This week has been an exciting and eventful one in Lewisham.

I and dozens of volunteers have been working hard to elect Skip Amrani to Lewisham Council in the Whitefoot by-election. Skip is the local candidate - the only candidate of the major parties to actually live in the ward - and his local knowledge would be a huge advantage in the Council chamber. If you live in Whitefoot, don't forget to vote for Skip Amrani on 13th September.

As part of Skip's campaign the Government Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Tony McNulty MP, came with with us to Whitefoot ward and spoke to local people about policing in the area and the success of the Safer Neighbourhood Police Team in tackling local problems caused by crime and anti-social behaviour (below)

We were also joined by Len Duvall AM, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority which meant that some of the country's most important people in crime prevention were all on Conisborough Crescent to talk to you (below).It was a hugely successful afternoon and the general feeling was that Skip was the change they are looking for - a serious man devoted to his area.

I have also been in touch with local senior police officers to make sure that the rumours about Whitefoot's Safer Neighbourhood Team are laid to rest. Three Whitefoot PCSOs have begun their training to become constables and their replacements will be joining shortly to bring the team back to full strength.In the meanwhile, the adjacent Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be able to help when operational needs require it.

• My hope is that local representatives will avoid scaremongering and remember that our commitment to the public must always come before short-term political gain.