Pushing for Answers on Chiswick Station Footbridge Closure

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP

September 19, 2025

Last Sunday I was delighted to attend Tidefest, and although the weather was far from ideal, the event was still a great success. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the river and what it has to offer. There has been a huge effort in recent years to clean up the river and the shore, keeping it free from pollution, meaning events like these can go ahead for all to enjoy.

In Parliamentary news, the last day before Conference recess was the second reading of the government’s new Sentencing Bill. As Chair of the Justice Committee, my speech welcomed the reforms in the Bill needed to curb reoffending and deal with the prison population crisis. The legislation will be the biggest shake up in punishment and rehabilitation of offenders for 30 years. However, I would have liked to see some provision for IPP prisoners in the Bill and I hope that as it progresses through the House, there will be an opportunity to do this through amendments.

This week we received news from Network Rail that there are to be significant delays to the refurbishment works to Chiswick Station footbridge. The initial 6-week closure for repairs was due to run from August until mid-September but has now been extended until February 2026. Network Rail explain that this is due to disrepair being worse than anticipated and additional steel repair works are needed, but to extend a 6-week project by a further 5 months is outrageous. My office is making enquiries with Network Rail about the timeframe, why the additional works were not identified sooner and pushing for works to be expedited.

On Thursday evening I attended the 70th anniversary of the William Morris Society exhibition in Hammersmith. I was honoured to give some opening remarks before the main speeches got underway. A fantastic event and a wonderful exhibition focussing on local history.

This weekend was another busy one in the constituency. On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Great River Race street party. There were brilliant stalls with food and drink along with activities for all the community to get involved with. I also attended the Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate centenary celebrating the founding of the estate.

On Sunday I am honoured to have been asked for the second year in a row to join a panel for the Chiswick Dog Show. Last year was great fun and all the dogs were incredibly well trained and so I am looking forward to another great event meeting lots of lovely dogs.

At a previous Chiswick Dog Show

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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