I've just received a copy of Residents' News from Wandsworth Conservatives.

In it Councillor Roger Bird says, We intend to improve the shopping environment as part of the council's ongoing commitment to help local businesses all across Putney'.

What about the shoppers, who include many disabled and elderly people? The Conservatives don't mention any commitment to them.

As an active member of Putney and Roehampton Organisation of Pensioners (PROP) I know the elderly and disabled face many problems when they shop. Crossing the High Street is harder every week as priority is given to cars, lorries and more cars.

Why can't the council ensure that the no left turn' into the High Street from Disraeli Road is observed? Dozens of cars and vans ignore it everyday to the danger of pedestrians.

And the no right turn' into Montserrat Road is the same.

We need shops with automatic doors for easy access. Has Councillor Bird ever sat on an electric disabled scooter outside WH Smiths, waiting in the rain for a kind person to hold the doors open? Or wrestled with the heavy doors into the Woolwich? Shops must be urged to provide seats PROP got these at Sainsbury's.

And what about loos? The ladies one is still not open.

And I hear local voluntary organisations may be asked to pay to have the Putney High Street ladies re-opened. What a cheek we pay enough in council tax. Will they suggest we pay to borrow books next? Men also need a loo.

The High Street needs a pedestrian bridge or underpass and more priority for pedestrians at the traffic lights. It could be made pedestrian-friendly, like the Kingston Centre. If local businesses can pay the exorbitant High Street rents, they don't need, and shouldn't get, help from the ratepayer.

It's pensioners who need more help.

Perhaps the Labour Party and the Lib Dems will tell us their plans or shall we all do what many do and shop in Kingston, Clapham Junction, Hammersmith or North End Road?

LAURIE GREEN

Hotham Road

Putney

November 12, 2001 12:32