25 April 2024
Freya Summersgill, a local resident and activist, is standing for the Green Party in the local by-election in Brentford West on Thursday 2 May 2024. Freya has been talking to voters on the doorstop and at street stalls and shares her ideas on her priorities when elected, which have been shaped by this community engagement.
Our 2024 local manifesto can be found here.
Freya says “There is real anger in the local community about the sudden closure of Watermans Arts Centre before the replacement is even under construction. One of my top priorities is to find a way to save Watermans so Brentford residents continue to have local access to the arts and to this community building. There is disappointment in the Labour response, that the community led protest against the closure is a “waste of time”, that Labour councillors and MPs did not attend a public meeting organised by the community to discuss the closure on Saturday 6 April and the continued secrecy around ongoing ‘meanwhile use’ discussions.”
“People have told me that they are proud of where they live, and they want Brentford to become cleaner and tidier. People want litter picked up and want to see ample local shops and local amenities on their doorstep. There is concern that some local businesses in Albany Parade will not be able to afford the high rents in the new buildings and will simply disappear when demolition begins this autumn. Continuity of shops and services like doctors and dentists is key for Brentford residents during the continuing developments. As Green councillor, I will ask probing questions about these developments.”
“Of course, as a Green, nature and the environment are very important to me. I will fight to improve the air and water quality in Brentford. I will continue to lobby Thames Water on water quality in the River Brent and Thames, and question why Brentford is not a focus area for air quality action, to improve our health and make it more appealing to walk and cycle.”
“The climate emergency is why I got into politics. I want to see the people of Brentford and Hounslow empowered to adapt to and reduce the effects of climate change, including home insulation and active travel. More importantly, I will fight to ensure Hounslow Council feels the urgency to enact systemic changes and provides the leadership necessary to help everyone fight for a better and liveable world now and for our children.”
“The Green Party is the party of social and environmental justice and the hundreds of Green Party councillors across London and the UK have shown what a difference their commitment and enthusiasm can make. Vote for change and hope – vote Green.”
“As a Brentford resident with a young family I want to continue to build a stronger community where children thrive, and that people are proud to live in. A vote for me is a vote for action in Brentford. I can’t wait to get started!”
