Older news stories affecting residents in Ealing Central & Acton

Conservative Education Spokesman, Michael Gove MP visits a school in South Acton

Angie with headteacher Lubna Khan, Michael Gove MP and Councillor Ian Gibb outside the school

Angie is proud to be a governor of Berrymede Junior School and she was delighted when her invitation to visit the school was accepted by Conservative Shadow Schools Secretary, Michael Gove MP. They were also accompanied by Councillor Ian Gibb, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in Ealing Council.

Headteacher Lubna Khan showed them round the school and introduced them to members of staff and pupils. Angie commented afterwards that Michael Gove had told her how impressed he was with everything he had seen at the school. "I was really pleased he came to South Acton to see how a school like Berrymede can flourish despite a tough environment, provided it has staff with the right attitude and real dedication to the job. Berrymede is rightly recognised as one of the most successful primary schools in the country and I am very proud to be a school governor here."

On duty with Acton police response team

Angie with the police officers she accompanied on a busy Friday night

Angie spent an action-packed evening with Acton police recently, riding in the back of one of their response team cars. In the course of the evening, Angie, along with the team, attended a road rage incident on Acton High Street and later went to a house where four men were arrested for burglary after they were disturbed by the owner returning home.

Angie said afterwards that she was very impressed by the cool professionalism of the two young officers she was with, and especially with the driving skills displayed when rushing to a call out. Angie said "We had to travel at considerable speeds to get there quickly but I could also see how careful the driver was, especially when negotiating busy traffic." Angie felt the experience gave her a vital understanding of the demands placed upon the local police force. Angie added, "I learnt a tremendous amount about the pressures these response teams are under. They are out on a twelve hour shift and never know what is going to come up next. But what struck me most was how calm and steady they remain, regardless of the situation."

Angie also drew attention to Council Leader Jason Stacey’s campaign for extra fully-trained police officers on the streets saying, "That would really make a difference in Ealing and Acton and I fully support Jason in this."

Ealing Council the best achieving Council of 2009

Ealing Council was celebrating after scooping Best Achieving Council at the 2009 MJ Achievement Awards. The award recognised the work Ealing Council had put in to improving communications between the Council and local residents and in continuing to ensure residents were included in setting the agenda for the Council.

Recent local residents’ surveys show a continuing increase in resident satisfaction with the way Ealing Council is being run. In achieving the 3 objectives: cleaner streets, safer communities and value for money, the award for Best Achieving Council of the year for all of England is the Council’s well earned reward. Angie says "Councillors should be congratulated on their excellent work which has quite rightly been acknowledged by this prestigious award."

On top of this comes welcome news that the council has managed its finances prudently to allow each Council tax-paying household in the borough a £50 cash back in the run-up to Christmas"

Acton Town Centre regeneration

Angie with South Acton Council Candidates, Marie Hartey and Stefan Krok-Leatherby, discussing the future of the Priory Centre

Conservative led Ealing Council is moving forward with plans to renew and revitalise Acton Town Centre. The objective is to have a range of new and improved leisure and community facilities for the area, such as 25m pool, a learner pool, a modern and user friendly library and a community centre. The aim is to put all these facilities in one location to create a real community focus for Acton and make it more accessible and welcoming to new users.

Angie accompanied by Councillors Jim Randall and John Ross and Conservative Council Candidates Marie Hartley and Stefan Krok-Leatherby recently visited the current facilities and discussed the Council's proposals. They were shown around the Priory Centre, the library, Acton Baths and the Town Hall.

Angie comments, "It is vital for the future of Acton that we get new and improved community facilities. But it is also extremely important that Councillors consider carefully the various views that have been expressed, often quite forcefully, during the recent consultation. I understand that the Council will be looking carefully at the options to try and ensure that local residents end up with the amenities that work best for Acton."

Entrepreneurs-to-be at the Doughnut Factory in Acton

Angie talking to Talvinder Jauhal, who is setting up a clothes stall in Camden Market


Action Acton in conjunction with Thames Valley University (TVU) are setting up training and business support for young graduates who want to start up their own businesses. Angie was invited as the guest speaker to a meeting at the Doughnut Factory off Acton Vale where some of the potential young entrepreneurs were being briefed on the possibilities.

She said in her speech that Britain is always in need of new entrepreneurial talent because small businesses are at the heart of a successful economy. She also suggested that with jobs being hard to find at the moment, this is an ideal time for graduates to consider setting up their own businesses.

"Your country needs you" she said "and if you have the talent and the commitment, then you’ve every chance to make an important contribution. There are many agencies that can help and support you so you won't feel alone and isolated. We all know how important the small business sector is in Britain"

Afterwards Angie met a number of graduates to find out what ideas they have, including a local Acton young business woman, Talvinder Jauhal, who is setting up a clothes stall in Camden Market.

Norwich North by-election victory

Congratulations to Chloe Smith for her election as a Conservative MP in Norwich North by-election. Labour previously held the seat with a majority of 5,459 and Chloe did a brilliant job by winning it with 7,348 majority. The astonishing 16% swing to Conservatives only proved people are tired of Gordon Brown’s dividing and misleading lines, which dominated Labour’s campaign.

I also joined Norwich North’s campaign team in their efforts to get the Conservative vote out. I think the whole Conservative Party can be proud of how Chloe fought her campaign and I wish her well. I am sure she will make a first-class Member of Parliament.

Ealing Council will give YOU £50!

Conservative-led Ealing Council’s proposal for a £50 cash back to local residents has been enthusiastically supported by Angie. She says "This is brilliant news for Ealing and Acton residents during this tough economic recession. The idea is to encourage everyone to spend the extra money in local shops to help boost our local businesses. Our council is to be congratulated on this. They have been careful in the way they spend our taxes and now they are able to hand some of our money back."

Perryn Road footbridge finally open

Angie with Councillors Jim Randall and John Ross by the new Perryn Road footbridge

Angie joined East Acton Councillors, Jim Randall and John Ross to celebrate under the long-awaited Perryn Road footbridge which has finally been opened to the public.

The new bridge, replacing another which had fallen into serious disrepair, nearly didn’t happen because Transport for London (TFL) wanted to install a pedestrian crossing over the A40 instead. But Cllrs. Randall and Ross organised strong local opposition to this plan which they and local residents said would be a very dangerous way to cross such a fast and busy road. Angie also challenged TFL in her former role as a London Assembly member on the Transport committee, and in the end they agreed to the footbridge.

NHS Survey results announced

Angie and Shadow Health Minister Mike Penning

Shadow Health Minister Mike Penning joined Angie for the launch of the final report on her survey into local health issues across Ealing and Acton. Angie told the gathering at Noor Sacoor's Dental Surgery in Acton that they had sent out 27,500 surveys across Ealing and Acton and had had a huge response.
The two key messages which emerged from the responses were deep concern about the Government's plans for poly clinics and also the huge difficulties many people are having with access to an NHS dentist. Mike Penning said in response that much of this is to do with the way the Government has changed dentists' contracts and the way they are paid for the work they do. He promised that a Conservative Government will make it much easier for people to register with NHS dentists and will change the way the contracts work in order to encourage more dentists back into the NHS. Mrs. Sacoor said she welcomed what she had heard from Mr. Penning. Angie now plans to discuss the findings of her survey with Ealing PCT.

Angie attends the opening of the Visual Arts Exhibition in Acton High School

Angie with a local artist, Rossaline Bernard

Acton Arts Forum recently organised a very successful Visual Arts Exhibition in the foyer of Acton High School showcasing a number of talented local artists from around Ealing and Acton.
Angie was delighted to be invited to the opening evening and met many of the exhibitors as well as the organisers. She said afterwards how impressed she was by the variety of art works on display and by the talent and enthusiasm of the artists she met. "Art is a very important way of channelling energy and creativity for so many people lucky enough to have the chance to try their hand. It is great to see the work Acton Arts Forum is doing to promote local talent because it encourages others to see what they can do. The art work I saw at this exhibition tells me that we have many artists in Ealing and Acton of whom we can be really proud."

Euro Elections - William Hague and candidates visit Ealing

William Hague with Angie and Euro candidates

During the recent European Parliamentary election campaign Angie joined local Conservative activists to encourage Ealing & Acton residents to use their vote. On a number of occasions they were accompanied by some of the Conservative London Region Candidates. The Rt. Hon. William Hague, Shadow Foreign Secretary also came along to join the European Parliamentary Candidates,
Angie commented afterwards "We had so much support for our campaign and it was great to get a visit from William Hague. Many locals who stopped to talk were very pleased to see him here in Ealing and took the opportunity to discuss a number of issues with him, both European and more local".
Following the election, Angie said, "The significant increase in the Conservative vote is in direct contrast to Labour, Lib Dems and UKIP, who all saw their share of the vote go down. This is great news for us and I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to support us. I am also delighted and relieved that the BNP continues to get nowhere in Ealing and Acton."

Angie visits Berrymede School

Angie with Berrymede pupils

Angie spent a morning with staff and pupils at Berrymede Junior School on the South Acton estate, where she is one of the governors. She was taken round by Head Teacher, Lubna Khan, and sat in on some of the lessons. In particular, she was impressed by the enthusiasm and quick responses from the pupils in the Maths class she attended.
At the most recent School Governors meeting Angie told them that she had thoroughly enjoyed her morning with the school. "I was really pleased to see the newly decorated rooms - it all felt so bright and fresh.

"And I was delighted to observe at first hand the excellent teaching in the Maths class and the enthusiasm of the children. Maths seems so much more fun somehow than it was in my day - no doubt down to the way it is being taught!"

Acton Business Forum conference

Angie with Cllr Seema Kumar and Acton small business owner, cake-maker Marina Anagnostou

In March Acton Business Forum organised a one-day conference at the Ealing Common Jarvis Ramada Hotel for local small businesses. It was a perfect opportunity to receive suggestions and advice on surviving the economic downturn and keeping the businesses growing.
Angie took the opportunity to speak to many attendees to find out how they were getting on despite the gloomy economic outlook to find that most businessmen had a positive view of their future and were determinedly upbeat about their prospects.
She commented "I was impressed with the whole event, organised by Action Acton, which was very well attended. It was a great opportunity for me to find out more about Acton's local business community and I was really pleased to find so many saying they can see a good future.
"What they fear most are extra tax burdens round the corner like an increase by government in the business tax and national insurance contributions. I believe that the Labour government will be making a big mistake if it thinks clobbering our small businesses with higher taxes is the sensible way forward".

Angie joins British Asian Conservative Link (BACL)

Angie with (from the right) David Haythorn, Sir George Young MP, Ranbir Suri and Chan Chal Chawdhury

Angie is delighted to have been invited to join the British Asian Conservative Link (BACL).
As a member she looks forward to attending many future BACL events. "BACL provides an important link between the Asian Community and the Conservative Party and I look forward to working with them."

William Hague joins Ealing & Acton residents at the Town Hall reception

William Hague with the sponsors

Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague paid a visit to Ealing Town Hall where he was the special guest speaker at a crowded reception in the newly-decorated Victoria Hall. During the evening he gave an important speech on how the Conservative Party must prepare itself not only to fight hard to win the next General Election but also to take up the responsibilities of government in the most difficult of circumstances if it wins the election. He warned that there are extremely tough times ahead and that it will require courage and determination to make the right decisions to get Britain back on the road to recovery.
Angie in her introductory speech said that everyone was delighted to see Mr. Hague back at the top of the Conservative Party and that they are all ready to fight the election whenever Gordon Brown calls it.

Angie meets the Polish Ambassador

Angie with Polish Ambassador - Her Excellency Barbara Tuge-Erecinska and Conservative Friends of Poland Chairman, Teresa Potocka.

The Conservative Friends of Poland organization, which was set up by local Ealing resident, Teresa Potocka, held its second event since the launch in October 2008. This event took place in central London and was packed full of supporters. Polish Ambassador, HE Barbara Tuge-Erecinska was also present. Those attending included senior Conservative politicians and many eminent members of the polish community living in London and the UK.
Angie told the Ambassador that the Polish community in Ealing is highly-regarded and makes a significant contribution to the borough. "Ealing has been the chosen place to live for so many Poles who have come to the UK and we are proud of that. Many came to live here during and soon after the Second World War. But now we also have many of the new younger generation who are also choosing to live in Ealing. I hope that they will continue with the same commitment as those who came before."

Ealing Acton Transport Group - round table meeting

The Ealing Acton Transport Action Group set up by Angie in cooperation with Network Rail had their third meeting attended by the Network Rail Crossrail team, Transport for London, First Great Western, Deputy Mayor and local assembly member, Richard Barnes and various local transport groups.
They discussed the plans, which are still at an early stage, for the Crossrail upgrade of Ealing Broadway station. They also heard from First Great Western about continuing improvements to its services from Ealing Stations in and out of Paddington. Angie said afterwards "progress is sometimes frustratingly slow - we still haven't got our cycle ramp installed at Ealing Broadway station. But at least these meetings give everyone a chance to exchange information and push things forward."

Angie Champions Your health concerns

Difficulty in accessing an NHS dentist is one of the top health issues of Ealing and Acton residents according to a survey by Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Angie Bray, sent out to 25,000 local households in 2008.
The other key finding is that the majority of the 2000 respondents are deeply concerned about the Government's plans for imposing poly-clinics on London. A clear majority would oppose this outright, while a further significant number would not support the move if it meant the loss of current GP facilities. Angie raised these issues with the Ealing Primary Care Trust, which has agreed that more needs to be done to promote the availability of local NHS dentists through better public information.
It has also said that while there are currently no plans to set up any poly-clinics, it may need to close down some GP surgeries that don't fully meet all access requirements. "I am watching this situation closely" Angie says, continuing "I am concerned this might be the start of a programme to close down smaller facilities before establishing larger poly-clinics after all."

Angie meets Leader of Ealing Council, Jason Stacey

Angie and Jason Stacey

Angie met council leader Jason Stacey at the Town Hall for a briefing on the council budget for the next financial year. She was absolutely delighted with the news that this year the Conservative-ruling group has managed to find enough efficiency savings to enable them to put forward a zero-increase in the budget. She said afterwards "this stands in great contrast to what happened when Labour was in control. In their last four year term up to 2006 they put up council tax by just under 50%. The Conservatives, mindful of the terrible economic situation have worked hard to ensure they don't add to residents' financial worries." And full marks to Mayor Boris Johnson who has also announced that he will not be increasing the GLA tax this year from City Hall.

Grot Spots - Angie runs new social action project

Angie with Conservative Future boys tackling their fist Grot Spot in Northfield Road

Our local Conservative Future team have started their new social action project to help clean up small corners across Ealing and Acton where fly-tipping and rubbish have been left to build up - and have been missed by the council cleaners. Several residents have rung the office to report local grot spots after being given a number which is 0208 810 0579. Angie donned one of the orange jackets and yellow marigolds to give them a hand at an address in Walpole and said "this is a great way to make a small contribution to keeping Ealing and Acton tidy. With a team like this it doesn't take very long and yet it really does make a difference. We are really lucky to have such an enthusiastic CF team who are prepared to lend a hand."

Ealing health funds slashed

Angie talking to a resident about her views on Ealing Hospital

Ealing's health service faces potential cuts of another £13M over the next two years.

The Government, through the Strategic Health Authority, has decided to cut this from Ealing's Primary Care Trust (PCT) budget for two years to deal with the NHS debts in other parts of London. This is on top of £13M taken from Ealing in 2006 that was never returned nor is likely to be. Angie comments, "It is sadly only too typical of this Labour Government to punish rather than reward good, sensible house-keeping. Ealing PCT was required to hand over funds which it had managed to save, unlike other PCTs which were all spent up. So much for that famous prudence!"

Young Ealing Police Cadets prizegiving

Angie with the Cadets after the ceremony

Angie attended a prize giving ceremony for the Young Ealing Police Cadets and afterwards met several of them over some refreshments at the Glaxo Leisure Centre. Angie commented: "Those young people are amazing. They give up so much of their time to help the community in so many ways. Recently they helped local police crack down on traders illegally selling cigarettes and alcohol to under aged teenagers. What is great is that they all seem to enjoy themselves despite the hard work, and I think they are great role models."

Action Stations

Angie talking to a resident about her views on Ealing Broadway station improvements.

Better parking facilities and a bicycle ramp at Ealing Broadway station were just two issues Angie discussed at a recent meeting with Network Rail (NR), First Great Western and other local stakeholders. NR said that talks with TFL regarding opening an extra entrance/exit at the station are making good progress, while First Great Western has reported a 20 per cent improvement in reliability on trains to Paddington, which will enable it to bid for the chance to double the number of stopping trains into Paddington from two to four.
Angie comments, "there are many issues to resolve, but this group is getting to work on the things that really matter to people using the station."

Matthew Parris reception

Angie and Matthew Parris on 7th October

Well-known broadcaster and journalist Matthew Parris came to Ealing Town Hall to support Angie and her local campaign to become MP for the new Ealing Central & Acton Constituency. At a crowded gathering, Matthew spoke about his hopes for a Conservative victory at the next election both in Ealing and Acton and also across the country. He praised David Cameron's leadership for taking the Conservative Party back into contention again, but warned that there are still difficult times ahead. He also said he believes Angie will provide exactly the right local leadership for Ealing and Acton if she succeeds in becoming the local MP.

Acton Gardening annual gathering

Angie speaking at Acton Gardening gathering and inspecting local produce

Angie was delighted to join other allotment enthusiasts at the Acton allotment where Acton Gardening celebrated another successful year. Everyone was in high spirits because of the victory over the threat by local developers to win approval to build on the allotments. Angie joined with many in Acton to oppose the proposal, but she warned in her speech that everyone must remain vigilant as the developers may well be tempted to have another try.
She told the group “it is essential that they are not allowed to succeed.” As she went round the allotments, Angie was offered a variety of fresh produce including a whole sack of freshly-dug potatoes which she gladly took home with her.

Bid Companies meet to discuss the future of the centre of Ealing

Angie went along to Flava's in Ealing to listen to a series of speeches by Ealing businesses about the urgent need to regenerate the centre of Ealing and to help all the shops and other local businesses to thrive. There is no doubt, as Angie has said, that the centre of Ealing is in need of a new regenerative push as it faces competition from the massive Westfield shopping centre at White City. Although there is debate about the exact nature of the regeneration needed in Ealing, Angie believes that we cannot wait too long to get moving or Ealing may get overtaken for good.

IMPROVEMENTS GET UNDER WAY AFTER SECOND EALING TRANSPORT MEETING

Angie talking to a resident about her views on Ealing Broadway station improvements.

Angie Bray met with Network Rail, First Great Western and other local stakeholders at the end of October for the second round-table meeting over the future of Ealing railway network. The group, which meets twice a year, was established by Angie and Network Rail in February in order to allow all interested parties a chance to discuss improvements to Ealing transport. Talks included the upgrade of Ealing Broadway station once work begins on Crossrail. Network Rail have been tasked with delivering the station upgrades and the next meeting in February 2009 will focus on this.

IMPROVED RELIABILITY
Following a commitment by First Great Western in February to improve reliability on the service between Greenford and Paddington, figures showed that there has been approximately a 20% improvement in the last six months. This means that they will be much better placed to put in a bid for running four trains per hour on the route, rather than the current two. In the meantime, the group will be writing to the Department for Transport, to support First Great Western's bid for extra carriages in order to expand the current service.

CYCLIST RAMP
Responding to the task set at the first meeting to incorporate a ramp for cyclists at Ealing Broadway, the Station's Management brought with them a finalised design, which now needs funding of just £2,860 to meet the total cost of installation at the station. TfL are currently being approached to help with the finance.
Angie commented: "This is great news and the station management are to be congratulated for getting on with this important project. These ramps will make a considerable difference to cyclists trying to lug their bikes up and down the steps to and from the platforms. Now we just need to find the money.
What we are now hoping is that we can also get improved parking facilities for cyclists and we have asked Ealing Council officer Geoff Warren, who was at the meeting, to look at how this can be achieved."

TICKET HALL IMPROVEMENT
Furthermore, as a result of the meeting last meeting in February, Network Rail and TfL are now in discussions about easing the pressure in the station ticket hall, by utilising another entrance point, which could be the old District Line entrance. In achieving this, they would also provide a solution to safety concerns about evacuating the station while it only has one entrance.
Angie said, "Thanks to these regular, round-table meetings, both parties were able to identify the problem and work in partnership to resolve it. We have now been told that they are making good progress towards finding a solution which passengers using the station have been crying out for."

Angie investigates improvements in Ealing Hospital

Angie at Ealing hospital on 17th July

On a recent visit, I spoke to the Chairman of Ealing PCT about what was being done to improve Ealing Hospital.
Marion Saunders said that they were well aware that improvements were needed, but it has to be remembered that Ealing Hospital has its own particular problems in terms of providing for a very diverse community - different acceptable meals, visiting times etc.
She said there was a new management and there would be a new survey done later this summer which she hopes will show a marked improvement.

YOU CAN GET IT IF YOU REALLY WANT

The headline says it all!

A couple of months ago we said that our most important challenge was a campaign to get rid of Ken Livingstone. It turned out to be even more successful for Conservatives. We can now celebrate not only the first Conservative Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, but also a brilliant result in local government elections across the whole country, where we gained over 250 seats and 44% of the national vote.

Our local candidate, Richard Barnes, has more than doubled his majority and is now enjoying a new office as the Deputy Mayor.

I have now stepped down from the London Assembly after serving for eight years as the member for West Central to dedicate even more time to Ealing Central and Acton. It is very important that I get to know the constituency and everyone who lives here even better and I shall commit myself to working for residents and local businesses to help them with issues to the best of my abilities.

I believe that our future looks much more positive with a new administration at City Hall. I would like to congratulate Boris Johnson and Richard Barnes on stunning results in the London elections. We are all looking forward to positive changes coming from City Hall, which will improve the lives of all of us.

Liam Fox visits Ealing

Shadow Defence Secretary, Dr. Liam Fox and Mr. Ranbir Suri with Angie

Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox joined local Conservatives at Ealing Town Hall for an evening of music, drinks and a delicious Lebanese supper.

In a speech to the gathering he warned that our troops have been badly let down by the Labour Government who is sending them to war with inadequate kit. Conditions for their families are also getting worse. He said it is disgraceful that we expect so much of our troops while failing to look after them properly.

Haven Green Post Office - now closed

Angie with Mr and Mrs Lally, (Post Office Masters) and local residents

Haven Green Post Office in Ealing stopped operating on 19th June, at 1pm. This is one of 5 Post Offices closing in Ealing Central & Acton. Angie went to pay tribute to the couple who ran this PO for the last 24 years. Mr and Mrs Lally were absolutely devastated to see their business closing. So were the local residents who gathered on that day, who tried to save the Post Office, which has been a heart of their community for so many years.
Angie said: "We knew this was going to happen for a while but it is still heartbreaking to see this popular and profitable Post Office to close. We were fighting very hard to save it by distributing leaflets, writing letters to oppose and collecting signatures for the petition but this Labour Government has already made up its mind and was not prepared to listen to the local voice."

PARTY CONFERENCE 2008

Angie with Conservative Leader David Cameron at the Party Conference

Angie attended a number of speeches from the main platform at Conference, as well as a variety of fringe meetings and receptions at the Conservative Party Conference 2008 in Birmingham.

On the stage for David Cameron's Speech

Along with a number of other Parliamentary Candidates, Angie was invited to sit behind David Cameron on the stage for his main speech to Conference delegates. She felt David delivered a great speech, addressing the most current issues. Angie agreed with Cameron that it is not the time now for party-political wrangling while the country faces such frightening and uncertain times. She also shares the opinion that, where possible, opposition parties should find ways to support the Government as it attempts to chart its course through horrendous economic problems. At the same time, Angie felt that David Cameron successfully gave full voice to his deep Conservative beliefs and core values. There was a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders throughout the week in Birmingham and a demand that he demonstrated he has substance as well as style. In the event, Angie believes that David Cameron left Birmingham looking more than ever like a Prime Minister in waiting.

David Cameron and the closing speech of the 2008 Party Conference

No to the third runway at Heathrow

The announcement made by Theresa Villiers, Shadow Transport Secretary, that a Conservative Government would not support the Heathrow expansion was amongst the most exciting news from the Conference. Instead they suggest building a series of high-speed rail links to all the major cities across the country. This would cut a significant number of domestic flights from Heathrow.
Angie believes that this announcement is especially important to Ealing and Acton residents who suffer from the high noise, not to mention the pollution. This is the first time that a political party with a real chance of winning at the next election has said no to expansion at Heathrow. As she told her local newspapers: “this means a Conservative Government will put an end to the blight threatening the lives of so many West Londoners.”

Fringe Meetings and receptions

Angie with William Hague, High Commissioner for Pakistan Wajit Shamsul Hasan and Karim Sacoor

Amongst the many fringe meetings and receptions, Angie attended a reception hosted by the new Pakistani High Commissioner. As the Vice President of the Conservative Arab Network (CAN) she also attended their joint meeting with the Conservative Middle East Group.
Angie was also a guest at the Greek Cypriot reception hosted by Ealing Councillor Barbara Yerolomou and her husband Tony. In addition she attended a fascinating discussion meeting organised by the Conservative Muslim Forum, of which she is a member.

Ealing Dinner at the Conference

Members of Ealing North and Ealing Central & Acton Conservative Associations got together for dinner at Conference. This year there were 20 round the table. Angie was really pleased to see so many members from Ealing at the Conference, and having such a large number there meant that our Constituency really contributes to the Conservative Party and the shaping of its future.

NHS 60th birthday celebrations

Wafik Moustafa, Angie and Andrew Leslie at Guys Hospital

Angie joined shadow health secretary, Andrew Lansley and local Acton GP, Wafik Moustafa at the party held at Guys Hospital to celebrate the NHS 60th birthday.

At the gathering, they heard speeches from party leader David Cameron and from several staff who had worked for the NHS since it was started in 1948. Angie said afterwards "This 60th birthday is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our NHS and all the amazing things it does for all of us throughout our lives."

Angie joins the celebration of the grand opening of Acton Mosque

Angie with Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mrs Seema Kumar inside Acton Mosque

After 20 years of dedicated service from the Acton Muslim Welfare Association and tireless fundraising across the whole country, finely refurbished Acton Mosque has been re-opened on Sunday, 1st June.
Angie Bray was delighted to be invited to attend and speak at the ceremony. "I think it is a fantastic achievement and congratulate all those who worked so hard over the years to make this possible. It will give a boost to our diverse Muslim community as it is hoped that it will become a social and educational centre."

Angie brings up issues with Ealing Police

Angie with with Ealing Borough Police Superintendent Ian Jenkins

Angie had one of her regular meetings with Ealing Borough Police Superintendent Ian Jenkins to discuss local issues Ealing Police has been dealing with recently. She took the opportunity to raise issues highlighted by the residents during her campaigning, such as raising concerns over dangerous dogs in Walpole and Lammas Parks and antisocial behaviour in Ealing Common area. Superintendent Jenkins has promised Angie he will look into these matters.

Angie meets representatives of Ealing Chamber of Commerce

Angie with the President of the Ealing Chambers of Commerce, Patrick Kennedy and former Tory MP for Ealing North, Harry Greenway

Angie attended the annual Ealing Chambers of Commerce lunch at the Pillars Restaurant which is part of Thames Valley University. It was a packed room with many local businesses represented and councillors including the new Mayor of the Borough, Cllr. Ian Green. Angie was delighted to get the opportunity to discuss some of the key concerns for local businesses in Ealing. These included the need to get a full-hearted regeneration programme going for the centre of Ealing and also the vital importance of getting Crossrail started.

Angie said afterwards "There is a really dynamic local business community in Ealing and it was excellent to see so many of them attending the lunch. There are obviously worries about the downturn in the economy and about ensuring that Ealing can continue to compete fully when White City comes on stream. But the loudest message was that Ealing needs Crossrail to get going as soon as possible and I will be doing everything I can to make sure it does."

Angie meets Jason Stacey to discuss Ealing Council's new budget

Angie has welcomed the second budget set by the Conservative group running the Borough of Ealing. "Yet again Ealing Council has delivered a budget with an increase well below the rate of inflation (only 1.9%) and it has still found extra funds for significant improvements across the borough.
This includes £2.5 million extra investment in homes for disabled residents, a further £2 million for youth and leisure services and improvements to parks and open spaces such as Lammas and Walpole Parks.
There is to be a new Heritage Quarter established in Walpole, and Acton is getting a £2 million boost for town centre, street-scape improvements and employment skills training. I think this is a great budget for Ealing and the Conservatives continue to prove they can deliver real improvements without huge tax rises, unlike the last Labour administration.

Angie works with Network Rail

Electioneering for Boris and Richard

Angie electioneering

Angie joined local London assembly member Richard Barnes, Councillor Barbara Yerolomou and other Conservative colleagues at a campaign stall in Ealing Broadway for a busy morning during the London Election campaign.

Post Office closure petition

Angie, Richard and local resident Francis Avis Houlahan with the Post Office petition

Richard Barnes and Angie Bray have received this petition with over 3,000 signatures of residents opposing the closure of their local Post Office in Old Oak Common Lane in East Acton. Richard, as our local London Assembly member has been asked to hand it in at the City Hall.
If you know about any local Post Offices closures in your area, please let Angie know on help@angiebray.org.uk.

Boris Comes to Ealing

Boris meets constituents in The North Star pub

Boris Johnson visited Ealing and was met by Angie and a huge crowd of more than 200 well wishers at a reception at Ealing Town Hall. In a speech to the assembled guests he laid out some of the improvements he wants to make to public transport and ideas for improving safety on our streets. Angie said afterwards that it is vital that we get a change of regime at City Hall. "Ken Livingstone and his mates have taken London for granted and for a ride for far too long. What we need is a new leader and champion for London who will be running things for all our benefit and not just on the basis of a narrow political ideology shared between a tiny group of Livingstone cronies."

Angie queries the sustainability of "The Leaf" development

Angie has questioned whether placing such a large residential development in the heart of central Ealing, as the GlenKerrin developers plan, is sustainable. She has had a letter published in the Gazette querying if the local infrastructure is sufficient to support such a large number of new residents who will inevitably place extra demand on health facilities, schools, parking and public transport.
The planning committee is due to announce its decision at the end of this month and Angie is hoping that they will have taken all these critical concerns on board.

Heathrow Expansion petition

This is your last chance to say NO to Heathrow expansion. Angie has been opposing the expansion for a long time but the government doesn't want to listen to West London residents. That's why Angie wrote to the Aviation Minister demanding to know why the residents in Ealing and Acton have been left out. She says the government must change its attitude and include the people who will be affected by the expansion the most.
Angie has been attending several meetings across the constituency, including the recent ones in Bedford Park and Acton, where over a thousand people expressed their concerns.
The Department of Transport (DfT) is currently asking people for their views about increasing capacity at Heathrow. You need to return your response by 27th February, either by post to
Adding Capacity at Heathrow,
Research Services House,
Elmgrove Road,
Harrow, HA1 2QG
or you can email to heathrowconsultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
Please follow the link for more information www.2mgroup.org.uk

Angie and John Stewart, HACAN Chairman, at the Acton meeting

Angie tackling rail transport problems

Angie meets John Beeston (Ealing Passenger Transport Users Group) and Network Rail's Chief Executive, Ian Coucher

Angie has set up a working party to meet regularly with Network Rail and representatives from other key bodies such as London TravelWatch and Ealing Passenger Transport Users Group as well as local councillors following a visit by Network Rail's Chief Executive, Ian Coucher to both Acton Mainline and Ealing Broadway stations.
She organised the visit after receiving many complaints from residents about poor train services, poor information provision, overcrowding issues and the lack of access to platforms for the disabled. The purpose of the group will be to monitor progress on a variety of issues and the first meeting is due to take place with Network Rail and other stakeholders at the end of February.
Network Rail Chief Executive, Mr. Coucher has agreed that the lack of access for disabled passengers as well as those with heavy or diffiulty loads to the platforms at Ealing Broadway is an obvious problem which needs solving and he has promised to examine possible ways forward once his spending plans have won approval early next year. He has also promised to look at the possibility of increasing train services at Acton Mainline once CrossRail gets the full go-ahead and they can plan ahead. Meanwhile Angie says "This is just one step forward in what continues to be a long term battle for better services at both stations"

Angie opposes Heathrow Expansion

Now that the consultation on further expansion at Heathrow Airport is about to start, Angie has been urging Mayor Livingstone, who is also opposed to a third runway and sixth terminal, to stand up for the interests of West London residents. After being prompted by Angie, he has also agreed to write to the Aviation Minister to express his concerns about the possible move to "mixed mode" use of the existing runways which would remove the respite enjoyed by residents as the landings and take-offs are currently alternated. "Mixed mode" would significantly increase the number of flights over Ealing, Acton and Chiswick."

Are you as concerned as Angie is about the plans to build a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow? There is still time to add your name to the on-line petition Angie has set up with London Assembly colleagues to oppose further Heathrow expansion. Just click on the link below to make your voice heard:
Click Here to object

Angie's eco-concerns

Angie and local resident Karim Sacoor recycle their plastics
Like many other Ealing residents, Angie is making full use of our Conservative-controlled council's new plastics recycling initiative. She says, "it is a very important environmental step forward.
I am also concerned about the huge wastage of plastic carrier bags from shops and, as a member of the London Assembly Environment Committee, I am challenging the large supermarkets to introduce more recycling facilities in their stores."

Angie's Crime Survey

Angie with Ealing's new Borough Commander, Sultan Taylor
Angie sat next to Ealing's new Borough Commander, Sultan Taylor, at a major Metropolitan Police Conference at Earls Court. He has invited her to bring in the results of her constituency-wide survey on crime and how residents view their safety and security and Angie is now looking to forward to discussing the findings with him.

Why I love where I live

Contrary to reports from other political parties, Angie lives in the Ealing Central & Acton constituency in Southfield ward. She and her partner Nigel have a house in the heart of the Ward, and enjoy walking their dogs on Acton Green. They're involved in all the local goings on - "There's always so much happening here" she says, "like the recent Literary Festival, and the concerts at St Michael & All Angel's Church".

Angie meets the Pakistan High Commissioner

Angie with High Commissioner Dr. Maleeha Lodhi
Angie recently attended a reception at the Pakistani High Commision and met with the Pakistan High Commisioner. The reception was organised to celebrate the growing business connections between Pakistan and Britain and Angie was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss with Her Excellency how our mutual business relations are going from strength to strength. There is so much more potential to discover but there is no doubt, Angie said, that Britain and Pakistan are finding more and more ways of increasing trade between them.

My thoughts on the Blackpool conference

We had a terrific week in Blackpool, not that we were surprised. Conservatives flocked to the seaside town prepared and ready to show the world that our party understands the problems facing our country and has thought through the solutions.
I was struck by the sheer quality of the speeches from all our main platform speakers. It was a clear demonstration that we have loads of talent at the top of our party. As for David Cameron's speech, it showed us a leader with serious intent and a freshness of approach - and real guts too!

I came back to Ealing and Acton excited by many ideas that I heard in Blackpool and here are my top six:

- more help for first time buyers facing spiralling housing costs. The Conservatives are pledged to double the stamp duty threshold for first time buyers to £250,000
- the inheritance tax threshold more than trebled so only millionaires will pay death taxes
- an end to early prison release for prisoners and more prison places built
- A firmer, fairer system to improve immigration controls
- A proper border security police force paid for by scrapping the costs of ID cards
- A referendum on the EU treaty and referendums on all future EU treaties
Six pledges that will make a real difference.

Stamp duty and death tax cuts

Like most people, Angie Bray is in favour of more help for first time buyers who are facing spiralling housing costs. She says, "the Conservatives have pledged to increase the stamp duty threshold for first time buyers to £250,000. If you look at Ealing figures on the Land Registry website, you'll see the average price of a flat/maisonette is £242,299, so this move will really help people in our community. I was also thrilled, as I know so many were, with the pledge to more than treble the inheritance tax threshold so that only millionaires will pay death taxes."

The Conservative Arab Network

Angie and Acton GP Wafic Mustapha
During the week I was invited to attend the launch of the new Conservative Arab Network headed by Acton's own local GP Wafic Mustapha and he has appointed me as the Honorary Vice President which is a great honour.

ANGIE ACTS AT ACTON MAINLINE STATION TO TACKLE PASSENGER SERVICES

Angie with Councillor Seema Kumar and TFL Director of Rail Ian Brown
As reported on the ActonW3 website (September 27th), Angie recently called a meeting at Acton Mainline station of the train operator, First Great Western, TFL, London Travel Watch and local councillors to discuss the problems faced by passengers using the station. This follows months of complaints about cancelled services, poor information provision and lack of security near the ticket office. They discussed ways of improving service reliability, upgrading the passenger information system and installing an extra CCTV camera. Angie also pointed out how difficult access to the platforms is for disabled passengers. She has been promised that it is possible for disabled travellers to ring in advance and book a taxi from Acton Mainline Station to Paddington for the price of a train ticket and a notice will be placed on the ticket office window with details. Telephone number to ring is 08457 484950.
Angie has now been in contact with Network Rail who have promised a meeting at the station to discuss how they can help improve passenger services.

ANGIE CHALLENGES KEN LIVINGSTONE OVER STATE OF EALING BROADWAY

Angie talking to a regular user of Ealing Broadway trains
Angie has been receiving a load of complaints from passengers using Ealing Broadway station. They range from problems with lack of proper service information provision through to continuing worries about personal security around the station. There is also the on-going problem over where passengers can be dropped-off immediately outside the station which councillors are resolving. But one of the most important issues still to be tackled is the totally inadequate disabled access to the trains at the station. Angie has now tabled questions to Mayor Livingstone as Chairman of Transport for London to get him to focus on these important issues.

ANGIE ACTS TO PUT ACTON FLOOD VICTIMS IN TOUCH WITH THAMES WATER

Angie with Flood victim Jane Kelly
A group of desperate Acton residents asked Angie to help them after suffering another summer of floods. Angie contacted Thames Water and approached the Association of British Insurers to ask for their assistance. Residents have now been put in touch with Thames Water to arrange an on-site visit so it can see the damage to properties, many of which have been flooded several times in the past few years.

Angie with Lord Coe and Council Leader, Jason Stacey
Angie was delighted to help arrange a visit by Lord Coe to Ealing to address local residents about the Olympics. He spoke passsionately at length about the legacy of the games which he hopes will provide a springboard for young people to get involved in sport. Afterwards he took questions from the audience. Angie believes the Olympics can provide a huge opportunity for Londoners but will continue to urge the organisers to ensure that West London gets real benefits from the legacy of the games which we are all paying for.

Angie with Party Leader, David Cameron
David Cameron came to Ealing Town Hall as the special guest at a campaign party for Angie. He told the packed room of supporters that he and the party would be doing everything they can to help get Angie elected. He also said there would be exciting new policy announcements at this year's party conference in Blackpool. Angie says she was thrilled that David Cameron had joined in what was a very successful event with so many supporters there to cheer them both.

Angie has been reappointed for a second term to serve on the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA). At their first meeting, Sir Ken Knight, the Commissioner for LFEPA welcomed her back and said he was looking forward to working with her. Angie is delighted to have been asked to return to this very important functional body which does such vital work protecting Londoners.

John Perryn School headmistress Von Smith with Councillors John Ross and Jim Randall
Angie spent a very interesting morning at the John Perryn Primary School along with local councillor, Jim Randall. Headmistress Von Smith gave a thorough briefing on the problems the school faces and then led a tour of the school. Angie and Jim met a number of staff and pupils and were impressed with the progress that is now being made at the school. Angie wishes them all the very best in their endeavours to lift the performance of the school and after seeing all that is being done there, feels confident that things are moving in right direction.

Angie and local Assembly member, Richard Barnes, paid a visit to the BAA Headquarters at Heathrow aiport for a tour of the new Terminal 5 building and to discuss proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. They came away more certain than ever that there will be a determined push by the Government and BAA to get an eventual go-ahead for the plans although they insist that they will have to meet a variety of environmental targets in order to get approval.
Angie says she believes that they will forge ahead if they can long before they have got the kind of noise and air pollution reduction which West London residents are entitled to demand.
"There is no doubt" she says "Heathrow is a huge blight for hundreds of thousands of residents in West London which just goes on getting bigger and bigger. We were originally told that Terminal 5 would give them everything they needed but now they are back wanting even more including a sixth terminal. Any further growth at Heathrow is simply not an option we can allow".
There is still time to add your name to the on-line petition Angie has set up with London Assembly colleagues to oppose further expansion. Just click on the link below:
http://petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=3816

Angie has continued to apply pressure on Ealing PCT over the poor provision of GP services to West Twyford residents. The closure last February of the GP surgery at Central Middlesex Hospital was a huge blow to many residents who found it easy to access. Now they are forced to make difficult journeys across the gyratory system to other Ealing GPs. Although the closure of the surgery at the hospital was in fact a Brent PCT decision beyond the control of Ealing PCT, Angie says
"it is imperative that our local PCT stands by the residents affected and ensures they are provided with a GP service which is properly accessible. So far Ealing PCT has been negotiating with Brent to allow new West Twyford residents to access nearby Brent GPs but this completely ignores the problems faced by the many established residents."

Residents living around Ealing Common, Chiswick Park and Turnham Green tube stations have been complaining about increasingly noisy tannoy announcements and Angie has been tackling both Mayor, Ken Livingstone and the head of London Underground, Tim O'Toole about how they intend to deal with this noise pollution problem.
In fact Angie has discovered that this appears to be a growing problem across London where tube stations stand above ground within residential communities and she is determined not only that the volume levels get turned down but also that the number of announcements is also cut.
"It is ridiculous that just when Transport for London (TFL) is spending money on a poster campaign telling passengers with blaring radios and music players to keep the noise down, it is TFL which is proving the worst culprit."

Angie welcomes the newly-formed Conservative Future group for Ealing Central and Acton which will be chaired by Paul Pambakian from Twyford Church of England School (standing furthest right of picture). She says "It's great to be getting together an enthusiastic team of young people to help us push the Conservative message in this constituency".

Angie with Lady Thatcher, Councillor Barbara Yerolemou and her husband Tony
Angie had the chance to discuss the new constituency of Ealing Central and Acton when she met Lady Thatcher with Councillor Barbara Yerolemou and her husband Tony at a reception for Conservative women candidates. Lady Thatcher wished Angie well and said she has every hope of seeing a Conservative 'win' in Ealing and Acton on Election night.

A response to Angie's letter to the PM about Heathrow Expansion

Angie has finally received a response to her letter to the Prime Minister which she, with eleven other leading West London Conservatives, organised making clear the reasons for their opposition to any plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Amongst those supporting the letter were Jason Stacey, leader of Ealing Borough Council and Richard Barnes, local London Assembly Member. In the letter Angie said:
"We are writing with regard to the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport, expressing the serious concerns of many people who live in west and southwest London over the damaging impact it will have on the environment, local air quality and local noise levels.

One of the key issues for local residents is the expected increase in noise pollution, admitted by the Department for Transport (DfT) in their noise assessment of the proposed third runway. There would inevitably be some people, living close to the new runway and its approach and departure routes, who would suffer an increase in noise.

Residents who live under the existing flight path already suffer a reduced quality of life, due to the high frequency of aircraft using Heathrow airport. The noise pollution is unrelenting, with the frequency only abating for a few hours a night, albeit still with some scheduled night flights. An additional runway would further to add to this problem, increasing noise pollution, reducing quality of life and further devaluing properties under the new flight paths.

The letter, signed by Gillian Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Transport, reads:
"The Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow is currently assessing the prospects for meeting the noise, air quality and surface access requirements and the measures that might ned to be taken to achieve them. We do not underestimate the environmental challenge that any development of Heathrow poses and the impacts and mitigation measures will be carefully assessed.
"There will be extensive consultation on the results of this work later this year before any decisions are taken. There will be ample opportunity for all interested parties to engate constructively in the debate and to respond to the consultation. Ministers will make final policy decisions only after consideration of all the responses received during the consultation. Any proposals for significant development will of course be subject to BAA obtaining planning approval in the normal way."
Angie professes herself "not exactly impressed with the waffle and the vague promises about wide consultation before decisions are taken. In fact the only part of the letter which may prove of some interest is the last paragraph about consulation later this year. The last sentence is important as this brings the Mayor of London into the equation as his London Plan includes the issue of airport expansion around London and as we know he is supportive of our position which is to oppose further expansion.
That is why I hope you will help to get as many to sign our Heathrow Petition as possible as its stated aim is to win as large amount of signatures as possible so that it will a useful tool for the Mayor in his discussions with Government about the future of Heathrow."

The direct link to the petition is: http://petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=3816

Angie organises petition to the Mayor of London to stop the third runway at Heathrow

Are you as concerned as Angie is about the plans to build a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow? That is why she wants everyone to sign this petition. Click on the link below to get your opposition registered - it should far better placed than petitioning the men in Whitehall.
Click here to make your voice heard!

Angie Bray at Ealing Police Station
Angie has welcomed the additional 50 PCSOs, which have been funded by extra resources made available in the first budget from the new Conservative administration. They will be deployed around the borough where the council and local police believe they are most needed and they come on top of the new Safer Neighbourhood police teams which have been set up in every ward. Angie says "there is no doubt that fear of crime and general anti-social behaviour is one of our biggest concerns because it stops people going about their daily lives. These extra PCSOs, made possible through prudent budgeting by the council, can help to make a real difference.

Acton High School Deputy Head Neville Lassiter and Headmistress Lesley Hall with Angie Bray
I spent a fascinating afternoon with staff and pupils of Acton High School and found myself learning a great deal about a wide range of subjects from film-making to graphic and fashion design through to astronomy and statistics! It was a very enjoyable visit and I came away full of optimism. It is a great school where the staff are really committed and the pupils I met were all welcoming, chatty and full of enthusiasm for their work.

Dr. Rami Ranger MBE and Angie Bray at the Sri Guru Ravidass Celebration
I was honoured to be invited to address the special celebration of the Sri Guru Ravidass International Organisation for Human Rights marking the 630th anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj at Portcullis House in Westminster. It was a very moving occasion at which members from all over the world came together to celebrate the life, work and wisdom of this saint who fought all his life for justice and human rights.

Angie Bray, Stephen O'Brien, Noor Sacoor and Richard Barnes
Shadow Minister for Health, Stephen O'Brien, joined Angie Bray, Conservative candidate for Ealing Central and Acton and local London Assembly member Richard Barnes at a special reception at Noor Sacoor's Dental Practice in Acton High Street. They were celebrating 50 years of having a dental practice on the site there and they were joined by a host of local doctors, dentists, nurses and local pharmacists. Mr. O'Brien spoke about the difficulties that burdensome government targets are creating for dentists and Noor Sacoor said that too often being forced to meet centrally-set targets meant that dentists were no longer able to give individual patients all the attention they need. Angie says she is very clear that that medical practioners must be free to make decisions about how best to treat patients as they are far better placed than the man in Whitehall.

Angie Bray in her role as leader of the Conservatives on the London Assembly was a key speaker at the final protest rally against the Westward Extension of Ken Livingstone's Congestion Charge scheme. She told the gathering that it was outrageous that even though nearly 70 percent of Londoners had opposed it in the consultation, Mr. Livingstone had ignored them and pressed ahead. She described his behaviour as unacceptably arrogant. "Enough is enough" she said and urged everyone to make sure he gets a big thumbs down at the next London election in May 2008.

Ken Livingstone predicts Conservative victory

London Mayor Ken Livingstone was quoted in the Evening Standard of 2nd February, apparently predicting election victory for Angie Bray in Ealing Central and Acton: "her combative style will upset the Commons authorities when she becomes an MP".

Angie Bray has welcomed the new coalition of Conservative led local authorities against the Tram.  At a packed meeting, Angie joined councillors from Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hillingdon on the platform to promise a fully-financed and hard-hitting campaign against the Tram.  She said in her speech "the real issue where the Mayor, Mr. Livingstone and Transport for London will come unstuck is on funding.  They keep trying to pretend that the project will come in at around £650 million but we all know that the cost will rise and rise and nobody knows even now where the money will come from - including the Mayor who just refuses to discuss the costs.  We will keep pressing on this until we get the truth and I don't believe that in the end there will be the funding because it cannot be justified on a project like this that nobody wants".

Angie Bray with Ealing Council leader, Jason Stacey
The Conservatives now running Ealing Borough Council have just announced their first budget for Ealing and Acton residents and it is the lowest rise for 10 years.  The increase of 1.9 percent is below the inflation rate which means that in real terms it is in fact a cut in tax.  But even with such a small rise, the Council is budgeting for more investment in street cleaning, more council enforcement officers and crucially for the first time, funds to fight the Tram proposals.  Angie Bray, the Conservative Parliamentary spokesman for Ealing Central and Acton says this is great news for local residents.  "I am really delighted that my Conservative colleagues have been able to deliver on some of their key pledges from their election manifesto last year.  It is a great start for them and I am confident that this is just the beginning of many improvements for local residents".

Angie spent a morning at the Central Middlesex Hospital with the Chairman of the local hospital trust, Moira Black, to whom she handed the petition against the proposed closure of the A and E department.  Ms Black has reassured Angie that they are now confident that the closure will not now have to take place. Angie also discussed the closure of the GP surgery at the hospital which has had serious repercussions for many West Twyford residents and she confirmed that this was a decision made by the Brent PCT.