In recent years we have seen the local economy surge, with rising employment and wages, new housing and an increased population.
Yet to keep pace with this economic growth, we need to make sure we are improving our community infrastructure, including good transport options and a safe environment. The junction at Tooting Broadway has long been crowded, unsafe and polluted, and I have joined with local residents in calling for improvements. Therefore I'm delighted by Transport for London's announcement a few days ago of a £2.5m investment in Tooting town centre to re-engineer this busy interchange and improve the experience for pedestrians, shoppers and road-users alike.
Tooting High Street is seeing lots of investment at present, with several new businesses having opened along it in recent months. A good example of this is the renaissance of the Trafalgar Arms pub, which we campaigned to save following its closure in the summer of 2013. After our success getting this historic pub listed as an Asset of Community Value, Young's purchased the site a few months ago and have since invested over £1m renovating it.
Last week I was invited in for a preview of the new business before it opens. It looks fantastic and the new pub and restaurant will employ 35 staff, bringing new jobs to Tooting, as well as adding valuable community space to our area in the form of two function rooms available to hire.
And while Tooting has been successful in securing these short-term investments, the long-term picture also offers hope with the potential arrival of Crossrail 2 at Tooting Broadway.
I very much hope you will join me in the autumn in actively engaging in the public consultations that will take place on both the Transport for London and Crossrail 2 projects. By making our voice heard we can shape our community and ensure Tooting remains a great place to live.