Rishi Sunak hears concerns of Sidcup residents over ULEZ expansion

The Prime Minster paid a visit to the park in Sidcup to meet local volunteers at the annual Lark in the Park Event held in Sidcup Place and to Sidcup’s Community Garden.

Mr Sunak was joined by Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French for a visit to two Sidcup parks to meet volunteers and Sidcup residents.

Both toured around the Lark in the Park event, an annual event put on by Sidcup churches offering a range of free activities for families in Sidcup.

Rishi Sunak met with Sidcup residents during the day (Image: MP Louie French)

During the day, the Prime Minister was given a tour by event Paul and Paula Weston of the day's activities, and was introduced to the event's volunteers from churches in Sidcup as well as Hope Community School and Blackfen Community Library.

The Prime Minster also met with families as well as officers from Sidcup’s Police Team, who had arranged for former UK Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher’s old 1970s Rover Car to be on display during the day.

Mr Sunak was also spotted aiding volunteers as they spent time gardening and weeding in Sidcup’s Community Garden.

During the day thanks were also given to the public and representatives from the Sidcup business community, Holy Trinity Church Lamorbey and St. John’s Church Sidcup, who were all thanked by the Prime Minster for their ongoing efforts to support the community and Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak and MP Louis French meeting Sidcup vicars (Image: MP Louie French)

MP Louie French said: “It was a great honour to welcome the Prime Minister to Sidcup at the weekend and I am really pleased that hundreds of local people and volunteers were able to meet him on this surprise visit."

MP Louie French also spoke to the Prime Minster about constituents concerns over the upcoming ULEZ expansion which is set to take affect from August 29.

Rishi Sunak meeting Lark in the Park volunteers (Image: MP Louie French)

MP Louie French added: “We are blessed to have so many amazing community volunteers in Old Bexley, Sidcup and Welling, and I always do my best to support them and champion our community on the national stage as the first homegrown MP for our area.

“Last week this included visits to local sports clubs in Bexley, Spark in the Park at Danson and Lark in the Park in Sidcup, which is brilliantly organised by Paula, Paul and the team of volunteers every year.

“I also took this opportunity to highlight local anger and concerns over the Mayor of London’s undemocratic ULEZ expansion and I am pleased that the Prime Minister has announced a formal review of all anti-motorist policies across the country, as the Government works to help families with the cost of living.

“The Prime Minister has now enjoyed visits to both Sidcup and Welling in recent times and I look forward to welcoming more special visitors as we work to secure further investment in our community, including at Queen Mary’s Hospital.”