Motorists Panic Buying Petrol at Blackbird Hill

Motorists panic buying at Blackbird Hill petrol station on 29 March 2012.

Official statement of persons nominated for Brent and Harrow GLA constituency election

Official statement of persons nominated for Brent and Harrow GLA constituency election here.

I note, with surprise, that neither the Conservatives nor LibDems have fielded candidates who live in the election constituency. The full list of candidates, with their locality in square brackets is:

Shahrar Ali, Green Party [Brent]
Charlotte Henry, Lib Dems [London Borough of Barnet]
Michael McGough, Fresh Choice for London [Epping Forest District]
Sachin Rajput, Conservatives [London Borough of Barnet]
Navin Shah, Labour [Harrow]

For my part, I don't doubt that living in the constituency and having actively campaigned in Brent for over ten years will help me to serve the good people of this constituency, if elected to City Hall as their London Assembly member. I hope to make this case over the days and weeks ahead both here and elsewhere. I look forward to electors giving me the opportunity to face them alongside the other candidates in public meetings.

Launch of New Windows, Willesden: in pictures

On 29 March, I attended the launch of New Windows of Queens Parade, Willesden Lane. In the words of the invitation, "This is part of the Mayor’s Outer London Fund which aims to reanimate local high streets and their environs. Queens Parade is a former textiles unit which has been brought back to life by New Windows on Willesden Green. We have given 13 start-up businesses and projects a chance to take residence in this great high street location."
People mingling on the pavement between shop frontages.

Window with explanation about the project.

Manager, Zahira of the Jardin Eden store with her son, Jad, who successfully sold me a bar of hand-made, locally made soap infused with geranium.

The scene from across the street, a place which I last visited during the Willesden Green Wassail. It seems that the blessing of the local community may have helped to bear fruit.

Shahrar Ali on why Greens support the local business economy

Narrow Lib Dem win in Dollis Hill

Alison Hopkins, the Liberal Democrat candidate, beat Parvez Ahmed (Labour) by only 37 votes in the Dollis Hill by-election.

RESULT
Alison Hopkins (Lib Dem) 1205  46.49%
Ahmed Parvez (Labour)     1168 45.06%
Samer Ahmedali (Conservative) 140 5.40%
Pete Murry (Green) 79 3.05%

Rejected papers: 21

Turnout: 29.8%