Leader's update - Friday 29 May 2026

Published: 29 May 2026

Dear neighbours,

Whether you’ve had some time off this week or not, I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the good weather. I managed to get over to Hainault Forest last Sunday – it’s looking fantastic, and it was great to see so many people out making the most of it.

I’ll never tire of talking up our parks and green spaces because I’m incredibly proud of what they bring to our borough. People use them in so many different ways – whether that’s having a picnic and a chat, enjoying a walk, sitting and listening to music or a podcast, exploring our nature or playing tennis and other sports. In last week’s message, I mentioned the Parkruns that take place on Saturday mornings in Valentines Park and Wanstead Flats. I’m pleased to say we’re now exploring the possibility of adding Fairlop Waters as a Parkrun venue, and I’ll share more news on that as soon as I can.

On Wednesday, I met with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer No.10 to discuss how we can work with the government in the interests of Redbridge residents. I brought up with him the urgent need for funding to rebuild Broadmead Road Bridge in Woodford.

I know many residents involved in voluntary organisations and community groups are eagerly awaiting the opening of Janice Mews Community Centre. Having visited myself, I know it will be a fantastic space for meetings, activities and events. We’re putting the finishing touches to it over the coming weeks, before running a couple of pilot sessions to make sure everything is ready for use.

In other news, work on South Woodford Library and Gym is progressing well and we’re hoping it will be open this Autumn. Work on the Kenneth More Theatre is also continuing well and remains on track to reopen by the end of this year.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish good luck to everyone sitting their GCSEs and A-levels. I hope the half-term break has been productive and restful.

Have a nice weekend.

Cllr Kam Rai
Leader of the Council