Hawthorn Road Street Party was wonderfully organised and a real get together for neighbours who don’t always know each other. Did you know that the crime rate falls directly in correlation to how many people know each other within a fifteen minute walk to their house? The better the sense of community in an area – the better people behave and the safer it is. That’s why I am recommending in my chapter in the new book on Social Liberalism – Reinventing the State that more is done to encourage the spread of more streets parties around the country. They are a great way of people starting to know each other in an area – something that is often so difficult for people to do – even if they are willing – and especially if they don’t have kids.

I met the guy who was the manager of the Waterstone’s that closed in Wood Green Shame that the Waterstone’s managers who made the decision never seem to have come to the store or asked the manager about his ideas on how to make it more profitable – because talking to him yesterday – he had lots. Anyway – he is now going on to try and get funding to set up his own bookshop. Wood Green needs a good bookshop more than another clothes store. So – as he put it – if you have got £100,000 you want to invest – get in touch!

I am pictured with a brave firefighter and fire engine – a must have at all street parties for the kids who absolutely love hooting and honking (very loudly)!