But last week, during the Alton Renewal meeting, I did.
Let me explain why.
Roehampton is a vibrant community that’s been overlooked for too long.
That’s changing.
The Alton Estate, one of Europe’s largest housing estates, sits beside Richmond Park.
Designed in the 1960s by an award-winning architect, it has green spaces, shops, and community hubs.
Now, it’s about to undergo a major renewal—and residents will have their say in September.
For years, the Conservative council ignored the growing needs of Alton.
Overcrowding worsened.
Community centres were neglected or shut down.
The health gap between Alton residents and those in nearby Putney grew wider.
Before I became an MP, I ran a community centre.
I helped secure funding for a community worker for Roehampton who brought people together during COVID.
That support sparked new energy and coordination, with groups like the Youth Base, Community Box Shop, Health Champions, Estate Art, Chantelle’s Kitchen, Alton Activity Centre, Men’s Shed and the Over 50s Lunch Club all linked up to support the community.
From this came Our Roehampton—a flourishing organisation that now runs the newsletter, Summer Community Weeks and year-round activities and support.
Back in 2010, after the riots, the previous council finally acknowledged the urgent need for change.
But their plans focused heavily on private housing, without community backing.
They refused to hold a resident ballot, missing out on vital funding from the Mayor of London.
Alongside Labour councillors and local residents, I pushed for a better plan—one shaped by the people who live here.
I kept asking for dedicated youth spaces, more council homes, family housing, and affordable fresh food shops.
It felt like a stuck record.
Change is now underway.
Under Labour-led Wandsworth council, a new resident-led plan is taking shape—and Jo, our brilliant council community worker, is already making a difference.
The new Alton Renewal plans were co-designed with residents.
They’ve been shared widely and received warmly.
New playgrounds are coming to Downshire Fields and the Alton Activity Centre.
Work starts on the new playgrounds in September.
The Focus Hall and Activity Centre are being renovated.
One of the first new buildings will be a community centre—with a library, flexible spaces, and yes, dedicated youth space.
That’s why I cried.
After years of campaigning, I finally saw real hope.
Real change.
Real investment in the people of Alton.
In September, Alton Estate residents will vote in the renewal ballot.
I hope everyone will take this chance to shape the future of their community.
