Who Are Your Local Councillors?

Most of us have no idea who our local Councillors are, but we ought to. Why? Because Councillors are the link between the voters and the Council - it's the way in which local government is held to account by the electorate.

If you've got a problem in your local neighbourhood, the chances are your local MP won't be able to help much, because local issues are mostly decided at a local level.

But your local Councillors should know where the levers of power are located  - and also how to press them.  So, in Shepherd's Bush, who are our local councillors, and how can you reach them?

The Councillors for Shepherd's Bush Green Ward (marked 3 on the official map to the right) are all members of the ruling Labour majority.

That means that, in theory at least, they should be able to get things done down at Hammersmith Town Hall.

There are three ways to contact them: email, telephone, and through their weekly "surgeries", which are mostly held at the new Shepherd's Bush Library next to Westfield.

Mercy Umeh 
Mercy Umeh has been a Councillor for the Shepherd's Bush Green Ward since 2002.

She is also the Mayor of our local Borough, which means you will often see her around and about at local events.

Mercy and her family have lived in Shepherd's Bush for 32 years. For 13 years, she ran a cafe in Shepherd's Bush Market. Today Mercy works in Adult Social Care as a Mental Health Manager.

Surgery times (call 020 8753 2018 to book an appointment)
First and third Saturday of every month (except August) 11.00 am to 12 noon at Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF. Also First Thursday of every month (except August) 7pm to 8pm, Edward Woods Community Centre, 60-70 Norland Road, W11 4TX

Councillor Natalia Perez
As well as being a councillor for Shepherd's Bush green Ward, Natalia is also chair of the Licensing Committee - an important post which has a good deal of say over whether or not pubs and bars can stay open late. Sounds like a small thing? Not if you live next door to a nightclub.

Contact: Natalia.Perez@lbhf.gov.uk or on 020 8753 2018.

Surgery times
First and third Saturday of every month (except August), 11.00 am to 12 noon, Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF. Also firstThursday of every month (except August), 7-8pm Edward Woods Community Centre, 60-70 Norland Road, W11 4TX.

Andrew Jones (Labour)
Andrew Jones has lived in the borough for many years. He is the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration. Contact: business. phone: 020 8753 2022. Email: andrew.jones@lbhf.gov.uk

Surgery Times:
First and third Saturday of every month (except August), 11.00 am to 12 noon, Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF. Also the First Thursday of every month (except August),  7pm to 8pm, Edward Woods Community Centre, 60-70 Norland Road, W11 4TX

Mailing address:
Hammersmith Town Hall
King Street
London
W6 9JU

To see a complete list of LBHF councillors, follow this link.

The Bush Telegraph offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.