Lambeth Conservatives are calling for tough action to curb the growing menace from dangerous dogs

Lambeth Conservatives are calling on the Council to take tough action to curb the growing menace from dangerous dogs in parks and on some housing estates in the borough.

Councillor Clare Whelan, Environment Spokeswoman for the Conservative Group, says: “Some dog owners appear not to be able to control their dogs and a minority just don’t want to.

The police know it is an issue and it is their responsibility to enforce the Dangerous Dogs Act, but the Council can also do more.” The Conservatives are demanding immediate measures:

• Instead of cutting the number of Park Rangers they should be increased.
• Irresponsible dog owners should be fined and banned from keeping pets.
• Lambeth Living and other social housing providers could insist on micro-chipping as a condition of residents on their estates getting permission to keep a dog.
• The Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit must come down hard on irresponsible dog owners.

Councillor Whelan says: “We cannot have people being intimidated in this way. This isn’t ‘anti-dog’ and I am an animal lover myself. Most dog owners keep their dogs under control at all times and clean up after them. In fact it is often responsible dog owners who are making the complaints because they fear for their own pet’s safety.”

Clare Whelan with Conservative Party Leader David Cameron — committed to diversity

Lambeth Conservatives are looking for community-minded people to come forward and offer themselves for consideration as potential prospective council candidates.

Recently more than 30 people attended an opening evening at the Town Hall to hear about the work of a councillor and how we campaigning on behalf of local people and the community as a whole.

Cllr Clare Whelan says: “Lambeth Conservatives are interested in bringing in new blood to support our existing team and to extend the Conservative platform in local government to other parts of the borough.

“We are strong supporters of David Cameron’s drive to make the party more representative of our diverse community.”

The video below shows Caroline Spelman, the Conservative Shadow Local Government Secretary, explaining how becoming a Councillor will give you direct involvement in improving your local area.

For more details about becoming a council candidate, contact Clare on clare@clarewhelan.org.uk.

Artists impression of existing plans for Herne Hill junction

Local residents and the Friends of Brockwell Park are promoting a “green alternative” to Labour’s plans to build a motorway-style slip road across part of the much loved park at Herne Hill Junction.

Lambeth transport officials have already been briefed on the alternative which would result in only half the amount of green space disappearing so as to improve traffic flow at Herne Hill. The next step is for the campaigners and local people to seek planning permission.

Mayor Boris has authorised spending on a feasibility study for the Council’s traffic scheme, but the commitment so far only goes as far as that, according to a letter from Boris to local Conservative councillors.

Clare says: “The green alternative plan deserves a hearing especially as Labour makes it clear that they cannot provide a similar amount of green space elsewhere to make up for the land taken from the Park. However, we support urgent improvements to make the junction safer. If there are going to be any further delays, interim measures must be considered.”