Mr Johnson, 47, who will be fighting to keep his position at the London Mayoral elections on May 3, paid his fourth visit to the borough in as many months today (Friday), first stopping by at The Old Vinyl Factory (TOVF) - the former EMI factory site in Blyth Road, Hayes - before heading into Hayes town to shake hands with shopkeepers.

He was shown the early TOVF plans, for a vast 'mini-village' with homes, offices and leisure facilities, before being given an EMI seven-inch single of The Shangri-Las' hit 'Leader of the Pack' as a parting gift.

The Gatefold Building, the first phase of the TOVF masterplan for 132 flats which gained planning permission in February, has been shortlisted for a slice of a s108million pot as part of the Government's Get Britain Building programme, being led by the Greater London Authority, to kick-start the project.

He called the development 'visionary', and added: "This will bring many homes, many of them affordable, to a part of London that needs it.

"The cost of housing is very difficult for many people, so this will be something that will make a difference.

"I am also supportive of the plan to run apprenticeship schemes during its construction. We need to get young people working, and if I am voted in next term, I plan to introduce travel benefits for apprentices."

He then jumped on the 'Boris Bus' and pulled up in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, to meet business owners who are having their stores revamped thanks to shopfront improvement grants from the Mayor's Outer London Fund.

In a show of gratitude, 'Thank You Boris' posters were put up in shop windows. It was all smiles, with Mr Johnson being accosted from all angles by passers-by and traders, and stopping to pose for pictures.

The Jasiira Village Somali restaurant has renovated its frontage with the cash, and owner Mohamed Ismail said: "We are delighted that Boris Johnson has come here, and it is good that he has visited us in person to see where the money is going, and show support for local businesses."

Coach driver James Langdale, a customer at the Botwell Inn, said he voted for Boris at the last election, but only by default.

"I didn't like Ken and his congestion charge, which hasn't worked at all.

"The money Boris is pouring into this area is great, although he's no doubt trying to make it pretty for the Olympics.

"I like that he is trying to be green with the Boris bikes, but I had to have cycling proficiency tests when I was younger, and as a driver, you see too many people who don't know how to ride on the road."