I've just realised that it is a month since I blogged! And it has been another incredibly busy month. The Labour Party elected a new Leader in Manchester. I had been backing David Miliband in the contest, but I am absolutely delighted with the impact which Ed Miliband has had since his election. A really good performance at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday has put the seal on an excellent start.
Last Thursday I spoke at a conference held at Tate Modern on 'Investing in Southwark'. It was a hugely successful event organised by the Council and New London Architecture and gave me an opportunity to express my support for regeneration and in particular tall buildings in the borough.
This week I attended the AGM of the Beormund Centre and at the same time spoke with some of those protesting against the proposed Thames Tunnel development at Kings Stairs Garden. As part of the 'super sewer' proposal Thames Water are currently proposing to excavate major shafts at the Alfred Salter playground at Druid Street and the park at Kings Stairs Gardens. I have already made clear that I am utterly opposed to these sites and believe that Thames Water should look at other possible sites either within or outside the borough. Whilst the tunnel is a positive and necessary improvement to our water treatment, this should not be at the expense of a children's playground or a green space which needs preserving and enhancing.
I am hoping that we will be able to organise a public meeting in the near future to discuss how we take our opposition to these sites forward.
