Fleur Anderson MP Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton & Southfields
The news that the Boat Race won’t be in Putney next year is very disappointing. It’s another sign that life won’t be back to normal for many more months, and a huge blow for local businesses.
It is important to stay COVID safe, but the main problem is that boats can’t go safely under Hammersmith Bridge.
All year I’ve been joining local councils and MPs and asking Transport Minister Grant Shapps to fund the bridge restoration and he has refused to. I hope that the Boat Race news will be the wake up call he needs to show how important it is to get a temporary crossing and fix the bridge.
The closure of Hammersmith Bridge is causing daily misery for thousands and the government must at last step up and fund it so we can welcome the Boat Race back in 2022.