Residents celebrated independent councillor's historic win

from left: Derek Tyler, James Bond, Neville Hughes

by Yixiang Zeng

Residents from North Harrow celebrated James Bond's local election win in May as an independent on Saturday night.

The event, held by the Headstone North Councillor at St Alban's Church Hall, Norwood Drive, was to thank voters' support and trust.

When talking with one of the guests at the party, Sheila Obrien, of Church Drive, said: “James is the man with people. Everybody around him says he is always with other people and the community.”

Deirdre Deely, of Suffolk Road, said: “He could represent us without any other party's influence.”

Two previous independent councillors Neville Hughes and Derek Tyler also showed their support to their successor.

Mr Hughes, former Roxeth councillor, said: “To some extent, independent is someone who challenges council's decision making, someone thinks about people in the Harrow, not the particular political party.”

Mr Bond said as the new councillor for Headstone North, he has already started holding residents' surgeries so that people can come and meet him at regular intervals.

He said: “These surgeries take place on Saturday mornings twice a month at two locations within the Headstone North ward.

“I shall serve the community by making myself available to all the residents who live here.”