News in Teddington

1. The Extra Mile – supporting families in need

Last week, I visited the Extra Mile project at Hampton Methodist Church. This fantastic initiative, run entirely by volunteers, collects baby and children's clothes, toys and equipment (up to age ten) and distributes them to local families in need, following referrals from social services, children's centres and healthcare professionals.

The leader of Richmond Council has slammed the government's suggestion that Transport for London could extend the congestion charge amid emergency talks over a new bailout.

The controversial move was among a series of measures suggested in a leaked letter from the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, earlier this month. It also suggested raising money by adding a new transport precept to Londoners' council tax bills.

Bushy Park was closed to traffic during lockdown but a new petition has been launched to open it back up - especially for vulnerable people.

Here is Charlotte Morris' story that is driving the petition:

England were scheduled to face The Barbarians this past weekend in a hotly-tipped Twickenham tussle.

However due to a breach of The Barbarians COVID bubble the game had to be called off.

It was a historic weekend for local side Hampton and Richmond Borough.

The Beavers have qualified for the first round proper of the FA Cup - for only the fourth time in their history.

The government has shown no signs of changing their minds in the free school lunches row.

This comes despite pressure from England and Manchester United player Marcus Rashford.

Following the Government announcement that they will not be extending a school meal voucher scheme, Richmond Council is developing a Covid19 half term food support package for vulnerable children, meaning that children from the borough's lowest income families don't go hungry over the schools' break.

Earlier this week, MPs voted against a proposal to make free school meals available outside term time for the next six months.

Harlequins legend Chris Robshaw has lost out on the chance to play one final game at Twickenham stadium.

He was due to turn out for The Barbarians against England at Twickenham this weekend.

The leader of Richmond Council, Gareth Roberts, has given his latest COVID-19 Update.

The Liberal Democrat member for Hampton revealed the latest statistics.

In Parliament, Munira Wilson, MP for Twickenham and Teddington, challenged the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, whether it was fair to force Londoners to pay extra tax to keep Transport for London (TfL) afloat, whilst commuters from outside London would not.

This follows reports that the Government will take direct control of TfL unless Sadiq Khan, Mayor for London, accepts measures including higher council tax for Londoners, a larger congestion charge zone and higher fares in return for emergency funding.