HARD TALK: Face to face with Mayor John Biggs

by | Jul 8, 2018 | Blog: All Things Mile End, All Things Tower Hamlets, Community, Crime and Anti Social Behavior (ASB), Democracy, Housing

On the stage with Mayor John Biggs at the St. Pauls Way Clean Air Day Festival

On Saturday the 23rd of June, I met up with Mayor John Biggs at the St. Paul’s Way, clean air day event. We both spoke to the attendees at the event, then we proceeded to walk to the town hall together to attend another meeting.

I used the opportunity to discuss issues that residents of Mile End have raised with me during and after the election campaign:

Eric, Treby and Bede Estate:

I spoke to the Mayor about the recent stabbings on the Eric Estate, we discussed my meeting with East End Homes, as well as one ideas that came from residents, those ideas include:

  • A summit of stakeholders with regards to tackling gang violence and ASB.
  • The idea of a temporary dispersal zone.
  • Have an active policy of tackling youth unemployment in the area, through a more targeted and focused approach.

Leopold Estate:

I reminded the Mayor of his commitment to Leopold Community Cultural Association (LCCA), in helping them gain a permanent space.

Burdett Estate:

We discussed about a survey carried out on the Burdett Estate, where out of nearly 400 properties, with 200 responses, over 100 respondents stated that they were suffering from poor housing conditions. We both agreed to discuss further, how we can work in partnership with the landlord, Poplar HARCA to improve things for residents.

Turners Road:

We discussed about the financial difficulties the Locksley and Turners Road Residents Association. We agreed in principle a way forward, where a business plan is produced by the the LTRA, demonstrating a more sustainable financial plan with a new level of rent.

Locksley Estate:

We discussed about the expansions plan at Locksley Estate Cultural Association, Mayor said he needed more details.

West Lansbury Estate:

We discussed about the upcoming investment and improvement in Bartlett Park. We discussed about extending the improvement and investment to the surrounding roads, such as Stainsby Road. I mentioned to the Mayor, an upcoming community event on the 21st of July, at the Poplar Union. I suggested a break out session at the event, so we can ascertain the views of residents. He seemed quite positive of the suggestion.

Smiles all around: Mayor John Biggs and I on our walk and talk. #MileEndSmilesBetter