Plaque remembers West End councillor

In his memory, a plaque was put up in his honour in Meard Street, Soho, across the road from the house where his grandparents lived after emigrating to England in the early 1900s.

Westminster mayor Duncan Sandys, who unveiled the plaque this afternoon, said: "Ian Wilder was an incredibly hard working, respected and valued councillor who committed himself to improving the lives of residents of the West End and making Westminster a better place to live.

"In 15 years as a councillor, he did a huge amount of good work in improving the area, and I hope that this plaque will stand as a fitting tribute in the place he dedicated so much of his life to."

The plaque was funded by his friend and political rival David Bieda, who stood against Mr Wilder in the West End ward in the 2002 and 2006 elections.

A new covered walkway, named Wilder Walk, is also set to be created in his honour, linking Glasshouse Street and Sherwood Street in Soho.

The development is expected to be completed by 2012.

For six years, Mr Wilder recorded scenes of violence in the West End, venturing out two or three times a month, which he turn used to persuade councillors, magistrates and judges to close nuisance premises.

Other ideas included bringing Formula 1 motor racing to the West End, and introducing a monorail to run the length of Oxford Street.