Tower Hamlets Mayor faces public on issues from yobs to the new Whitechapel

The new mayor of one of London’s toughest areas is putting himself in the hot seat to face the public. Tower Hamlets mayor John Biggs is inviting East Enders to meet him at Whitechapel’s Idea Store public library centre.

The “people’s forum” on January 21 is to highlight controversial issues including street yobs and bad housing, as well as the future of the new Whitechapel town centre now on the drawing board.

“I promised I would be accountable to the people of the East End when I was elected,” he said.

“So now I would urge people to meet me at these events so that we can work together to make Tower Hamlets the best it can be.”

It is the first in a series of Mayoral People’s Assemblies he plans which aims to give him and his senior Town Hall officers the task of meeting the public face-to-face on community issues and to “resolve them where possible”.

Issues at the first assembly include Whitechapel’s Masterplan and investment in the area, tackling anti-social behaviour, housing and employment, business and the local economy.

Anyone who can’t get to the Assembly on January 21 who wants to raise questions or concerns with the mayor can call 020-7364 4985, or drop him an email at consultation@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

The assembly runs 7.30 to 9pm at the Whitechapel Ideas Store in Whitechapel Road.