Our MP writes

Let me start by wishing all local residents well and by saying once again that it is an honour and privilege to act as your local Member of Parliament. In setting my priorities, I try to keep four key aspects of my job at the front of my mind:

Firstly, to act as your representative at Westminster, where I have made a number of speeches that relate back directly to the experience of my constituents: on the proposed new London Authority, on the progress of the New Deal in South London, on the Metropolitan Police and on the need for the proper licensing of mini-cabs.

Secondly, to be a real and active link between my constituents and the Government. I have arranged for many Wimbledon residents to visit Westminster, taken up countless items of case-work with Whitehall and led several delegations to Ministers on issues as diverse as the future of the Atkinson Morley paediatric neuro-surgery unit to the safety of domestic gas appliances.

Thirdly, I have set to work making sure that the Government delivers its promises to Wimbledon - on lower class sizes, better health services, more jobs for young people and cutting down on crime.

Most importantly, however, I act as a conduit and an ambassador for the needs and concerns of local residents. On behalf of Wimbledon Park residents, I am currently in discussions with Railtrack about the loss of tree-screening behind Melrose Avenue, and with the Council about residents' parking for the Arthur Road area.

On my most recent visit to households in Wimbledon Park, I was struck once again by how much care is taken by local residents to preserve the character of the local area. This is more than evident to your local MP just by meeting local residents on their doorsteps and admiring the porches and front gardens of Wimbledon Park!

Together with your local councillors, I aim to make sure that our local and national government take equally good care of our community life and public amenities. That is my understanding of why you elected me, and of the promises which as your representative, I fully expect to keep.


          Roger Casale