, although witnesses said a bicycle was thrown under a bus. There were outbreaks of fighting in nearby Eel Brook Common. In the north of H&F police said there was an incident of looting in Arial Way near Westfield, while there were two episodes of criminal damage in Hammersmith, including to a hairdressers in Bradmore Park. Earlier in the week, on Sunday, police dealt with skirmished on the Edward Wood Estate in Shepherd's Bush, while a shop was broken into in King's Road. MP Greg Hands condemned the violence and called for stricter policing. He said: "For 14 years I have been saying London needs much tougher, New York-style policing. Now would be a good time to start."

Cycle race road closures explained

Further details about the impact a major cycle race will have when it travels through Fulham on Sunday August 14th have been revealed by Transport for London (TfL). The event, known as the London-Surrey Cycle Classic, will see 140 international cyclists riding an 87 mile course in a dress rehearsal of the cycle road race, which will take place on July 28 and 29, during next year's Olympic Games. The race will include a strong home contingent, with the major names in British cycling expected to be taking part. The event, which is managed by TfL and Olympic organisers LOCOG, promises to be an exciting spectacle for families, as well as for cycle racing fans but there will be significant disruption in Fulham, which is on the route. The race will start at 9am on Sunday August 14 and is expected to travel down Fulham Road at 9.05am. The cyclists will then ride down Fulham High Street and Putney Bridge before travelling through Wandsworth and Richmond and touring through the rolling Surrey countryside. The riders will return the same way and are due to cycle back through Fulham at around midday. In order for the race to take place, roads in Fulham will need to be closed. Fulham Broadway, Fulham High Street, Fulham Road, Putney Bridge Approach and Putney Bridge will all be closed from 4am on the morning of the race and reopened not before 3pm the same day at the earliest, plus Brompton Road and Knightsbridge in Kensington & Chelsea. The roads need to be closed for such a length of time because the race starts and finishes at the same point. This time is also necessary to enable some 50 miles of barriers to be deployed to protect riders and spectators and for some minor highways work to take place. There will be a number of pedestrian crossing points along the route during the event. Motorists are also being advised that they will not be able to park their vehicles anywhere on the route from midnight on the day of the event. Any parked cars will be towed away. TfL will be placing leaflets on cars that are parked on the route during the three Sundays before the race to advise owners of these restrictions. Cllr Nick Botterill, H&F Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We are all looking forward to this race coming to Fulham in a few weeks time but residents need to be aware that the event will bring severe disruption to the borough. It will be almost impossible to drive in Fulham on Sunday August 14 and residents need to plan ahead in order to minimise disruption. The council has been working closely with TfL and LOCOG to ensure that the event passes without hitch. However, if you are going to the airport to catch a flight or main line stations to catch a train on that day, or have some other appointment you must get to it is absolutely crucial that you add plenty of time onto your journey. Nevertheless, the event will be a fantastic opportunity for residents to see world class cyclists literally racing past their doorsteps and I am sure that there will be large crowds lining the route in Fulham. The traffic impact zone of the event covers south west London, Surrey and access to Heathrow and the M25. A number of bus routes will be affected by the race route and some may be withdrawn. To find out if your route will be affected please visit the TfL website tfl.gov.uk/2012. There will also be a number of Tube closures for essential, major London Underground improvement works. The Circle line will be closed, the Hammersmith & City line will be closed from Hammersmith to Baker Street and the District line will be closed from Earls Court to Edgware Road. Full details of these closures are available at www.tfl.gov.uk/testevent. Leon Daniels, TfLs Managing Director for Surface Transport, said: The London-Surrey Cycle Classic will play an important role in helping the capital, and its transport network, prepare for the summer of 2012. Road transport will be severely affected on the day, equivalent to having the London Marathon coming through south west London and Surrey, with many roads closed. This is why we are strongly advising people to plan their travel for the day and to avoid driving in south west and central London if at all possible. TfL has already written to Fulham residents about the impact of the event and held two drop-in sessions at Fulham Town Hall. If you have any queries, please contact TfL at www.tfl.gov.uk/testevent (opens new window) or on 0845 305 1234. Maps of the route and traffic impact zone are available for download below: Map of road closures in Fulham Map of road closures in Kensington & Chelsea Time of road closures map List of restricted roads in H&F Traffic impact map Buses affected by road race

Fulham Town Hall is hot property

Plans to sell Fulham Town Hall are gathering pace with 11 parties registering their interest in acquiring the building. The Grade Two Listed property was put on the market in May and the majority of prospective purchaser bidders are considering a combination of mixed use schemes including hotel, retailing and residential uses. Built in 1888, Fulham Town Hall is one of eight buildings across the borough that H&F Council is selling in order to reduce its historic 133 million debt burden, which is costing taxpayers around 5 million a year in interest payments. The council also has to make 65m of savings in the next three years and the majority of people who responded to a consultation held last year agreed that it would be sensible to sell the building so that more money could be directed towards vital frontline services. If the council was not to sell the Town Hall, it would cost the taxpayer 7 million over the next five years just to maintain it to present standards. The council, together with commercial property consultants, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) will now be scrutinising the bidders' proposals before selecting a shortlist who will be invited to present detailed submissions. The council hopes to announce a preferred bidder in December, who would then start to prepare planning and Listed Building applications. Apart from attempting to seek the best price possible for the building, the council and LSH will be looking for the bids that best take the historical character of the building into account, before making a decision to shortlist. H&F Council is committed to retaining the heritage and historical identity of the Town Hall and hopes the eventual conversion will allow significant parts of the building to be available for public use in the future. Cllr Nick Botterill, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "I am very pleased that Fulham Town Hall is attracting such a high level of interest. I look forward to a solution that breathes fresh life into Fulham, improves the council's finances, creates numerous jobs and launches a new era of prosperity for this famous building. "This borough is only four miles long so it makes no financial sense whatsoever for us to own two Town Halls. We want to see the building itself brought back to life as part of the biggest regeneration of the area since the Broadway development. We will now be sitting down and looking very carefully at all the proposals in front of us and requesting more information from those that offer our taxpayers the best deal possible while at the same time protecting the magnificent heritage of the building." Until now, Fulham Town Hall has been home to parking attendants, housing officers, cemeteries staff and registrars. However, its magnificent marble staircases, treble domed vaulted ceilings, carved oak doors and period chandeliers mark it out as perfect for a boutique hotel or for a variety of different uses . All council officers currently working in the building will be relocated elsewhere. In order to assist with the sale and potential change of use and conversion of Fulham Town Hall, a special consultative forum has been established, including representatives from the Fulham Society, the H&F Historic Buildings Group and the Fulham & Hammersmith Historical Society. An exhibition to keep residents informed of the sale process attracted around 40 people last month.

Jobs Fair in Kensington & Chelsea

Residents looking for employment opportunities, further training or advice on how to improve their CV can come along to the Jobs, Advice and Training Fair between 10am and 4pm at Kensington Town Hall on Wednesday 31 August. This is the fifth year of this highly successful event, and a great opportunity for those interested in finding out about training or employment opportunities. Exhibitors will range from major employers, voluntary and community organisations, training providers and agencies who can offer advice on childcare, housing and benefits. Confirmed exhibitors include Whole Foods Market, Kensington and Chelsea College, the London Apprenticeship Company, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, London Fire Brigade and many more. In total there will be nearly 40 exhibitors offering information on vacancies, training, advice and support. Throughout the day there will be helpful workshops covering: CV presentation Interview skills Self employment and starting your own business Working in construction

Local resident Max de Lotbiniere found the job he was looking for by speaking to Nova New Opportunities at the 2010 fair:"I had just finished a qualification in teaching English to adults and I wanted to get advice on updating my CV and finding work. I wanted to start teaching English and Nova were looking for new tutors. That's how I started, I sent my CV to Nova the next day and the rest is history." Councilor Fielding-Mellen, Cabinet Member for Civil Society, said: "The jobs fair is a great opportunity to meet employers looking to recruit or to find out about training courses that can give you the edge when it comes to landing a job." The event is organised by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, Connexions, Kensington and Chelsea College and the Kensington and Chelsea Chronicle.

5 ways to contact Greg Hands M.P.:

By Phone: By email: By post: In person: 020 7219 5448 [email protected] Greg Hands M.P. House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Greg Hands M.P.s weekly surgery

www.greghands.com

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Greg Hands M.P. a strong voice for Chelsea & Fulham

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