VIRENDRA Sharma, Labour MP for Southall, has met Hanwell traders but from experience he has demonstrated little interest in helping local traders.

Small businesses are entitled to a rebate on their business rates. But they have to apply for it. This just means more red tape for already hard-pressed local businesses.

This rebate should be automatic. Ealing Council recently voted that we ask our three MPs to follow this up with the Government.

As Ealing Council's cabinet member for regeneration, I wrote to our MPs asking them to take this matter up with the government and Mr Sharma has done nothing. Despite me writing to him twice, he has still to respond. Let's challenge Mr Sharma to actually do something and take it up with the Government. His discredited Government.

COUNCILLOR DAVID MILLICAN Regeneration and Transport

Members Room Ealing Town Hall