Councillor Lister writes to Putney

on phone masts, the Putney Hospital site and more... .

Many local residents have contacted me about plans for a new phone mast installation on the roof of the Spencer Arms.

The applicants T-Mobile are trying to disguise the equipment by concealing it behind an extended chimney and a fake down pipe. This is now a common tactic to get these schemes through.

People are right to be wary. The pub is in a prominent position in the Conservation Area and stands on the edge of Putney Common. Any new installation however skilfully disguised could affect the character of the building.

It's hardly surprising too there is so much uncertainty about the possible health risks. The Government tells planning authorities that masts are safe but does nothing to address the real fears people have.

Operators are supposed to try and avoid locations close to schools. This has not happened here where we have a primary school and a nursery school just a few doors away.

The Spencer Arms of course stands opposite the long-neglected Putney Hospital site.

On Tuesday November 15 at 7.30pm I am chairing a meeting for local residents at All Saints Church where we will attempt to get some answers from the Primary Care Trust about their plans for the building.

The Trust wants to provide new health facilities here and needs to sell some of the land for residential development to help pay for the project.

We all want to see action on this site but I am determined that local residents should be able to put their own views across to the PCT before any planning application is submitted.

The town centre manager Stephen Wallace tells me work will start early in the New Year on the improvements to the pavements in Disraeli Road outside the library.

This will also tackle the problem of motorists making an illegal left turn into the High Street.

We are hopeful that this will be the start of a series of more extensive improvements to the High Street pavements - we just need to secure the funding from Transport for London.

Finally a warm welcome to all the new shops and businesses who have been moving into Putney recently. Whether it's the new chocolate café Neuhaus or the juice bar Zest in the Exchange, the imminent return of Woolworths at the old Iceland store or the arrival of Laura Ashley at Putney Wharf - they are all adding choice and variety for local shoppers.

Edward Lister

elister@wandsworth.gov.uk

Edward Lister is the Leader of Wandsworth Council and a member for Putney's Thamesfield ward.