It was with great shock and sadness that we learnt over the weekend of the death of Cllr Ruth Ling, one of Tulse Hill ward’s councillors and, before that a councillor in Clapham Common ward since 1994.

I first got to know Ruth when I lived in Clapham Common a decade ago.  She knew the ward backwards, was utterly dedicated in service to the people, taking calls and dealing with case work frequently until the early hours. Having lived in the ward since the 1960s and served it for well over a decade, many residents knew where she lived and would often stop by for help – and help and assistance was what they always received.  She was equally assiduous in service of the people of Tulse Hill.  She was a huge asset to Streatham Constituency Labour Party and, most importantly, to the community.

As a friend and colleague, I will miss Ruth, her comradeship and her unique take on life.  Her death is a huge loss for Lambeth but her memory and the example she set will live on.

This is Chuka’s mid-term report to constituents, giving a short overview of his some of his work since his election in 2010 as the MP for the Streatham Parliamentary constituency, which includes Streatham and parts of Balham, Clapham, Brixton and Tulse Hill.

You can view the full report by clicking on the image above or by clicking on this link.

You can have your say on plans to close Clapham Fire Station at a public meeting in the Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill on Thursday 16 May at 7pm.

Clapham Fire Station faces closure due to Government cuts to the funding available to London Fire Brigade. Chuka has written to the Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis, and Boris Johnson, opposing the closure because it would put public safety at risk.

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) is currently consulting on the Draft Fifth London Safety Plan. The consultation closes on June 17 and Chuka is campaigning to get as many people as possible to reply to the consultation to say that they want Clapham Fire Station to stay open.

Click here for more information on the consultation or click here to have your say.

Click here to read more details on Lambeth Council’s website.