Sheila Griffin

Yet again I have visited a council house tenant who is living in appalling conditions.  She is trying to bring up her 16 year old son and  baby daughter in a flat where the tiles are off the wall in the bathroom and holes have appeared near the sink.  The sink itself looks very unstable.  Water has come through the ceilings of the bedroom, sitting room, bathroom and kitchen.  There is only one electric plug in the kitchen.  This has to be used for a number of activities.

I have seen similar problems in council properties on the Norbiton Estate and the Cambridge Road Estate.

Since becoming a councillor in 2002 I have been shocked at the state of many of the council properties.  So much needs to be done.  People  should not be expected to live in such conditions. This, in my opinion, is the result of years of under-investment.  It is a tragedy that the last stock transfer failed, five years of repairs have been lost.  If there is another stock transfer ballot, it is hoped that all councillors will support it.

It was a great honour to be asked to attend the Blessings of the new classrooms at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, The Fairfield, Kingston upon Thames.  The last time I visited the school, it had a leaking roof which was also damaging the classroom ceilings and walls.

It was a great morning, the choir sang then the pupils started gave a robust rendering of  'Oh, when the Saints go Marching in' - wonderful.

The Gospel was read by Bishop Paul, then Bidding Prayers and more hyms were sang and blessings were given.

I then went on a tour of the school, which was looking its best. 

Good luck for the future to all the staff and pupils.

 Thank you for inviting me.

Not put off by the attempts to undermine the dedication and hard work of the Cambridge Road Community Group, they turned their talents to holding a fun 'Halloween' party for the children on the estate. 

'Yes I can look like a witch'

'So can I!'

Does this mean the Community Support Officer is the third one?  The children aren't bothered  and enjoyed every minute.

As usual Charlie Farley makes sure everyone enjoyed themselves.