GEMMA TOWNSEND– Let’s Change Deptford together
Name: Gemma Townsend
Where do you live: Crofton Park, Lewisham
What’s your day job: Policy Assistant to the Deputy Mayor for Policing, in Mayor’s Office at the Greater London Authority
Describe yourself in 3 words: sociable, compassionate, focused
What do you love most about living in Lewisham? All the green space and trees, I love riding my bike and running in the local parks, the best for running near me is Ladywell Fields (not too hilly like some!)
What would you most like to see changed? Firstly, I think the north part of the borough, like Evelyn and Deptford could benefit from more regeneration as it has the potential to be as nice as parts like Brockley and Honor Oak Park. Secondly, Lewisham town centre needs some real work on it to bring in the bigger shops and the independent ones run by local business people, so that shoppers choose Lewisham over Bromley or Croydon.
Sadly reducing crime has to be a priority. I’m often worried about getting burgled or my car being damaged (which it has been) or getting mugged on the walk home (which I was when I lived in Deptford). Since Boris was elected in May 2008 and took over the Metropolitan Police Authority, crime has consistently fallen across London. But Lewisham Council needs to work harder to target problems that aren’t the job of the police, particularly some estates where residents tell me they have problems with anti-social behaviour from other residents.
Why do you think you would make a good MP for somewhere like Lewisham Deptford? I’ve lived in London my whole life, so I know what really matters to locals. But also, I’ve always worked in government delivering policies that really matter to Londoners, so I understand the complexity of the issues and the way to deliver real change in government.
I currently work for the Mayor of London, managing policies to reduce crime and make London safer. But, I’ve also worked for Southwark Council and Ofsted developing policies to improve the lives of children and their families. I love meeting new people and helping out where I can, that’s why I’ve done lots of volunteering with children, teenagers and young offenders, which is always fun, but challenging! I’m on the management board of a Lewisham school that focuses on getting wayward teenagers back on track, which is hugely rewarding.
I love living in Lewisham, the parks are lovely, the people are friendly and it’s so convenient for central London. The people of Lewisham deserve an MP they can trust to work hard and make sure the borough reaches its full potential. Having worked with social workers, health visitors, housing officers, police officers and real Londoners means I’m really focused on what is needed (and what isn’t), but I also have the experience and the influence to deliver real change.
