Hello

I know, I know, I should get out more, but..

I am happy to report that Battersea Bridge is finally going to get a major clean up. After much pestering, TFL has now assigned two senior officers to oversee the work and a team was sent to the bridge last week to assess what needs doing. My thanks to Commissioner Andy Byford for making this happen.

I have counted roughly 30+ examples of graffiti (d'you know the prolific "Juno"?!), endless weeds, lamppost stickers, and litter. That traffic light sign alone has stopped there since last August. But, at last, we have the green light and a scrub down will begin in the coming weeks.

TFL is responsible for the structure itself, but the two councils have to sweep the pavements and road. RBKC has confirmed it will do its side, which will include sprucing up Whistler Garden and, hopefully, the storeroom beneath the steps. This is a stinking hell hole of litter, which, unbelievably, is often a place to sleep for a homeless man. Hopefully, the council will find him somewhere safer to stay. Officers at RBKC plan to bring Wandsworth Council on board to do their side, too. If not - I will!

Battersea Bridge is hardly the most attractive bridge on the Thames, but my goodness it serves this part of London well. I have an unlikely affection for it and want to do what I can to keep it in decent cosmetic shape. Its current state is unnecessary and a disgrace. It is only a matter of time before the entire bridge needs more serious structural repairs, but at least until then it will look better. (RM/Bridge Man - 17/6/21).