Barnes Ward Newsletter Jan/Feb
Dear Fellow Barnes Residents,
We are delighted to have been out on the doorstep for many months now, speaking with so many of you about what matters most to Barnes.
This monthly newsletter is our way of sharing your insights, introducing ourselves, and keeping you up to date with local news and community activity.
Barnes is a special place - and this past month has shown once again how much residents care about our bridge, our schools, our streets, our culture, and each other.
Hammersmith Bridge Update
Hammersmith Bridge returned to the headlines recently following a protest led by Putney MP Fleur Anderson and renewed discussion around access to the Government’s £1bn Structures Fund.
We continue to press for a long-term solution. The bridge is not simply a transport route; it is vital for local businesses, emergency access, and daily life for Barnes residents. Encouragingly, we are hearing that the Taskforce may reconvene shortly to explore funding pathways. [read BBC report here]
Local Schools & The Livingstone Academy
Families across Barnes have expressed real disappointment at the news that the proposed Livingstone Academy on the former Stag Brewery site may now be scrapped.
For many parents, this represented long-awaited local state school provision. Too often children face lengthy cross-borough journeys during rush hour due to oversubscribed catchment areas. While national birth rates are falling and SEND expansion is a growing priority, the loss of this planned investment - after nearly a decade of lobbying - would be a significant setback for local families seeking nearby school places. [link]
Celebrating Culture & Community
Barnes Music & Arts
Barnes continues to thrive culturally. From music events to community arts, the village atmosphere remains one of our greatest strengths.
Burns Night at OSO Arts Centre
We enjoyed a wonderfully lively Burns Night celebration at the OSO Arts Centre -complete with haggis, bagpipes and an enthusiastic (if slightly chaotic!) Scottish reel. A joyful reminder of the warmth and humour of our local community. This week watch out for Bloody Barnes murder in our midst! [Link] And in just a few weeks time, the legendary Barnes Music Festival with over 40 symphonic events at St Mary’s, The Wetlands, Wathen Hall and St Michaels. [Link]
The Times Get Britain Reading - Right Here in Barnes
This month we were delighted to support children’s reading [Get Britain Reading] by hosting a nursery story time session featuring locally set children’s books. Story time builds imagination, language, confidence and connection - and seeing young readers engaged was truly uplifting.
Barnes continues to lead nationally through initiatives such as the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, which returns in June and brings world-class authors and performers to our doorstep.
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The Big Barnes Ponder & Community Projects
Exciting progress continues on the Big Barnes Ponder 2 plans, including proposals for a Barnes Hub, cultural projects, and community initiatives such as the Men’s Shed. We encourage everyone to review the proposals and share their views — this is a genuine opportunity to shape the future of our village together.
Traffic & Environment — HGVs on The Terrace
Residents and businesses have raised increasing concerns about heavy through-traffic using Barnes as a shortcut. The Barnes Community Association is petitioning for sensible limits on non-local HGV traffic to protect pedestrian safety, reduce pollution, and preserve the character of our conservation areas — while continuing to support deliveries, business and public transport. Sign the BCA petition here
Crime & Police Liaison
It is reassuring to hear that local police remain focused on car theft and crime and security, particularly for women and girls, and that 6 cameras monitored 24/7 are in place on the bridge. Continued dialogue between residents and police is essential, and we encourage everyone to share concerns or experiences so that action can be taken swiftly.
The Safe Havens initiative in partnership with the BCA, local police and businesses provide refuge for anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable - whether they need assistance, reassurance, or simply a place to charge their phone. Look out for Safe Havens, including The Bridge Pub, Alma Café, Castlenau Library, Chestertons, Medivet Barnes, Olympic Studios, OSO Arts Centre and The Sun Inn. Community support in action.
Supporting Local Businesses & Pubs
Our pubs are the heart of Barnes life — hosting gatherings, celebrations and community events. With business rate pressures rising nationally, Conservatives have pledged to remove business rates for the high street to champion policies that help local hospitality and businesses thrive rather than struggle. Supporting local businesses keeps Barnes vibrant and welcoming.
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Kingston Hospital
It remains a privilege to be a governor and A&E volunteer for Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust which has widened its responsibility from hospital to care in the community. Despite the winter wave, flu and covid demand, strikes, significant government budget cuts and overflow corridor care, the dedication to patient care across clinics, maternity, A&E and community services is inspiring. We are grateful to the doctors and nurses and management team who continue to deliver essential services with professionalism and compassion. Please reach out and share your experiences and questions on our local healthcare provision.
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Local Planning Application
Have your say on the controversial 14 storey tower block planning application on protected green space at Lennox corner of Priory Lane opposite Vine Rd [Link]
Local Representation & Council Matters
Many residents have shared concerns about council tax levels, parking pressures, bridge delays and community safety. Barnes deserves strong local representation, open scrutiny of decisions, and practical solutions that prioritise residents’ needs and preserve the unique character of our area.
Right now, Barnes has no opposition on the council. After seven years of Lib Dem maximum council tax rises, our Council Tax is now among the highest in London, with no scrutiny on how your money is spent.
Barnes deserves representatives who stand up, ask questions, and fight for local priorities.
[Bar Chart]
In Closing
Barnes is defined by its people — neighbours who volunteer, support local culture, look out for one another, and care deeply about their village. You can now follow all the stories from the Heart of Barnes in a new podcast called Barnes Pond Life, including a chat with Andrew Summers about Barnes Musical Festival and Anne Mullins about Bloody Barnes and many more!
[link to Barnes Pond Life Podcast]
Thank you to everyone who has spoken with us, shared ideas, or taken part in community events this month.
If you would like to raise an issue, share a local story, or get involved, we would love to hear from you.
With warm regards,
Helen Carlos and Sandy
The Barnes Conservatives Team
FB https://www.facebook.com/barneswardconservatives/
Email [email protected]
PS
Get your Postal Vote!
Election Day is Thursday 7th May. The deadline to register to vote is Monday 20th April. Councils have restored all voting in-person regulations. Voting by post is quicker easier and more flexible but you need to re-register to qualify. The deadline to register to vote by post in these elections is Tuesday 21 April 5pm. Register
Promoted by Amen Bayat, on behalf of Helen Edward, Carlos Garafolin and Sandy Urqyhart, all of Richmond Park Conservatives at 372 Upper Richmond Rd West, SW14 7JU.
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