Aside from continued lobbying of Ministers and campaigning against all day flights (consultation closes on 27^th February), I’ve been working on other issues, especially related to Roehampton employment and Putney Hospital, plus a lot of other things, so read on for more of an update.

I’m part on the organising group for the next Roehampton Employers Fair, which will be on 30^th May at Whitelands College in Roehampton, running from10am till 4pm.  Following last year’s successful Fair, I’m working with JobCentre Plus, Roehampton University and Wandsworth Council to help them make this year’s event even better than the last year. There are plans being developed to help regenerate Roehampton with jobs and better facilities, and even before that we can make sure we link people living in Roehampton and Putney who are looking for local jobs with local employers, especially now there’s no JobCentre Plus in Putney.Last week I also met with a company, WorkDirections, that will soon start working with Wandsworth JobCentre Plus to help get people who are on incapacity benefit into employment.  Although the numbers of people claiming incapacity benefit remain very high, many want the chance to work and I’m keen to do whatever I can to help.  I was able to brief WorkDirections about our area and some of the work happening in Roehampton in particular that they can be part of, such as the Employers Fair.

Putney Hospital Update

I finally got a response back from Third Sector Minister, Phil Hope about the change in law required to make sure Putney Hospital site can be redeveloped for a new Putney Primary Care Centre.  It was good news, as most of the drafting of the Statutory Instrument needed (that’s the bit of legislation that needs to happen) has been done, so it’s almost ready to go through Parliament.  It’s taken a long time, but it is another step closer to work beginning on getting local healthcare facilities back on the site.  I’ll keep pushing the Minister to make sure those last tweaks to the Statutory Instrument get done as quickly as possible, so I’ll update PutneySW15.com when I hear more.

Out and About

It’s been very busy – I’ve had more local schools around Parliament – Brandlehow Primary School are visiting later today (Friday) which I’m looking forward to.  I also visited the Wandsworth 3+ Playgroup at Hotham Primary School, where I’m a governor.  Last night I was at the Wandsworth Police Commendation Ceremony, celebrating bravery and outstanding public duty of our local police.  It was a fantastic night and it was a privilege for me to be there.  Finally, I tried out coxing at the London Rowing Club – I’ve been persuaded to cox the Commons rowing team in the annual Commons v Lords, so want to make sure I do my best, but I’m discovering coxing isn’t anywhere near as easy as it looks!

I’ve my weekly MP surgeries if you need to see me – give me a call on 0208 944 0378 if you want to come along to one.  Also, if you need my help as MP you can email me on greeningj@parliament.uk or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA – I’ll do my best to help.

Best Wishes,

 

Justine

February 8, 2008