Lisa Freedman runs a schools advice service to help youngsters get into their first choice secondary school. She is also a contributing editor to The Good Schools Guide and regularly writes about education for the Financial Times. She lives in Highgate.

Lisa Freedman runs a schools advice service to help youngsters get into their first choice secondary school. She is also a contributing editor to The Good Schools Guide and regularly writes about education for the Financial Times. She lives in Highgate.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN HIGHGATE?

I'm actually Canadian, but from the age of 12 I've lived in North London. I grew up in Camden and have lived in Highgate for the past 15 years.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT THE AREA?

The Heath, as I'm a big swimmer. Both the ponds are lovely but especially the women's pond. It's so rural and wild, I love it. But Highgate has everything.

WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT THE AREA?

The noise of the building works is constant. I feel most violently about the destruction around the Heath.

WHICH LOCAL SHOPS ARE YOUR FAVOURITES?

I loved the Post Office in Highgate, which is now no longer. It's an atrocity on the part of the government. Removing it has taken the heart out of the area.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUILDING?

Definitely the High Point. It's a Grade I-listed 1930s building, a stunning, interesting, distinguished piece of architecture which moulds classic and contemporary styles. It's one of the strengths of Highgate.

WHAT IS HIGHGATE'S worst EYESORE?

The electronic pylon which they built on top of Highgate Hill. It ruins Bisham Gardens. I don't quite know what it's there for.

WHO WAS THE LAST CELEBRITY YOU SAW in the area?

George Michael in a restaurant discussing his car crash. But I didn't see him on the Heath recently with the whole drugs business.

IF YOU WERE MAYOR FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Something along Ken Livingstone lines - I'd introduce a tram up to Highgate Village. My husband cycles it and I've no idea how he does it!

IF YOU HAD TO TWIN HIGHGATE WITH ANY OTHER PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?

Aix-en-Provence. They're similar village-like areas which manage to be part of the modern world while retaining the best of the past. I lived there for a year.

IF YOU HAD A MILLION POUNDS TO SPEND IN A DAY WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Invest it in the local primary schools to reduce class sizes. There are some excellent ones here, but all inner city schools have 30 kids. We have some of the biggest classes in Europe.