A big "thank you" from Peckham Rye Labour

In case you haven't heard already, the results for the council elections in Southwark came in on Friday. I'm really pleased that Renata, Victoria and I have been re-elected to represent Peckham Rye Ward for another four years. Across the borough Labour made significant gains from the Liberal Democrats meaning that Southwark continues to have a Labour run council.

We'd like to say a huge "thank you" to everyone who voted, and especially to those who supported us. We are very proud that you have given us the opportunity to continue our work for the ward and on the council.

I'll try not to bore you with too many statistics, but the short version of the vote in Peckham Rye is that Labour significantly increased its support whilst the Lib Dem vote almost completely collapsed compared to the previous election. 56% of total votes cast went to Labour, that's up 15% on 2010. You can see the full results here. It's also worth noting that Labour has finally got a councillor back in East Dulwich Ward, which neighbours our own. Well done to Charlie Smith!

Hopefully, part of this is a reflection of our hard work locally, but I know that it is mainly about growing support for Labour values and a damning indictment of Southwark Lib Dem support for Tory policies in the Coalition. From talking to people on the doorstep, it's also clear that the approach taken to issues like recycling, school meals and housing by Southwark's Labour Council has impressed many.

Southwark has now been run by Labour for four years and the council is gaining a national reputation for innovative policy and sensible, long term planning.

Whatever the reasons for the result, we are very grateful. Victoria, Renata and I will continue to campaign on all of the issues that matter for you in this area. As soon as possible we want to see the 63 bus route extended, the new One O'Clock Club built, major works completed on the Rye Hill Park Estate and plans for further investment in Peckham Rye Park delivered.

Finally, if you ever need to get in touch with us, no matter what it's about, you can find all of our contact details here.

Comments

Know Your Ryes!

A few weeks ago I was in a meeting with some local residents and council officers. During the meeting one person started referring to Rye Lane, when in fact they meant Peckham Rye East. Later on another started talking about Peckham Rye Common and it took us a little while to work out that they really meant Peckham Rye Park. You can't really blame people for getting a little confused. There are so many references to "Rye" in our little bit of South London that even the locals can get mixed up. So I thought I'd have a go at writing a little glossary of all the Ryes hereabout. Clearly I'm making a rod for my own back here, so please point out any errors I've made in the comments box below. Anyway, here are my definitions of the ubiquitous Ryes. Some serious, some not so serious, and in no particular order: Peckham Rye Ward - The council ward area. Peckham Rye Ward was created out of Rye Ward, Waverley Ward and Bellenden Ward following the Local ...

Lib Dems claim they're not in charge in Peckham Rye

(A tweet from the Peckham Rye Lib Dems) Peckham Rye Lib Dems are now claiming that Labour 'run' Peckham Rye (take a look above). When asked by a local resident "Am I right in thinking Lib Dems run Southwark but Labour run Peckham Rye?", a Peckham Rye Lib Dem candiate replied, "Yes you're right. For the next three months Lab run Peckham Rye. Then we take over..." Given that, just like every other area in Southwark, Peckham Rye is run by the Lib Dem-Tory Executive it seems this is just the latest in a string of attempts to mislead people into thinking they've got nothing to do with Southwark's failures. Of course, Peckham Rye does have three Labour councillors, who do a great job of representing our area and our concerns at the Town Hall. However this is very different from 'running' Peckham Rye. If only we could just opt out of the Lib Dem chaos! In truth, the policy levers and almost all the money spent by the council are under the cont...

Another Bog Standard Update

Many local residents may well be wondering what is happening with the previously proposed development of the toilet block near the junction of Peckham Rye and East Dulwich Road. Before Renata, Victoria and I were even elected as councillors, this had become quite a lively issue. I recently asked officers at the council what is going on, because nothing appeared to be happening with the block. Well, since the last update, this is what has happened: 1. The last proposed tenant - a not-for-profit gallery offering outreach programmes to local schools and groups - dropped out of the process without having made the required planning application. 2. The property is now under offer to a new proposed tenant. They run a children's nursery and wish to expand. 3. They have already made a planning application for a change of use. 4. We are currently waiting for a formal decision from development control so that the lease can proceed. I'll update again here as soon as I have further news. Sp...

Peckham Rye Labour

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