Mayor Boris Johnson has been accused of holding double standards and his appearance at this week's People's Question Time in Hammersmith's Town Hall labelled a "disgrace" by local residents campaigning against the proposed redevelopment of Shepherd's Bush Market.

The Mayor was heckled with cries of "Shame on you" by members of the audience after he appeared to dodge a string of questions on the proposed redevelopment of the market and the demolition of a row of shops at 30 - 52 Goldhawk Road.

Afterwards, members of the group Save 30 - 52 Goldhawk Road from Demolition expressed their disappointment with his lack of support on Facebook.

One member of the group, Jean Ainscough Ponder said: " What a two-timer is Boris and well versed in double standards He made it appear that he had an interest in London communities after the meeting was over, but did not have the guts to respond to the questions or give any constructive input. Lets hope we can prevail without his meagre help."

Audrey Boughton, who runs the threatened Cookes Pie and Mash Shop on Goldhawk Road, urged others to write to the Mayor's office, saying: " He has been fed the misinformation that a 'few' people are against the demolition of 30-52 Goldhawk Road."

The Mayor meanwhile was back in the borough on Thursday to launch the expansion of the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme to new docking stations around Westfield shopping centre. He admitted to the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle that there had been "a bit of argy bargy" at the meeting but added: "I will do whatever I can to protect the traders at Shepherd's Bush Market. I was delighted we were able to protect King Street because I thought the scheme was not appropriate." 

Though H&F Council granted outline planning permission to the scheme last month, the fight is far from over. Owners of the shops at 30-52 Goldhawk Road have been granted a Judicial Review of the plans to demolish the premises, on the grounds that the council did not follow the correct planning procedure. This will go to to the High Court on May 15 and 16.

March 9, 2012