Time to Be Realistic on the Future of Hammersmith Bridge
Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter at an event in Parliament campaigning for a ban on trophy hunting
July 4, 2026
Hammersmith and Fulham Council have published its way forward on Hammersmith Bridge this week. The cost of a full restoration, which I have supported, has risen to £300 million on top of over £50m spent so far by LBHF on stabilisation. Given the new pot of money for bridge repairs for the whole country is only £1 billion, there is no prospect of reopening to cars and buses in the foreseeable future.
LBHF have made an ambitious bid for over £100 million to complete works and improve the existing structure so the future life of the bridge for walking cycling and river traffic is assured. Realistically, this is the best option available, though I would like to see some method of crossing from central Hammersmith to Barnes for those with reduce mobility. Next weekend I am visiting the driverless pods being advocated for this purpose.
Concerns have been raised about the future of outdoor seating at The City Barge and The Bell & Crown along the riverside at Strand on the Green after licensing officers asked them to be removed. I am very grateful to Cllr Amy Croft for stepping in and sorting this out. Amy’s quick response to this matter shows how councillors who are engaged with their communities and apply common sense can make a difference.
This week I attended an event in Parliament to support the ban on trophy hunting, I spoke in the debate on air pollution on behalf of a family whose son died with pollution as a suspected cause, and took part in a debate on Palestine asking why the UK is not joining other countries in banning illegal settlement goods.
I wrote to Thames Water after reports of further sewage spills into the river near Fulham Reach last week. I am very concerned that this is still happening even after the Tideway sewer is now fully operational. Thames Water need to provide a full explanation as to why this keeps happening.
In justice news, the Justice Committee, as part of our youth justice inquiry, went on a trip to Nottingham Magistrate’s Court on Monday. We then had our regular evidence session on Tuesday afternoon about the work of the Crown Prosecution Service, joined by Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions. I made a speech at the estimates’ day debates on Home Office and Ministry of Justice affairs and asked the Lord Chancellor about Magistrates’ numbers at Justice Questions.
To end the week, I visited the opening of Pure Gym in Chiswick Park and then onto Hammersmith Station to meet with TfL to ask about delays on the District Line and the need for a timetabled service to Olympia.
Andy Slaughter with Pure Gym staff
Best wishes,
Andy
andy@andyslaughter.com
P.S. I send a regular email newsletter to residents about local and national issues. If you would like to receive it then please email me at andy@andyslaughter.com, click this link.
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