West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 7 August 2009
Ian, a true West End champion
• READING of Councillor Ian Wilder’s death brought back many memories to me, especially of the Leicester Square Association (Tributes to brave Ian, July 31).
A big man in every way, Ian had the temerity to ask a council officer how much had been spent on consultations for the redevelopment.
The officer said: “That is commercially confidential.”
He turned around, happened to catch my eye, and gave me a big smile.
When I asked him afterwards why, he said, “Now you know what you’re up against, Gary. Are you still going to keep pushing? Well?”
Well, Ian, I am still here but our beloved West End is not.
Still promises have not been kept.
Where will we find another colourful, passionate, character to take your place with the passion and courage to push it as far as possible, knowing full well you will get a telling off at the end?
Ian also initiated the black and small businesses group and got the first funding for it, even going against the party line for principles.
A true West End extra. Gary Saxton W2
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