David Cameron appealed for the people of Twickenham to focus on the economic benefits of the Rugby World Cup this autumn rather than any potential disruption.
Litter: But a different crowd could be at the Rugby World Cup
The Prime Minister visited Buttercups Day Nursery in High Street, Teddington, this morning to announce plans to double free childcare provision for three and four-year-olds.
He was joined by newly-elected Twickenham MP Tania Mathias at the nursery, where he helped children plant flowers and paint using carrots and potatoes.
Speaking to the Richmond and Twickenham Times, Mr Cameron said people in Twickenham “should make the most” of the Rugby World Cup.
He said: “It is a hugely exciting event for the host cities and it will be great for tourism, great for spending and great for investment so we should make the most of it.
“I know people in Twickenham are very understanding about the pressures of living around a great venue but I am sure the balance will be right.”
Concerns had been raised in light of the mess Twickenham streets were left in following the Marriott London Sevens tournament last month.
Twickenham MP Tania Mathias said she had since held a meeting with borough commander Colin Kennedy and will meet with RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie later this month.
She said: “Watch this space as far as the RFU is concerned.
“I will be talking to them about the sevens and I will be robustly discussing the problems which residents experienced.
“If the people walking from the station are rugby fans it is OK, but at the sevens it was a different type of crowd compared to who will be going to the World Cup.”
She took part in the activities alongside Mr Cameron and children from the nursery, as well as providing the flowers for the Prime Minister to plant.
Mr Cameron announced plans this morning to provide parents with 30 hours of free child care, double what is currently is, as early as September 2016.
He added: “I think people who criticise this are being very, very churlish and should see this as a great opportunity to expand child care and help give parents more choice and control over their lives.”
The Prime Minister also reiterated his pledge to help expand school provision for children in Richmond.
He said: “I know it is a big issue here and we have allotted an extra £14m in the period ahead to help expand school provision in this borough.
“There are also free schools opening which will provide extra places so we are confident the money is there, obviously it is challenging to find the right sites but we are working with Richmond Council, I am sure we can get that done.”
Buttercups Day Nursery owner Paul Whitehouse said having the Prime Minister visit was “very exciting”.
He said: “He spoke about his own daughter going to the Commons nursery and how it has no outdoor space, which we do have here.
“One reporter told me he looked very at home planting plants with the kids.”
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