Matthew believes the introduction of “Boris Bikes” has been very successful, with many people in the City using them to get around quickly.

Perhaps, however, they have been a little bit too successful with hire stations often completely empty of bikes.

• Do you think the number of bikes is sufficient?
• Would you like to see more?
• Or maybe even less?

Let Matthew know by dropping him an email at: matthew@matthewrichardson.com

Transport for London are currently consulting on whether or not to significantly upgrade Bank Station. This is sorely needed as the station is barely fit for purpose given the amount of people who use it. These could see:

• A new southbound Northern line running tunnel that will create extra space to reduce crowding on the platforms.
• A new Northern line concourse with additional interchange passageways and escalators to the DLR and Central line.
• Lifts to a new ticket hall in King William Street to provide stepfree access between street level, the Northern line and DLR.

Matthew has already met with Transport for London advisers on this scheme and impressed on them has important this investment is for workers and residents.

To take part in Transport for London’s consultation on these proposals please visit their website which can be found at: consultations.tfl.gov.uk/tube/bank

or email:
bankscu@tfl.gov.uk

or write to:
Freepost Bank Capacity Upgrade

Why not also let Matthew Richardson know your thoughts at matthew@matthewrichardson.com.

Too often inconsiderate roadworks blight the streets and pavements of out city.
We need to keep our infrastructure up to the  mark, but all too often utility companies adopt a dig and leave policy.  It is especially important around 20 Fenchurch Street where it is possible that roadworks may make disruption cause by buildings works worse.  Working regularly in the ward Matthew has taken the opportunity to complain when appropriate to companies about neglected roadworks. But if you see a problem or even hazardous roadwork then please email Matthew so he can take action on your behalf – matthew@matthewrichardson.com.

Having our own City of London police force is vital to ensure strong local policing and create a nationwide centre of excellence for financial crime.

However, increasingly the Metropolitan Police are winning the battle to centralize local police units into their own umbrella.  They have already taken over many local parks police in London who were responsible for the green spaces in the boroughs.  This has upset many local residents who see that their green spaces are less well policed. It is vital that we don’t allow this power grab to extend to the City of London.

The growth of Canary Wharf as an alternative financial sector can also be used by some as an argument that we are no longer such a special case.

Finally, the fact that uniquely in Britain we will not have an elected police commissioner may mean that we may not have the political leadership that is needed to tell the Met to keep their hands off the City of London police.

Matthew wants to provide that leadership for our area and ensure that the Metropolitan Police know how valued the City of London police are by local residents because they are responsive, based locally and answerable to us.

Matthew Richardson was at the forefront of campaigns to free up the City of London from the unsightly protestors.

The City of London authorities were slow to respond to the issue and only dealt with it when the chorus of complaints from local businesses, workers and residents became too strong to ignore.

Matthew worked with other Common Councilman to help co-ordinate much of the  pressure on the authorities over the matter and when action came it was well co-ordinated and executed by the Police, Church and Corporation.

But in future we must act quicker and more decisively so that selfish outsiders cannot deprive us of our open spaces and our great Cathedral.