LONDON mayor Boris Johnson visited Walthamstow High Street yesterday (Thursday, August 25) to meet police and traders following this month's riots.

The visit also formed part of a publicity push to encourage businesses affected by the disorder to apply for repairs grants from his £3 million London-wide High Street Fund.

Waltham Forest police's borough commander Steve Wisbey said: "I am pleased to see the Mayor in Waltham Forest.

"We have received a lot of support from residents and shopkeepers but our community needs to know that we are here to protect them and to help them get back to normality."

Mr Johnson said he was pleased to meet traders and also praised the efforts of the borough's police.

He said: “I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support for the police and the terrific job you are all doing. I know how much the public appreciate all you have done and continue to do.

"Keep up the good work".

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