WHO'S WHO: Louise Jacobs of the London Jewish Cultural Centre

Louise Jacobs is Deputy Chief Executive of the London Jewish Cultural Centre in North End Road, Golders Green. A mother-of-three, she lives just around the corner from the centre HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE AREA? All my life, apart from a brief spe

Louise Jacobs is Deputy Chief Executive of the London Jewish Cultural Centre in North End Road, Golders Green. A mother-of-three, she lives just around the corner from the centre

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE AREA?

All my life, apart from a brief spell abroad.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT it?

Non-Londoners believe we live in one great big urban sprawl - the reality is that we can take advantage of so much wonderful open space like Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Heath and Kenwood. Currently my daughter loves having the X Factor contestants house across the road - making her the most popular girl in her class!

WHAT IS THE WORST THING?

The roadworks and the school run traffic are the worst things and also the deterioration of Golders Green High Street.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUILDING?

Ivy House, the home of the London Jewish Cultural Centre is the former home of the prima ballerina Anna Pavlova. Working here has made me realise just how lucky we are to have Ivy House as well as so many other wonderful buildings on our doorstep.

WHICH LOCAL SHOPS ARE YOU FAVOURITES?

It depends which member of my family I am buying for, but rarely do I have to leave the area to find what I need. Between Hampstead High Street and Highgate Village I can find virtually everything. I love the coffee shops in and around Hampstead to meet friends and on the rare occasion when I have time to sit and read my book.

and YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?

We love to eat at Sollys and for take away, Kaifeng suits us all.

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

Get rid of all the speed bumps, complete all roadworks overnight and make the cost of parking cheaper to support local traders.

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

Split the proceeds and share it out among the local charities in the area; with a little left over I would close the roads and throw a party for the whole area, with the finalists from the X Factor singing.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE MOVING TO THE AREA?

Walk as much as possible or live near to a tube station - driving is impossible. Support local traders - there is a fantastic variety of different cultures, foods and styles represented in one small area. Try out the French markets and listen to the Salvation Army carol singers in Hampstead. Definitely find out what is going on morning, afternoon and evening at the LJCC - www.ljcc.org.uk

WHich BOOK ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?

The Literary Festival we held last September with the Ham&High has introduced me to a number of new authors. I have two books on the go, Lillian Pizzichini's book on Jean Rhys and for something different, Mark Billingham's Sleepyhead.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE HAM&HIGH STORY?

Too many to single any one out. However, I did enjoy the Ham&High's very own sleaze story about a Barnet Councillor who has been living in Australia yet still claims his allowance!