News, Campaigns and Information

Latest News​

NEW: ADKC Annual General Meeting (AGM). Tuesday 3rd December 2024 from 4-6pm

The Chair and Executive Committee of Action Disability Kensington & Chelsea, request the pleasure of your company at their Annual General Meeting. 

Presentations from ADKC members on our groups and services

On Tuesday 3rd December 2024 4.00pm – 6.00pm

At:

• Maxilla Social Club, 2A Maxilla Way, London. W10 6SW (Bottom of Kingsdown Close) Tel: 020 8969 2308

• And via Zoom.

To confirm your attendance or receive a Zoom invite link please contact Beverley Powell on any of the following, Email: admin@adkc.org.uk Phone: 020 8960 8888

Click here to download a copy of the invitation with the same information [Word]

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NEW: Police Drop-in at ADKC in 2025. 1PM - 3PM

Are you worried about crime?

 

Have you been affected by hate crime?

 

Would you like to talk to a police Officer in confidence?

 

Starting next year, a local officer from the Metropolitan Police will be available to talk to you at our centre.

 

Drop-ins will take place from 1 – 3pm on the following dates:

• Monday January 6th 2025

• Monday February 3rd 2025

• Monday March 10th 2025

• Monday April 7th 2025

• Monday May 19th 2025

No appointment necessary

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Click here to download the Police Drop-in Flyer with the same information [Word]

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NEW: Survey about dockless e-bikes in Kensington and Chelsea

Shared by members of the ADKC Access Group:

Here is a survey, launched by our new local MP Joe Powell, regarding the really significant issues with dockless e-bikes in our community.

If you are interested in this, please fill out this recent dockless e-bikes survey to let Joe Powell know your views on this very important problem.

Below is the link to this:

Listening to Kensington & Bayswater - [Cloned #2062] - Joe Powell - MP For Kensington & Bayswater

Also, please help to spread the information about this survey and please shared with your contacts/network. Thanks!

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United Response Disability Hate Crime Survey

An online survey to gather disabled people's lived experiences of hate crime on public transport across England. Click here for link to the survey: Disability Hate Crime on Public Transport Survey (typeform.com)

 

​​​​Black History Month- A walking tour of North Kensington W10. 18th October. 11am.

From our friends at Volunteer Centre K&C:

Join Us for a Journey Through Black History Month: A Walking Tour of North Kensington W10!

Step into history with us this Black History Month as we unveil North Kensington's

Afrakan [African Caribbean & Caribbean] Heritage. We will embark on a captivating

2-hour walking tour through our vibrant streets, including Ladbroke Grove, Portobello

Road, Golborne Road and Powis Square. Discover the rich heritage and contributions

of the Afrakan people who have shaped the area into what it is today!

We will stop at several significant plaques installed by the Nubian Jak Community

Trust, in collaboration with local residents and community organisations. Each plaque

serves as a tribute to the remarkable individuals - both past and present - who have

made an impact on our community and beyond.

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When: Friday 18 October 2024

Time: 11am - 1pm

Meeting Point: Ladbroke Grove Tube Station [at the front, by the bike racks]

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So join local historian Isis, bring your friends n family and lets honour and celebrate

the vibrant history of the Afrakan community in North Kensington. Together, we’ll

walk, learn, and appreciate the significant contributions of these history-makers,

creating a memorable experience that uplifts our community and fosters unity!

*Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. We can’t wait to see you there!*

To find out more, contact Ewa, on 079612322431

Click here for the Black History Month Walking tour flyer with the same information

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ADKC's Open Day - 24th October 2024 - Hold the date!

Following on from our very well attended event last year, ADKC will hold another Open Day:

Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea Open Day Autumn 2024
Come to our centre and find out all the latest on the services and support we offer disabled adults (with physical, sensory or invisible impairments) who live or work in Kensington and Chelsea. Meet ADKC staff, volunteers and members

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Date:Thursday 24th October 2 – 4.30 PM
Venues: At The ADKC Centre, Whitstable House, Silchester Road, W10 6SB
And online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87955472992?pwd=3GPyn8bakQvCtDZASUn3U3cBzZsA4L.1

 

Light refreshments provided.

Please RSVP to Beverley: 020 8960 8888 / admin@adkc.org.uk

 Click here for the flyer with the same information.

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Newsflash - new edition

Our September Newsflash is now available: click here to download Newsflash September 2024[pdf].

 

Subscribe to ADKC's Groups and Events 2024 calendar. 

If you would like to know when ADKC's Groups and Events are happening, you can now subscribe to our Groups and Events Calendar. This will show all upcoming ADKC groups, and special events for the rest of 2024, with live updates. 

 

Either click here: ADKC Groups and Events 2024 or copy / paste the following link: 

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/755ffc8f757b427eb804c2a042a8040d@adkc.org.uk/4dd6b54d2b404b629fbf9b778bc4bd4711751599578569707818/calendar.ics 

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ADKC's new Youth Peer Support Project.

We at ADKC have a new project - the Youth Peer Support Project! It’s all about supporting young people living with disability and chronic illness (including long term health conditions) who live, work, volunteer or study in Kensington and Chelsea to support and empower each other. We want to co-produce this project with young people so they get a chance to shape the direction of the group. We hope to grow a strong peer support group and support those interested to engage in campaigning efforts and to champion the rights of young disabled people in RBKC. 

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​UPDATE: ADKC's Happy Group for Board / Card games and Drama workshop - 2nd September. 

On Monday, 2nd September, the Happy Group held a board games session and welcomed Outside Edge to run a free drama workshop.​

 

One of the attendees, Jean Davis, wrote a lovely summary:

Title: Building Bonds Through Play: Card Games and Dominoes at the ADKC Happy Group
In the vibrant community of the Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea (ADKC) happy group, members come together to enjoy the simple pleasures of card games and dominoes. These beloved pastimes not only provide entertainment and friendly competition but also serve as a powerful vehicle for building connections, fostering camaraderie, and promoting inclusivity within the group.

The act of playing card games and dominoes at ADKC transcends mere recreation; it is a powerful tool for social interaction and engagement. As individuals gather around tables, shuffling decks of cards or lining up domino tiles, they engage in friendly banter, laughter, and strategic thinking. These games create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where members can let loose, unwind, and bond over shared experiences.

The inclusivity of card games and dominoes is particularly noteworthy within the ADKC happy group. Regardless of individual abilities or backgrounds, everyone can participate and contribute to the games, fostering a sense of equality and mutual respect. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to join in, learn from each other, and celebrate each other's successes, creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Card games and dominoes also serve as a platform for building relationships and deepening connections within the group. Through the playful competition and cooperative spirit that characterize these games, members can forge lasting friendships, share stories, and create memories together. The shared experience of play helps break down barriers, strengthen bonds, and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond the game table.

Moreover, the strategic thinking and decision-making skills required in card games and dominoes can have a positive impact on cognitive abilities and mental acuity. By engaging in these games regularly, members of the ADKC happy group can challenge their minds, improve focus and concentration, and enhance problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.

In conclusion, the tradition of playing card games and dominoes at the ADKC happy group is more than just a recreational activity—it is a symbol of unity, connection, and joy. Through these games, members of the group come together to relax, have fun, and strengthen their bonds of friendship. The inclusive and welcoming nature of card games and dominoes not only brings people together but also highlights the power of play in promoting social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and overall well-being within the community.

As the cards are shuffled and the domino tiles are placed on the table, the ADKC happy group continues to create moments of joy, laughter, and shared experiences that enrich the lives of its members and exemplify the spirit of community and togetherness.​​

 

ALLFIE's Manifesto

Our friends and colleagues at ALLFIE - the Alliance for Inclusive Education - have published their Manifesto. For more information, visit ALLFIE's webpage at: https://www.allfie.org.uk/inclusion-resources/manifesto-2024-inclusive-education-for-all/#Our_Demands_%E2%80%93_Justice_In_Action [external website]

 

To sign up to show your support, please click the following link https://www.allfie.org.uk/support-us/sign-allfie-manifesto/ [external website]

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Disabled People's Question Time - Community Safety -18th July 2024, 3-5pm

Action Disability Kensington & Chelsea and The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea invited local disabled people to The Disabled People’s Question Time – Community Safety Special.

The event was introduced by Cllr Sara Addenbrooke – RBKC Lead Member for Community Safety

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The panel included:

Superintendent Owen Renowden  - Metropolitan Police

Stuart Priestley – Chief Community Safety Officer

Leanne Maher – Community Safety Manager – ASB / Hate Crime

Lorna Platt – Community Safety Manager

Chukwunweike Etuka  - Victim Support Hub Manager

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Topics included:

- Noise nuisance,

- Hate crime against disabled people,

- Potential vulnerability to crime when taking cash out

- Issues with public transport​​

 

Free creative writing workshops online.

From our friends and colleagues: WeStart, at the Playground Theatre is offering a new service.

Two fantastic professional writers, Talitha Wing and Valerie Isaiah Sadoh, host a weekly online session, free of charge, for anyone who wants to write, in any form, whatever your experience. Whether you need to throw around ideas, participate in writing exercises, or meet fellow writers and receive expert advice this session could be for you. The atmosphere is very friendly and community orientated.
All on zoom. Every Tuesday. 7:30pm.

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For more information, click here to download the Creative Writing workshop flyer [pdf image] or

click here for the Text Only Creative Writing workshop flyer [word] .

 

Direct Payments Video Workshop 2pm, 7th May.

ADKC’s Independent Lives Project and the Bi-Borough Direct Payment Team held a productive workshop to discuss ideas for videos to promote Direct Payments for care and support.

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Attendees suggested that videos should include:

- What is a Direct Payment

- How to use a Direct Payment

- Peoples experiences, and peer support options

- Essential tips for new Direct Payment recipients

- The legal responsibilities and who you can get support from.

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The Direct Payment team manager was grateful to hear members ideas, so this was the first of a few meetings. If you would like to be part of the project group, even joining in the background, please contact Jenny Hurst, Independent Living Coordinator: IndependentLiving@adkc.org.uk

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Medical records for research - your choice

Medical research companies will soon be able to use people's confidential medical information for research and planning reasons. You have some choice of whether you want your information to be shared. Click the following to find out more: Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning – Overview - NHS (www.nhs.uk)​

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Adult Social Care - You said, We did response to the PB User Group.

Following a meeting with the Council's Direct Payment Team last year, the Council have kindly responded to concerns raised by members of the Independent Living Project and Personal Budget User's peer support group.

Key Points - the social services Direct Payment team:

- would like to explore how we can work together to make information and communications better,

- are asking other Councils how much they give people to pay for their care and support,

- are considering other options for people who are struggling to employ Personal Assistants,

- are working in a more personalised way, so support suits the person,

- are happy to come to the Personal Budget Users Peer Support Group from time to time.

Click here for the "You Said, We Did" [Original Powerpoint slide] or Click here to see "You Said, We Did [PDF version of the slide] 

If you would like to know more about Independent Living and the peer support group, contact Jenny at ADKC. Click here for our Projects and Services page.​​

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"Stay with Us" RBKC Suicide Prevention Campaign

RBKC has launched a new suicide prevention campaign with resources, a toolkit and training.

The eight priority areas of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan include:

• making our community safer by raising awareness of suicide

• reducing suicide in key high-risk groups

• reducing the risk of self-harm

• supporting good mental health and wellbeing

• improving access to services

• services for those bereaved or affected by suicide

• addressing stigma and promoting sensitive approaches to suicide

• collecting data to improve key services

Click here for more Suicide prevention resources | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea [rbkc.gov.uk].

Click here to download the Stay With Us Toolkit [pdf]

If you are struggling with Mental Health and need urgent support call 999 or go to A&E. 

Samaritans also offer 24-hour support by phone (116 123) or email.

You can text SHOUT to 85258 or visit the SHOUT website for confidential, anonymous 24-hour support.

 

Petition against DWP proposals to scrutinise claimant's bank accounts.

Thanks to an Access Group member for sharing this. If you would like to sign a petition to ask the government to reverse proposals about scrutinising benefit claimants bank accounts you can click here to view at and complete the template letter on The Organise Network.

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We're open!

The ADKC Centre is open again - Monday to Friday,  9.30-5pm. 

 

Hybrid meetings

ADKC has new technology which means that we can run hybrid meetings now. This means that members can either come along to the centre for the meeting or join in from wherever they are using Zoom. 

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All of our meetings will by hybrid, giving you a choice of how to join in!

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ADKC's Access Group Objects to Rail Ticket Office Closures

The Access Group has submitted a letter of objection to the planned ticket office closures and the negative impact that this will have for disabled people. Click here for a PDF copy of the letter. Click here for a Word copy of the letter.

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ADKC Access Group - another successful campaign!

On Wednesday 19th July, ADKC Access Group members and staff attended the opening of a new Changing Places facility in Holland Park. Changing Places toilets have a hoist, room for 2 support workers and a height adjustable changing bench, breaking down the barriers of inaccessible toilet facilities for disabled people with high support needs. 

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Click here to see our full news article, with photos, videos and a link to the My London news story.

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Access Group meetings take place on alternate Thursday afternoons - click here to visit our Events page. For more information about the group, email Maryia at access@adkc.org.uk​

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Free Cost of Living Crisis Clinic in the North of the Borough

For those living in North Kensington, A free service helping our community to make successful applications for: Welfare Benefits Social Housing Lower Thames Water and Broadband tariffs Crisis Grants and general grants for you or your Family, (which do not need to be repaid) For an appointment to see an adviser, please: Call 0300 102 8475, or Visit 1 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL, or Register online at westway.org/cost-of-living

Click here for the PDF Flyer with the same information and details of their Free benefits appeals service

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ULEZ Exemption expanded for many older and disabled people.

Campaigner and ADKC member Kush Kanodia reports back about the ULEZ campaign:

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We have expanded the exemption criteria to include Standard PIP and Blue Badges with Attendance Allowance for Disabled People over state pension age. We are now working to exempt all Blue Badge holder in London from ULEZ.

 

We do have some success now on our ULEZ campaign:

 

ULEZ to be expanded London-wide, Sadiq Khan announces - BBC News

Ulez to cover whole of London in 2023, with hundreds of thousands of drivers facing £12.50-a-day fee | ITV News London

Huge ULEZ expansion confirmed as Sadiq Khan says all of these areas of London will get £12.50 daily charge - MyLondon

 

"Disabled people over state pension age whose vehicle does not have 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class can apply directly to us for the grace period if they:
 

• Are in receipt of Attendance Allowance AND

• Hold a Blue Badge

From 25 October 2027 you will need to pay the daily ULEZ charge for your 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class vehicle if it does not meet the ULEZ emission standards.

 

To apply, the vehicle needs to be registered to the benefit holder (or their nominated driver). Applicants will need to receive one of the following benefits - Standard or enhanced mobility rate of PIP."

 

Discounts and exemptions - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

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Say NO to Austerity.

From our colleagues at Inclusion London: The cost of living and energy crisis is having a devastating impact on Disabled people. Many Disabled people are already forced into making impossible choices between heating and eating. Therefore we need the government to act now.

Please write to your MP to ask them to prevent further cuts to our services and benefits. Austerity and cuts are not the answer. We urgently need the government to put support in place to enable Disabled people to survive the winter.

Take action, click on the link and write to your MP today https://actionnetwork.org/letters/financial-statement-protect-disabled-peoples-rights-and-lives?source=direct_link&

If you are on social media you can comment

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InclusionLondon
on Twitter: https://twitter.com/InclusionLondon

Use the hashtag #AusterityKills

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UPDATE: "The Forgotten Workforce" report now published.

Members of ADKC's Personal Budget Peer Support Group were amongst the nearly 1000 Personal Assistant employers from across the country responded to the survey from the Local Government Association and Think Local Act Personal about people's experiences of recruiting and retaining Personal Assistants (privately employed or self-employed Care Workers). The report, a summary of the report and a video is now available by clicking this link to the Think Local Act Personal webpage. 

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Remembering the Grenfell Fire - statement by Jamie Renton.

Every year on the 14th June the local community marks the anniversary of the Grenfell Fire in June 2017. ADKC’s offices are just opposite the Grenfell site and many of our members are residents of the immediate area and were directly affected by the tragic events of 14th June 2017.

 

I will never forget arriving at our office on the days following the fire. The sight of the still smouldering building. The thick acrid smell of smoke in the air. And the horrifying, heart-breaking testimonies of our members who had witnessed the tragic events. As one of our members told me “I don’t know what was worse, when I could hear screaming … or when the screaming stopped.” In response to the expressed needs of local disabled people affected by the fire, we established a Trauma Support Group, who continue to meet to this day. You can see a short video about the group here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4nC1wKbmMI&t=62s 

 

Sadly, not everyone responded positively and learnt from what happened that night. The Government recently rejected the recommendation made by the public inquiry into Grenfell for every disabled person living in high rise blocks to be issued with a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). In spite of the Government’s previous assurance that they would adopt all of the inquiry’s recommendations None of the disabled people who died in the Grenfell fire had been issued with PEEPs and we believe that, had they been issued with them, their deaths may have been prevented.

 

We also believe that adopting this recommendation could save the lives of disabled people in the future. It is important that we remember those tragic events of five years ago. But remembrance alone is not enough. Our society and those who govern us need to learn from what happened and put in place everything possible to make sure that it can never happen again.

 

Jamie Renton CEO Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea

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REMINDER: Free help and advice with energy bills / changing suppliers .

Green Doctors are offering phone consultations to help you save money and stay out of debt. This consultation is provided by a registered charity for anyone on a low income or over 65 or with a long term health condition or disability. Your Green Doctor will help you • Save money on your energy bills • Switch energy providers to save you money • Access the Warm Homes Discounts • Apply for grants for energy or water debt • Get additional support. You can book a phone appointment by calling (for free) 0300 365 5003 or visiting the website (external link) greendoctors-london.org

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REMINDER: Help disabled people survive the cost of living crisis.

Our friends at Inclusion London and the Disability Poverty Campaign Group have created a cost of living campaign.

It is easy to send a letter to your MP asking for action using their template letter. It is important to share your own story also - just sending the template is not enough. To send a letter, with your own story, click here or type the information into your browser https://actionnetwork.org/letters/help-disabled-people-survive-the-cost-of-living-crisis/. 

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The amazing WelcoMe app by Neatebox

This is a pan-disability tool that allows disabled people to access venues in an easy and personalised way by presenting a person’s needs to a venue before arrival while educating customer service staff at the same time. This app’s significant ability is extremely impressive to support variety of disabled people’s desires and its effectiveness in breaking down various barriers too.  The WelcoMe website is: https://www.neatebox.com/welcome    

 

More detailed information about the WelcoMe app, provided by Gavin Neate, founder of Neatebox: 

‘’The disabled person downloads the WelcoMe app and fills in a profile.  They look at the participating venues and indicates that they would like to visit.  This triggers training in the venue and informs staff that they will be visiting.  On arrival at the venue the visitor can trigger an “arrival” and this prompts the venue to meet and greet them using all of the “top tips” they have been provided with.  Within 24 hours of the visit, they are asked to provide feedback for the staff to let them know how they did.  

  

The purpose of the service is to improve the ability of the staff member to provide good customer service to all disabled visitors, to improve confidence in the disabled person that they will receive good customer service (even in places they have never been before), and to improve the commercial success of the business whilst at the same time empowering the disabled person to be in charge of their commercial interactions.’’

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ULEZ campaign gets more publicity. 

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Disability News Service - the specialist services that reports on issues impacting on disabled people - is helping to spread awareness about the campaign about the negative effects of the new Ultra Low Emission Zone for Disabled People..

 

If you would like to read the article, click here for Expansion of air pollution scheme ‘could have drastic impact on disabled people’

 

Please note - the article mentions a crowd funding campaign but there are ways that you can show your support without spending money - for example by writing to your MP, using social media to raise concerns and signing petitions.

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You can also get involved with the ADKC Access Group, which campaigns for better access in Kensington and Chelsea and further afield. If you would like to know more about the group: contact Mariya at access@adkc.org.uk​​​

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ULEZ campaign update

ADKC's campaign against the harmful effects of the Ultra Low Emission Zone was mentioned in the Evening Standard recently: 

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"Mr Khan was asked whether he would adopt a proposal from Action Disability Kensington & Chelsea to allow disabled people with a Blue Badge the same exemptions for the Ulez as for the C-charge." 

 

And here is the link to the article: 

Ulez: Cost of expanding zone could cost £130m, Sadiq Khan confirms | Evening Standard 

Click here to scroll down to read ADKC's open letter to mayoral candidates earlier in the year​