Dear All

I am delighted to report that the new Green Man crossing lit up on Battersea Bridge this morning.

It has taken a big effort by many good people to make this happen, so I would like to say a few Thank Yous.

Above all - to you lot who signed the petition. The final tally, as of today, was 26,529. The weight of the petition, following on from early press reports about the campaign, helped bring Transport for London to the table quickly. People Power does indeed work. Look what can happen when people pull together. 

My thanks also to a regular flow of local residents who have been so consistently supportive, just in general conversations, here and there. Simple comments of enthusiasm and appreciation helped spur me on when I really should have been doing some work.

My best wishes and thoughts go to Jack Ryan's mum and dad and his sister, and to his girlfriend. They all quietly lent their support in the earliest days of the campaign, despite dealing with such a devastating tragedy. They have continued to stay up-to-date with progress. Nothing can ever possibly make up for their loss, but I have been told that some comfort has come from knowing that TFL were delivering this safe crossing point. 

A high-five must also go to Jack's close circle of friends, as well as his wider network of colleagues at Price Waterhouse Cooper. They all clearly thought the world of their mate and have been such positive cheerleaders for this campaign on social media, to me by email, and beyond. 

My thanks also to a few journalists who helped spread word of the campaign in their reports and follow-up stories. Journalism - particularly local journalism - matters, not least with something as important as a campaign. 

A few key people stepped to the plate when it was required and deserve a name-check... 

At Transport for London: Commissioner Andy Byford (RM Gold Medal). Without his quick and decisive engagement, nothing would have happened; Penny Rees (Silver Gilt); Iain Killingbeck; Rob Edwards; Andrew Hatch. At RBKC: Councillor Johnny Thalassites (Silver Gilt with Laurels); Chief Transport Officer Mark Chetwynd; Ian Davies. In politics:  Greg Hands MP, (for letters, tweets, and excellent newsletter up-dates); Tony Devenish at the GLA; RAs: Col. David Waddell and members of the Cheyne Walk Trust; Chris Lenon and members of the Chelsea Society. Plus: Giso van Loon (petition QR code wizard); Katrina McGibbon (Chief Poster Maker); Steve Doherty (Kall Kwik, Chelsea, who refused payment for lamination of posters).

Although the central ambition of the campaign - to have a crossing on the southern arm of the Cheyne Walk crossroads - has been achieved, I will keep this petition page open as a way to keep everyone informed of progress on making the other arms safe. This is going to be a complex process that will require close attention from all concerned. I am also putting pressure on TFL to install a zebra crossing at the southern entrance to the bridge. I am also holding out - in vain! - for either one of the local councils, or even TFL, to drag a broom and a graffiti jet wash, over the bridge. It is a deplorable mess. So, for that reason alone, the campaign continues.

Always remember: Don’t walk on by!

Best Wishes and Thank You

Rob McGibbon 

15/11/21