Leader's message - Friday 10 October 2025
Published: 10 October 2025
I want to begin by recognising the positive steps we’ve seen in the Middle East this week. I am praying the ceasefire holds, and that everything is done so that we never see a repeat of the horrors seen over the past two years. Peace, equality and justice must prevail, and I hope that neighbours feel as cautiously optimistic as I do that we will see an end to the war.
Closer to home, it’s been another busy and inspiring week in Redbridge. I was honoured to attend the Mont Rose College graduation on Thursday, celebrating the achievements of students, many of whom who have overcome huge challenges to succeed. Redbridge is a borough of education and opportunity, and this event was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of learning.
Our green spaces continue to make us proud. Hainault Forest and Valentines Park both secured a spot in the UK’s Top Ten Parks last year – and now they’re aiming to do it again in 2025. With over 2,200 parks competing, every vote counts. If you love your local park, please take 30 seconds to vote and help keep Redbridge in the national spotlight. You can even vote once per device, so don’t forget your phone, tablet, or laptop!
We’re also making our parks even more welcoming and sustainable. Thanks to council funding, water bottle filling stations are now installed and operational in several parks, including Barkingside Rec, Clayhall Park, Elmhurst Gardens, Goodmayes Park, Hainault Rec, Seven Kings Park, South Park, and more – plus existing stations in Valentines Park and Hainault Forest. These help everyone stay hydrated and cut down on single-use plastics.
On the enforcement front, we’ve taken decisive action against nuisance vehicles in Gants Hill following community concerns. Our Street Scene Enforcement Team, working with partners including the DVLA and police, seized and crushed several vehicles that were blocking access and being unlawfully traded on the street. This zero-tolerance approach shows we will use every power available to keep our streets safe and accessible for our residents.
Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to report issues through Love Clean Streets and Report It. Whether it’s graffiti, fly-tipping, or overgrown trees, your vigilance helps us act quickly and keep Redbridge clean and safe. You can find links to both of these here:
Let’s keep working together to protect our green spaces, support our communities, and make Redbridge an even better place to live.
