Leader's update - Friday 6 November 2026

Published: 06 November 2026 Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council

Dear neighbours,

This weekend, communities across Redbridge will come together to remember those who gave their lives in service of our country.

Over the weekend I'll be joining residents, veterans, service personnel and community groups at Remembrance Day events across our borough. These occasions are always deeply moving. They remind us not only of the sacrifices made by those who served, but also of the debt of gratitude we owe them.

I wanted to remind you about the Remembrance Services taking place across the borough this weekend and into next week. Whether you attend a service or simply take a quiet moment to reflect, I hope you'll join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As in previous years, the main Service will take place at the Ilford War Memorial on Eastern Avenue in Newbury Park, starting at 10.35am on Sunday 8 November. if you are planning to attend, please try to arrive a little early, as the gates will close at 10.40am. Anyone arriving after this time will be warmly welcomed in the public viewing area, where they will still be able to take part in the commemorations.

A reminder, too, that temporary road closures will be in place around the Ilford War Memorial service on Sunday morning, including brief closures of the A12 Eastern Avenue during the ceremony and parade. If you're travelling through the Newbury Park area, please allow a little extra time for your journey. My sincere thanks go to everyone who helps organise these events each year and ensures that the sacrifices of previous generations are never forgotten.

Other services and events are taking place at:

  • St Mary's Church Hall, South Woodford – Saturday 7 November, at 8:40am
  • Hainault War Memorial, Manford Way, Chigwell, Sunday 8 November, at 10:45am
  • Wanstead War Memorial, High Street, Wanstead, Sunday 8 November, at 12:15pm
  • Fairlop Waters Country Park, Wednesday 11 November, at 10:30am
  • Snaresbrook Memorial Garden, Wednesday 11 November, at 10:45am

You can find more details on all services on the Vision RCL website.

We've also reached an important milestone in the rollout of food waste collections. Following the delivery of food waste caddies to households across the borough, collections have now started for the first two groups of households, with more areas joining the service later this month.

Many residents have already had a chance to try the service through the pilot we've been running over the past year. It's been encouraging to see how quickly people have got on board, helping us recycle more food waste and reduce what ends up in general rubbish.

It's important to remember that separate food waste collections are now a legal requirement for councils. While we're required to introduce the service, it's something that can make a real difference too. Collecting food waste separately helps reduce emissions, supports our environmental ambitions and ensures more waste is recycled rather than thrown away.

Thank you to everyone who has already started using the service. Small actions taken by thousands of households can have a significant impact, and it's been great to see so many residents playing their part.

Finally, I'd like to wish everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali. For many families across our borough, the celebrations are already under way, and I'm looking forward to joining residents at events over the coming days. Diwali is always a wonderful time in Redbridge, bringing people together and lighting up communities across the borough. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends or neighbours, I hope you have a joyful, peaceful and safe Diwali.

 

Have a good weekend.

 

Kam