Overview of the East Greenwich local election hustings
The East Greenwich Residents Association (EGRA) welcomes the opportunity to share an overview of the recent local election hustings for the East Greenwich Ward. During the hustings, candidates from four participating parties outlined their priorities for the ward:
The Labour Party
Acknowledged resident frustrations regarding street cleaning, noting that seven new side street junctions are now receiving more regular cleaning to manage takeaway rubbish.
Defended the LTN scheme, citing data that it has reduced collisions and casualties on boundary roads by 44%, while acknowledging the need for ongoing mitigation and resident feedback.
Committed to treating East Greenwich more like a town centre, with plans for a new playground at the East Greenwich Pleasaunce and better maintenance funding for pocket parks.
Highlighted their record on housing, stating the borough has reduced temporary housing needs for families to zero and is focusing on building 3-4 bedroom family homes in the Local Plan.
Emphasised ongoing work with police ward panels to improve lighting and tackle local shoplifting and parcel thefts.
The Green Party
Expressed shock at the deteriorating state of Greenwich Square, making it a priority to review Section 106 agreements to ensure developers uphold their maintenance responsibilities.
Advocated for an education-first approach to waste management, suggesting reduced costs for large waste collection from individuals before relying on enforcement.
Pledged to prioritise the maintenance of green spaces, specifically citing the poor condition of the East Greenwich Pleasaunce compared to other borough parks.
Called for new developments to include community spaces and youth facilities for older children, noting that groups like Scouts and Guides currently lack meeting spaces.
Supported traffic measures that make streets cleaner but insisted on close monitoring of LTN data to ensure the schemes do not unfairly disadvantage certain residents, expressing openness to resident permits.
Liberal Democrats
Committed to holding developers to account to ensure they invest in local communities and deliver promised infrastructure.
Proposed a reduction in bulky waste collection fees from around £13 to approximately £5 to deter fly-tipping and support residents without vehicles.
Highlighted the need for transparency regarding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), advocating for improved bus infrastructure and active travel routes to meet pollution reduction objectives.
Emphasised the necessity of protecting green spaces like the East Greenwich Pleasaunce through proper public consultation and investment.
Supported a 35% target for social housing in new developments and an audit of empty homes to address the local affordability crisis.
The Conservative Party
Raised concerns over the visible deterioration of East Greenwich, citing issues with rubbish, potholes, and poorly maintained pavements.
Advocated for increased fines as non-fiscal deterrents for littering and dog fouling, alongside increased CCTV and support for neighbourhood watches.
Criticised the outsourcing of community management by developers, arguing that it leads to corner-cutting and poor public realm maintenance.
On traffic and LTNs, prioritised vehicle "throughput" to prevent standing traffic, which they argue significantly worsens air pollution.
Stressed that new developments must include multi-generational community spaces and be constructed to last for decades.
Reform UK were invited but declined to attend.
Community concerns and requested mitigation
Throughout the evening, residents and EGRA members raised several critical areas requiring immediate mitigation:
Green spaces: The community demanded better funding and dedicated grounds staff for the East Greenwich Pleasance, highlighting safety hazards like falling tree boughs and dangerous grass seeds causing high veterinary bills.
Public transport: Attendees voiced severe frustration over cuts to essential bus routes (such as the 180, 286 and 386), which are vital for accessing local hospitals and supermarkets.
Youth services: Residents and candidates alike noted a distinct lack of community facilities for adolescents, calling for dedicated youth hubs and investment to deter antisocial behaviour.
EGRA remains committed to ensuring our community's voice is heard as these developments and policies unfold. We rely entirely on the voluntary work and contributions of our members to hold the council and developers to account.
For more information or to support our efforts, contact info@egra.london.