IT'S been almost a year and a half since Ken Livingstone took up his post as Mayor of London.

In his role as mayor, Red Ken is able to set policies for London for transport, buildings and land use, economic development and regeneration, culture and a range of environmental issues, in a bid to make London continue as "a world-class city in every sense of the word".

But whether Mr Livingstone believes in improving the whole of London, or just inner London, is currently a matter of intense debate.

In his election manifesto Mr Livingstone said he was standing as an independent candidate because he believed the job of the mayor "will be to stand up for London".

However, already, boroughs like Redbridge are questioning whether outer boroughs are included in this aim.

At a recent meeting of the Greater London Assembly's regeneration funding investigative committee, representatives of outer London boroughs accused Mr Livingstone and the London Development Agency (LDA) of ignoring them.

And they warned that suburbs were being put at risk of developing major problems in the future.

Among those who are concerned is Redbridge and Havering GLA member Roger Evans.

He said: "I am very concerned about it. One of the problems is that because the GLA is based in the centre of London, and many of its members come from inner London boroughs, it does tend to concentrate on inner city policies and ignore outer boroughs."

Mr Evans said there were many issues in Redbridge that needed to be addressed, including an increase in police numbers.

He said: "The formula that determines how many police officers are needed in the borough has been amended in a way which will help outer boroughs, so if recruitment is good Redbridge should see 40 more officers. But we can't be guaranteed that.

"Also, another problem is that there have been proposals to re-route Crossrail so it doesn't go through Ilford and Romford but goes through Tower Hamlets. It would be good for the area for it to cross locally."

He added: "Redbridge also has much less success with Lottery grants than other boroughs because it is not seen as fashionable enough or as deprived."

Claiming that local people are likely to feel "short-changed" by Mr Livingstone's policies so far, he urged the London Mayor to "get out a bit more and come and see what we're doing in Redbridge".

At last week's investigative committee meeting, representatives of the outer London boroughs said they were concerned that while there was a perception of the suburbs being "leafy" and comfortable places in which to live, a significant number of pockets within the boroughs did not fit this stereotype.

And they warned that these pockets were locked into the beginnings of inner city decline, with rising crime and unemployment levels, declining centres and housing pressures.

Transport problems were also highlighted. Some members were concerned that the LDA's economic development strategy and the mayor's transport and spatial development strategies placed too much focus on inner London.

Investigative committee chairman Eric Ollerenshaw said: "Outer boroughs provide homes for 56 per cent of Londoners, yet it is clear that they are being sidelined when it comes to funds for regeneration.

"There is a crisis developing in the suburbs and it is time the government, the mayor and the LDA paid some attention before it is too late."

But a spokeswoman for the Greater London Assembly said Mr Livingstone was committed to helping all boroughs in London.

She told the Guardian: "The mayor is committed to developing social inclusion across London, and far from ignoring outer London boroughs he makes, in his London Plan, specific commitment to these boroughs.

"All boroughs are also being consulted for the London Plan, not just through consultation documents but by holding workshops."

She said that while outer boroughs might not have a relatively high need for investment, there were certain "pockets of deprivation" within the boroughs that were in need.

"Mr Livingstone recognises that while there are low priority areas, there are pockets of deprivation that will be addressed.

"He is anxious for the funds given out to reflect need, wherever it is in London."

What do you think are Ken Livingstone's best achievements? Or have you been let down by Red Ken? Do you agree with the accusations that he ignores outer boroughs? Have your say by writing to Leigh Adams, Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, 480-500 Larkshall Road, Highams Park, London E4 9GD.

By.Leigh Adams