Interview with Christopher Wellbelove

How long have you lived in Lambeth and what is your background?
I was born and brought up in London and have lived in Lambeth since 1997, living in Brixton prior to moving to Clapham in May 2003. I have worked for BT since 1996. I joined the company working in a call centre and have progressed to my current role as a marketing manager in their Global Services division.

What was your first involvement in politics?
Whilst I have always been interested in politics my first involvement was when I joined a march against racism which I came upon whilst travelling around London for the day. There were two people on the bus who were complaining about the colour of the participants of the March and that they were 'taking over'. Being quite outspoken I gave them a piece of my mind and went to join the March - I must have been about 12 or 13.

As I grew up under a Tory government which caused record levels of unemployment , closed schools, youth clubs, hospital wards and introduced the Poll Tax, I was regularly marching through the streets of London and campaigning locally.

Why did you want to become a councillor?
Since moving to Clapham I became increasingly involved locally including being an active member of my Tenant' s and Resident's Association, attending Area Forums and community safety meetings. Increasingly I was struck by how sick local people are of broken promises, lost paperwork and a general disorganisation that comes from a weak council. I am proud to be part of a team that is working to turn this around and I believe that Lambeth Labour Group, will be able to achieve this.

What issues do you think are most important to residents in your area?
Wherever you live, crime, and the fear of crime has got to be one of the most important issues.
Parking is a major problem in Lambeth. The previous Lib Dem / Tory administration were like Jekyll and Hyde - in public supporting those who are victims of over-zealous ticketing whilst in the council voting for the inclusion of targets which resulted in a 71% jump in appeals against tickets. Labour has removed these targets and seen a massive decrease in appeals

Those living on estates in Lambeth saw a major drop in living standards since the introduction of housing reframing. Local relationships were destroyed and as you got to know your new housing officer they move. Services to tenants and leaseholders deteriorated badly.

Have you ever been a victim of crime?
I was burgled several years ago. The local area where I live was being terrorised by two family's and following the burglary they took to breaking my windows and generally made everyone on the street's life hell. Eventually they were evicted, though I feel sorry for the next set of neighbours who would have to put up with them.