Reporting Back - Summer 2023
Welcome to my Summer 2023 Community Email.

I wish to start by extending my sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of Selena and Nuria the two girls who lost their lives after the tragic accident at The Study Preparatory School, as well as those who remain in hospital. Further to this, I would like to pay tribute to the response of our emergency services, including the staff at St George’s Hospital, Wimbledon Police, and Fire and Rescue Services.

There has been a huge outpouring of support for this popular local school following the tragedy. I know many local residents have joined local councillors, business owners, and me in laying flowers. I wish to thank everyone who stayed away from the scene and allowed the emergency services to do their jobs at an incredibly difficult time. My daughter went to The Study some years ago and we have very fond memories of her time there.
Crime Meeting
Last month I held a local crime meeting with constituents and local Police Borough Commander Mooney. Over 100 people attended the meeting and it was a great opportunity to discuss the results of my local crime survey and hear more about people’s concerns.
Heathrow Meeting
A number of constituents have written to me to raise their concerns about the noise from planes flying over Wimbledon. I met with Heathrow in Parliament to raise these concerns. The prolonged spell of hot weather in May and June meant there was greater use of the easterly approach, which caused the greater disturbance. I have also asked for a further meeting in September to discuss the recent noise consultation.
St Helier
Work is starting on St Helier hospital to repair the site and South West London is getting a new A&E as part of the work. This is great news, and I encourage all local politicians to back the works and support our local NHS.
Tesco
I recently met with Tesco locally in Wimbledon to hear about their concerns around town centre planning and retail. I am proud we have a wide range of large and small businesses in Wimbledon. I have featured a number of local businesses in a series called Hammond’s Highlights - here are some of the links:
Hammond's Highlights
My series of videos highlighting Wimbledon’s fantastic array of businesses continuing with White Light, the most recent to be highlighted. Wimbledon is an amazing place to do business. If you have a business you believe should be featured, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Keep an eye on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more videos in the coming weeks. If you have a local business which you think deserves highlighting, please get in touch with me via email: hammonds@parliament.uk
Schools Visit Parliament
I recently welcomed groups of students from King’s College School (pictured), the Priory School, and Poplar Primary School to Parliament’s education centre. It was great to explain to them what an MP does, and field their questions on everything from constitutional reform to the cost of living.

All schools can book a visit to the education centre and I’m always pleased to see them. 
Delivery Bikes on Wimbledon Bridge
For over a year I have been working with Councillor Daniel Holden to try to change local byelaws to stop delivery bikes using the kiss and drop outside Wimbledon station. Merton Council agreed with our proposals initially, however there has not been progress and the bikes are not using the spaces which have been allocated for them.

Councillor Holden and I are continuing to lobby the council to make these changes to make the town centre and station more accessible. 
SWR Closing Ticket Offices
South Western Railways are consulting on the proposals to close all train ticket offices. Whilst the way we travel on the railways has changed and many of us now buy tickets online – the immediate closure of all ticket offices could detrimentally impact older people without access to the internet and those with disabilities. But equally could make more staff available to help on the forecourt, the barriers, and the platform.

I would like to hear your views and you can also take part in the consultation here: www.southwesternrailway.com/stationchange. The consultation is open until next Wednesday, 26th July.  
Macmillan Merton Summer BBQ
Tickets are still available for the Macmillan Merton Barbeque on the 30th July. It’s a great event raising money for a fantastic cause. Available here: https://www.macmillanmerton.com/futureevents
Previous Reporting Backs
I have added my previous community emails to my website, these can be accessed here: https://www.stephenhammond.net/my-community-emails
Boundary Changes
The New Wimbledon Constituency

The Boundary Commission have laid before Parliament their final report of the 2023 review.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners for their hard work. Reshaping the political map of the UK is no easy task.

I accept the decision of the Commission and I am very much looking forward to getting to know, and work with, the residents of Old Malden and St James’ from Kingston.

I am of course delighted that Merton Park ward is now staying within the Wimbledon Constituency. Local residents will remember that I have always advocated that most of Merton Park stay in the constituency. I am extremely saddened that Cannon Hill ward will now be moving into the neighbouring Mitcham and Morden constituency. I campaigned extremely hard to keep Cannon Hill ward within any new Wimbledon constituency and I am disappointed that the Boundary Commission have taken an alternative view.

As Wimbledon’s MP since 2005 I have had the privilege of serving all of my constituents and I will continue to do so.
Promoted by David Jones on behalf of Stephen Hammond MP, both of 3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ