With one week to go until polling day, Matthew returned to Burnt Oak today with London Mayor Boris Johnson. On a walkabout to visit traders and local residents, Matthew and Boris were enthusiastically welcomed everywhere.

Asked about the state of Watling Avenue the Mayor said that his 'Outer London Fund' would be the best way to regenerate the street. Pointing to the work undertaken in Station Road in Edgware and Brent Street in Hendon where trees and flower beds have been introduced to improve the streetscene and make it more attractive, the Mayor agreed to work with Matthew and Barnet Council to do the same in Burnt Oak.

Matthew said: “The Labour Party take the people of Burnt Oak for granted and have not taken any initiative for years to improve the shopping experience in and around Watling Avenue. There is a wealth and diversity of people that make the area a vibrant and interesting place but it is let down by rubbish, fly-tipping, temporary buildings unauthorised trading. 

"During my time in Parliament I have taken a hands-on approach and have accompanyied the Council's refuse service in cleaning up Burnt Oak. The commitment from the Mayor to look at using his 'Outer London Fund' will be a big boost to making additional improvements in the area. If re-elected as MP next week, this will be one of my first priorities.”