I would like to thank the many people who contributed to our success in stopping the closure of 40 Tube station ticket offices.
Firstly, the passengers who use North Harrow station, not just signing the petition, but also for writing letters of protest to the Mayor of London, and others.
Our campaign has always been non-party political and I acknowledge support from many local councillors. In particular, I want to pay tribute to Bill Stephenson, Sasi Suresh, Asad Omar, Anjana Patel and Lurline Champagnie. Also, Bob Blackman, the former London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow, who presented the first petition to the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.
Navin Shah, the recently-elected member for Brent and Harrow and the new Mayor of London, Boris Johnson are men of integrity, and they did exactly 'as it says on the tin'; they kept their promises and delivered on their commitment to the people who elected them.
Praise also to Richard Williams, chairman of Headstone Residents' Association and Charlie Harris, responsible for our campaign web-site, 3449sayno.com. Also, a petition containing 4,125 names would not have been achieved without help from North Harrow passengers, Lesley Ralphs and Harihar Patel. Imust also acknowledge the backing of my union, The Transport and Salaried Staff Association (TSSA,) which organised the London-wide campaign against ticket office closures. If there is anyone who contributed to our campaign that I have omitted, I apologise unreservedly.
Perhaps though, the one person who made this all possible by giving me the passion and determination to succeed was my late father, also called James, who was the Independent councillor for Pinner during the 1980s. He taught me all I know about campaigning for the community and political lobbying, and he gave me the secrets of how sometimes a 'David can slay a Goliath'. It is therefore to my father that I dedicate this stunning victory for democracy and people power.
JAMES BOND
North Harrow station via email
