<p>A single mother who escaped homelessness and domestic violence to find a new home in east London has been hailed for the remarkable contribution she has made to her local community.</p><p>Saima Ashraf, 43, came to the UK from France 16 years ago and is now a councillor in Barking & Dagenham. Yahoo News UK spoke to her about her plans to regenerate one of the poorest parts of the country.</p>
