West Ham Ward Surgery then Door Knock

 

This morning I attended my Councillor surgery in the Vicarage Lane Community Centre (every Saturday apart from bank holiday weekends, one of us holds an advice surgery here 10-11am).

Afterwards, I met up with Councillor colleagues and local Labour activists to take part in a "Street Surgery" - knocking on doors in the ward asking residents if they have any concerns about local services and do they want to speak to their ward councillors about them. 

We had 2 teams out and the reception today was pretty good. I picked up case work around housing applications and complaints about ASB including neighbour nuisance. The majority of residents said they had no complaints about Council services (some people refuse to believe this but it is overwhelming true. It does not mean that we should be complacent in any way) and they are grateful that we have knocked on their doors to speak to them.  

One activist reported that he did get a ear bashing from a Reform supporter but it was cordial. 

I was also able to speak to supporters of the local Community group #LoveLondon15 who maintain mini community gardens on areas which had previously been fly tip hotspots and support the magnificent street art murals in the ward. 

Afterwards, most of us met up for coffee and delicious cakes in Sawmills café. I am still on Keto Low carb diet, so was sort of strong - and just enjoyed the coffee but the cinnamon buns there are simply  magnificent.