Winter Campaigning

We were out this morning, leafletting and meeting residents around Airfield Way in Hornchurch. Despite the unseasonal weather, we covered a lot of ground and got a generally positive response from people who want to see Boris win.

In this picture, I'm accompanied by James Brokenshire, the local MP, as we wait to cross the road. There has been a lot of new development on the east side of Airfield Way and the pedestrian crossings are no longer conveniently located for the people who have moved in. That is why I'm asking Havering Council to consider installing a new crossing in a better location.

Post Office Protest

Yesterday morning I spent several hours protesting outside post office in Woodford Avenue with local councillors. Feelings are strong and only one person refused to sign our petition, which Ilford North MP Lee Scott, intends to present to the government.

Many of the customers were older people who were worried about the extra distance the closure would force them to travel. I also spoke to a local businessman who was concerned about the security of the alternative post offices, and to a Labour supporter who was happy to sign our petition because he agreed with the cause.

Five post offices are slated for closure in Redbridge and there is widespread anger and concern. I worked for the Post Office for ten years back in the eighties when there was often talk of privatisation, but never of implementing cuts as deep as this. I can't understand their psychology, but one of their representatives is coming to see me on Monday, so perhaps they will explain.

And our London 'watchdog', Postwatch has been pretty toothless about this as well. Some of their comments show a resignation to the cuts, rather than a desire to fight for the customers.