Leader's message - Friday 25 April 2025

This past fortnight, I’ve continued spending time with and meeting residents, councillors and officers to focus on what matters most to Redbridge. From community safety to clean streets and dependable, reliable services, we remain absolutely committed to delivering for local people.

I’ve also been out training for the London Marathon, which has been a great way to take in our award-winning parks and open spaces. We’re fortunate to have such a range of green spaces on our doorstep, places that support physical and mental wellbeing and bring people together.

 On Tuesday, we’ll host our Child-Friendly Redbridge assessment day. This is a key milestone in our journey to becoming a UNICEF-recognised borough that puts the needs and voices of children and young people at the heart of everything we do. Thank you to the schools, youth workers, parents, and council staff preparing for the visit.

 On Tuesday evening, I will chair this month’s cabinet meeting. During this meeting, we will consider and approve several important items, including our Highways Capital Plan, which sets out investment in roads, pavements, and transport infrastructure for the year ahead. We’ll also review key reports on council procurement and corporate performance, making sure we continue to deliver value for money and track progress against our corporate plan.

 I am also excited to attend the official launch of the Goodmayes Community Garden next week. This new green space in Goodmayes Park was developed in partnership with local volunteers and the park friends’ group. It is a great example of what we can achieve together, turning shared land into something useful and community-led.

 As we approach VE Day on Thursday 8 May, events will take place across the borough, from commemorative services to street parties. These gatherings are a chance to honour our history and bring neighbours together. I am looking forward to visiting some street parties over the weekend and attending the commemoration at Fairlop Waters, the site of the former RAF Fairlop, on 8 May.

 Annual Council is also now just a few weeks away. It will be a moment to reflect on a successful year, re-state our priorities, and welcome our new Mayor for 2025/26. This is a wonderful event every year, and I am looking forward to speaking about the excellent year we have had in Redbridge.

 Once again, I want to thank everyone for playing their part in keeping Redbridge clean and safe. Whether you’re reporting issues on the Love Clean Streets App, volunteering in your neighbourhood, or simply out helping a neighbour, it all matters.

 We are proud to be judged the most efficient Council in London, but efficiency alone isn’t enough. You rightly expect and deserve excellent services, which remains my daily priority.