I started my day by meeting Murtala Zibo, the Chairman of the Zimuntah Association.  He told me of the work that the Association is carrying out in Newham.  After this I met several shop owners on Romford Road, Manor Park who have had problems following a new zeal in enforcing parking regulations outside their shops – in some cases making it impossible for supplies to get to the shops.  Many have been using their forecourt for deliveries for years and in some cases the Council had provided drop kerbs for the purpose.   I am taking the matter up with the Council.

I then went to meet several residents on Friars Road who have been having a problem with anti-social behaviour.  We were joined by the local housing officer, and by PC Ian Walker from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team.  We discussed several ideas for a solution to this disturbance.  

After that I had a coffee with a young student who has been supporting campaigns for impoverished asylum seekers.  

After this meeting I then drove to Kennard Road, North Woolwich, to see the disruption from the construction works for Crossrail, after receiving a complaint from a constituent about the noise.  I then dropped by RQ Metro, a new shop at the Royal Quays development in Basin Approach, to meet the proprietor.  He queried the Council’s concern that the building’s soundproofing was potentially not appropriate for the purpose he intended.  I will be looking into this matter further.

I then proceeded to my regular advice surgery at the Beckton Globe and later visited the Pride of Asia opening in Green Street.  This is a successful wedding organising business from Tower Hamlets which is expanding into Newham.