Riverside Reports 07/10/22

Figures from the latest Lambeth Council Health Profile showed that life expectancy in the borough has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade. I interviewed Labour Councillor Jim Dickson, cabinet member for Healthier Communities and chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee, about these worrying new figures.

Riverside Reports Interview with Councillor Jim Dickson - Life Expectancy in Lambeth

Recently, Lambeth Council’s Brixton Tate Library has joined forces with a local startup to help local job-hunters land their dream roles.

After being put on hold during the pandemic, on-demand laundry service ihateironing is relaunching their Brixton Library Workwear Scheme which provides formal attire to help local residents dress to impress at interviews.

Eve Bennett spoke to Matt Connelly, CEO and Founder of ihateironing, to find about more.

Riverside Reports Interview with Matt Connelly - Brixton Library Workwear Scheme

Many older people struggle with loneliness all year round, but the festive period can be a particularly challenging time. With Christmas fast approaching, Age UK Lambeth are launching their ‘Good Deed Advent Calendar’ campaign to help tackle this issue. The festive challenge asks locals to spread joy and kindness to hundreds of older people in the borough who struggle with isolation during this time of year.

I spoke to Liv Barnett, Marketing Executive of Age UK Lambeth, about why their services are more important than ever. I began by asking her about what the Good Deed Advent campaign involves.

Riverside Reports Interview - Age UK Lambeth Good Deed Advent Calendar -

Later this month, one of London’s largest and most popular charity balls returns to Wandsworth. The Battersea Ball raises money for crime prevention projects across Battersea and Balham while offering ticket-holders a fantastic night of food, music and entertainment.

I spoke to Kate Meacock, former chairman and current committee member of the Battersea Ball.

Riverside Reports interview with Kate Meacock - Battersea Ball

Campaigners are set to protest this Saturday outside the newly re-opened Battersea Power Station against the development’s low level of social housing. Flats and villas in the station are selling for up to £7 million pounds, while thousands of Wandsworth residents remain on housing waiting lists and in temporary accommodation.

I spoke to Andrea Gilbert from Wandsworth Action Against Empty Homes about why they are protesting.

Riverside Reports Interview with Andrea Gilbert - Wandsworth Action Against Empty Housing

Controversial plans to redevelop Twickenham Riverside have been unanimously approved by Richmond Council’s planning committee.

The £40m redevelopment will see the creation of a new public square and promenade on Twickenham’s riverside. 

The car park will be removed to make way for a public events space, retail and dining, as well as two new apartment blocks. 

The Diamond Jubilee Gardens and playground will also be moved to create a larger area on the new site. 

The £40m scheme has proved controversial, facing both support and criticism from residents and community groups. 

The Twickenham Riverside Trust have spearheaded opposition to certain parts of the scheme, accusing the council of making a land grab for the Diamond Jubilee Gardens. 

The council granted the trust an 125-year lease for a large part of the gardens in 2014, but in 2021 the council launched a Compulsory Purchase Order which would allow them to acquire the land without owner consent. 

I interviewed Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council and Ted Cremin, chair of the Twickenham Riverside Trust about the plans.

Riverside Reports - Twickenham Riverside Redevelopment Debate

Recent figures show a significant increase in sexual violence against women in Lambeth over the last year.

As part of their plan to tackle this increase, Lambeth Council voted on a Lib Dem motion to apply for accreditation from White Ribbon, a charity combatting male violence against women and girls. 

The Green Group expressed their objection to the motion based on the charity's support of the Nordic model of sex work and tabled an amendment asking the charity to reconsider its stance. 

I interviewed Councillor and Green Group Co-Leader Nicole Griffiths to find out more about the party's support of the alternative New Zealand Model. 

The interview received positive feedback from listeners and I was awarded Best Reporter at the Riverside Radio 2022 Awards for the report as a whole. I was praised by judges for holding the councillor to account, addressing a lesser-discussed part of the debate on sexual violence in Lambeth and allowing listeners to make their own minds up on the issue.

Riverside Reports Interview with Councillor Nicole Griffiths - Sexual Abuse in Lambeth

As the war in Ukraine approaches its one-year anniversary, Richmond Council have issued an appeal for new hosts to house Ukrainian guests in the borough. Under the government’s Home for Ukraine scheme, more than 400 households in Richmond have already welcomed Ukrainians. But as more arrive to seek refuge, resident support is still needed to help them start their lives in the UK. 

I spoke to Councillor Nancy Baldwin, Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary sector at Richmond Council, about the scheme. I first asked why more hosts are so urgently needed at the moment.