Petitions

Seema Malhotra Excerpts

Wednesday 29th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op)]

I rise on behalf of residents of Heston to present this petition calling for urgent safety improvements to the Great West Road-Jersey Road junction following the tragic death of 84-year-old Heston resident Terence Gillard. Terence Gillard was a much-loved husband and father. He was also a much-loved pillar of the community and a generous man who supported everyone around him. He was hit by a car while crossing the A4 junction after posting a birthday card, and suffered serious injuries. He passed away seven days later. The petition, set up by his wife Chotti and son Arjun, to whom I pay tribute, calls for more safety measures for pedestrians and has been signed by 141 residents, while 734 people have supported a similar online petition. I am grateful to the my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Ruth Cadbury) for her support.

The petition states:

“The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge Transport for London and Hounslow Council to review the safety of crossing at this junction to avoid further loss of life.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of Heston,

Declares that, following a tragic accident in which a Hounslow father, Terence Gillard, lost his life, the safety of the junction at the intersection of Jersey and Great West Road must be improved, notes that this junction is unsafe for pedestrians and more safety measures must be introduced as soon as possible.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge Transport for London and Hounslow Council to review the safety of crossing at this junction to avoid further loss of life.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002819]

[Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

I rise to present a petition submitted by my constituents in Deal and Walmer, who are concerned by the potential closure of children’s services at Blossom Children’s Centre in Walmer by Kent County Council. The petition, led by Heidi Taylor and Michaela Barnes, has attracted around 1,000 signatures.

Children’s services and family hubs have a vital role in our community. Kent County Council has received extra funding from the Government for family hubs. Families have greatly benefited from Blossom, including post-natal and breastfeeding support, as well as its popular sensory room. The petition states:

“The petitioners therefore urge the Government to encourage Kent County Council to ensure the vital importance of Blossom Children Centre is recognised and the provision of Children’s services in Deal and Walmer continues to be fully supported.

And the petitioners remain, etc.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of the residents of the constituency of Dover and Deal,

Declares that children's centres have a vital role in the community and that the provision of children and family hub services should continue to be provided in Deal and Walmer and further that Blossom Children’s Centre should be retained in recognition of its post-natal and breastfeeding support as well as its sensory room.

The petitioners therefore urge the Government to encourage Kent County Council to ensure the vital importance of Blossom Children’s Centre is recognised and the provision of Children’s services in Deal and Walmer continues to be fully supported.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002820]