Wandsworth Council has launched an independent review into the Battersea riots.

The authority has appointed an independent commissioner, Neil Kinghan, to review the chaos that spread through the streets near Clapham Junction, as well as minor incidents which broke out in Balham and Tooting.

Mr Kinghan will examine what happened, what caused it, and meet people directly and indirectly affected by the disorder.

He will also speak to Wandsworth police and make recommendations of what action the council and others should take to reduce the risk of future trouble.

Mr Kinghan, a former director of the Local Government Association, plans to meet residents, business people and other members of the community at a series of meetings throughout September and can be contacted online, via social networking or by email or post.

Mr Kinghan, who stressed he would remain independent of the council, said: "I lived in Wandsworth from 1986 to 2010, so I know the area and I hope that my review can help the council and others learn lessons from what happened and take action that will reduce the risk of what happened in August from happening again. I will be very grateful for the public’s help."

Council leader Ravi Govindia said: "This is a time for us to ask some hard questions. We need to take a clear look at what happened and use that information to further strengthen our connection with the local community."

Mr Kinghan's report is due to be published in October. It will list the names of the people he has spoken to, but not what they said - although people can opt not to be named.

Mr Kinghan, who has led two previous local authority commissions, has had top roles in local and central government, including Director General for Local and Regional Governance at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The public can have their say in the following ways: • Drop-in sessions - this will be a chance to speak to Neil Kinghan on a one-to-one basis. No appointment is necessary: Sessions will be held on September 12 and 13 at Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

• Public meetings – three public meetings will be held across the borough. Just turn up.

September 12 – Battersea Arts Centre, 6.30pm – 8.30pm. September 13 - Samaj Hall, 26b Tooting High Street, 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

September 19 – Wandsworth Civic Suite. 7pm – 9pm.

• Email - commission@wandsworth.gov.uk • Facebook - go to www.facebook.com/wandsworth.council. Mark your post ‘commission’.

• Twitter - @wandbc. Use the hashtag #commission.

• Online – visit www.wandsworthmatters.co.uk/uc/disorder_review/ • Post – write to Neil Kinghan, Room 148, Wandsworth Town Hall, London SW18 2PU.

The deadline for comments is September 19. Comments submitted after that date will not be included.

• What do you think? Let us know by emailing imason@london.newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment below.