Cllr Nick Austin
Nick Austin lives on Putney High Street with Puddles his Border Terrier. A local businessman he has run RiverHomes on the Lower Richmond Road for over 6 years.
He moved to Putney 15 years ago. Living and running a business in and around the High Street it has become a passion project for him. Nick was a founding member of the Save Putney High Street Group.
Nick has 20 years’ experience of working in the planning and property sector. His day job sees him specialise in river fronted property throughout South West London. In keeping with Nick’s professional life, he is an active member of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. He helps the company promote the and preserve the river Thames for future generations and provide Alms-houses for rivermen who fall on hard times.
The son of two NHS doctors, Nick spends his spare time raising money for hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank through a long association with the Order of St John.
Melanie Hampton
Melanie Hampton set up and runs a home grown Wandsworth Insurance Broking Business. Actively involved in mentoring she has great concerns about youth unemployment.
She served as a local school governor in Wandsworth for twelve years and is proud to be a trustee for the London Construction Academy. This provides those not in employment education or training with practical training but also access to employers. Watching those with challenging lives thrive means a lot to her.
She has a wealth of local government experience and was a Wandsworth Borough Councillor for 8 years serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Cabinet member for adult care and health in the challenging Covid period.
Melanie is a local champion. Her main concerns are making sure that the modern facilities in Queen Mary’s hospital are not only protected but that the site is put to better use. As a woman she
remains concerned about safety in London and wants to be a voice to enhance our police
protection. As a successful entrepreneur she believes that Wandsworth residents should expect their hard earnt tax to be put to good use and to use her business skills to challenge waste and bring better outcomes from tax revenue.
Shakeel Ahmad
Shakeel Ahmad has lived on Ashburton Estate for 19 years with his wife, daughter and family cat, Manoo.
Originally qualified and practising law in Pakistan, Shakeel now works as a baker at ASDA just off the A3 in Putney Vale.
An active community volunteer, Shakeel offers regular support for the elderly in care homes and hospitals – providing gifts, food, and flowers.
Through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (AMA), he works with Royal British Legion - raising thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal. He also helped supply free food for homeless and needy people nationally and internationally. He also participates in tree planting campaigns nationwide and helped other environmental causes.
Shakeel plays an active community role in the area and helped to organise a Coronation Party in honour of King Charles III on Cortis Road in 2023 and holds regular blood donation drives and charity walks binding together the community together.
Local services are important to Shakeel and his daughter attends local girls school Burntwood Academy just off Garratt Lane.