The Kew Lib Dem team: Cllr Jean-Francois (JF) Burford and George Crozier

YOUR local Lib Dem team: Cllr Jean-Francois Burford [4 High Park Road, Kew, TW9 4BH jfsburford@hotmail.com 07712 579380] · · · • · · · George Crozier [108 Gloucester Court, Kew Road, Kew, TW9 3DZ crozierg@yahoo.co.uk 07740 477374] Please scroll down the page for more information about JF and George.

May 2010 Election %s: C 46.0; LD 45.7; L 8.3; G 0; I 0. C gain 2; LD hold 1 [JF Burford].

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• For currents News and Views from JF and the team go to Kew Liberal Democats . .

• Page 2: Comments and news from 2010 - 2006

• From Comments Autumn 2011: A Day In The Life Of A Councillor: MY mornings start at 8.30 am when I log onto my councillor e-mails. The saviour for most councillors is Members Express. A council department that directs all our queries and makes sure they get to the right person. I try to respond to all my e-mails by midmorning. I treat all issues, large and small, with the same diligence.

The answers can be as simple as getting council officers to resolve a problem, or it might involve getting people together to achieve a working compromise, which is not always as easy as it sounds. During the day I cycle from one part of the ward to the other. Although a lot of residents say I spend most of my time in three coffee shops in the village, it's a great way for me to meet and talk to people to see how I can help them by representing residents' interests on local planning issues, opposition to Heathrow night flights and keeping our libraries open, just to name a few.

I am out most evenings. This varies from Local Police Liaison Group meetings to helping organise events, such as the Kew Fete, now one of the biggest events in Kew's summer calendar. I'm also an LA Governor at two local primary schools. If I'm not in Kew, I'm at the council in Twickenham. I sit in on the Cycle Liaison group, opposition meetings, overview and scrutiny committee meetings, the planning committee and full council meetings.

The council chamber reminds me of a miniature House of Commons. The debates are always full of argumentative banter. But when the clock strikes 10.30 pm, no matter how fierce the disagreement, councillors come together to try and resolve problems in a meaningful way.

• Protect Runway Alternation At Heathrow: THE Government has given BAA the go ahead to trial the use of both runways simultaneously, in a bid to reduce the time planes circle before landing. Heathrow airport will start its first three month test in November, followed by a second during next summer's Olympics.

This is a controversial decision by the Government and it is important to make sure that all households under the flight path do not suffer from an increase in aircraft noise and pollution. We need clarification from BAA and the Aviation Minister on what they are hoping to achieve by this trial: How many flights? How many days in the year will it operate? What are the respite times from these flights? And what is the process for triggering simultaneous runway usage?

To make sure that the Government keeps its promise to protect runway alternation write to your local MPs Vince Cable and Zac Goldsmith, your GLA representative Tony Arbour, your Euro MP Sarah Ludford, Baronesses Tonge and Kramer and of course all local councillors. You can find all the e-mail addresses on the HACAN website http://www.hacan.org.uk/the_campaign/get_involved.php

• Kew Village Market Pulls In The Crowds: THE first ever Kew Village Market was officially opened by Madam Deputy Mayor Meena Bond and Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith. Hundreds of local residents took the time to enjoy the weekend sunshine and the hustle and bustle of the food and craft stalls. The next market will be on Sunday 6th November 10 am to 2 pm. The organisers have added an-other 5 local stalls to make residents taste buds tingle even more. Do not forget that The Kew Village Market is a market run by the Kew Community for the benefit of the community and local charities. If you would like to let the organisers know what you thought of the market then please log on to their website http://www.kewvillagemarket.org/

• Pavilion Officially Open: AFTER years of campaigning for better facilities, and a further two years of construction work, North Sheen Recreational Ground was opened by the Mayor of Richmond. The event was well attended, hundreds of parents, players and local residents, there, to enjoy the ribbon cutting ceremony. There were also representatives from the Football Foundation, Surrey County FA and the Surrey Youth League; as well as local councillors and council officials. I hope it becomes a real community hub for local activities.

• What Is The Council's Commitment To Kew Library? THE council has said that they will not close any of the Borough's 12 libraries, but they are proposing to turn Ham, Hampton Wick and Kew into 'Village Libraries'. This means they want to give communities the opportunity to take over the management and running costs of their local library service. The council says that these libraries will be supported with investment, professional advice, book stock and access to the Internet. They also want to ensure that these Village libraries are more focused on local community needs.

It raises some key questions to this Big Society initiative. Is the council just doing it for short term financial gain by saving money on staff and running costs? Is the not-for-profit sector the way forward to deliver a 21st century library service? If you want to make sure Kew Library stays open e-mail me cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk with your views.

• Watch The Council At Work: ALL meetings of full Council and the Planning sub-committee as of Tuesday 13 September are being 'webcast' (streamed live on the council website) and then archived for six months. It is an important opportunity to watch local democracy in action. It will, I hope, allow residents to engage and gain a better understanding of local issues. Go to: http://www.richmond.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

• 20 mph Limits In Kew: THE council has always refused to make Sandycombe Road a 20 mph zone, due to the fact that cars travel at 30 mph on average and not the required 24 mph and they would also have to put calming measures in place. The council voted unanimously for 20 mph limits to be introduced in the Borough. 20 mph limits are different from zones as they do not need the introduction of calming measures, they would just be marked as a 20 mph area.

The case for such zones in residential areas is clear: the likelihood of a pedestrian being killed by a vehicle at 40 mph is 90 %, at 30 mph is 20 % and at 20 mph is 3 % . Please sign our petition at the 'Meet Your Councillor' stall in Kew Village on the 1st Saturday of every month.

• North Road Triangle Community Garden: THE new design for the The Railway Garden will start to move forward. The hard landscaping will be done through October and November, followed by the soft landscaping. Volunteers will be needed to help with planting, so please let me know if you would like to help. I know it has taken longer to get going than expected but I hope the wait will be worth it.

• Planning Applications In Kew: The planning Inspector has turned down the latest planning appeals from the Old Iron Church and the West Park Avenue developments. The new Inland Revenue Development application is being looked at by planning officers at the moment. It would appear not to have changed. It might be timely to remind officers that this is the last chance to make sure that Kew gets a development that it needs and not one that a developer wants. To make your views known go to www.richmond.gov.uk/planning.

• Kew Safer Neighbourhood Team: Sergeant Michael Coughlan and his team are always ready to meet local residents to discuss any matters that you may have. Call them on 020 8721 2747 or go to one of their drop in sessions. For more information go to www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods

If you would like to help deliver Kew Comments, become a member, make a donation or help during an election, call George Crozier today on 07740477374

• School Term Dates: ACADEMIC year 2011 - 2012: Spring term 2012 4 January - 30 March Half term: 13-17 February Summer term 2012 16 April - 20 July Half term: 4-8 June.

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• From Comments SUMMER 2011: ONE Year In... Long before the big society agenda, Kew has had a fantastic community spirit... from safeguarding local needs to your vocal opposition to land grabbing and over development. You have been instrumental in shaping plans for a Kew village market, the landscaping of North Road Triangle, a new music event for Kew Gardens and the Kew Midsummer Fete on the Green, to name but a few.

Residents have been successful in keeping libraries open and in stopping Airtrack and Network Rail reducing downtime on the North Sheen barrier crossing and you are still badgering TfL to make our pedestrian crossings safer. Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction over the closing of the parking shop, delay in receiving their new CPZ parking permits and the inappropriate placement of the car club bays.

There are four new proposals that may be of concern:

• New plans for the Inland Revenue site will soon be going to the planning committee.

• Residents of West Park Road need help stopping an application to destroy the historic house at number 2.

• A planning application to redevelop the car showroom on Sandycombe Road into five 1 and 2 bedroom flats.

• Developers have resubmitted plans for the Old Iron Church.

With residents being asked to have a bigger role in running and developing their community, it is vital that your voice remains heard.

• Get 'Strictly Cycling': KEEN cyclists in the borough will be able to practise their grass-track cycling skills at a series of new community training sessions coordinated by Twickenham Cycling Club and Richmond Council. The 'Strictly Cycling' programme aims to encourage people to get on their bikes more often through a series of coaching sessions, grass track and cyclo-cross competitions and participation events throughout the year.

Throughout the summer a number of events are being organised, including coaching sessions, a bike festival and a chance for members of the public to take part in a cyclo-sportive which is a marked ride of approximately 65 miles following the route of the 2012 Olympic Road Race. Cyclists are now invited to have a go at a series of grass-track coaching sessions, every Thursday in Kneller Gardens. For more information, go to: www.twickenhamcc.co.uk.

• Planning Committee Meetings Live From The Comfort Of Your Own Home: THERE will be trial webcasting of planning meetings over the next year to help create a better understanding amongst the public about how the local planning authority works and makes its decisions. All footage will be available online after the meetings so residents can watch at their own convenience. The first webcast will be mid June.

• Sport Success In The Borough: OVER the last year I have been to many of the sporting events that have been organised by the sports development team at the council: they do a great job.

Over the year 800 young swimmers from our primary schools took part in the borough swimming galas. The winning schools for this years event were Barnes and Kew Riverside, St Mary's and St Peter's and St James's. Next on the sporting agenda was The Rise event which attracted 87 young people with special needs. The overall winners were Clarendon School winning the MLD trophy and Paray House winning the SLD trophy. Next came the girls' football festival with 26 primary schools taking part; unfortunately rain stopped play. This was followed by the netball league finals where Archdeacon Cambridge won the crown.

The football league finals took place with the boys title going to Collis and the girls title to Stanley for the second year in a row. And for the third time in four years the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames were crowned mini-marathon champions.

• Kew Park Rangers Has First Patron:PATRICK Barclay, Chief Football Correspondent for the Times and a broadcaster for Sky Sport, has agreed to become the first Patron of Kew Park Rangers, the local grass roots Charter Standard Community Club for Kew. The Club would like to thank him for his support. If you would like information on becoming a player for next season or to become a sponsor please go to www.kewparkrangers.co.uk

• Your Say: THE Council's 'All in One' survey asked people across the Borough to tell them what they liked about their area and what needs improving. The Survey had a Borough wide response of 13,500 replies. There will be an open day at Darell Primary School, Darell Road, Richmond, TW9 4LQ on Saturday 11 June between 10am and 4pm to find out what people in Kew said, to share residents' ideas and suggestions and to see how residents can take those ideas forward. Come along and be heard.

• Kew Music Festival 17-26 June: THIS is the second year of our own music festival featuring Chi-Chi Nwanoku, Joanna David, Lucy Parham, Martin Jarvis, Kew Wind Orchestra, Paul Guinery, Kew Music Festival family Orchestra, Sam West, Kew Sinfonia and many more. For information go to kewmusicfestival.com. If you would like to attend the gala musical dinner at Kew Cricket Club on 10 June contact serge_lourie@yahoo.co.uk.

• Land Share Connecting Growers To People With Land To Share: I LOOK around Kew and there seems to be pockets of spaces available to us, apart from allotments, to grow food. We need to promote the grow your own revolution, and to sow the seeds of change in schools, businesses, hospitals and churches across Britain. Kew should be part of that movement for change the more of us that join Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall Landshare the more we can sow the seeds across Kew. Get the council involved and join today at landshare.net

• Don't Miss The Kew Midsummer Fete: On Kew Green, 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday 18th June 2011. Entry is free to this traditional village fete, run by local people for local people, in the lovely setting of Kew Green. Attractions include a Victorian fairground, a craft marquee and over 80 outside stalls, a dog show, delicious food and drink, a grand charity raffle and live music and entertainment throughout the day All fete profits will be donated to local good causes. For more information please go to kewfete.org or call 020 8123 7921

• Kew Village Community Market: Your councillors are still looking to move ahead with the community market. After the success of the consultation where 91% of respondents agreed that a community market would be good for Kew, a business plan is being finalised to go to the council for approval and a website is being designed by local designer Paul Firby from the design forum. If you would like to help run the market go to kewvillagemarket.org or e-mail cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk

• Music at the Gardens: FOLLOWING audience feedback from last year's season, Kew Gardens has made some changes to Summer Swing and has re-launched its summer picnic concerts as Kew the Music. Kew the Music takes all the elements that residents loved about the Summer Swing picnic concerts and combines them with an exciting new line-up. This year's line-up includes: The Feeling, The Noisettes, Bryan Ferry, Jamie Cullum, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Natalie Williams, Blondie and Jools Holland making his annual appearance with special guest Sandie Shaw. For more information go to kew.org

• North Road Triangle: THERE has been a delay in the landscaping of the new garden. The history department at the council is investigating the discovery of an old air raid shelter. Work will start again once the council have finished their dig.

• Congratulations To Kew resident Cllr Meena Bond on becoming Deputy Mayor of Richmond. We wish her all the best for the coming year.

• Planning Applications In Kew: FOR a full listing of all planning applications go to richmond.gov.uk/planning.

• Local websites: (http://www.) kew.org; kewsociety.org; nationalarchives.gov.uk; kewcommunitytrust.org.uk; kewrotary.org.uk; pensfordfield.co.uk; savekew.org.uk.

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• From Comments January 2011: BE heard in the new year - Over the last year Kew residents have marched to stop the expansion of a third runway at Heathrow. You have held banners high and made your voices heard to fend off inappropriate planning and over-development in the ward. You have stood side by side and stopped TfL needlessly cutting down trees. You have written letters and e-mails to make sure that the voices of local people are heard and listened to.

But as a new year starts, residents still need to be concerned about new planning applications to the Inland Revenue Site, the old Iron Church and The Kew Development as well as the new licence application for Kew Gardens. Residents need to make sure that Kew library stays open, that our local day centres are safe and that our young, elderly, disadvantaged and vulnerable are taken care of and that the services that look after them are not lost to local cuts. We all have a voice and this year let's all make sure we continue to be heard.

• The Alternative Vote Referendum: WHAT will it mean? AV is a small change that makes a big difference. MPs will need to work harder to secure 50 % of the vote. They will have to appeal to more people in the communities they seek to represent. A vote really counts. Forget tactical voting - just pick the candidate you want to win. But if your favourite does not win you still have a say.

Too many MPs have "safe seats" or jobs for life, and the expenses crisis showed us just where that culture can lead. AV will end that culture of complacency. It keeps the constituency link that works with the current system and eliminates many of its weaknesses.

Parliament will better represent communities. MPs will have to have a better view of what your community thinks and they will have to listen to constituents' views. Contact the local campaign organiser: Judith Sawyer on 020 8876 3693. The national campaign is at yestofairervotes.org/page/s/getinvolved

• Entries Open For 2011 Film Competition: BUDDING film makers from Richmond are invited to submit their entries for the 2011 Film London 90 second Competition. A workshop will be organised for those with no previous film experience. The deadline for entry is 21 March 2011. Call Orleans House Gallery on 020 8831 6000 for more information.

• Allotments Can Sell Surplus Food: ERIC Pickles has come back on the question as to whether allotment holders can sell the produce that they grow. He has confirmed that, under the 1922 Allotment Act, only the surplus can be sold . This could allow allotment holders to help feed their communities. If the Community Market takes place, allotments could come together and take a stall; or allotments could organise themselves to deliver produce to the most vulnerable and elderly residents in our ward. Please let me know if this is something that you believe could benefit the community. e-mail cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk

• Kew Library's Future: AS we are waiting on the Administration to decide what to do with libraries in the borough, I have started a petition asking them to guarantee that Kew Library keeps its funding to stay open. Come and sign the petition at the 'Meet your Lib Dem Councillors' stall in Kew Village, every first Saturday of the month from 11.00 am till 12.30 pm.

• Farmers Market In Kew Village: YOU should by now have filled in your questionnaire which was delivered to all households the second week of January. The research company will be collating the information on whether residents and business are in favour of a community market in the village, who would like to help with the organisation and who and what type of stalls you would like to see. I will keep you all informed of the results.

• North Road Triangle: WORK should be starting at the end of February so that a new community garden can be opened in time for the summer. This garden is to be named the Railway Garden. If you would like to get involved to transform a derelict site into a beautiful community garden, contact me at cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk and I will add you to the list.

• Youthful Approach To Borough's Art: YOUNG people across Richmond upon Thames are to be given a role in the future presentation of the borough's art collection at the Orleans House Gallery thanks to a £24,400 Heritage Lottery Fund Grant. Young people will carry out a range of projects over the next two years. For more information please contact 020 8831 6262.

• Kew Safer Neighbourhood Team: Your local team are PCSO Steve Potterill and PCSO Donna Somjen. They are looking for Kew Street Coordinators.Tel: 020 8247 7257 or 07879 433 392.

• London Youth Games 2011: Are you aged between 8 and 18 years and mad about sport? Would you like to represent Richmond Borough at the 2011 Games. Go to: richmond.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment. Closing date 11 March 2011.

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• From Comments September 2010: 5 MONTHS ON: Since the election back in May, I have been working with residents and council officers to try and resolve local issues; some personal and specific to individuals, others that affect Kew Ward as a whole. These include:

- liaising with TfL, residents and KRA to stop the cutting down of 5 trees along the Mortlake Road,

- repairing street lights across the ward,

- getting involved in social housing needs,

- trying to help stop the over-development of the Inland Revenue site

- and looking into the removal of dangerous bus stops and road crossings.

I have also been working on some new initiatives, which include setting up a farmers market in the village, getting residents involved in building a community garden in North Road and looking at the possibility of creating a youth music festival at the Old Deer Park.

In addition, I have been out with our community police officers to see first-hand how they are safeguarding our streets and helping to reduce crime. As shadow spokesperson for arts, sports and libraries in the borough, I have met up with the council department heads and organisations responsible for delivering a full and diverse programme of events and activities across the borough.

My aim is to continue to serve the people of Kew and make a difference to our community by getting involved in issues and initiatives that matter to you. To follow my progress, visit my blog at kewlibdems.org.uk and I'll keep you all regularly updated.

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Cllr Jean-Francois (J-F) Burford 07712 579380 cllr.jfburford@richmond.gov.uk

J-F has lived in Kew for the last 14 years and is passionate about the community and its welfare. As a founder and chair of Kew Park Rangers Football Club, which serves the needs of 500+ children across the community, he hopes to use the knowledge and insight gained working closely with parents and young families to represent their interests in a wider forum and bring fresh thinking and ideas to local issues.

J-F has spent time with his fellow local Lib Dems knocking on Kew doors to develop a greater understanding of what Kew residents want from their Councillors. Their views are diverse and wide-ranging such as improving local facilities (creating a skate park and a farmers' market) and tackling environmental issues (introducing bicycle clubs). J-F chose to stand as a councillor because he believes that the welfare of the people is paramount to the welfare of a community and that these views are shared by Liberal Democrats.

George Crozier 07740 477374 crozierg@yahoo.co.uk

George lives in Kenmore Close, at the junction of Kent Road and Mortlake Road. He was born in Fulham but grew up in Shropshire before moving back to the capital in the mid-1990s.

In his day job George is employed by the Chartered Institute of Taxation, where he works with the media, professional organisations and politicians from all parties to promote understanding of the tax system and improve the way it operates, especially for those on low incomes. Previously he worked as caseworker for a Member of Parliament, helping the MP's constituents to get answers and action from government, and as speechwriter for Paddy Ashdown, during his time as Liberal Democrat leader.

George is passionate about the environment and, while working in Parliament, played a key part in getting the groundbreaking Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 passed into law. He is a strong supporter of Susan Kramer's campaign to get the law changed to make it harder to build on back gardens ('garden grabbing'). With J-F, Serge, Susan and other local Lib Dems, George worked hard knocking on doors across Kew, asking local people for their views on the local environment, transport services, crime and other local issues. Although he was not elected in the May 2010 election he intends to keep campaigning locally.

George says: "What I love most about living in Kew is the village feel and sense of community here. I was disappointed not to be elected on May 6, but I intend to continue to work hard to protect our local environment and support local services."

George is a member of the Kew Society, Friends of the Earth and Amnesty International, and a Friend of Kew Gardens.

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2010 results: Meena Bond C 2858 elected; Jean-Francois Burford LD 2767 elected; David Linnette C 2715 elected; Serge Lourie LD 2709; George Crozier LD 2660; David Nelson C 2630; Dominic Dalglish L 530; James Hurst L 477; Gareth James L 471.

2006: Serge Lourie LD 2089 Elected Shaista Sheehan LD 1972 Elected George Beevor LD 1934 Elected Robin Jowit C 1674 David Linnette C 1539 Sarah Keen C 1523 Sylvia Levi G 424 Kate Segall L 203 Gareth James L 190 Joao Silva L 144

2002: Robin Jowit C 1,391; Alexander Lourie LD 1,339; Anthony Barnett LD 1,330; Emma Winsor-Cundell C 1,327; Andrew James C 1,314; Ian Hunter LD 1,252; Margaret Robson Lab 357; John Fowler Lab 341; David Butler Lab 303

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