2009 Challenges

10.46.36am GMT Mon 29th Dec 2008

In a message to Beddington, Carshalton, Clockhouse and Wallington residents, Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington sets out the challenges for 2009.

"2009 is going to be a tough year financially, so I will be working with Sutton Council, local businesses, the Citizens Advice Bureau, voluntary sector organisations and people affected by the credit crunch to help minimise the impact of the down-turn on local people and local businesses.

"2009 will see a new phase in the battle for the future of St Helier Hospital with a campaign to secure the £150 million investment needed from the Government in this 1930s hospital.

"I hope 2009 will be the year that the x26 bus stop is re-instated in Beddington, giving local residents access once again to this vital express bus service.

"Finally for 2009, the momentum behind the struggle against climate change will have to be maintained. With all the evidence pointing to a rapid rise in world temperatures we must re-double our efforts locally to do our bit to bring global-warming under control.

He added,

"There are also some critical matters outstanding from 2008 that I hope to help resolve; the future of 'Your High', the shop selling drugs paraphernalia in Wallington, the campaign to secure justice for Robbie Hughes who was severely assaulted in Crete and, in London, the clampdown on knife crime."