Matthew was pleased bring the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to Burnt Oak to listen to residents' concerns about local crime.

Matthew showed the Secretary of State the alley between Watling Avenue and Silkstream Road which is a well-known hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour. Mrs May then went on to meet local residents who told her that there is a high burglary rate in the area as well as instances of drugs, drinking, vandalism and fly-tipping. 

Matthew said: "I was contacted by a number of residents on this Burnt Oak estate regarding their concerns about the high level of crime. Tackling crime is a top priority for me so I took the opportunity to invite the Home Secretary to the area so she could hear for herself the issues that people are facing. Residents want the alleyway closed off and I was very pleased that the Home Secretary responded by pledging her support for the campaign to close this footpath.

"I will be working with the Home Secretary's office, the Police and Barnet Council to close the footpath to try and cut crime in this area and improve the quality of life for those who live there."