Mayor 'broke election pledge' to fight new Tesco and high-rise flats

Residents in east London today claimed they had been betrayed by the new Mayor of Tower Hamlets over a development in Bow.

Locals allege that Lutfur Rahman promised them during his election campaign that he would "initiate an investigation" and fight the council's decision to build flats and a supermarket in the area.

But the residents claim that after he was elected Mr Rahman failed to oppose the scheme around Roman Road and it is now going ahead. He won power with more than half of the vote in the East End borough in October.

His victory came after Labour sacked him as its candidate over his alleged links with the Islamic Forum of Europe and concern at alleged vote-rigging.

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone was criticised after he campaigned alongside the independent candidate. The proposed development, on a site that used to be occupied by a supermarket and car park, includes three large tower blocks and a Tesco Metro. Opponents claim that the development will cram hundreds of new residents into an area without enough amenities to support them.

Locals are also concerned that the supermarket, which will be allowed to trade from 8am to 11pm seven days a week, will put neighbouring shops out of business.

Resident Kate Gould said: "Before the election Lutfur was happy to tell me that he was brought up in our area, and that he fought the council's decision to allow a developer to build private flats all over the district car park.

"In an email to me on 7 October he said: 'I do personally agree that the number of flats on the site is too high and I can well understand your continuing opposition. If I am elected as Mayor, I would certainly be happy to initiate an investigation into this situation. But perhaps more importantly, I would tell the developer to withdraw their latest planning application and compromise with local residents."

She added: "However, since his election, all our approaches have gone unanswered and he has also refused to meet us to discuss the issues." Following an approach by the Standard, Mr Rahman's office said: "The Mayor will do his best to address her concerns." Campaign group Bow Safeway Site Action Group said in an open letter to residents: "We support regeneration of the area but this development proposal is not right for this site."

"Lower-density residential housing is more appropriate."