Few could disagree that public transport has improved immeasurably under Labour. Now, alongside the Freedom Pass, Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced that under-11s will be able to travel free all day, every day on the tube and DLR when accompanied by an adult.

It’s great news for all families, especially those on lower incomes, and it opens up possibilities to explore the amazing educational, cultural and sporting facilities on offer in our city. 

Here in Lewisham, I gratefully received the news that published crime figures show a significant reduction in crime in Lewisham over the last year. Congratulations must go to the whole community for playing their part, but special thanks must go to the police. Lewisham’s borough community safety unit was the top performing unit in the whole Metropolitan area, which really is something in which to take pride. 

Sadly, crime still blights lives and damages the shared values and shared space that makes a community work well. One of my top priorities is, and will remain, finding ways to reduce violent crime on our streets and turning youngsters away from going down the wrong path.

As part of that commitment I attended an anti-violence march from Catford to Ladywell Fields. Over 200 people chose to attend and show their solidarity with the peaceful and law-abiding. If you were one of those who joined us – thanks for coming! 

• On a separate constituency matter, I’m delighted to say that my advice surgeries are being freshened up to make them even more accessible. I’m moving two of my surgeries from Leybridge Court Portacabin and Goldsmith’s Community Centre to the Town Hall and the new Downham Health & Leisure Centre. I’m also introducing an appointment system to make sure I can see more people at a time that better suits you.
• All these changes take place in June and don’t affect my May surgeries. This is the first example of how your input to my website can change the way I do things for the better. It was your votes on the surgery poll that were instrumental in bringing about this new system. Thanks to all who took part!