The Fight is on to Save South Fulham Businesses!
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP for Chelsea and Fulham reporting back
Greg Hands MP fears the traffic impact of the Wandsworth Bridge closure
June 26, 2023
Dear Resident,
I share the concerns of many residents across Fulham and Chelsea about the looming closure of Wandsworth Bridge from July 24. Therefore, I have sprung into action calling on Wandsworth Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) to take immediate measures.
The 10-week full closure by Wandsworth Council will be a hammer blow to my constituents, who are already swamped with diverted and displaced traffic from the closure of Hammersmith Bridge and dealing with the LBHF’s controversial SW6 Traffic Scheme.
Now that we are faced with the closure of Wandsworth Bridge - it is a triple whammy of grief for my Fulham and Chelsea constituents!
Therefore, I have written to Wandsworth Council about the closure of Wandsworth Bridge and written to Transport for London (TfL) about the impact this closure will have on public transport, and specifically changes to bus routes. I still await a response from Wandsworth Council. TfL have responded and detailed:
‘’We are still working on our plans for local bus services in the area with both Hammersmith & Fulham and Wandsworth Councils. We will communicate the bus plans to local stakeholders once they have been finalised. We will also inform the public of the necessary travel information in advance of the bridge closure by early July.’’
My actions do not stop there. I have also launched a campaign, alongside Hammersmith & Fulham Conservative Councillors, to Save South Fulham Businesses. Our plan has three parts:
The first part is to support local businesses through an emergency rebate. Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community. We are calling on Wandsworth Council to provide funding for a business rates rebate to remedy the damage this closure will cause.
Greg Hands’ MP 3-part plan to Save South Fulham Businesses!
The second is to ensure the Labour-run Wandsworth Council carry out as fast a repair as possible, including 24/7 works and more staff. As a major arterial route, the longer Wandsworth Bridge is closed, the longer both our communities suffer. We are gravely concerned that there is no specific end date for the works and demand the Council provides one.
The third part of our plan to Save South Fulham Businesses is to suspend the SW6 Traffic Scheme. While the Scheme to the West is still in its trial, we call on Labour-run LBHF to suspend the SW6 Traffic Scheme so those from outside the Borough can continue to access our shops and are not discouraged from visiting our local business and residents.
The closure of Wandsworth Bridge will have a detrimental impact on residents and businesses so please do take two minutes to sign my petition. You can sign my petition by visiting the ‘Local Action’ section of my website: www.greghands.com
Thanks to everyone who has already signed it and please do also share my petition with all local family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and urge them to sign it, too!
It is time for urgent action from both Wandsworth Council and LBHF!
Yours sincerely,
The Rt Hon Greg Hands MP
Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham
You can follow Greg on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for @GregHands
P.S Join me in keeping the pressure on Wandsworth Council and LBHF by signing my petition!
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