Latest ‘Ask the Mayor’ event at Isle of Dogs drew lively debate

Last night, Tower Hamlets Mayor, John Biggs, attended St Luke’s Primary School on the Isle of Dogs to answer questions and hear concerns from residents as part of his regular ‘Ask the Mayor’ events.

The session was chaired by Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, who welcomed attendees before Mayor John Biggs set the scene about the borough, the local area and the changes it had seen over recent years.

Local Police Sergeant Luke May from Tower Hamlets Police also joined the panel to shed light on local prevention and enforcement efforts on issues such as nitrous oxide and anti-social behaviour. Positive discussion took place around the partnership campaign, No Laughing Matter. This tackles littering, anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving associated with nitrous oxide or ‘Laughing Gas’, and has seen more than a million canisters removed from Tower Hamlets streets.

Mayor John Biggs said: “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to speak to residents about the issues that matter to them. Whether it’s a specific localised issue, or a bigger picture discussion on the environment, I welcome all questions and views from our residents.

“Air quality is was a key issue raised by residents. Through our Breathe Clean campaign, we are working to tackle air pollution across the borough and raise awareness about what we can do locally to improve. Recently, we introduced new penalties for drivers who leave their engine running when they are parked – and we’re particularly focused on roads near schools.

“It was also great to talk through car parking, scale of developments, housing affordability and more. Through these sessions, we have the opportunity to address local issues that can make a big, practical difference to residents.

“I would like to thank those who came along. I’m always happy to share in such great community spirit across our borough, in this case in the Isle of Dogs. Together, we can help make Tower Hamlets an even better place.”